Chapter 9

Several weeks had gone by and the mood of the family was happy and upbeat. They were all ready for Christmas, which was now just a few days away.

Carlisle had been giving Esme regular check ups and everything seemed to be going smoothly with her pregnancy. No one knew for sure how long it would be before the baby arrived, though from what Carlisle could gather, the pace seemed close to that of Bella's. It wouldn't be long before another Cullen baby would be welcomed to the world.

Out in the back yard behind the house, a snowball had begun amongst the family. Jasper had thrown the first one that landed solidly on the back of Emmett's head. From then on an all out war began.

Esme and Carlisle sat on a bench and watched as everyone moved swiftly in and out of trees, preparing sneak attacks on each other. Renesme was protected by Edward, who kept feeding her snowballs to get the others with. Both of them smiled watching him swing from tree to tree with his daughter on his back, going out of his way to bombard Emmett and Rosalie.

"Come on, Carlisle!" Emmett challenged, packing a snowball together.

"Sorry Emmett, but I'm enjoying the view from here." He turned to kiss Esme on the cheek, but before he could do so, a snowball crashed against the side of his head.

Esme couldn't help but laugh. Emmett put his hands up in victory. "I know you're not just gunna sit there and take it, old man."

Carlisle smiled, "Old man?" He made a snowball and raced after Emmett to a point where Esme could no longer see them.

Roslie took Carlisle's place on the bench, "How are you feeling?" She smiled wide.

Esme looked at the happiness on Rosalie's face. Like Edward's bright turn around when he found Bella, the gloom that sometimes lingered around her daughter had all but disappeared. " I'm feeling great, Rose," she began to continue but shouted, "Watch out!"

Snow covered Rosalie's face, a lovely gift from Jasper. She turned and glared at him. He stood with a sly smirk across his face with another snowball in hand, raising it menacingly.

"Don't you dare, Jasper." Rosalie threatened. She pointed a finger at him, but this didn't stop Jasper from letting it fly. Rosalie ducked and charged Jasper, taking him to the ground. Within moments he had her in immovable hold with her hands behind her back.

"I'm too fast for ya Rose."

"Play nice, Jasper." Alice gracefully swooped down from a nearby tree.

He winked at her and let Rosalie go and swept her off the ground into his arms.

"We should go to Seattle tonight, "Alice suggested.

"What for, my love?" Jasper gave her a peck on the lips.

"The city's all decorated for Christmas. There are lights, a tree and a big skating rink," she looked at Esme, "We could all go as a family."

Esme nodded, "I don't see why not. We haven't done something like that in awhile. And it would be great for Renesme."

Rosalie hurled a snowball at Jasper that landed in the middle of his back. He grinned and was about to go after her, but Alice still lingered in his arms.

The rest of the family returned from their parts unknown and joined the discussion.

"Edward," Alice said, "We want to all go into the city as a family."

Esme looked at Carlisle, "I think it would be nice."

Carlisle agreed, "Sounds great. I'm sure Renesme will love it."

"At least someone will enjoy the hot chocolate," Emmett joked, bumping Renesme with his hip. She bumped him back with a smile.

The kids went inside. Carlisle pulled Esme back as she began to follow them. "Let's watch the sunset, love."

She smiled and glanced up at the darkening sky. The setting sun painted a perfect picture on the snowy landscape that outstretched before them.

Carlisle placed a hand on her stomach, hoping to feel some movement. His wish was granted and he pulled his hand back at first, then placed it back.

"Merry Christmas," he said.

"Thanks for the gift," she said smiling at him, gesturing to her stomach.

Carlisle kissed her forehead and they sat back at watched the sun creep below the trees.