A/N: Hi again everyone. Thanks for your reviews. An email telling me I have a new review gets me really excited. Thanks also to all the new readers out there.

A big thanks to MrskatyCullen for proofing this for me.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 13

As usual in a small town hospital, word had spread like wildfire about Bella and Edward. Those who hadn't been at the Ball had been rapidly filled in by those that had.

All morning Bella had received knowing smiles and remarks by other staff. Most had been positive, a handful, not so much. Those Bella brushed off. What she and Edward did outside of work was their business, no-one else's. As long they were professional at work, that's all that mattered.

It was mid-morning by the time Bella saw Edward. She had been kept busy all morning answering questions from new mothers and also with paperwork while Edward had been in a meeting. Bella was at the nurse's station when Edward walked into the unit and she couldn't prevent her wide smile of delight at seeing him. Edward made a beeline for her to say hello.

Conscious of the amused glances from the other staff around, Bella tried to remain circumspect. Inside, she was bubbling away with happiness.

"Hi Edward."

"Hi Bella. Hi everyone," he said to the others around, receiving a number of greetings in return. Edward proceeded to ask Bella about the schedule for the day, while his eyes spoke of much more private matters.

Edward had to stay back that night so Bella went home but not before she gave him a very passionate goodbye kiss in his office. It was hard to drag herself away.

With only five days before she left for Florida, she gave her mother a call to confirm her flight plans. Renee sounded really excited about Bella's visit, making Bella feel guilty about not having the same enthusiasm for the trip. It wasn't that she wasn't looking forward to seeing her mother, but if Edward were going along, she'd look forward to it much more, but it wasn't possible.

She was just settling down to a book when her phone rang. She saw that it was Alice. Probably looking to get a progress report on her relationship with Edward, she thought wryly.

"Hello Alice."

"Hi Bella. How's things?"

"Don't you mean did Edward and I go all the way yet?" asked Bella.

Alice giggled on the other end of the phone. "You know me too well, don't you Bella?"

"Yes, Miss Busybody."

"So, did you?"

Bella thought back to the weekend and could feel herself tingling all over as she remembered Edward's hands and lips all over her body. Oh, how she wished he were here now.

"Hello? Bella? You still there?"

Alice's amused voice over the phone brought her back to the present.

"Can I take it from your silence that you did?" asked Alice.

"Yeah," sighed Bella.

"From the sound of your voice it lived up to expectations?"

"Oh Alice, it was wonderful. Edward is a magnificent lover."

"Ahh! Ok, back track! I don't want details of my brother's sexual prowess," cried Alice.

"Well you asked!"

"I just wanted to know if you'd finally done the deed, that's all. I thought you'd both explode if you didn't have sex soon," giggled Alice. "So, how did the rest of the night go? I take it Edward liked the dress?"

"Boy, did he like the dress. He didn't especially like other men looking at me in it, but he liked it. Especially when it came off," she teased Alice.

"Mission accomplished then?"

"Yep. The ball was great. Edward and I danced a lot. Well, we swayed together a lot then he rushed us back to his place. He drove me home yesterday afternoon."

"I'm so happy for you. And for Edward. I think he's been lonely for a long time and now he has you."

"He told me he loved me."

"Of course he does. You feel the same, don't you?"

"Yeah, Alice. I love him with everything in me. I didn't know it could feel like this," said Bella softly.

"It's feels pretty damn good, doesn't it?"

"Mmm hmm. Pretty damn good. Wish he was here now, but he's working tonight."

"At least you get to see him at work."

"Yeah, but I can't do what I want to do to him there."

Alice laughed. "Bella, are you becoming sex-obsessed?"

"I think I might be."

"Welcome to the club. Why do you think I got pregnant so quick?" Alice stopped laughing abruptly as she realised what she said. "I'm sorry Bella, I shouldn't have said that."

"Alice, don't be silly. We're certainly not at the stage where we're thinking babies! And if Edward was so traumatised about it, working as an obstetrician isn't the smartest solution, is it?" Bella pointed out. "Sure, it makes Edward sad, but he doesn't dwell on it."

"Yeah I know. It's just that I'd love to see him as dad one day."

"And there's no reason why he can't be in the future. Let's change the subject."

"Ok. I know you're going to your Mom's in Florida but I want to have a pre-Christmas dinner with you before you go. When do you fly out?"

"Mid-morning on Saturday. Edward's taking me to the airport."

"Are you working on Friday night?"

"No. I'm finishing at 4pm on Friday," answered Bella.

"Great. I'll organise it for Friday night. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good. It'll give me a chance to celebrate Christmas with Edward."

"It's a shame he can't go with you to Florida."

"I know. I wish he could. I'll miss him so much but he can't take the time off and it would be impossible to get a flight this late."

"We'll try to cheer him up on Christmas day. He'll probably be miserable without you."

"And I'll be miserable without him," sighed Bella.

"It's only a couple of days."

"It'll feel like a couple of weeks. I'll have to put on a brave face for Mom though. I don't want to put a dampener on her Christmas."

After agreeing on a time to go over on Friday night, they hung up and Bella read for a while before going to bed. She couldn't settle though. Last night Edward had been in bed with her and the memories kept her in a constant state of arousal. Grabbing one of the pillows, she hugged it to herself, imagining she could still smell his scent on it.

It was no good. She wanted Edward's body next to her, touching her; a pillow just wasn't going to cut it. Her whole body felt heavy and languid, aching for him. Already she was addicted to him. How was she going to cope in Florida?

She had been in bed for nearly an hour when her phone rang. She saw it was nearly 11pm and reached for the phone, smiling as she saw Edward's name on the screen.

"Hi," she breathed.

"Hi baby. Were you asleep?"

"No. I'm in bed but I can't sleep. Are you still at work?"

"I'm just about to leave. Why can't you sleep?" he asked in a low voice.

"Because I miss you. I keep thinking about you, about us. Wishing you were in bed with me."

She heard Edward groan softly. "Oh baby, I wish I was too."

"I want you so badly, Edward," breathed Bella, wriggling in bed, trying to ease the ache.

"Oh love, I'm dying for you."

"Come over. Now. I need you."

She could hear Edward's accelerated breathing while he decided what to do. His decision took only moments. "I'll be there soon. I need you too."

"Love you," whispered Bella.

"Adore you. Wait for me," he said before hanging up.

Bella lay back, a huge grin on her face. He was coming over and would make delicious love to her. She hugged herself before jumping out of bed. Grabbing a negligee that she had been given but never worn, she changed out of her baggy sweats, smoothing the delicate material over her body. She turned up the heating; she didn't want to be shivering with cold while Edward made love to her. Goosebumps weren't the most attractive thing in the world.

She was just finishing re-making her bed when she heard the soft knock at the door. Her pulse racing with anticipation, she looked through the peep-hole to make sure it was Edward. It would be mortifying if it was a neighbour and she opened the door in only her negligee.

Edward stood on her doorstep, his face tense with pent up desire, his eyes burning when he saw her, in only black satin and lace.

Bella stepped back as he entered, closing the door behind him. In the next instant she was in his arms, their mouths kissing ravenously as if they'd been apart for months. Edward lifted her into his arms, her legs wrapped around him as his hands wandered up and down her back.

He stumbled towards her bedroom, both of them too desperate for the other to do anything else. As his legs touched the bed, he sat down, Bella wrapped around him. Edward's lips roamed over her face, then moved to her throat, nipping and licking the skin there.

Bella was finding breathing hard to do, especially when his hands began caressing the skin of her legs, on either side of his waist. His hands moved up and under the lace hem and made their way to her hips.

"Bella! You've haven't got any underwear on," he muttered against her shoulder.

"No."

"Oh god Bella. I've got to have you, now. I can't wait," he groaned.

"Yes, oh god, yes. I need you," she gasped, rolling her hips over the straining bulge in his trousers.

Grabbing the hem of her negligee, Edward lifted it up and over her head in one smooth movement, leaving her naked in his lap. Bella lifted her arms to assist him and he grabbed her hands, holding them above her head, her pert breasts lifting up towards him.

"Dear Lord, you're beautiful," he murmured, bending down to lick one taut nipple before blowing on it, watching it pebble even more. Bella was breathing heavily and she tried to release her hands so that she could tangle them in his bronze hair. Except Edward wouldn't release them.

"Edward!" she pleaded.

He just ignored her and kept teasing her breasts, now so sensitive to his teasing they almost hurt. But it was such a good hurt. Finally, he let her hands go as he sucked first one, then the other into his mouth, Bella's little moans of pleasure making him crazy. Her hands were gripping his hair, anchoring him to her. With his free hand, he reached down between them and felt the burning heat of her desire. She nearly jumped off his lap when his fingers gently massaged her, opening her, measuring her readiness.

When he began moving his fingers, Bella started bucking against his hand, little whimpers coming from her. Wanting her pleasure more than his own, Edward nipped and soothed her nipples and massaged her nub with his thumb.

Bella cried out, tightening her arms and legs reflexively around him. Her head was flung back, her mouth open as she climaxed. Edward was entranced, as always, by the sight of her, lost in her pleasure. He was so aroused, it was painful. He felt the gush of liquid over his fingers and knew he couldn't wait any more.

He turned her so that she lay on the bed, legs opened invitingly for him. As he quickly stripped, Edward started counting backwards, trying to calm his body down. He wanted to last more than a couple of strokes.

Bella's heavy lidded eyes watched him, a siren's smile on her swollen lips. When he was naked, he knelt down between her legs, his throbbing member tantalisingly close to where they both wanted to be.

"Now Edward," she pleaded softly, fully aroused again. "I want you inside me."

No match for her pleading, not even trying, Edward sought her entrance, lifting one of her legs high up on his hip. With one smooth movement, he filled her, both of them moaning at the pleasure of his body stretching hers.

"Bella!" he gasped against her mouth, unable to stop himself from moving.

"Oh yes! Yes, like that," she gasped as he began thrusting into her, his legs on the floor providing leverage.

"I'm...I won't last long, baby," he muttered against her throat.

"Harder Edward," she demanded, her hands latching on to his taut butt cheeks.

He obeyed instantly, his heart thumping in his chest, the occasional grunt the only sound he was capable of making.

After only a few thrusts, Bella cried out. "Edward! Ohhhh!..." as her orgasm broke over her, starting where their bodies were joined, radiating out in waves of pleasure over her whole body.

The sensation of her pulsing around him was enough to send a frantic Edward over the edge. With one last desperate thrust, he spilled himself into her, nearly unable to breath from the pleasure engulfing him.

For long moments they rocked together, slowly coming back to reality. Their bodies were damp with sweat, their chests rising and falling as they sought to get their breaths back. They were both still wrapped in each other's arms.

"That...that was incredible," sighed Edward breathlessly as he rolled over, dragging her with him.

"Yeah," agreed Bella, feeling completely satiated.

Leaning over, she gave him a soft, loving kiss. Edward reciprocated, tugging on her bottom lip before running his tongue over it. For a seemingly endless time, they sipped, licked and kissed each other's mouths, too stunned by the intensity of their lovemaking to talk.

Eventually, Edward sat up and began pulling down the bedcovers for them to climb into bed.

"I'll be back in a moment," said Bella, getting off the bed and walking to the bathroom, aware of Edward's admiring eyes on her naked body. She was feeling too mellow at the moment to worry about her nudity.

She caught a look at her face as she entered the bathroom and smiled at the sight. Her hair was a tangled mess. Her lips were red and swollen from his kisses while her eyes were languorous with satisfaction. She looked...sexy. Edward made her feel sexy. And loved.

Edward was lying in her bed, his arms behind his head, his eyes closed and a smile on his face. The covers only came up to his hips. Bella licked her lips as she ran her eyes over his beautifully toned chest. He was such a beautiful man. And he was hers.

Opening one eye as he heard Bella re-enter the room, he sucked in his breath as he watched her walk toward the bed. She was heartbreakingly beautiful. She was his Venus. Her full breasts which fit into his hands perfectly; her porcelain skin, so soft to touch; her legs, slim and shapely, which felt like heaven wrapped around him. But most of all, Bella. Just Bella, the love of his life. He could feel a well of emotion in his chest as he watched her.

He pulled back the covers for her as she reached the bed. Pulling her close into his arms, he covered them both, not wanting her to get cold. Bella's head rested on his shoulder, her leg between his, arms around each other.

After the power of their lovemaking, the intimacy of their bodies was soothing and just as satisfying.

"Will you stay the night?" she whispered. Bella couldn't bear the thought of his leaving.

"Ok. I'll set my alarm to wake me up early so I can go home and change before work."

"That's good," murmured Bella into his throat, breathing deeply. "I love you so much Edward. I'm so glad you came over tonight."

"Me too, baby. Me too." Kissing her forehead, he closed his eyes. "I love you too, Bella. I adore you."

"Mmm, that's nice," mumbled Bella, half asleep.

Edward chuckled softly, a smile on his face as he fell asleep.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Bella was just finishing giving a couple of prescribed painkillers to a mother who had a c-section the previous day and was in a fair bit of discomfort when a call came through for her. Taking the call at the nurse's station, she saw Edward walk towards his office, talking to Dr Haas. He turned his head and gave her a slow, intimate smile, memories of the previous night in his eyes plain for her to see.

She had been tossing and moaning, another erotic dream of Edward invading her sleep. This time though, the object of her dreams had woken her up in the best possible way, ensuring her dreams became reality.

The next time she woke, Edward had been gently kissing her shoulder as he got ready to leave. She had flung her arms around his neck and pulled him down for another hot, open-mouthed kiss. Edward had moaned loudly and very half-heartedly protested that he had to go or he'd be late, his body definitely wanting to side with Bella. Reluctantly, Bella had let him go, aroused and aching. She gave him a sexy smile, full of promise.

Remembering that she had someone waiting on the phone, Bella pulled herself together.

"Hello, Bella Swan speaking."

"Hi Bella. It's Chris. Are you free to come down to my office?"

Bella frowned as she wondered what the hospital's counsellor wanted. "Um, yeah, sure. I'll come down now. What's up?"

"I'll tell you when you get here. Is Doctor Cullen free as well?"

"No, he's got a clinic in five minutes."

Five minutes later, Bella was knocking on Chris' door, still puzzled. The door opened, a smiling Chris ushering her in. Bella saw she wasn't alone.

"Bella, thanks for coming so quickly," said Chris.

"No problem. Hello Mrs Johnson. It's good to see you again. How's Chelsea?" said Bella.

Mrs Johnson stood up and clasped Bella's hand. Bella then noticed that there was a pram next to Chris' desk.

"Nurse Swan..." said Mrs Johnson.

"Bella, please," insisted Bella, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Bella, then," smiled Mrs Johnson. "I wanted to come and say thank you."

Bella looked at the woman, the difference to when she last saw her amazing. Gone was the grief and stress, replaced by a calm smile. Bella couldn't help looking at the pram. "Thank you?"

"Yes, thank you. I wanted to thank you and Dr Cullen for being so compassionate and caring when Chelsea gave birth. You could have been judgemental about Chelsea's circumstances but you were just concerned for her and her baby's well-being and I'm so grateful."

"Mrs Johnson, you don't have to thank us. We were doing our

job. How is Chelsea doing?"

"She's much better. We've been seeing a therapist to help her cope with the ordeal."

"And is that...?" Bella pointed to the pram.

"Yes, that's Chelsea's son." Mrs Johnson turned the pram around so that Bella could see the baby, all rugged up against the cold and swaddled in blankets. She leaned down to get a better look, smiling as she took in the smooth cheeks, chubbier than when he was born.

"He's lovely Mrs Johnson."

Mrs Johnson looked down at the infant, a loving smile on her face.

"May I ask...?"

"Yes, we've, or should I say, Chelsea, has decided not to put him up for adoption."

"How about you both take a seat?" urged Chris. Once they were sitting, Mrs Johnson explained their decision.

"As you know, the birth and its circumstances were so shocking and traumatic to Chelsea and I that it took me a couple of weeks to get things clear in my head." Bella nodded in understanding. "I was so angry at first, especially at that man for what he did but once I calmed down I started thinking about the baby. His name is Marcus, by the way."

"Marcus. That's a lovely name," smiled Bella.

"Therapy helped too. I began thinking about how I would feel in twenty years time, whether I would be wondering about Marcus, how he was, where he was, him not knowing his about his real mother. About knowing that I had a grandson somewhere who I didn't know. The more I thought about it, the less I wanted Chelsea to give him up."

"And how did Chelsea feel about this?"

"At first she wanted nothing to do with him. I know that in her head she thought if he wasn't around she could pretend that nothing had happened. I knew otherwise. I knew that sometime down the track she would probably come to regret giving up her child, that it would haunt her. I was coming in to see him every day, without Chelsea and I admit, I came to love him. When he was released from hospital and went to foster care, I panicked a bit, thinking we'd lost him for good. I was reassured by the people from Social Services that that wasn't the case."

Bella took the woman's hand in hers, giving silent support.

"Anyway, with help from the therapist, Chelsea and I discussed our options and we decided that I will raise Marcus as my own. That way Chelsea will be able to live her childhood and be able to finish her schooling and not have her life ruined by her naivete."

"And she's ok with this?" asked Bella.

"Yes. I don't know if it's because of her age but she's quite happy to think of him as her 'little brother'. When Marcus is old enough, we'll tell him the truth about the circumstances of his birth and hope he can understand why we did what we did. And if ever Chelsea wants to assume her role as Marcus' mother, she can. I just don't want to lose him," sniffed Mrs Johnson, caressing the baby's cheek.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but is Chelsea's father...?"

"Tom and I were divorced a couple of years ago but we've kept up a fairly good relationship for Chelsea's sake. She's very close to him and he was just as devastated as I about what happened. It was all I could do to stop him from going over and killing that boy. After the shock wore off, he was very good and even came to therapy with us."

"That's great to hear," said Bella. "How are you going to cope financially, on your own?"

"My mom is moving here from Wisconsin. She's been wanting to move closer for a while but this has given her the push she needed. She'll be babysitting while I work. Tom has also said that he'll help with the costs of raising Marcus. Said it's his grandson too."

"I'm really pleased that things are going to work out for you and Chelsea," said Bella. "May I ask about Marcus' father? I heard that he's a neighbour. That must be difficult for you and Chelsea?"

"It was, but he's moved away. Gone to Seattle from all accounts. Thank God because I don't know how long I could have gone without wanting to inflict damage to that bastard. I'm dreading the court date," shuddered Mrs Johnson.

"Hopefully you'll be much stronger by then."

"Yeah, I'm sure we will be. Anyway, I brought Marcus in for his check up and I really wanted to see you."

"Well I'm so pleased to see you. I thought about you and Chelsea, and Marcus, quite a bit, wondering how you were all coping," admitted Bella.

"You were so kind to us, even in my hysterical state."

"Like I said, I was doing my job. And I could also empathise with you and Chelsea. You needed support not condemnation at that time."

"Well I know some medical people would have just judged us and Chelsea, as a promiscuous teenager who got herself knocked up."

Bella stood up, joined by the other two women. Mrs Johnson gave her a hug, which Bella returned.

"I'd better get Marcus home before he wakes for his feed. It's amazing but all the things I thought I'd forgotten about caring for a baby have just flooded back."

"Just like riding a bike?" joked Bella.

"Yeah, just like that," replied Mrs Johnson with a laugh.

"Next time you come in with him, make sure you bring him to maternity for a visit," urged Bella sincerely.

"I will. And can you thank Dr Cullen for me? I'm sorry I didn't get to thank him myself."

"Of course I will. He'll be really pleased to hear things are going well for you."

With a final goodbye, Bella left the room, followed by Chris.

"That has made my day," said Bella.

"Me too," replied the counsellor. She then gave Bella a sly look. "Heard you and Dr Cullen set the dance floor on fire on Saturday," grinned Chris. "And not with your dancing either."

Bella blushed even though she knew Chris was teasing her good-naturedly.

"I'm surprised it's not in the local paper yet," replied Bella wryly.

"It doesn't come out 'till Thursday," laughed Chris.

Bella just shook her head and went back to maternity, a large smile on her face. Once there, she told the other nurses and midwives about Mrs Johnson.

She managed to catch up with Edward at lunch where she told him everything that had gone on.

"Oh, that's so great to hear," said Edward, biting into his roll. "I didn't often get to hear about what happened to our patients back in New York so it's great to know things are working out. We know that Marcus is loved and wanted, and that's the important thing."

Bella couldn't agree more.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Bella arranged to go and see Charlie on Wednesday evening. Edward was coming with her but as she was waiting for him to pick her up, he rang to say that he was needed at the hospital. He hoped to finish early enough to meet her at Charlie's. If not, he would come back to her apartment, depending on the time.

Edward had spent the previous night at her apartment, bringing a change of clothing with him. Bella loved the feeling of his warm body curled around hers. She loved waking up with him even more. She had to wipe the grin off her face before she walked into the hospital or else everyone would know exactly how Edward had woken her up.

It was the only night she could see her father before Christmas so Bella went to see him anyway. She had rung Jacob to invite him along in order to introduce Edward and to see her friend and give him her Christmas present.

She arrived at Charlie's and put her roast in the oven. Seeing as it was only going to be four of them originally, she had decided against a turkey. It would take too long anyway. Instead she was roasting chicken. Bella was preparing the vegetables when Charlie got home.

"Hey Bels," greeted Charlie, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Where's Edward?"

"He got called in to work. He hopes to be able to get here later."

"Sounds like police work. Never knowing if you'll be able to finish a meal before getting a call," sympathised Charlie. "Well, hope he can make it later."

They were chatting in the kitchen while Bella worked when Jacob arrived carrying a large gift-wrapped parcel.

"Bella!" he grinned, giving her a big hug. "Hardly get to see you now that you're 'in lurve'."

Bella blushed as she gave her father a quick glance. She wasn't comfortable talking about this with her father there. Obviously Charlie knew what was going on. He wasn't stupid. Police Chiefs seldom are. But it was still embarrassing. Sort of like having your father talk to you about safe sex. Awkward.

"Hey Jake. I'm sorry I've been neglecting you."

"Nah, don't worry about it. I understand. Or I hope to understand one day," smiled Jake, his arm around her shoulder and giving her a hug. He looked around. "Hey, where's Edward? Thought he was coming tonight and I'd finally get to meet lover boy."

Bella gave him a sharp dig in the ribs with her elbow. Jake hardly felt a thing. He had abs so ripped that girls had been known to almost faint when he took his shirt off. It never failed to amuse Bella to see women of all ages give him shy and not so shy looks at the beach. The fact that Jake was single was definitely not due to lack of female attention.

Surprisingly, she heard her father give a faint amused snort into his beer at Jacob's words.

"Edward was called into work. If he can, he'll come over. Ok?" glared Bella.

Jacob just laughed, enjoying the rise he got out of Bella. The three of them sat down to eat, Bella disappointed she still hadn't heard from Edward. After dinner, they opened their presents. Jake gave Bella car seat covers, consigning her current ones to the trash. Bella gave Charlie a current sports almanac.

It was after ten when Edward called Bella.

"Hi love," he said, sounding tired. "I'm really sorry but I won't be getting out of here for a few hours yet. We just had a really difficult delivery and the mother's condition is quite unstable so I don't want to leave until things settle down."

"It's ok. You sound so tired."

"Yeah, I am. Look, I don't want to wake you so I'll just go home and I'll see you tomorrow."

"I won't mind," said Bella.

"No, it's not fair on you. Did you have a good night at Charlie's?"

"Yeah it was good. I wish you could have been here though."

"Me too. Listen, I've got to go. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you," he said softly.

"Love you too. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more. Bye, my love," he said, ringing off.

Jake could see the disappointment in Bella's face as she re-entered the lounge room.

"I take it the doc can't make it?"

Bella shook her head. "No, he'll be at the hospital for a few more hours yet."

"That's tough."

Bella left not long after, hugging Jake and her father and wishing them a good Christmas.

"Say hi to your mom for me," said Charlie. "And Edward."

"I will, Dad. You take care and I'll see you when I get back."

Bella's bed felt cold and lonely that night.

o-o-o-o-o-o

The doorbell rang on Friday night, announcing Edward's arrival to take her to Alice and Jasper's house. Bella had raced home from the hospital after wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and had showered and changed. She was putting on her makeup when Edward arrived.

When she opened the door, Edward took her in his arms, their mouths meeting in a passionate kiss. He held her tightly to him, aching for her. He had been so tired yesterday after getting hardly any sleep that Bella had insisted he go home and sleep. Edward had protested that he wanted to be with her but when he had yawned in the middle of that statement, Bella had stood firm. Two nights without her and he missed her like mad. He didn't want to think about her on the other side of the country.

Bella's arms were entwined around his neck, soft moans escaping her as his hands began exploring her back, wandering down to her backside, caressing her softness. When he pulled her into his hardness, Bella forced herself to break their kiss.

"Edward," she breathed. "We can't. We've got to go to Alice's."

"Mmm, don't care," he murmured, his lips kissing the soft skin behind her ear. "I've missed you so much."

Bella closed her eyes in delight as he delicately licked her skin, sending shivers of desire down her spine. She was close to saying 'hang it, let's stay here and make love' but guilt at letting Alice down brought her back to reality. "Come on, my love. We can't do that to Alice. We can always come back early and celebrate Christmas our own way later," she suggested sexily.

"Promise?"

"Oh yeah, I promise. Come on, I've got to finish getting ready," said Bella, giving him a last quick kiss before stepping out of his arms, smiling at the small pout on Edward's face. It made her heart soar that he wanted her so badly, the way she wanted him.

Alice had gone all out with the Christmas decorations. Her porch was liberally coated with lights, holly and tinsel, as was the rest of the house. Her front lawn had Santa in his sleigh being pulled by his reindeer, as well as a lit up Christmas tree.

"My sister doesn't do anything by halves, does she?" murmured Edward as he came to a stop in the driveway. "Clark Griswald, eat your heart out."

"No, that's for sure," agreed Bella. "Do you think Jasper had to get up there all by himself?" she asked, pointing to the roof which had angels and stars brightly lit up.

"Man, am I glad I'm not married to her," said Edward, shaking his head.

"Me too. You'd be in jail." Edward grinned at her.

Alice greeted them at the door, pulling Bella into a big hug. "Hey Bella, Edward. Come on in. We're just waiting on Mom and Dad. Rosalie and Emmett are already here." Alice put her arm through Bella's as she led them to the sitting room. "My, you two look happy. Amazing what good sex can do, huh?"

"Alice!" they both cried in unison, making Alice giggle.

"They're already finishing each other's sentences," she said to no-one in particular. "Seriously though, I'm so happy for you. My brother and my best friend. What a perfect combination."

Edward just shook his head in resignation, but kissed his sister's hair affectionately anyway. "Glad you approve Squirt."

Rosalie and Emmett were sitting on the lounge, trying to ensure their son Riley didn't rip open all the presents sitting under tree. Rosalie was trying to distract him with one of his favourite toys but the Christmas tree was proving irresistible.

Jasper came in just then, walking over and giving Bella a kiss on the cheek before shaking Edward's hand. "Welcome guys. Glad we could see you before you go, Bella," he said sincerely.

"Thanks Jasper. Hi Rosalie, Emmett," she said in greeting. "Hello Riley. It's very pretty isn't it?" she said, squatting down to the little boy's height. Luckily she was wearing trousers.

Riley gurgled at her in greeting, pointing his chubby little hand at the presents. "Yes, I'm sure one of those is yours but you can't touch until Auntie Alice says so." She knew the little boy couldn't understand what she said, especially when he made a beeline for a present with shiny silver ribbon. Emmett picked up his son.

"Stubborn, like his mom," he said, giving his son a kiss.

"Huh," protested Rosalie. "Pigheaded like his dad," she said with a grin. She turned to Bella and Edward, noting their clasped hands. "Good to see my suspicions were correct."

"What do you mean?" asked Bella.

"You and Edward. Man, the sexual tension between you last time I saw you was incredible. I bet Emmett that you would be together by the end of the year. Time to pay up, hon."

Emmett laughed. "Don't think Alice would be too happy if I paid up here, baby. Besides the fact there's a child in room..."

"Don't worry, I can wait till later," said Rosalie, flashing him a secret smile.

"Count on it," replied Emmett.

Looks like we're not the only ones who'll be racing home tonight, thought Edward with a smile, squeezing Bella's hand. Bella smiled up at him, reading his mind.

Carlisle and Esme arrived, both of them making a fuss over Riley. Bella could see how much they would enjoy Alice's baby.

Dinner was served in Alice's formal dining room, the lavishly decorated table laden with food. Jasper did the honours and cut the perfectly cooked turkey then proceeded to say grace before everyone began eating. The dinner was full of laughter as Emmett regaled them of some of the goings on at the school.

"Man, I thought we were a randy lot, but teenagers today," he shook his head. "The places where I've caught them at it would amaze you."

"This from an someone who was busted in his dad's garage," smirked Rosalie to everyone's amusement.

"Well if this a girl, the boys had better behave themselves, or they'll have to deal with me," said Alice sternly patting her stomach.

"You're a fine one to talk, honey," laughed Jasper. "I didn't know what hit me. One moment I'm having a quiet drink, the next I'm waking up in strange hotel bed, Alice draped all over me."

"And you loved every second of it," crooned Alice, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Sure did," he agreed with a smile.

The conversation turned to Alice's pregnancy. By this time they had settled themselves back in the sitting room. Riley had fallen asleep and had been put to bed in one of the spare rooms, the door left open so that they could hear him if he called out.

Alice was sitting on Jasper's lap, his hand absently caressing her still flat belly. Bella asked how the morning sickness was going.

"It's getting much better. After changing my eating habits like you suggested, my stomach really settled down. I was still getting sick on the odd occasion but I haven't felt sick at all for the last week."

"That good," said Edward, his arm around Bella's shoulders as she leaned against him. "You're entering your second trimester so hopefully the worst is behind you. Have you made your next appointment?"

"Yes Mr Fussypants," said Alice. "It's just after New Years."

Shortly afterwards, Alice declared it was time to exchange presents. Edward went out to his car and collected his and Bella's presents to add to the pile.

There was much oohing and aahing as gifts were opened, kisses and thank you's exchanged. Bella loved the delicate cardigan Alice had given her in a deep shade of pink. Bella believed Alice had made it her mission to brighten up Bella's wardrobe; most of the colourful clothing she owned had been chosen or given to her by Alice.

Bella had told Edward she would give him his gift at home. She wanted them to be alone when they exchanged their first Christmas gifts. Edward had readily agreed.

Edward watched Bella enjoying herself, his heart full with love for her. She just fit into his family seamlessly, like she was always meant to be there. Maybe she had. Maybe it was destiny for them to meet and fall in love. He didn't know if he believed in that sort of thing but he wasn't going to argue with destiny.

Bella turned her head and gave him a gentle smile, her eyes telling him how much she loved him. Neither looked away for a moment, lost in each other's eyes, the room fading away as they communicated without words. She then came and sat beside him again, snuggling as close as propriety allowed. Edward could feel her breast squeezed against his arm, his body stirring at her proximity. His hand moved from her shoulder and began lightly stroking the skin of her neck. Bella unconsciously moved her head to allow him better access. He could feel the increased speed of her breathing and when she leaned up and kissed his jaw, he decided it was time to go.

It was time to go home and celebrate Christmas with Bella. Alone.

o-o-o-o-o-o

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