Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This chapter has been edited for erotic content. To read the unedited version, please go to thewriterscoffeeshop dot com/library or twilighted.

You guys will enjoy this chapter, methinks. Yeah! Christmas Time is here…time for happiness and cheer. Hope you all enjoy. I will also be adding pictures to the FDKK photobucket album for this chapter, so you might want to check it out.

www. photobucket .com/albums/ww246/linacullenclearwater/SWAT/

Declarations

BPOV

Edward had been so sweet Thursday night. He didn't even ask me what was wrong. All I had to say was 'patient' and he understood. He cuddled me close on our bed and let me cry on his chest. It was just all too much seeing Charlotte rolled away to the ICU in such desperately critical condition. It was an emotional overload after all we had been through over the past month. I simply couldn't shake the thought that it was just so unfair. She was only a six year old girl, she didn't deserve any of this, and yet, time and time again, she came up with the crap end of the stick.

I eventually fell asleep in Edward's arms where I found myself when my alarm woke me up at five the next morning. My sweet Edward had stayed with me all night, even though I knew he must have been bored to tears. All he ever did for the past few weeks was lay around. I knew it was the last thing he wanted to do now that he was home and more mobile, but he did it anyway to be with me. God, I loved that man.

He went to the kitchen, toasted a couple of bagels for us while I showered and got ready for work, and then sat with me at the counter to eat in quiet comfort. I had almost forgotten how great it was to just share a peaceful morning with Edward. I savored it as we shared the paper over coffee and bagels.

All too soon, I had to head to the hospital. I wasn't as excited today as I had been for the past week. I went about my day, stopping in to check on Charlotte during lunch and before I went to my appointment with Dr. Kellison. It was hard watching them wheel her away, but it was even more difficult to see her lying in the bed, intubated and under sedation. I put on the protective layers and spent my time in her room, holding her hand and talking to her between silent prayers.

Dr. Kellison immediately noticed my dour disposition, asking how things were going. I shared my fears and frustrations over poor Charlotte. She reacted just as I knew she would, admonishing me for getting too emotionally invested in my patients. I knew it was against all of the rules. When you're ruled by your emotions, it makes it hard to make the difficult decisions that physicians often have to make. I didn't know how to stop it, though. I was already invested in the weak little girl who was fighting for her life.

Alice tried to get me to hit the Water Tower after my appointment, but I simply didn't have the energy. We didn't have all that much time left before they would be closing anyway. I promised her that we would go the next morning and returned home to the one person that could help me really let go of the sadness and help me feel better.

Edward surprised me with a candle light dinner in the dining room. He had the Italian place down the street deliver my favorite mushroom ravioli. When we finished eating, he started a slow song on the iPod and led me to the living room where we cuddled close and just sat and talked, enjoying some one on one time together. We caught up without the hassle of hospital activity, nurses, visitors, and work. It was just the two of us, and it was a much needed break.

The next morning, I awoke to the doorbell ringing incessantly through our apartment while my cellphone continually rang out my ring tone for Alice. Obviously she wasn't taking no for an answer today, nor was she going to let me sleep in the least little bit.

I groaned, rolling out of bed. Edward began cursing loudly, pulling my pillow over his face, trying to hide from the sounds the pestering pixie was creating. I threw on my robe, stomping to the door with my wild bed head and a scowl on my face.

"Don't make me kill you, Alice," I growled at her when I threw open the door to find my hyper friend bouncing excitedly. Laid back Jasper was ogling her butt from behind with a big goofy grin on his face. I groaned again, rolling my eyes before turning and walking back into our bedroom to dress, knowing that Jasper and Alice would make themselves at home.

An hour later, Jasper and Edward were sprawled out in front of the big screen in the living room playing Army of Two on the Playstation 3. They barely stopped playing long enough to wave at us when Alice pulled me quickly out the door and down to the towncar that was waiting on the street to drive us on our shopping spree.

Once we reached the Water Tower shopping center, I was feeling a bit more awake and looking forward to finally getting at least a little bit into the Christmas spirit. All the other presents I had bought earlier were wrapped and under the tree that I had insisted on putting up the first day after Edward was settled at home.

Rosalie had her own tree, and Edward didn't have any, so I begged Emmett to let me have the old as the hills fake Christmas tree that we had my entire life. In fact, it was so old that my Mom had once told me that she was a preteen when her parents had bought it and then passed it down to her and Dad when they got married. It was scraggily and misshapen and always took me hours to bend the limbs back into a halfway decent shape. It looked pathetic when it was first up, but by the time I was finished with the lights, garland, and gazillions of ornaments that ranged from beaded hand me downs that my grandmother and great grandmother made to the special ornaments my parents bought for us each year, you usually didn't notice so much.

Emmett dug all of his out and kept them for the tree at his apartment, but all of mine were there, from the golden oval with a little girl riding a rocking horse that had my name and the date along with 'Baby's first Christmas,' all the way through the Barbie years to the ones Emmett had gotten me in our parents absence. It took me three hours to get the darn thing looking decent. When I was done, I sat in front of it with all the room lights off and just stared at the colored lights as they blinked and moved inside the boughs and examined the ornaments that hung from the tree, each having their own distinct memory.

I wasn't there ten minutes when I felt Edward step into the room and sigh. "That looks really nice, sweetheart. Mom always had designer trees with everything matching and looking like a perfect magazine cover, but this is just so homey and special. Can you tell me about the ornaments?"

I stood up and took the hand he held out. We walked up to the tree and I pointed out all of the ornaments, telling him all of the special stories and memories that each held for me as he smiled and kissed my head and neck. I made up my mind right then that one of his presents this year was going to be his very own special ornament for our tree.

Alice and I walked in the front doors and I couldn't help but smile at the festive decorations that hung from the ceiling and lined the sides of the escalators on and around the fountain that flowed between the up and down sides. There were beautiful Christmas trees covered in coordinated decorations and bows, teddy bears dressed as Santa and his elves working on toys and preparing for Santa's one night ride. Little plastic children were portrayed as sleeping in their beds as plastic gingerbread men and suckers floated above them as they dreamed of Christmas treats.

"I know where I want to go first, Al. I want to find somewhere that has Christmas ornaments you can engrave. I want to get one for Edward to put on our tree."

She smiled and nodded, but was quickly distracted by a sale in Neiman Marcus. She pulled me in as I desperately resisted the black hole of Alice in the middle of sale season.

After spending the next hour begging her to move on to look at the things I needed to find, we returned to the main rotunda and continued, finally finding a specialty store filled with keepsakes that could be personalized. I was immediately drawn to a silver picture frame ornament. I picked it up and visualized what I could put inside and what it would say. I smiled and carried it with me as I looked at various other gift options, but never finding anything I liked as much as the frame.

I took it to the counter to pay for it and dictate what I would like the frame to say. The girl smiled at us tightly, obviously stressed by the business of the season, letting me know it would be ready in three hours.

We started to make our way out of the store when I froze in my tracks and then turned back to examine a ceramic figurine sitting on a shelf. I hadn't noticed it before because I was focused on gifts for Edward, but the figurine called to me as it reminded me of a small girl fighting for her life in ICU.

I snatched the figurine off the shelf, stroking the tiny face of the girl that looked so very much like little Charlotte, reading in a chair with a beautiful Angel standing behind her watching over her who also reminded me of someone very special. I knew I shouldn't do it, that it was crossing a line, but I also knew her family was religious and would not be offended by the gift. I quickly raced back up to the counter, purchasing the figurine and watching as the lady behind the counter carefully wrapped it in white paper and tucked it in a box, before sliding it into a bag that I carried gingerly by my side the rest of the day.

Alice and I wandered while we waited, as I still struggled to find the perfect gift. I had absolutely no idea what to get him. We wandered from store to store, finally wandering into a novelty store that had the most hilarious ornaments ever. We both bent over, laughing until we turned slightly purple, and then both snatched off several of the cheap ornaments as fun gifts for our boys.

We both bought one that said 'My man plays with handcuffs', 'Warning: Police officers make me horny,' and 'My heart belongs to a police officer.' I also picked up one that was too good to resist for Em. It had a little boy dressed in body armor holding a toy gun that said 'My Daddy's SWAT and you're not'. We walked out of the store, both a little giddy at our fun purchases that, of course, would not be appropriate to open in the presence of the rest of the family, knowing we would probably reap some pretty positive results.

I was beginning to feel completely disheartened as store after store gave me no greater insight into what to buy for the man that I loved. I was feeling desperate when Alice pulled me into an exotic jewelry store full of jewelry from different places around the world. There were of course Claddaghs but also rings with Celtic love knots and runes and all sort of different designs from all around the world. I considered for a brief moment buying Edward a Claddagh to match my own, but couldn't really imagine it on his hand at all.

Then I saw a ring that caught my eye. It was a thick plain silverish band inscribed in a foreign language, in a script that looked somewhat masculine and stately. I asked the attendant to see it, observing the French words on the circumference of the band. Mon Coeur Entier.

"Excuse me," I said glancing back up at the older woman, "do you know what this says?"

She smiled, "The translation is written on the inside, dear."

I angled the ring to read the inside and I took a deep breath and smiled when I read the words 'My Whole Heart.'I felt my eyes moisten and my heart speed slightly. I knew that I had found it; this was Edward's special gift.

I began to stress as I paid the five hundred dollars for the white gold band that perhaps Edward would feel strange receiving a ring from me. Was it too weird? I had the Claddagh; it meant so much to me to have something that symbolized his commitment to me. I just wanted to give that back to him, but would he see it that way?

I was nervously fidgeting with the bag holding the figurine, waiting for the lady to wrap the box in gold paper, when I felt Alice's hand on my arm. "It's perfect, Bella. He's going to love it."

"Do you really think so?" I still wasn't sure and suddenly I felt like I was making a mistake.

"I know so," she said as she rubbed my back comfortingly.

Soon we departed the store with the beautifully wrapped gift in a bag hanging from my arm. We went back toward the store for the ornament that I was having engraved. It still wasn't ready yet, so Alice suggested we rest a while. She led me to sit at the coffee shop as we enjoyed a nice holiday flavored coffee and the scenery.

Slowly sipping my cinnamon spice latte, I finally began to calm down a little, watching the stressed out shoppers rushing from store to store. I was thankful that my shopping was done. I studied the decorations that hung in the main rotunda, smiling at the sparkling snowflakes that were hanging from the various levels above.

We walked back into the store when our drinks were finished and collected my final gift for Edward. Alice called for the car to come back for us before meandering toward the main entrance.

We walked into the apartment five hours after we had left to find the boys still sitting in the same spot, playing the same game. We both laughed as Alice and I disappeared into the guest room where we set about wrapping our gifts.

I went to the computer and printed out one of my favorite recent pictures of Edward and I, sliding it into the frame under which I had them engrave our names with Our First Christmas as a Couple and the year. I wrapped it carefully, putting a small silver ribbon around it and tying it into a puffy bow.

When I was all done, I put all of the presents I purchased under the tree, save Charlotte's figurine, being sure to separate Edward's 'special' ornaments from the rest. I had already decided that he would be opening those on Christmas Eve before he got to unwrap me.

Alice and Jasper stuck around until supper time and then finally left, leaving Edward and I alone to cook for ourselves.

"Did you get the last of your shopping done today?"

I smiled and nodded as I fiddled with things in the fridge, debating on what to make.

"I'm nervous, though. I hope you like what I got you."

I glanced up to see Edward beaming at me behind the thick stubble that he had let accumulate since we had gotten home, now that he didn't have the CNA's pandering to help him shave, as they had begun doing once I returned to work.

"You don't need to get me anything," he sighed a moment before I felt his arms wrap around my waist and his nose burrow in my neck. "You're the only thing I'll ever need."

I giggled and rolled my eyes at him, noticing he wasn't wearing his brace like he was supposed to. I had worried he would cheat if they didn't cast him again, but I wasn't going to say anything since it didn't happen often…besides, it felt nice to be able to rest against his chest without a barrier.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah…but I wanted to get you something. I really do hope you like it."

I felt his arms tighten before letting go. "I'm sure I will, love." He shuffled back over to his seat at the counter and watched as I turned raw chicken and frozen vegetables into a stir fry. He told me all about how much fun he'd had with Jasper and how much he missed hanging out with the guys. I could tell he was really missing work. I hoped he wouldn't push himself too fast in his rush to get back to work.

Edward and I spent the rest of the night after supper cuddling under the lights of the tree on our couch, which somehow morphed into pleasuring each other on the couch. It was soon obvious that my plans for Christmas Eve were not going to be an issue, he would be fine.

The next morning, I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep. My thoughts kept drifting to the figurine boxed up in the spare bedroom, waiting to go watch over Charlotte. I slid out of bed and crept into the bathroom, trying not to wake Edward as I showered and dressed in the bathroom.

When I opened the door, I jumped when I met Edward standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips, shooting me a curious look. He took my hand and led me to the bed where he made me tell him what was going on with me and why I was trying to sneak out on him.

I tried to explain that I wasn't trying to sneak out to avoid him, only trying to let him get his rest, but he wouldn't drop it until I told him where I was going and why. He held my hand as I told him more about Charlotte, more than I probably should, in my frustration over her difficulties. When I was done, he ran his hand through his hair, sighing gently before getting up and crossing to the closet pulling out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

I watched him questioningly as he smiled. "I'm coming with you, baby. You need me and there's absolutely no reason why I can't be there with you."

I frowned over at him. "I thought you said you were sick of the hospital and didn't plan on stepping foot in there again for at least three months if you could help it at all."

He smiled at me and shrugged as he bent over, grunting slightly at the strain, sliding his feet into his shoes and tying them. Some tasks were still rather painful for him to do on his own, but he insisted...my beautiful stubborn man.

Thirty minutes later, we were walking hand in hand into the pediatric ICU. We stood at the doorway to Charlotte's room, looking in through the glass doorway.

Edward ran his hands over my shoulders and massaged them gently. It was really nice that he now had two fully functional arms, thanks to the design of the brace. After a long time, I handed him the box while I slipped into a gown, gloves, and a mask. I took the box back with one more look of gratitude before stepping through the door to Charlotte's side.

"Hi, Miss Charlotte, it's Dr. Swan. I just wanted to drop by and see how you're doing. I was shopping yesterday and saw something that reminded me of you, so I got it for you."

I opened the top of the box and removed the figurine from the paper, stroking the tiny girl's face before sitting it on the corner of the self on the far side of the room where she might be able to see it when she woke up.

"The little girl reminded me so much of you and the angel kind of reminded me of my Mom. She was a woman full of faith. She believed in angels watching over us and keeping us safe, so I couldn't resist getting this one for you. I really do hope angels are watching over you and keeping you safe. You're a strong little girl and a real fighter, so you hang in there. I really do believe that if you hang in there, you're going to get through this. After that, we can beat the bacteria, get you settled with the right meds, and then you can go home to be with your parents and your sister and brother."

I put my hand over hers and ran a hand through her hair. When I finally turned around to leave, I came face to face with her parents, Peter and Charlene. They both had tears in their eyes as they watched me. For a moment, I feared they were angry with me, until Charlene crossed the three steps that separated us and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Thank you so much for caring for our little girl so much, Dr. Swan. It means more than you could know."

After a few moments, she released me. I nodded, not knowing what to say. Charlene left me to stand at Charlotte's side as Peter stepped up, offering his hand. I took it timidly. He said something similar before nodding and joining his wife. I watched them for a moment, talking to her and encouraging her to fight just as I had. After a moment, I walked through the door, shedding my protective layer. I scrubbed my hands and arms with the antibacterial gel.

Edward immediately grabbed me from behind, hugging me around the waist and burying his nose in my neck. I worried about the possibility of him somehow contracting the bacteria even though I was only in there a very short while. I tried not to stress, knowing that I had every limited contact, and with her being intubated, less of the contagious germs would be spread through the air.

"Are you okay, love?" He asked, kissing my neck.

I nodded and sighed, looking on the scene one more time before pulling away from Edward and offering my hand. He took it and we walked away together, returning to our apartment for the rest of the day.

o~O~o

The few remaining days before Christmas flew by. I had to work Christmas Eve, but managed to have Christmas day off. I rushed home after my shift Christmas Eve, jumping into the shower and dressing quickly into my specially selected lingerie for the night before sliding my warm terry cloth robe over it and my fuzzy slippers.

I exited to the living room to find Edward stretched out on the couch with the DVD White Christmas waiting on the main screen for us to watch. I looked at the TV and then back at him a couple of times with a wide smile. He smirked at me and winked.

"You remembered that this is my favorite Christmas movie?" He rolled his eyes.

"Of course I remembered! I remember lots of details when it comes to you that I wouldn't remember otherwise."

I dropped on the couch between his legs and leaned against his torso. He hit play before handing me a bowl of cinnamon roasted cashews and a cup of warm cinnamon hot chocolate. I squealed like Alice before twisting around to kiss him hard, running my hands through his hair, while he moved the delicacies out to the sides, trying not to spill them during my assault.

I finally turned around and settled back against him gratefully, claiming my bowl and cup, indulging joyfully as Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye joked and fumbled their way across the east coast with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. I didn't care if the movie was over half a century old; I still loved it and adored the classic Christmas tunes from the film.

I could practically feel Edward groaning in boredom behind me, but to his credit, he never complained out loud. Instead, he would chuckle a few times at me when I would sing along and sigh, exclaiming that I was born in the wrong decade.

After the movie was over, we sat facing one another, smiling like two goofy teenagers on their first date. After a few minutes, I giggled, remembering the funny ornaments I got for him and told him to hold still. I ran to the tree and grabbed them, running back to the couch and flopping in front of him.

He took the box and frowned down at it. "But I don't have anything for you to open tonight."

I laughed, "It's not a big deal and, well, I decided that they weren't appropriate to open in front of your parents or my brother."

He looked at me curiously before warily opening the paper as though he feared its contents. He finally peeled the paper away and pulled the lid off before staring down into the box. A wide smile slowly cracked across his face as he pulled out the top circular ornament that said 'My heart belongs to a police officer.'

"This is inappropriate for opening in front of my parents?" He asked with a chuckle.

I rolled my eyes. "Keep digging, doofus."

He set the first one aside before pulling the paper aside and lifting the second one out with a deep belly laugh.

"Does this mean you want me to bring home a pair of cuffs for us to play with? Because, I would to be totally up for that!"

I laughed and smacked his arm. He laughed with me, a twinkle shining in his eyes as he set it down.

"One more," I gestured toward the box.

He pulled the paper aside and took a breath before chuckling deeply and looking up me with darkened eyes. He held the ornament out in front of him, letting it dangle from his finger.

"Oh, really? I certainly hope only one police officer makes you horny."

I smiled mischievously, standing up and taking a step back toward our room. "Oh, you can count on that, sweetheart. Not only that, but I'm feeling that way right at this very second."

I slid out of the slippers, taking one more step back at the same moment that I pulled the belt loose around my waist. I let the robe drop to the floor, leaving me standing in nothing but the red velvet teddy with fluffy white trim, only held together by one big red satin bow tied between my breasts.

Edward froze, staring at me with a hitching breath for a fraction of a second before he was up, crossing the space between us to stand in front of me. He claimed my mouth greedily as his hands grabbed roughly at my hips, pulling me against him. He was completely ready for me in an instant.

We kissed passionately, shuffling toward our bedroom, never breaking the contact. Edward's hands roamed up and down my sides over the smooth velvet as he moaned into my mouth.

When we reached the bedroom, I spun him to force him onto the bed. Once he was down, I stepped between his knees, running my hands through is hair as I sucked his bottom lip into my mouth and nibbled gently.

"So, Mr. Masen, do you like your Christmas present?" He nodded violently and I chuckled. "You get me tonight, Edward, all of me, totally and completely. I need you, Edward."

I couldn't say anymore because I was suddenly pulled off my feet onto his chest. He lay back on the bed, kissing me eagerly. I caught most of my weight on my arms, holding myself above him, hoping not to hurt his ribs…not that they seemed to be bothering him at the moment. He reached up and crushed my chest to his before rolling me over so we were facing each other on the bed. His hands explored up and down my sides under the teddy before catching the top of my velvety thong and yanking it down to expose me to the air. Within minutes I was panting his name as I tried to regain feeling in my extremities.

He smirked, waiting for me to recover before grabbing my hips and pulling me on top of him as he sat up. Our lovemaking was passionate and fast, ending with Edward falling back with a wince as he panted shallowly.

I rolled to the side, running my hand over his face, "Oh God, baby, are you okay?"

He smiled lazily at me and nodded, "Fuck yeah, baby! Holy shit, that was fucking amazing!"

I sighed and let my head fall on this shoulder; the strength of his breaths raised and lowered my head with each exchange of air.

"Now that's what I call a fucking Christmas present." Edward yelled at the ceiling. I laughed and nodded against his shoulder. His arms rapped around me and his lips found my forehead.

We fell asleep quickly after that, but to say we had disrupted sleep that night would be an understatement. Edward woke me by stroking my nipples at two am, and then I woke him by licking his shaft at five; at seven thirty, I was awoken to him grinding his granite cock against my ass, and we finally pulled ourselves out of bed after I got to have one more quick ride at nine.

We showered separately, knowing that the temptation would be too great and shower sex would be dangerous at this point in his recovery. I rushed into the kitchen to throw together the green bean casserole we were supposed to be arriving with at one in the afternoon.

Jasper showed up at noon, claiming he needed Edward to help him with Alice's present before the party. Edward promised to meet me at Esme and Carlisle's. They took the presents with them so I wouldn't have to try to juggle both the Pyrex casserole dish and the presents.

I finished the casserole at 12:15 and slid back into the bedroom to change into the red V-neck wrap dress I had bought especially for the fancy Christmas dinner at the Cullen house. Christmas was always a big to do with Esme. I had long ago grown accustomed to dressing for Christmas dinner.

I had called a cab and gathered the last of what I needed, tossed on my long gray dress coat, not bothering to button it, and made my way down to the lobby to catch my cab.

I pulled in front of the Cullen house and walked carefully up to the porch, hoping not to trip over my heels, while carrying the hot casserole. When I reached the door, it opened to Edward's smiling face, looking incredibly sexy in his gorgeous dress pants and dark green dress shirt with a red silk tie. I nearly tripped just at the sight of him looking so handsome and clean shaven. He hadn't been anywhere near this well dressed when he disappeared with Jasper earlier in the afternoon. I instantly became suspicious.

He took the casserole from my hand and leaned down to kiss my lips chastely. "You look breathtaking, love. Merry Christmas!"

I smiled up at him, "Merry Christmas."

He disappeared into the kitchen and then returned to me, taking my coat and hanging it in the closet. He took my hand, leading me into the den where a beautiful tree sat in the corner, perfectly decorated like every year. This year's theme appeared to be blue balls and white and silver snowflakes. It was topped by a gigantic silver and blue bow with long ends that wrapped around the edges of the tree and draped in beautiful angles before ending in perfect points.

Edward pulled me anxiously, directing me to sit on a pillow he had on the floor in front of the fire. He sat across from me and poured me a flute of champagne from the bottle on ice by my pillow. He handed me the glass and took his before running his hand through his hair nervously.

I smiled and reached out to grab it, bringing it between us to rub the back with my thumb. He looked deeply into my eyes with a strange intensity and then his back relaxed a bit as he smiled at me.

"I love you so much, Bella. So much more than I ever knew I could love anybody. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. You're beautiful and smart and funny and brave and you calm me and give me a peace that I never knew existed before you came into my life. You mean the world to me."

He shifted so he was on his knees in front of me. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a blue jewelry box. My eyes grew wide. I gasped as he took may hand and kissed it.

"Isabella Marie Swan, you are my life now. I would be the happiest man in the world if you would agree to be my wife. Will you marry me, my beautiful Bella?"

He cracked the box open with one hand and lifted it out toward me with an expression on his face that was a combination of nervous and hopeful.

I swallowed hard past the lump in my throat. Tears welled in my eyes and trickled down my cheeks. I opened my mouth to speak, but all that escaped was a squeak. I raised to my knees, reaching my hands out to cup his face between them and nodded vehemently while soundlessly mouthing 'yes' over and over again.

Edward's eyes filled with tears as I pulled him toward me, kissing him passionately. He pulled me into his arms, kissing my face, neck, shoulder, and any other place he could reach while holding me in his arms. After a while, he released me and sat back on his heels. He plucked the ring from its box and slid it into place on my ring finger.

I stared at the round stone with the two pear shaped stones on either side in awe as the firelight twinkled off of it, making it shimmer in its platinum setting. He lifted it to his mouth and kissed it with a wide beaming grin on his face. I watched before looking back down at it with wide eyes, recognizing that it was Tiffany's and probably cost a fortune. I glanced at my right hand where his family's Claddagh still sat and I looked up at him questioningly.

"You really didn't have to spend so much money you know. I would have been more than happy for the Claddagh to be my engagement ring. It is part of its symbolism after all."

He smiled and shook his head. "I wanted to pick something out that was expressly from me to you, something that was about me showing my love for you. Heirlooms are great, but I wanted this to be even more special. Do you like it?" He had the wide hopeful eyes of a little kid waiting to hear that their mom liked the homemade gift he had just presented her. I chuckled and wrapped my arms around his neck kissing him hard on the lips.

"I love it, Edward. It's beautiful! Thank you."

He smiled and kissed me again before burying his nose in my neck and squeezing me tightly to him. "I love you so much, Bella. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife."

"I love you too, Edward, and there's nothing I would love more!"

I heard a sniffle coming from behind us. I looked over my shoulder to see the far side of the room filled with all of our friends and family. Esme was clutching herself to Carlisle's side, her hand grasping his dress shirt in a tight fist. She lifted her hand away to wipe at a tear then reached back to grasp the material again. The rest of the group beamed at us with the exception of Emmett who looked a mixture of proud and slightly saddened.

Edward stood up and helped me to my feet, kissing my hand one more time before leading me to the group. When we reached them, Esme stepped forward first, hugging us both at the same time, followed closely by Carlisle.

Alice squealed and jumped around like a Chihuahua hopped up on espresso to our right.

Emmett hugged me tightly. He whispered that he loved me and hoped that we would have a long, happy life together. I later discovered that Edward had even asked him over to our apartment to ask for Emmett's blessing just as he would have done with Dad if he were still alive.

Rose caressed my cheek lovingly and hugged me gently.

Jasper pulled me off my feet in an enthusiastic, big brother hug. He whispered in my ear, "About fucking time," as Alice hugged me from behind creating a Bella sandwich.

Andy smiled down at me, tucking an escaped lock of hair behind my ear with a wink and hugging me around my shoulders.

"Be happy, Bella, that's all any of us want. You both do that for each other, so just be happy together," he whispered into my ear before letting me go and wrapping his arm back around Andrea, who smiled at me and offered her best wishes.

Tanya was the last to hug me with big tears pooling at the bottom of her eyes. "I knew the first time I saw the two of you together in the diner that you were his other half. The two of you were meant to be together." I hugged her tighter and wiped at my eyes as I smiled at her.

Edward got hugs and hard pats on the back too, along with a couple of brotherly admonishments that if he didn't take proper care of me that he would be beaten senseless, to which we all laughed. Everyone knew that Edward would take better care of me than anyone else ever could and vice versa.

After the congratulations were over, people began to disperse throughout the house, the girls returned to the kitchen with Esme while the boys disappeared into the basement. I took a step to join the girls in the kitchen, but Edward grabbed my elbow and pulled me back to him shaking his head.

"No way, you're spending all day in my arms my beautiful fiancée."

I giggled, snuggling close to him before I remembered my present for him. A slow laugh rose from my chest. He leaned back looking at me quizzically and I sighed shaking my head.

"So do you want your big present early?"

He cocked his head at me. I led him back to our place in front of the fire, grabbing the small golden shrouded box and handed it to him carefully. He looked down at it and up at me. I nodded for him to open it.

"I had no idea what to get you. I was so nervous about this. I wanted to give you something special and memorable, but I had no idea what to do. Then I saw this and thought it sort of seemed like you and the sentiment was perfect."

He opened the paper to reveal the ring box and looked up at me with surprise in his eyes. He slowly opened it, seeing the white gold band glistening in the firelight.

"It is like a promise ring of sorts. I thought about getting you a Claddagh to match mine, but I just couldn't picture you wearing it, and then I saw this and thought it was more your style."

He lifted it and examined the inscription with a confused look. "The English translation is inscribed on the inside."

He shifted the ring to read the inscription and he took in a deep breath and swallowed roughly before looking up at me with wide blinking eyes. I grabbed his left hand and pulled it to my chest. "My Whole Heart.I couldn't have found anything that said it better if I had designed it myself. I love you," I said. My eyes teared and my voice cracked, "I love you with all that I am. I am yours forever."

He moved his hand from my chest to my face, wiping away my tears while I reached up and wiped away his. "You couldn't have chosen anything more perfect. Will you put it on for me?"

I nodded, reaching down to pull the ring out of the box and then held it in front of me, not knowing which hand to put it on. I looked up at him and he smiled, moving his left hand in front of me. I grabbed it and slid the ring over his knuckle to the bottom of his finger where the ring sat perfectly. He grabbed my hand in his as he stared at the ring in awe, and then tugged my hand to pull me forward against his chest to kiss me deeply.

We sat there in front of the fire sharing long passionate kisses, holding hands, and watching our rings pick up the light. It was one of the most amazing days I had experienced in all my life. As long as I lived, I would never forget it.

We lost all track of time until finally Alice came in, calling us to eat. When we walked in, everyone else was already seated. We exchanged a look and chuckled before walking hand in hand to our seats. He held mine out for me and then slid into the one next to me, taking my hand and kissing my ring again.

It wasn't until Edward reached out to grab the mashed potatoes to begin passing them that a gasp escaped the far end of the table. Esme had noticed his ring for the first time. Everyone but Alice appeared perplexed until we shared the story of the ring and they all smiled and nodded in understanding.

After dinner, we all worked together to clean up. Edward stood by his word, staying at my side the whole time, helping us ladies in the kitchen until my part of the job was done. Once I was free, he pulled me back in front of the fire for more cuddling until the rest of the family were done and joined us for presents.

Everyone loved their gifts. Emmett actually teared up a little at the ornament I had gotten him that was meant to be a bit more humorous. We spent a beautiful day visiting with our loved ones before it was reaching the end of the day. Edward began to smirk again when I suggested calling a cab because the wait would be horrific.

I looked at him warily, his smirk widened into a huge mischievous smile and the guys all chuckled behind me.

"I have one more little present, love."

"Excuse me? Wasn't this enough?" I asked flashing the expensive ring at him.

He rolled his eyes. "An engagement ring is not a Christmas gift because I would have bought it anyway, no matter what time of year it is. No, this is your real Christmas gift."

He reached into a drawer by the staircase and pulled out a small flat box with silver wrapping paper. I reached forward nervously and lifted the lid from the box, lifting the layer of cotton from the top of the item in the box to see a set of keys.

My eyes shot up to his. He smirked at me again with twinkling eyes and I groaned.

"Oh, you didn't…I don't need a car, Edward. I live six blocks from my job, there's no reason for me to have a car."

He shook his head at me and sighed. "There are many things in this city that are a pain for you to experience without a car. Not only that, if you ever feel like just getting out on the open road and taking a drive, now you can."

He pulled the keys out of the box and dragged me to the door that led to his parent's garage. The rest of the party followed us with wide smiles.

I stepped into the garage and Edward hit the lights. I gasped in shock as a wave of dizziness hit me.

"Holy Fucking Shit, Edward! You bought me a brand new Dodge Viper? Those things are a hundred grand! Have you lost your ever loving mind?"

Edward's eyes popped out of his head a bit at the fact I had used that language in the presence of his parents. It only lasted for moment before he chuckled and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the bright red convertible, a big silver bow tied on the roof.

"Edward, I can't accept this car…it's too much."

He groaned and rolled his eyes, grasping my upper arms in his hands and held me out in front of him. "Yes, you can. You just agreed to be my wife, Bella. That means that in a year or so, when we make it legal, everything I have will be half yours, including that massive trust fund."

I crossed my arms and blurted, "Then I want a prenup!"

He rolled his eyes again but everyone behind me just laughed. "Prenups are usually to keep people from stealing your money, not to keep from letting them give it to you. You are insane, you know that?" He said with an amused twinkle in his eye and a disbelieving grin.

"Anyway, this car wasn't even three percent of the total balance in that account, so I don't want to hear any more about it. You've been drooling over Dodge Vipers for as long as I've known you…now just accept it and be excited about it like I know you want to be."

I stared him down for a long time, wanting to stay mad, but he was right, I was dying to get behind the wheel of that car…my dream car since the minute I was old enough to drive. I swallowed and he smiled, knowing that my resolve was melting quickly away. Finally, I closed my eyes and sighed with a smile.

I felt him pull me hard against him and spin me around in circles before kissing my lips repeatedly. "Thank you, Bella. I've wanted to do this for you for so long. Thank you for letting me!"

Once that was settled, the chaos behind me started. The guys all began to argue over who was going to drive it first. I whipped around on them with narrowed eyes.

"Oh no you don't! MY CAR…I drive it first!"

I ripped the keys out of Edward's hand and ran to the car door, hopping behind the wheel, Edward laughing behind me. He ran to the passenger side, hopping in with me. I started the engine and let the purr fill the garage.

The door behind me opened and I slid the beautiful car into reverse, carefully backing out into the driveway and onto the street. I pressed the clutch and put it into first, gently pressing the gas as I released the clutch. We darted off as I screamed in surprise. Edward laughed at me and watched me with amused eyes while I attempted to get used to the touchy gas pedal and brake as we wove our way through the city streets. I was so itching to get it onto some open highway and open it up, but I knew we needed to get back.

I pulled back into the driveway to find Emmett, Jasper, and Andy all standing by to open my car door before I could put on the parking break. They all begged and pleaded for the keys. I looked at them all smugly before finally sighing and handed the keys to Emmett. Jasper and Andy looked hurt and I shrugged.

"Well he is my big brother and gave up his last two years of dorm life to take care of me. I sort of owe him. Besides, he's going to be a Dad soon, so he'll never get to own a car like this in his lifetime!"

He groaned as I patted his arm before he leaned down and kissed my cheek.

"I love you, sis."

I looked back up at him. "I love you too, brother bear. Go have fun. Take these two yahoos and trade out after about ten minutes. I want this back in this driveway in thirty minutes or you'll never drive it again!"

He stood straight, saluting me. I smacked his arm with a chuckle. The boys slid into the seats and disappeared around the corner just as Edward slid up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"It's cold out here, love. Let's go back inside."

I let him lead me back inside to our spot in front of the fireplace where we lounged until everyone else left. Only Carlisle and Esme were left to sit with us in the cozy den.

Carlisle and Esme cuddled on the couch while Edward and I nuzzled in front of the fire. Finally, the fire began to dim. We gave our last hugs and kisses goodbye before climbing into the Viper to drive back to our apartment. I was nervous driving downtown with my perfect new car. When we got back, Edward directed me to pull into the underground garage where a space for my Viper waited next to his Volvo. I stood back, admiring it a moment more. I knew that I wouldn't get many opportunities to drive it, especially in the winter, but I had grand visions of taking it out in the summer with the top down and driving up to the summer house in it with my hair flowing behind me in the breeze.

We returned to our apartment. The second the door closed, Edward had me pressed against the wall of the vestibule.

"We're engaged," he said huskily after a few minutes of passionate kissing.

"Yes, we are," I answered back smirking up at him.

"I'm going to spend the rest of my life making you happy, Bella Swan, soon to be Masen."

I smiled up at him watching as he frowned for a second. "You do want to take my name, don't you?"

I chuckled and ran my hands through his hair. "Baby we haven't even been engaged twelve hours yet. Can't we save these discussions for another day? Preferably after I've taken you back to our bedroom and made love to you all night long?" I nibbled his ear as I finished, whispering the last part as I kissed his neck, earning a groan.

"Yes, please," he moaned before our lips found each other again. We stumbled in the dark toward our bedroom, maintaining our fervent liplock the whole way.