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?

60. Chapter 60

Thank you all for your wonderful reviews once again. I hate to say it but Sugar and Spice is coming to an end slowly. I hope you all enjoy where I am taking them. I do not own these characters but I do enjoy them. The songs for this chapter are "Barbie Girl" by Aqua, "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher, "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart, "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis and "Everywhere I go" by Shawn Mullins. I hope you all enjoy this!

BPOV/DECEMBER 5TH

The past few days have passed by so quickly that I went to work, ate and slept and in that order. I still had a quilt to finish and a pair of booties but I knew I could get them done as sleep was hard to come by these days. I was looking forward to some time off to relax and just breathe again. Angela had called and said so far everyone was getting along. Ben's mother did have plans for a huge wedding but Ben stood up to her and said they were getting married here in Portland. He also told her that is she fought them they would screw the whole thing and elope. His mom backed down after that and they were all figuring out wedding plans together. She was astounded that we were going to do everything for them that we could as our gift to them. I knew Angela she was not one for something over the top.

I finished icing the Yule log for the Palmer party and cleaned up my mess. I made sure the tree had plenty of water before I left and I locked everything up. I slowly went back to the coach house. Snow was falling again and it was making everything look beautiful. I noticed Alice was not home yet so I took the opportunity to take a nap. With my elves gone work was harder for me. I loved it but it made me appreciate Ben and Angela more than I ever could. I threw my chef coat in the laundry hamper and flopped onto my bed. I quick checked to see if Edward had called and was sad to see he hadn't. I hoped that he would have but Seem said that they had been busy and she was lucky to get a call from Carlisle. Emmett had checked in with Rosalie but that was understood.

I laid on my bed looking at the ceiling slowly drifting away. I heard a door shut and footsteps coming closer. I heard someone say they were home and I hoped it was Edward. I slowly opened my eyes to see Alice staring back at me.

"I am sorry to wake you Bella as you looked so peaceful. If we don't get ready we are going to be late." She walked to her room.

"What time is it anyway?" I heard her yell back it was after 7pm. Shit I had been asleep for hours and we were meeting Esme and Rosalie at 8pm.

"We are going to Galaxy so be prepared!" I heard her music go on full blast and that meant a shower was in order.

Crap it was not our usual hang out but she must have heard great reviews about it. I went to pick out an outfit. Tonight was not the night for clubbing but comfortable but hot too. I grabbed a blue ribbed sweater dress and paired it with black leggings and my black boots. I heard Alice humming in her room so it was my turn to go get clean. I made sure the water was hot and cleaned everything I could. I hopped out and got dressed. I did my hair and make up to match the dress. I went downstairs and thought about making a snack.

"Don't even think about it. They have food there so we can eat while we sing. Are you ready to head out they are waiting for us." Alice looked beautiful with a white t-shirt on with a matching embroidered vest and jeans.

We grabbed our purses and headed out the door. Esme and Rosalie were waiting at the bottom of the steps. We exchanged keys with Emmett and Rose the day they moved in. We road in my car as Alice's Porsche was a little small for Rosalie. Esme was wearing a cute blouse and jeans. I was in shock when I saw her in them but I saw her as one of us. She was young at heart just like Carlisle. Rosalie was wearing a green maternity top and jeans. We all must have the same idea for comfort for tonight.

Everyone made small talk about the boys and how well it was going. I chose to stay silent as I really didn't have much to tell them. I parked and we got out, going in and getting our groove on. Alice called ahead and got us a great table. We sat down and pursued the menu. We each wanted something different but we decided to order all of the hor dorves and that way all of our tastes would get honored. I ordered us a pitcher of virgin daiquiris. Rose said she really didn't mind that we drank but I told her this was not about drinking this was about celebrating womanhood. Alice spit out her glass of water at that and we all laughed as she went to the bathroom to dry herself off.

Some guy with a bad comb over and a huge gold chain got called up. He started singing a beastie boy song and very badly. We tried to be nice but Rose couldn't hold her laughter anymore and when Alice came back we all had tears streaming down our face. The waitress brought out food and drinks and we watched people get up and make complete asses out of themselves.

I saw Alice whispering to Rose and she was nodded. They both got up and each grabbed a mike. The guy that was running the machines started up the song. We both started cracking up when we realized the song they were singing.

There on stage was tiny Alice singing out her heart as Sonny. Rosalie kept flipping her hair back and forth doing her best impression of Cher. The both of them belting out lyrics to "I Got You Babe" had us both in hysterics as they came back to the table. Some women got up and started singing some country song and it bored us to tears. I love Country music but this woman chose the wrong song for her voice. I got up out of my chair and turned around smirking at all of them.

I picked my song and gave it to the guy. I leaned down and asked if he would do the guy parts and he nodded at me. He qued it up and my friends were going to see a different side of me. The music started and I started moving my hips a little as we both started to sing.

"Hi Barbie
Hi Ken!
Do you wanna go for a ride?
Sure Ken!
Jump In...

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation
Come on Barbie, let's go party!

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

I'm a blond bimbo girl, in the fantasy world
Dress me up, make it tight, I'm your dolly
You're my doll, rock'n'roll, feel the glamour in pink,
kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky...
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"

(uu-oooh-u)

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)

Make me walk, make me talk, do whatever you please
I can act like a star, I can beg on my knees
Come jump in, bimbo friend, let us do it again,
hit the town, fool around, let's go party
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"

Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
(uu-oooh-u)

Oh, I'm having so much fun!
Well Barbie, we're just getting started
Oh, I love you Ken!"

By the end of the song my body was moving all over the place. I never thought I could ever move like this without hurting myself. Everyone was clapping for me but I noticed my little fan club was on their feet hooting and hollering for me. I tried not to blush but couldn't help it. I was trying to be more open and enjoy the world. I went back to the table downed another drink and stared in on the awesome blossom Rose had to have.

"Wow Bella we didn't know you could sing let alone move like that!" Esme and Rose said I had a beautiful voice and that they would love to hear more of it. I told them that if they were lucky they would.

Esme decided it was her turn to get up and join the rest of our little group of fools. Rose said we were in for a treat. I saw her standing there in a different light for once. Esme was usually so calm and laid back when we were all together. Tonight she showed the fun side of her and we all loved it. It made me realize where the Cullen men got their humor and fun side. Esme was cracking jokes with us all night and it made me love her even more. She grabbed a mike and started moving a little as the music started playing. Her voice started out soft and subtle but then got louder as she got more comfortable.

"May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young
Forever Young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young ,Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
For, Forever Young, Forever Young"

We all got up to our feet with tears in our eyes clapping as hard as we could. When I looked at Alice and Rose we all knew what she meant by that. With all the changes we all had been through and with the new changes coming for us we knew how she felt about us. She gave us all a hug and we sat down. We enjoyed the next few hours eating, drinking and watching people make complete and total asses out of themselves. I noticed Rose yawning more and more and realized how much it took for her to come out and join us. It was nearing midnight when we decided to pay our bill and head home. Everyone was quiet and enjoying the scenery as I pulled up. Alice said she would make sure the got home ok. More snow was coming down and it made for slippery sidewalks.

I went up and got undressed and waited for Alice to come home. I heard the door downstairs close and the alarm beep as she set it. I heard her soft footsteps come up the stairs and stop at my door.

"Bella you really amazed us all tonight. I knew you could sing but not like that. It got me to thinking that maybe you should make a CD of you singing and playing your guitar for Edward. You don't have to write any songs but play ones that mean something to the both of you." I nodded yes to her and mumbled about needing sleep if I was going to work and shop tomorrow. I reminded her she was helping and she looked forward to it. I heard her go into her room and get ready for bed. This night was a girl's night out but for me it was about showing the real me…..the Bella that was there all along ready to live.

APOV/DECEMBER 6TH

We had such a great night out just the girls. We didn't talk about the Cullen boys all that much and I was grateful for it really. When I walked them back to the house they both asked how Bella was doing with Edward gone. I told them she was fine and it would make the heart grow fonder. Esme that even in all the years of marriage to Carlisle she still missed him deeply. Rose was ok with his trips but this time she had to stay back and I wasn't sure who was missing who more. Jasper and I had a long talk that morning after the romantic evening he gave me. He told me no one else was going to be let into his heart. I was his forever and asked if I was ok with him being gone so long. I simply told him it made the return home even more enjoyable.

I brought it up to Bella and she said she understood why Edward had to go. I also could tell she was missing him more than she was letting on. The past few weeks before this trip commenced they had grown closer than ever and I knew that nothing would let them be apart. I was not sure if a ring was coming soon but I knew it was in the future.

Bella had gone over to the main house earlier than she planned. She wanted to get some things done before I came over. I knew she had two cakes to finish instead of one. Mr. Palmer called last night and apologized profusely but asked her to do some special things for them. Bella couldn't say no to him and what he asked was easy for her to do. I finished wrapping up all her presents and put them under the tree. I made sure her stocking was filled to the brim too. When I saw her looking at the site that I often bought from it made me happy to see she was finally opening up about her sex life or upcoming sex life with Edward.

The plan for today was to help Bella and get things all sorted out for tomorrow nights party at the Palmer's daughter's house. We were going to meet Esme and Rose at the cute little deli that Bella told me about then go shopping for our dresses for New Year's Eve. Miss Kellie knew about this party as she had other customers attend it so when she found out we were going she made a special order just for the four of us.

I carefully went across the yard and saw Bella dancing around the marble island in the kitchen. For someone that was klutzy and shy as Bella in the kitchen she was graceful and full of herself. In the past 6 months I have seen Bella become the person I always knew she would become. I just wished she had not gone through so much pain to get here. I also wished I had not been the cause of some of that pain either. I wanted her happy and I was seeing that dream come true.

I walked into the kitchen and wonderful aromas wafted into my nostrils. She was going all out for this party and putting forth her best effort just like Bella always did. She threw and apron at me and I tied it behind my back. She handed me a knife and told me to get chopping. We enjoyed our morning dancing around with her cooking and me doing small tasks I could handle. I noticed it was time to meet the girls and I took off my apron and washed my hands as Bella took trays of delectable food downstairs to the massive fridge.

We both walked over and hopping into my car. I turned up the Christmas tunes and we bopped down the highway. I found the perfect parking place in front and saw that they were already there waiting for us. We joined them at the table and decided what to order.

Esme got a chicken salad, Rose got some sort of quiche with a freaky looking green on it, I ordered a tuna melt and Bella got a chicken club. We all sat around enjoying our meal, hearing Rose tell us about her upcoming doctor's appointment.

"I just have this fear that she will put me on bed rest. I don't want that as I want to be able to keep active. Lord knows I am going to be active after they come so why stop it now." We all laughed at her small chuckle.

We all told her to take it easy and do whatever the doctor wanted. Whatever she needed we all would be there. Esme was beaming to be able to go and see another sonogram. Bella was there with the first one and Rose wanted Esme there for the second. I wanted to see but it was not important to me really. These were their babies and as much as I wanted to partake I knew that it was not my thing. They seemed like naked tadpoles to me and more work than what was needed. I knew I wanted to be with Jasper forever but the thought of children positively made me panic. Could I deal with being pregnant? Could I handle the hard work? Could I be a good mom?

I pushed all these thought back into the deep part of my brain as we got up to go shopping. Miss Kellie's was just down the block so we decided to window shop along the way. I knew Bella had not bought anything for Edward yet and I knew when I mentioned the CD I saw a brief light in her eyes.

"Bella did you figure out what you are going to get Edward for Christmas?" I knew if I brought it up Esme and Rose could help.

"No I have not and it is keeping me up late at night. I want to get him something special from the heart I just don't know what yet. Do any of you have ideas?" I saw Bella turn to Rose and Esme as we passed by a toy shop.

"Bella whatever you give Edward he is going to love. Let your heart and head lead you as you will find the present meant for you to give." I loved Esme as she was so full of love and wisdom.

We briefly looked at what was in the toy shop and we all could see Esme get excited about buying toys for her grandchildren. Rosalie was not sure who was more excited Emmett or his mother. We all laughed and started walking again. The area we were in was slowly coming back from being full of sex shops, and dirty movie theaters. New condos were being filled as fast as they could renovate them. New stores were coming in and the neighborhood was bustling with business like never before. I noticed an antique store across the street and felt this strange pull towards it.

Esme and Rosalie said they wanted to go back to the toy shop real quick and they saw something to get for Emmett. Alice said she wanted to go with me as she said she saw a gleam in my eyes. We crossed the street and I heard a soft bell as I opened the door. Alice said she was going to go look for something for a client. I didn't know what I was looking for but I knew this was the place.

The owner was an older gentlemen and he told me about few things as I looked along the shelves. He said that he had traveled all over the world and brought back wonderful things. He had his store in another area but it never felt right to him. He knew when he saw this building he had to have it. It was wonderful to see him enjoy something he was meant to do.

There were so many things that I loved. There was an antique wash band complete with pitcher and bowl. I had to have it for one of the upper bedrooms at the main house. I found some old cookie cutters from the early 1900's. The man noticed me put them in my hands he said to wait for him as he had something to show me that went with them. He went into what I assumed was the back room and I heard things being moved around. He came back with a huge wooden box with many little boxes in it.

He set it on the counter and slowly opened each one. I noticed that each held a cookie cutter in various sizes. He said that he had found it somewhere on the east coast during an auction. It had been sitting in the backroom with some of the cutters on the shelves. No one paid attention to them till I saw them. I knew I had to have them. I also found some antique rolling pins, hand mixer and some kitchen devices I knew nothing about. I just thought they would be beautiful on the walls and the top of the cabinets in the kitchen.

We introduced each other. His name was Mr. Northland and I told him who I was. He said he knew of me and had tasted some of my food at the Taste of Oregon. He said he was impressed and that was a hard thing for anyone to do to him. He asked me what I was looking for and I told him. I also explained I was not sure what I was looking for but I would know once I found it. He pointed me to some areas I had not been to yet to see if anything would pull me to it.

I went down the isles. For this being an antique store everything was neat and tidy. I thought back to Edward saying no secrets between us anymore. He wanted me to show my feelings to him no matter what they were. With him on this business trip with his brothers and father we had not talked since the night in the bathtub. Esme had mentioned earlier that Emmett was calling Rosalie but everyone else was keeping busy. I had all these feelings that I needed to get out. Some were scary and hid in the dark corners of my mind and others were mushy, erotic and shook me to my core. I had to get them out so Edward would know what was going on. I had been writing for awhile but since he had been gone I was writing three or four times a day.

I found a shelf way in the back that held small boxes, jewelry boxes and what not. I saw up on the highest shelf a box that caught my eye. I called for Mr. Northland to help me. He came with a ladder and carefully took it off the shelf for me. He left the ladder there and we walked to the counter. I saw Alice there with bags in her hands. She did some shopping like I had done. He put the box down so I could see it better in the light. He told me it was mahogany and from what he new a hundred year's old but could be older. It had a dull metal lock in front and when he opened it there was the key in the bottom of it. The odd thing is that the key was one of those older skeleton keys you would find in a house like ours but at the end was a heart. I knew it was perfect and told him I would take it. He wrapped up the kitchen gadgets and made sure the box was wrapped in bubble wrap as not to scratch it. He said that the cookie cutters and the wash band were too heavy for us to take but I gave him our address as he said he would deliver them himself along with his grandson. I told him thank you and we would be back. He gave us his card and said anytime he would open his store for us. I knew I would be back as the place was full of magic.

Esme and Rosalie were waiting across the street for us with some bags in their hands. They must have had fun because they were giggling at each other. Alice finally asked what was so damn funny and Rose pulled out a rainbow colored beanie with a propeller on top. She saw it and knew Emmett had to have it. He was such a kid but so protective too. We all laughed at the thought of him wearing it as we came to the front of Miss Kellie's store.

She was expecting us and locked the door behind us. I noticed that she had dressing rooms and went to ask her about it.

"Kellie I thought you said that you detested dressing rooms?" She blushed and said to sit down.

"I know you know the Palmer Family. Their daughter came in the other day in a huff that she needed something for her house warming party and now. She was standing there in her birthday suit and the mailman walked in!!! I locked the door but she unlocked it because her mother was running late and she didn't want her locked out. You should have seen the faces in the room. I was not sure who was more embarrassed the mailman or the Palmer girl." I was on the floor laughing with tears in my eyes. Alice was laughing just as hard as I was. Poor Esme tried to hold her giggles back but erupted into laughter with the rest of us. Rosalie made a mad dash to the bathroom as she was near to peeing her pants from laughter.

She came back out and said all was good but was crying. We didn't know who to feel sorry for the Palmer girl for being such a bitch or the mailman for seeing what he saw.

"I feel sorry for the mailman." Esme let out and we all erupted into laughter again. We calmed our selves down and Kellie got up and brought out a rack of things she had reserved for us.

Alice pulled a dress off and disappeared into the dressing room. She made us all promise that we would go in one at a time so we could all enjoy the experience of seeing it all at once. Alice asked if we were ready and Rose told her to hurry up or the babies would be born here. We all laughed at that and Esme's eyes got big. Rose told her that she was fine and she was no where near being ready yet.

Alice came out in a strapless bisque and pink colored dress. On the top was a bright pink with lace covering the bodice then two bands one of the bisque color and one of the bright pink. On the waistline was two pink colored roses and then a bubble layer of the bisque color again then a bubble layer of pink. She looked beautiful and was ready for dancing as she spun around in it. I told her it was the one and she agreed along with the rest of the girls.

Esme said she wanted to go next as she was looking through the rack. She had on her arm a couple of dresses to try on. We made small talk as she tried the first one on. We all stopped when she came out. She was eloquent and sexy in this rose colored dress. It was floor length and had a pleated bodice with a sweetheart neckline. It made her neck look even longer and her porcelain skin stand out. She looked like one of those old time movie starlets that I love to watch on TV.

"Esme don't try anything else on that is perfect for you." Rose said as we all agree with her. I got up to go look at the rack as I had kept going back to this one blue dress. I didn't want to wear blue as I wanted something different but it called to me like the present I bought for Edward.

Miss Kellie was pulling things out of the back she ordered especially for Rosalie. She said in her day being pregnant meant looking dowdy but when she started looking for Rose she was shocked at what was out there now. She said that because of Rose she was going to carry a maternity line but not the ordinary maternity line. It was going to be beautiful and sexy. She put the dresses in Rose's arms and slowly pushed her into one of the dressing rooms.

"Oh hell no I am not wearing that or that or that!" We saw dresses being thrown out and laughed as we saw Kellie catch them perfectly. Rose went silent and we heard a mumble. She couldn't get the zipper up. She came out with it undone and I helped her zip it up.

"Rose oh this is beautiful!" I turned her around to the full length mirror and saw a smile on her face. The dress was mid calf and very simple in a deep color of red. It had a satin sash that went around the top of her tummy and fell to the bottom of the dress. It was not fancy but it was beautiful. Rose said it was like being naked as it was so comfortable to wear. She was worried about being underdressed for the party but we told her not to worry about it. Alice said with the right hair, make up and acessories she would knock us all out. She went back to get undressed and came out with it to be wrapped up.

Kellie started handing me dresses but I stopped her saying I wanted to try only one on. I pulled it off the rack and went to try it on. It was a midnight blue color and satin. It went on with ease as I put it on. It had a bow on the right shoulder and showed a lot of my neck. It was body hugging tight with pleating around my waist. It came down to the floor but had a slit up my left leg almost to the top of my thigh. I felt beautiful and sexy and I didn't want to try anything else on. This was the dress I was going to ring in the New Year with my family. I heard Alice call my name to come out and I slowly did.

I heard gasps as I came out in a blue satin cloud. They all just stood gawking at me and smiling.

"Wow Bella I have never seen you more beautiful. No that came out wrong you are always beautiful but you have this glow about you. Rose glows but this is different…I have never seen you like this before…..crap this is not coming out right at all." Alice had a frown on her face as she tried telling me how she felt but I knew what she was trying to say.

"Alice it is ok. I know what you are saying. Kellie wrap it up I am taking it!" I twirled back into the dressing room and handed it off to her. I came out and they were all sitting there still looking at me. Rose had a smile on her face as did the rest of them. They said that I was in love and they were happy to see it. I agreed with them as I loved the new me as the New Year was coming. As Kellie was ringing up our dresses Esme asked me what we had bought while they were in the toy store.

I told her about the kitchen gadgets I found, the antique cookie cutters and the wash band. Rose mentioned that Emmett would be happy with a train cookie. I told her there were so many different ones that he could take his pick and I would make anything he wanted. We laughed at how such a big kid he was but it was one thing Rose loved about him. I admitted that it made me love him too.

"So did you find anything for Edward?" I nodded and carefully took it out of the bag. I unwrapped it carefully so I could wrap it back up.

"Bella it is beautiful and the heart key will make it even more special. Edward is going to love it." Esme gave me a hug as she helped me wrap it back up. Rose asked what I was going to put in it and I paused but then realized no more secrets ever. I told them how I had been writing to Edward what was in my heart and mind and that I was going to put those letters in there for him to read.

Esme said that it was the most romantic and thoughtful thing she had ever heard of. I heard some sniffling coming from where Rose was.

"Damn hormones….Here I thought I was over them but then you had to go and do something lovely like that." I handed her a Kleenex and we laughed together.

Esme paid for all the dresses for us as an early Christmas present. I told her I was going to fix her and Carlisle the best dinner ever for just being them. She said that would make her happy more than a check would any day. We decided that Esme would take the dresses with her and bring them to their loft. We decided we would get dressed there as the boys would get dressed in one of the other lofts. We walked back to the car with our many packages and I was shocked that we were meeting them somewhere else.

Alice followed Esme and I realized where we were going when we pulled up behind Esme at Cullen Construction. Esme must have had a garage door opener as we followed her in as the doors opened and closed behind us. We parked next to her and helped her with our dresses. She said she wanted the both of us to see the lofts before New Year's. I could also see that they all looked at each other with smiles on their faces. Something was up with these lovable but crazy women.

We took the elevator up to the top floor and got out each holding a dress bag. As we stepped out I saw two doors in front of me and one on each end. The doors and the elevator formed a perfect square. The hallway was bright and cheery with skylights letting light in. The floor was marble and the walls were in muted shades of brown. Esme unlocked the door and let us in to their little sanctuary. This was so different that their house I had been in. It was very modern in every sense of the word. The furniture was leather and metal and the colors stayed close to browns, blacks and white but with pops of red mixed in. It was one big room with small boxes inside of it. I could see a small kitchenette to one side and what I assumed was a bedroom and bathroom on the other. The windows were huge and expansive. It was like daylight never ended here.

"This is not my taste but Carlisle let me decorate the house so I let him put his input here. I love it here. We can come up here and just enjoy each other while the world outside passed by us." She put the dress bags in the closet and made sure everything was ok around the loft.

Rose said she wanted to show her their loft next. We walked out and Esme locked the door. I didn't realize that they were side by side each other. Rosalie unlocked their door and the room was just as modern as Esme and Carlisle's but much softer. I could tell at one time it had been a man cave but Rose softened it with brighter colors, artwork and her own touch. She said that they were going to have to make some changes with the babies coming but she was looking forward to it. We left and went to Jasper's next.

We all walked into a very distinguished room. Jasper certainly didn't have the modern taste but it was more wood, brick and stone. The furniture was big but soft and comfortable. The colors were of brown and black but with blue and green thrown in. Alice immediately loved it just the way it was. I was shocked at her saying that. She really was changing how she was thinking and how she did things. They locked up and the last room was the loft I was waiting for….Edward's.

Esme unlocked the big door and we all walked in. I was shocked as I went around the room. There was nothing here. No furniture, no art work, nothing to show that Edward even existed. It made me sad to see that he really had not lived since I came into his life. I noticed a folding table and four chairs sitting next to the huge expansive bay of windows.

"Bella I can see sadness in your eyes but it will be ok. " Esme pulled me over and we sat down at the card table. Alice and Rosalie joined us and then I knew something was up.

"Edward never used this during his mourning period. I decided while he was gone that it was time for the both of you to share this together. This is our present to him from all of us." It was then I saw her spill out a folder full of pictures of art work, furniture and what not.

"I know Edward's tastes but I want your input too. This is for the both of you and I want you to be happy too." Esme put pictures of couches and chairs first in front of me.

"Esme you decorated our lovely home and I trust you with whatever you decide. I am sure it will be beautiful and have parts of both of us." I hugged her as I got up. She said she would make sure it would have the best stereo equipment and a beautiful piano. She knew music was part of both of us.

Rose said she was getting tired and needed a nap. So we locked up and headed back down in the elevator. I kissed them both good-bye and said that we would see them next week. I was going to be busy and even with them right next door it was going to be hard to see them. They understood though and said to take care of myself. Esme handed us each a garage door opener and keys to each of the lofts for us to keep. I was never more elated to hold that key to my heart.

We arrived home and flopped down on the couch with the bags we had bought. I was tired but decided I could pull some sort of snack like dinner out of the kitchen for us. We talked about Christmas Eve. We always had our own special night together. We would make snacks, drinks and open presents just the two of us. We decided it was a tradition that was not going to end. I was saddened to think that this time next year I would be without My Alice living with me. Alice started going through the mail and tossed me a card. I was happy to see it was from Edward. Alice said to go upstairs to read and she would plate our snacks and put a movie in for us. I noticed she had one too and a huge smile on her face.

I went upstairs and sat on my bed and carefully opened it. I saw that it was a simple card with a heart on the front. I opened it up and noticed his beautiful hand writing.

My Dearest Bella,

I am so sorry I have not been able to call. These clients are keeping us all nuts and Emmett finally told them that either he called his wife or they would be picking their asses up off the ground. (He got to call Rosalie thank god!) I miss you more with each passing day. Just think one week almost down and two more to go. We are hoping to be home early but they decided to throw some other locations in the plans. I love you and my heart is breaking that I can't be there to enjoy the holiday with you. I wanted to take you to see the Nutcracker and see the smile on your face when you saw it for the first time. I cannot wait to return home to the rest of my family but mainly you. I miss your blushing, your smile, your scent and the way you make my heart beat fast with just a look. I am always with you remember that. I love you

-E-

I had tears streaming down my face. I was never more afraid or more excited that to love him. I put the letter in my special box and headed downstairs to join my sister, best friend. I saw that she was crying too and we laughed at how sappy we were. We sat there enjoying the dinner snack and watching "It's A Wonderful Life" with our men on our brains. I was finally ready to give him all of me not just my heart or my mind but my body and my soul.