Christmas was on us in what seemed an instant and although I was excited by the fact that it was the end of the year and a time for presents and family love, I was sad that time was still flying so fast. Christmas to me was the best time for family. And I planned to make this year the best one yet. Everyone was gathering around our house, including the Cullen's early in the morning to exchange the presents between families, however couples were going to give each other their presents beforehand to make it quicker and more personal.
We were going to have a slow morning, before Christmas lunch at around one before watching a DVD. Just hanging around with each other on this day. And although we all spent a lot of time together, the Christmas atmosphere is always special and unique.
When I woke in the morning of the 25th of December, the first thing I did was smile. A nice wide smile. The second thing I did was dislodge myself from Sam's grasp to turn and jump on him.
"Its Christmas!" I yelled at the top of my voice.
His chuckling was the first thing that reached my ears and then his arms came around my waist and stopped me from bouncing on his side. "Merry Christmas to you, baby." he said, yanking me around so that I was lying on him, looking down at his face.
"Merry Christmas." I leaned in and gave him a long, wet xmas kiss. When I pulled back, he turned his head to look at the alarm clock on the bedside table.
"Only 8:13 and its already the best Christmas I've had so far." he smiled, smoothing my hair away from my face.
I grinned, "Well what can I say…I'm special." I chuckled and he joined.
"You sure are, princess." his thumb slid over my bottom lip. "So what are the plans for today?"
"We are going to exchange presents in…oh, three minutes. Then I'm going to start preparing the food for later. The others are coming over at ten."
Sam licked his lips. His chocolate eyes stared up at me, shimmering with the emotion that one couldn't help but feel when around your imprint. I knew those emotions. Pure love, awe, lust, trust, optimism and just a touch of fear. That fear part wasn't about having your imprint, it was the small part that was focused on what would happen if you lost them. I understood it well, but I didn't really have to worry, I knew that he felt for me how I felt for him. And I know that I would protect him until the end if need be. I wouldn't let anyone take him from me, not in a million years.
"Shall we shower?" Sam asked, his lips quirking in a smile.
I nodded vehemently, "Yes we shall." I giggled, grabbing his hand and pulling him up and yanking him out of bed. Loup raised his head, ears sticking up as he watched us padding, naked, to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth as Sam got the shower ready and hopped inside.
I followed him shortly after and pushed him gently out of the spray so that I could stand under it and soak my hair. He chuckled, his arms sliding around my waist as he pressed his chest against my back. He buried his face in the crook of my neck and nipped me. I loved the feel of his warm skin against mine, his firm, muscled chest pressed against me.
His mouth slid up and down my throat, "You are delicious." he murmured. I slid my hands up to reach back and thrust them in his hair.
"I know." I giggled as he nipped me again and turned me in his arms, pulling me up close so that there was not a part of us that wasn't touching.
"I love feeling you against me." he said, nuzzling the top of my head.
I grinned, "Back at ya."
We washed each others bodies and hair, running our hands along the lines and groves of the others' body before washing off and getting out of the shower. Loup wasn't in the bedroom when we walked in there, so the pup must have decided to go see whether his bowl was full yet.
We dried off, laughing and joking with each other as we did so. When he brought his towel against my backside with a loud snap, I couldn't help but retaliate in kind. That, of course, turned into one rough naked wrestling match, which then ended up with me riding him to ecstasy and back.
"We had a shower only to get dirty again." Sam chuckled as I slumped against his chest, breathing heavily.
I scoffed, "Oh well, some things just cant be helped." I rolled off of him, separating our bodies from where they were joined, with a groan.
"Some things don't need to be helped." He replied, turning on his side to look at me. "What shall I wear today?" he asked.
"Anything you want, baby." I answered, my voice dreamy and sated. He chuckled, stroking his hand up and down my bare stomach.
"God, I'm good." He smirked smugly at my obviously spent aura.
I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, yeah."
He leaned over and kissed me, "I love seeing you like this. It should be my duty to get you like this at least twice a day." he grinned, waggling his eyebrows.
I giggled and stood up, heading over to my wardrobe to pick out something to wear. His growl filled the room and he reached out, trying to grab my ankle but I side-stepped just in time to miss getting caught.
"I wouldn't be against the twice a day thing, but we should be realistic."
He stretched out on the floor before lying spread eagle and clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "It is realistic." he said, "Once in the morning, once at night."
I chuckled, "Men" I tsked and pulled out some dark jeans and a crimson blouse, before grabbing a red lace set of underwear from the drawers. "Get dressed." I said as I pulled the panties up my legs.
Sam's dark eyes watched me, "I will in a minute." he murmured, his gazed fixed on areas that weren't above my neck.
He only got up once all my clothes were on and he took his time trying to figure out just which pair of cut-offs to put on. I shook my head, laughing at him before heading downstairs and leaving him to it.
Our Christmas tree is lovely. Sam and I spent an evening alone together, decorating it with a golden theme in mind. It was large, seven-foot with thick, dark green pines. The fairy lights twinkled a soft gold, setting the scene. Its place was that in the living room, righting in front of the large window that gave the people who walked by a view of it.
Outside the usual La Push weather was still reigning, meaning that Christmas this year would have a dark, dreary feel to it, with the rolling grey clouds and winds that whistled past. But that was alright, it just made it warmer and cosier inside the house.
I set up the fire, chucking firewood in the hearth of the fireplace and helping it burn by putting alight pieces of newspaper on it. When the fire started cracking, I sighed happily. The golden glow was reflected of the dim room as Sam came trotting down the stairs and into the room.
"Shall I make us some breakfast?" He asked, eyeing his present under the tree. A sharp yip had us turning and looking at Loup, who's big brown eyes were staring at us expectantly.
"You wanna open it?" I asked, smiled. I crawled over to the pile of presents under the tree and picked up the large rectangular box wrapped in a two toned red paisley paper.
He beamed and rushed over, "Yes, yes, yes." he yelled kneeling next to me and taking the gift. The burst of excitement had Loup barking and bouncing around the living room, his tail swinging from side to side.
I picked up Sam's other gift, ready for when he had finished with his first one. This was a smaller, palm sized box. He tore the paper off of the bigger present, a big smile on his face even though he didn't know what it was.
"Oh god, baby." he whispered when he pulled the box that held his new Apple Macbook. He's been wanting a laptop for a while so it was an easy present to get him. I had to go a bit further then just a normal one though, he is my imprint after all.
He took the Macbook out of the box, admiring its sleek build before putting down gently and yanking me into his arms. Loup yipped and jumped at us.
"Thank you, gorgeous. I love it." he kissed me all over my face before finally ravaging my mouth.
"I have another present for you." I said against his slick lips, which curved into a grin as he looked into my eyes.
"Another one?"
"What can I say?" I shrugged, "I spoil you." giggling, I handed him the present. "Its just a little one." I added.
He winked at me as he opened it, revealing the black box that was inside, he opened that one and stared into it, his lips parting in a silent gasp. I watched with happiness and relief that is was obvious that he like it..
He picked up the chain and held the dog tags up in the air so that they swung slightly, the light from the fire glistened off of the shiny silver. There were two tags, one of which had his full name on 'Samuel Joshua Uley' and on the back of that one was written, 'Property of Bella Swan'. The second just had 'Alpha' written in large print on it.
He immediately placed them around his neck, the silver standing out against his russet chest. "They are wonderful." he said, his voice so genuine that my heart skipped a beat. I crawled forward and straddled his tights, leaning down to kiss him so softly. So tenderly. Relaying every emotion I felt for him in one kiss that not only did it steal his breath away, but mine too.
"Forever." I whispered against his mouth.
He nodded. "Always." he replied. We shared a loving smile before he squeezed my hips. "Time for your presents now." he murmured as I flopped down onto the floor beside him.
He slid a large box from under the tree in front of me. I nibbled my bottom lip as I tore the paper off and beamed. It was a red KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer. I loved it. Finally I would be able to bake quicker and in large volumes since I didn't have to do everything by hand. I opened up the cardboard box to look inside. I was shock at the amount of joy that the shine of a new piece of kitchen equipment could bring. I would definitely be using it today.
"Thanks, baby." I gushed, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.
"Here, there's this one too." he handed me another, which was obviously a paperback book from the floppiness of it. I opened it and read the cover, 'Starting and Running a Business for Dummies'. "I have a feeling you might need it at some point." he added.
My chest tightened. He was acknowledging the fact that I couldn't work as a waitress for the rest of my life and that I wanted to do something with baking. Which meant that he realised that school would be a must and that either I would have to head off alone to do it, or he would have to come with me.
I looked him in the eyes, "Thank you." I said sincerely and he lifted a shoulder.
"Anything for you, my soulmate." he said softly.
I took a deep breath and carded my fingers through his hair. "You do breakfast and I'll start preparing the stuff for lunch." I smiled as we placed our presents on the couch and headed into the kitchen, hand-in-hand.
Loup was trailing us, his tongue lolling out of his mouth allowing droplets of saliva to drip onto the floor. In the kitchen, I filled up his food and water bowl and put them back on the floor, watching as he scrabbled to eat. Crunching the kibble between his molars with loud popping sounds.
Sam chucked some bacon, sausage and eggs on as I sliced through way too many carrots and potatoes and a lot of other vegetables, placing them in separate pans of water and leaving them on the counter, ready for when I needed them later.
Once that was done, I ran back into the living room and grabbed the large box that held my mixer in it and wandered back into the kitchen. Sam was placing the plates of our breakfast on the table. The scent of cooked meat and cheesy eggs made my stomach growl appreciatively.
I moaned, "Lovely." I said, placing the mixer on the island counter. I padded over to the table and sat down. Winking at Sam as I popped a forkful of eggs into my mouth. "Yummy." I moaned appreciatively.
My man beamed proudly, "Glad you like it, my love."
"You treat me so good." I murmured as I ate some bacon.
He licked his lips, "Good, that's my job after all, treat you good and keep you happy."
"And its my job to do the same for you." I said, "And I really do try…I might not get it right all the time, baby, but I try my best." I worried myself, thinking about whether I wasn't being the best I could be for my imprint. He wanted a family life and I should have just given it to him because it would make him happy. Sometimes, I wonder whether I'm being selfish wanting to do what I want most of the time.
He frowned, his expression become serious and reached across the table to take my hand in his. "I know, baby…don't feel like I don't see that. I love you for who you are, you don't need to try and change for me."
It was impossible to describe the way I felt in that moment, I suppose that even though a part of me knew that Sam wouldn't expect anymore from me, the imprinting means that there is so many insecurities that I couldn't escape from.
"So I'm thinking about taking the girls for that spa day at some point after the new year. Use those gift certificates you got me."
He popped some sausage and eggs into his mouth, nodding his head before swallowing. "You should, you deserve a relaxing day."
I squeezed his hand, intertwining our fingers. "I do love you." I said and he choked out a laughed.
"Thank god for that."
We finished our breakfast and Sam did the washing up as I made a large carrot cake for later on. It was when I slid it into the oven that the doorbell went and the sound of laughter reached my ears. I looked over at Sam and raised an eyebrow.
He rolled his eyes, "I suppose I'll get it." he chuckled, walking past and slapping my ass as he did so, laughing even more at my yelp.
I listened to him answering the door and getting accosted by members of the pack. All the back clapping and rib nudging and all the other masculine greetings that they had going on.
"Where's Bells?" I heard Paul ask.
"Kitchen."
There was the rush of footsteps and the door sprung open revealing Paul, Seth, Embry and Quil. I guess the others would come a little later, they have their families to get away from before they could show up.
"Bella!" Paul yelled and ran over, picking me up and spinning me around.
"Bloody hell, Paul." I grinned as he set me down, wobbling slightly on my feet. "Merry Christmas to you." I chuckled. He grabbed my face and planted a sloppy kiss right on my mouth. Now, I'd probably be lying if I said I've never thought about what it would be like to kiss Paul, but that was before I imprinted. So now it was probably not the best idea. It probably didn't help that he was moaning against my lips a second before he was ripped away and chucked across the room.
"Watch my kitchen." I said as Sam snarled in Paul's face, crouching over the younger wolf, his hand squeezing his throat slightly and his body shaking violently.
"It's Christmas, man…chill out." Paul gasped, trying to yank Sam's hands away.
I rolled my eyes and cleared my throat, "Sam, baby, relax." I sighed, his head shot up and he stared at me…or rather my lips which were probably slightly damp from Paul's onslaught.
He let Paul go but came rushing over to me, yanking my head back and slamming our mouths together in a bid to claim. He lifted me up and sat me on the counter, very aware of the other men in the room and that's exactly why he was doing it. He kissed me hard enough to bruise my lips, leaving them swollen but leaving me fighting a sudden rush of arousal which was obvious to everyone in the room, since our heightened sensed allowed us to smell the slightest thing.
"Jeez, Sam…fancy giving me some tips on how to turn women into horny mush?" Embry grinned, his eyes darker then normal and his jeans showing that he appreciated the show. I turned to Seth and Paul and saw that they were in similar situations, only Quil wasn't excited about what had just happened and that was down to the fact that he had imprinted.
"Erm…" was all I could say.
"That was fucking hot." Paul growled, "We cant help that our bodies reacted. The show of dominance…man…I liked it."
"Paul" Sam growled, "Shut the hell up."
"Sorry." he replied, pushing himself up as I stared at Sam in a 'what-the-heck' fashion.
"Not necessary." I mumbled quietly, squeezing his hips between my thighs.
Sam swiped his tongue over his bottom lip, "Yes it was. He shouldn't touch what's mine." he said, the last word growled out as his eyes hardened, he threw a glare over his shoulder. The possessiveness sent another wave of arousal through me and everyone turned to smirk at me.
"What?" I muttered, putting my hands up I defence, "I cant help it."
"Who'd of known." Paul teased, smirking at me.
"Okay can we stop now, Bella is my sister." Seth scrunched his face up in disgust, running his hand through his hair and sniffing quietly.
I jumped off of the counter, pushing Sam away and walking over to Seth, pulling him in for a hug. "Merry Christmas, Sethy." I whispered in his ear and smiled as his arms tightened around me.
"Merry Christmas." he replied, his hands spanned on my back. "Can I talk to you later?" he asked, "In private."
I pulled back to look at his face, trying to see whether the subject would be really serious. His soft eyes weren't hazed with emotion, they were just inquisitive. I nodded, "Of course, how about after lunch?"
"Thanks, Bells."
"What about us?" Embry pouted, crossing his arms over his chest, "Don't we get hugs?"
"I'm gonna play with the dog." Paul muttered, rolling his eyes as he walked out of the kitchen to find Loup.
I chuckled and bounced over to Quil and Embry, pulling both of them into my arms. I could sense Sam leaning against the counter, watching like a hawk so that he can spot whether Embry's hands drift further then they should have. "What have you guys gotten for Christmas?" I asked.
"Clothes mainly." Quil answered.
"And a few video games." Embry added.
Quil grinned as we all stepped back, "I got a photo of me and Claire. It's the best."
"You're so cute." I giggled as his cheeks reddened.
"Shup!" he muttered, thrusting his hands into his pockets.
I grabbed the cake from the oven and turned it out onto the wire rack. It looked amazing and my mouth watered as the scent filled the room. Paul came bursting through the kitchen door and Loup following him.
"What is that?" he asked.
I smiled, "Carrot cake."
"It smells fucking delicious." he growled, eyeing my cake like it was a naked woman sprawled out on the counter.
Seth's stomach rumbled loudly, "It really looks yummy." he took a step closer.
I pointed my spatula at him, "Don't you dare." I glared, "Its for later, I have to ice it yet."
The doorbell went again and Paul shrugged, "I'll get it." he said, turning on his heel and going to open the door. It was dad and Sue, Billy, Leah and Rylan. They all came into the kitchen again as I pulled the table cloth and cutlery out of the draw.
"Paul, Embry and Seth." I pushed the stuff in their direction, "Can you go and set up the table."
"Beau?" Paul asked, his eyes alight.
I sniggered, remembering his reaction when Sam and I broke her, "Yeah."
"It'll be my pleasure." He said, picking up the cloth. "You guys take the knifes and forks. Don't scratch her or I'll kill you." he said to the boys as they walked out and towards the dining room.
Sue and Leah both came in and started helping me with the food. Stuffing the turkey and what not. By the time everything was cooking in the oven and needed to be left a while, everyone was here and sitting in the living room. I poured everyone a glass of wine, even the younger ones since it was Christmas after all, and got comfy in the living room.
When I walked in, the conversation stopped and Sam shifted in his seat, clearing his throat as he opened his arms up. I narrowed my eyes at everyone before plonking down in his lap. When shared out presents and opened them, it was fun watching the boys get excited and rip open the wrapping paper to se what was inside. I may have gone all out this year but I couldn't help it, they were like my babies and I wanted to spoil them all. Of course, I got spoilt also which I loved a lot.
Sitting down to eat the massive lunch I had set up was great and as we all sat down to eat the conversation was flowing easily. Us wolves were stuffing our faces, while the other ate a normal portion of everything. I could sense something going on because Sam because shifter as the day went on and kept sending dad and Sue a nervous look.
"You okay?" I asked him after about the fiftieth time he did it.
He blinked at me, "Yeah, I'm fine." he popped a potato in his mouth and chewed, dropping his gaze. Sighing, I submerged myself back into the conversation that Leah was leading about pregnancy aliments, sore nipples and stuff like that.
After lunch, which ended at about five, a few of the guys went to the beach while Seth dragged me upstairs and into my room, shutting the door behind me and yanking me towards the bed. If it had been anyone else, this is were I would have questioned what was going on, but I know Seth wasn't like that. We collapsed on the bed, side by side, and groaned simultaneously, our belly's incredibly full.
"So what's up?" I asked, turning my head to the side to look at him. Seth was a stunning boy, but I suppose all members of the pack were good looking. However, Seth was almost perfect, literally, his face and body were so symmetrical that it was as though he was sculpted by Michelangelo.
"I'm confused about…relationships." he sighed and scratched at his cheek.
I raised an eyebrow, "Oh."
"Yeah, what do you think about having a relationship when you haven't imprinted?" he asked finally and I understood.
Flinging myself over onto my stomach I leant up on my forearms and licked my lips. "You are young Seth, you should have some experience with relationships. You shouldn't hold off for something that might not happen. But even though I say that, it's still a difficult thing."
He nodded, "Its just, I don't want to fall in love with someone only to hurt them by imprinting on someone else."
I nibbled my bottom lip. "But you might not imprint, Seth. Why should you never have that chance at love. All I can really say is, if you don't want that to happen, don't let any relationship progress too far." there was silence for a while. "Has this thing come about because you are interested in someone." His wince told me that the question wasn't welcome.
"Yeah, I suppose. But its complicated." he sniffed, "I like them so much and I know they like me, they've told me so. But its difficult to think that a relationship can be possible when I could fall in love with someone else at any moment."
I knew who he was talking about and I couldn't say I was shocked. But I couldn't imagine my little Seth in any kind of relationship, let alone one with a 'them' instead of a 'she' or 'he'.
"Maybe, if they know about us and they know what to expect, then you can come to an agreement. You know, that you'll be with them but they have to understand that you might imprint."
He turned to me, realising I knew who he was talking about and huffed, "It's a little messed up, isn't it. I never even thought those kinds of relationships exist, let alone be almost yanked into one before I even knew what was going on."
I reached out and stroked his hair out of his eyes, "If you are happy, Seth, then nothing else matters. You have forever if you wanted it. You are nearly sixteen, you need to have those crazy experience so that you can figure out whether you need to learn from it or enjoy it."
He turned over and smiled at me, "I'm so glad that you are part of our family, Bells. I could never have spoken about this with anyone else."
"Not even Leah?" I asked.
He shrugged, "No, its not that I don't trust her with it, its just I would never know how to put it to her and she wouldn't be as perceptive as you are."
"I love you, Seth. You're my lil bro and I'm always going to be here if you want to chat. But I promise you can go to Leah too, she wont judge you."
He smiled at me, flashing his pearly teeth before flinging himself on top of me and hugging me tightly. "Love you too." he said, squeezing me before pulling us up. "Lets go downstairs. Jacob's probably whining over not being with Edward and I've had texts all day about going over to the Cullen's for a bit."
"Well you guys can pop over there." I said as we trudged down the stairs and into the living room, were the boys that left had returned and were all sitting playing some video games as the girls gossiped.
"What do you say, Jake?" Seth asked. Jacob lifted his head with a 'huh' expression on his face. "Wanna head over to the Cullen's for a bit?" Seth asked and Jake's face lit up. He was on his feet in a second.
"Yes!" he yipped making everyone laugh. "Come on then, I'll drive us." he said to Seth and the two of them headed out.
I sat down with the girls, reaching out to rub Leah's stomach gently. "How's my niece doing in there?" I asked.
Leah smiled, "Kicking like nobody's business. Hold it there and you'll feel her in a sec." she said, so I just rested my hand against her bump and waited, it didn't take long before I felt the little pup kick up a storm and gasped.
"Oh my." I couldn't believe how that felt, "That's amazing. How does it feel for you?"
"It hurts a little, the more she does it but its always just mind blowing. Knowing that she's growing inside of me and she's moving in there." Leah's eyes were bright with happiness and love and it made my heart clench for reasons I wasn't sure about. "You're going to love it." she added and my smile wavered slightly.
"I'm sure." I answered. I could hear the boys whispering but I couldn't tell what they were saying before my mate snapped something and jumped up, heading towards me.
"Come on, lets go for a walk." Sam said, holding his hand out for me. I frowned, confused and raised an eyebrow. "Humour me." he shrugged.
Sliding my hand into his I let him pull me up, "Okay, where are we going to go?"
"I think the beach would be nice at this time."
"We'll see you guys in a bit." I said to everyone around us, who were all beaming and nodding.
"Sure thing, honey." Dad said, "Have fun." he added and I frowned again until Sam tugged on my arm and pulled me towards the front door.
"I've had the best day." He said as we strolled towards the beach, so close that our bodies brushed and our intertwined hands were squished between us. There was a slight tension and I wasn't sure why though.
I nudged his shoulder with my cheek. "I'm glad, its been the best Christmas I've ever had. I love my family here."
"Do you miss, Phoenix?" he asked me and I shook my head.
"Not really. I miss the people I left there sometimes, but most of the time I'm too busy enjoying myself here." I looked up at him, "with you" I added.
He smiled down at me, his dark eyes gleaming with happiness in a way that made my heart clench. He bent his head to kiss my temple. "I'm so fucking lucky." he said, lifting his shoulders in a way that echoed his surprise at the fact.
The rest of the walk towards the beach was quiet and less awkward then before, but I could still sense that Sam was a bit fidgety and nervous. When the sand sunk under my footsteps I decided to turn and jump up into his arms, locking my ankles around his waist.
"Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?" I asked, smirking as I threaded my fingers into his hair.
He raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking in amusement. Clicking his tongue he pretended to look thoughtful. "I don't think they have." he answered.
I gave and exaggerated gasp, "How could they not?" I teased, "Well, I guess I'm just going to have to tell you." I heaved a sigh.
He laughed and continued to walk with us. "Yes, maybe you should."
I threw my head back dramatically, "Oh Samuel!" I yelled, "You are brilliant and wonderful. My heart races and my loins throb every time you come near." he barked more laughter at this one. "My dear wolf, nothing can compare to you. I am yours, oh great one." I lifted my head again and raised an eyebrow. "How was that?"
His body was still shaking from his chuckles as he nodded, "It was great. Thank you, baby." he tilted his head slightly and puckered his lips for me to kiss. I did, of course. I would never miss a chance to kiss my beloved.
I made sure not to end the kiss quickly, loving the feel of his soft and yet firm lips against mine. I whimpered, submitting to him and I could feel the alpha coming out to play. I tugged sharply at his hair and nibbled his lips, chuckling as he growled at me. He continued to devour me before setting me down on the ground, leaving me a little unsteady on my feet.
He beamed at me, "Come, I want to show you something."
He pulled me across the sand, walking at a fast pace towards the part of the cliff that stuck out and cut into a third of the beach. When we got to the rock, Sam stopped and stepped closer to me, so that we were pressed together. He curled his fingers around my wrist and bent his head to nibble at my neck.
Giggling, I pushed at his chest, "What have you got to show me?" I asked.
He smirked and pulled me around the other side of the rock, presenting me with an amazing sight. There were dozen's of Chinese lanterns lighting up the sand with a golden glow, some of them were on the ground while others were settled in grooves on the rock. In the darkness, they made the atmosphere sensual and beautiful. There was a blanket laid out in the midst of the display with an Ipod dock and Jake's Ipod sitting on it. That's were Sam led me, but he made it clear that I shouldn't sit down just yet.
He took a deep, shuddering breath before leaning down to peck me on the lips. He was suddenly nervous, rubbing his hands over his cut-offs and blowing out breaths.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He shook his head, "Nothings wrong." he took my hands in his and smiled softly at me. "You know that you are my life, right?"
I nodded, "As you are mine."
His fingers squeezed mine, "I love you so much, I cant breathe without knowing your safe. Every night I look forward to holding you in my arms and I know that's how its going to be for the rest of our lives but I want cement that."
My eyes widened as he got down on one knee and pulled a box from his pocket. "Isabella Swan, will you marry me?" he asked.
My breath left me in a rush and I blinked profusely at him before realising that he was actually being serious and expecting an answer. I squealed, "YES!" I yelled, "Yesyesyesyesyesyes. YES!" he hadn't even opened the box yet, but I didn't care what was inside. I leapt at him, throwing my arms around his neck and squeezing. "Oh my god, Sammy."
He held me, nuzzling his head firmly into my neck, "Seriously?" he asked.
I nodded vehemently, "God yes. We're getting married!" I squealed again.
"Fuck." Sam said, "Kiss me." he added, tugging my head back and slanting his lips over mine. This kiss was really the start of our future together. It was the kiss that cemented our engagement and the fact that at some point not to far in the future, we would be husband and wife and that there would be a piece of paper that declared Sam as mine and me as his. It was a rough kiss at first, were I could feel Sam releasing all his previous nerves and then it became soft and tender. If there was one thing I loved about Christmas, it was how it allowed everyone to demonstrate their feelings.
He pulled back from me, making me open my eyes to see that his were still closed and he had a goofy grin on his face. I stroked my fingers over his cheek as he opened them and heaved a happy sigh.
"You didn't even see the ring." he smirked, picking the box back up.
I nibbled my bottom lip, "That's because the ring wouldn't have made a difference to my answer."
"Its tradition." He grinned, opening the box up. I looked down and gasped because the ring was so beautiful. A platinum three stone Tiffany's & Co engagement ring with a diamond band, the exact one we looked at in Seattle but I moved on to the others because it was too expensive.
"Oh my god." I raised my hand to my chest as I stared at it.
Sam bit his lip, "Do you like it?"
"I love it!" I beamed as he took it out of the box and grabbed my left hand, sliding the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly. Looking down at my hand, I couldn't believe the way it looked with that ring on it. Everyone who sees me now will know that I belong to Sam and that made my insides tingle, which probably had something to do with the wolf in me. "Wow." I murmured.
Sam scrabbled over to the Ipod dock and pressed play before standing. The music started playing loudly and I smiled when I recognised the song. He pressed against me, his fingers curled around my hips as mine went to fiddle with the hair at the back of his neck.
The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes. And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave, to the dark and the endless skies, my love. To the dark and the endless skies.
We swayed together, our foreheads resting against each others. Dancing beneath the stars while staring into your fiancés eyes was probably so romantic that it would make lesser men puke. But I couldn't think of a better way to spend my evening.
The first time I kissed your mouth, I felt the earth move in my hands, like the trembling heart of a captive bird. That was there at my command, my love. That was there at my command, my love.
Sam twirled me around before pulling me close again, his hand slipping around to spread out against my lower back, his fingers brushing the swell of my backside. His eyes still held mine and his teeth worried his bottom lip. I slid my hand up into his hair and licked my own lips.
"Love you." I whispered, "So much."
The first time ever I lay with you, I felt your heart so close to mine and I knew our joy would fill the earth and last till the end of time, my love. And it will last till the end of time, my love.
He smiled softly, the light from the lanterns glittering across his skin, giving the deep russet and warm glow. "I love you. You are mine, forever."
The first time ever I saw your face, your face, your face, your face.
The song ended and we laid down on the blanket, looking up at the stairs as they sparked in the deep blue expanse of the sky and playing with our fingers.
"Is this why you've been edge this afternoon?" I asked.
He chuckled and nodded, "Yep, I wasn't sure what you would say."
I looked at him as though he was crazy, "You knew I would say yes, surely."
"Nope, I couldn't stop that niggling feeling that you wouldn't want it."
I rolled onto him, shaking my head as I looked down at his face. "You're stupid." I stated and he laughed.
"Apparently." he pulled us up and got to work putting out the lanterns and grabbing the Ipod dock and Ipod. "Lets go home and tell everyone you said yes." He took my hand and we started walking back.
"They all knew that you were going to propose, didn't they?" I asked and he nodded in affirmative.
"Yep, you don't phase enough baby, which worked on my behalf."
I rolled my eyes, "I cant believe I didn't figure it out."
Sam smirked, "I'm that good."
We got home quickly and of course, they all knew what I would say so they greeted us with the sounds of corks being popped. I was shocked to see the Cullen's there too, with Jake's arm wrapped around his imprints shoulders as they smiled at us. All the girls huddled around my hand, cooing at my ring as we squealed with happiness. The boy's clapped Sam on the back, telling him he did good and such.
Dad came over to me and pulled me into a hug. "I cant believe it, my baby girl getting married." he murmured in my ear.
"I'll always be your little girl, daddy." I whispered back, holding him tighter, "I love you."
"I love you too." he pulled back, holding me at arms length and looking at my face, "Though I don't know how your mother is going to act."
I gave a humourless laugh, "Yeah, I'll sort that out tomorrow."
"Good idea."
Sue came over and shoved glasses of champagne into our hands, I looked around to see everyone with one. She put her arm around my waist and raised her glass. "To Sam and Bella." she beamed.
I stared into Sam's eyes from across the room and bathed in the love he had for me.
"To Sam and Bella."
A/N - Hope this was alright, there is something about this chapter that makes me feel that its one of my fav's, it might just be the fact that Sam proposed.
REVIEW FOR ME:)
xxxxxx