"That tree is beautiful" Esme smiled giving me a hug
"Thanks I thought it would fit perfectly"
"Happy Christmas Eve everyone" Carlisle smiled carrying in gifts
"You guys were supposed to go easy this year" Edward came in after him bringing in more gifts
"And you believed us" Esme laughed "And how are you?"
She placed her hands on either side of my stomach and smiled. I knew she was listening
To the baby's heartbeat. It made me mad that didn't have super vampire hearing so I could hear but Edward told me that it would freak me out.
"I'm fine, a little tired but I feel fine"
"That's good"
Carlisle and Esme came over to help us set up once we put the kids down. They also wanted to drop off their gifts. The kids walked into the room and Abby ran over to Esme jumping on her lap. Esme stroked her curls lovingly.
"Are you excited for Santa to come tonight?"
"I'm going to get a lot of presents" she told her
"That all depends on how you behave tonight" I said "But it's almost time for bed"
"But grandma just got here" she whined
"And you'll see her tomorrow but Santa won't come unless you're sleeping"
Edward walked into the room and held his arms open "Come on princess"
He lifted her up and she rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes. We all whispered her a good night.
"Do you have everything set?"
"Pretty much, just a couple things need to be moved"
Carlisle came out holding Ryan and he handed him to Esme who cradled her grandson close.
"I still can't believe how much our lives have changed" she stroked his hair
"Me either" I smiled at them
Esme was almost as happy as I was. I could tell that she was destined to be a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and had so much love to give them.
"Do you mind if I put him down?"
"Nope, go ahead"
Cradling him, she walked down the hallway
We got Abby a big girl bike, kitchen set and new dolls while Ryan got remote control cars, stuffed animals, and a push lawn mower that could help him walk.
"I can't wait to see their faces when they wake up"
I took a bite of the cookie and a sip of the milk that Abby insisted we leave out for Santa. I was so happy that I got to do this with them. Some of my favorite memories as a kid was waiting for Santa to show up and bring me my gifts. Although I wasn't too happy when I snuck down one year and saw my mom piling the gifts under the tree.
"Bella does this look good?"
I turned around to see where Carlisle positioned the bike and kitchen set. Edward was setting Ryan's toys up on the opposite side.
"Looks good" I gave them a thumbs up
We chatted for another hour or so until they decided to leave for the night. "We'll see you later on tomorrow, make sure to take lots of pictures"
"Alright time for you to go to bed" he came over and lifted me up; I rested my head on his shoulder.
"I'm excited for tomorrow" I told him
"Me too" he agreed "What time is your dad coming?"
"10ish, I figured that'd give us enough time to get ready and they can play with their toys"
"Then get to bed"
He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me down onto the bed. My mom couldn't make it out here for Christmas. She wanted to stay close to home. I was a little disappointed but got over it after a while. Edward's family was coming over later so we had a busy day ahead of us.
"I love you" I told him
"I love you more" he snuggled into me
"Not a chance"
It was finally Christmas morning and I couldn't wait for the kids to open their gifts. This was the first year that they both could understand the idea of Santa and really enjoy it. Edward was already making sure everything was set up. I walked into Abby's room since they both slept there. They were both still sleeping and I bent down to ease them awake.
"Merry Christmas" I whispered
"Mommy" she whispered
"Daddy went in the living room and told me that Santa came last night"
"Santa?" she sat up rubbing her eyes "Santa left presents?"
"Yeah come on lets go see"
She jumped out of bed dragging her blanket with her. I looked and saw that Ryan's eyes were open and he was staring at me.
"Do you want to go see what Santa brought you?"
I picked him and brought him into the other room with Abby following me. I heard Edward fumbling with something.
"Are you ready for us?" I asked
"Yep, send them in"
When they rounded the corner Edward had a camera in his hand "You're not video taping this are you?"
"Of course I am"
"Ugh, I look hideous" I laughed covering my face
"Oh stop it you look beautiful" he rolled his eyes "Merry Christmas guys"
He grabbed Ryan from me and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Mommy!" she got our attention by running over to her bike "I got a big girl bike"
I placed Ryan on the floor as Edward was showing him his toy cars. I went over to help Abby up on her bike.
"Wave to daddy" I told her
She looked at Edward and waved at the camera. He smiled lovingly at her. They took time enjoying their toys and Ryan got up and pointed to the window.
"Look!" he shouted
We followed his gaze and saw him playing with his cars. Edward moved the camera to him.
"Mommy Santa ate my cookies"
"I guess he was hungry" While they were playing I excused myself to make them a quick breakfast.
"Everything went well" Edward said walking in
"They seem happy" I nodded "Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas love" he kissed me gently then leaned down to caress my tummy "Merry Christmas to you too"
While the kids were playing with their new toys, while my dad was admiring his new fishing gear we got him. Edward handed me a box and I took it thankfully. We had agreed last night to give each other our presents in private but of course Edward didn't listen. He gave me a smirk as I opened it. Inside was a mini replica of the Eiffel Tower.
"Edward…"
"It goes with this" he continued handing me another box
I rolled my eyes and opened my next gift. Inside this box was a beautiful turquoise bikini adorned with gold trimmings running up the sides. I had no idea what he was doing with my gifts but he was crazy if he thought he'd ever see me in this.
"It's beautiful, thank you"
"You're welcome"
"I don't understand though"
"You will soon enough" he teased
I let it go for now and focused on my family. They were all so happy and I was glad my dad could make it over; he seemed to be enjoying himself. He got the kids various toys and the some new baby things.
"Well kids this was nice but I got head out"
He leaned down to say goodbye to the kids before showing himself out. When the Cullen's came over it was very relaxed. They forbid that I do anything except enjoy this time with my kids. We opened gifts while Abby showed off the new clothes that Alice got her. Emmett was building a tower out of Legos for Ryan but he just kept knocking it down. Edward wrapped an arm around my shoulder and kissed my neck.
"This is relaxing" he whispered
"Mmm" I mumbled
"Guys it's snowing" Rosalie cheered pointing at the window
Sure enough little flakes were falling from the sky. Nothing was more perfect then a white Christmas.
"Before you head to bed there's one more gift I want to give you" Edward told me latter on that night
I sat down on the bed and he handed me a small envelope. Raising an eyebrow I took it and fumbled with the flap to get it opened. Inside was two pieces of paper.
"I don't get it"
"Bella, honey, look at what it says" he pointed to what I was holding
I looked back down at the papers and realized that they were tickets. I heard Edward laughing and I reached over to straddle him.
"Paris!" I cheered "You're taking me to Paris?"
"Yes, the most romantic city in the world" he laughed steadying me "I thought we could use some time to ourselves, you know our last vacation before the new baby, and we're not leaving until Valentines' Day weekend so…"
Thank you" I whispered peppering his face with kisses "Wow, Valentine's Day in Paris"
"Your welcome"
"Wow Paris"
"I've wanted to take you there for a long time"
"Definitely the best Christmas gift ever"
"I'm happy you think so"
"But isn't it going to be cold? What do I do with the bikini?"
"Don't worry you'll have a purpose for that"
"Okay well now its time for me to give you my gift"
He looked confused as I got up to shut the door. "Should I be worried?"
"Don't worry" I turned to face him and slowly removed my robe to reveal a skimpy set of lingerie I picked out.
"Bella!"
I moved to the bed and pushed him down on it- well he lowered himself on it, bringing me with him.
"The doctor said no rough housing"
"Hey, I feel great and if you haven't noticed… the doctor's not here"
"Is my wife disobeying the doctor's order?" he asked shocked
"Shut up" I said playfully kissing him
"And she's being forceful? I think I like this side of you"
He surprised me by spinning me so I was underneath and placed delicate kisses all over me but they eventually turned rough.