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Thank you for your patience, and support, we are working on the next chapter and we have a final outline there are about 4 to 5 more chapters togo with this story.
Parallel Parenting
Chapter 22
Edward POV
As Bella winces again, I wake up. "Sorry," She mutters but I shake my head.
"Not your fault."
She just hums. "Maybe I should sleep in the spare room, that way you'll get some sleep."
"Like hell you will," I state in a louder tone.
"Come on, Edward, you're lucky if you managed to get a full hour of sleep all night, I know I didn't."
I turn looking at the clock seeing that it just after six in the morning. She is right; it's the sixth time she's woken up due to pain. The longest she managed to rest was an hour and ten minutes all night.
"I don't care, Nayeli, it's not like I am going to work. And I am sure my mom will watch the girls so we can get an hour nap later if we need it."
Bella merely looks at me. "I wish I could sleep. I feel so tired, but—" she cuts off and winces again.
I lightly kiss her forehead. "You're in a lot of pain, and the pain pills you are taking aren't helping. The doctor said that the pills won't help much, except to take the edge off, but you refused anything else."
"I'm not taking anything stronger," she states as her hand goes to her flat tummy. "This is the important stage."
I nod at her. A part of me wishes she would take something to feel better, but the other part commends her for not being willing to take a chance that pain medication could harm our unborn child.
"Do you want me to run a warm bath for you?"
Bella smiles and nods at me. "That sounds good."
I kiss her and then walk to the bathroom. I wait until it's half-filled before heading back to the bedroom. Picking her up, I carry her to the bathroom.
"You know I'll need to start walking to places on my own soon?" she quips.
"I know, but not today," I say with a grin on my face, making her just hum back at me.
I sit on the toilet as she washes her body, but I have to help wash her hair.
When she's done, I help her to towel off and carry her back to the bedroom. I help her get clean clothes out and put them on. When she's changed and sitting on the chair, I change our bed sheets. After I'm done with the bed, I grab her brush and start to remove the tangles from her hair. I blow dry it and braid the back so it's not in her face.
"How about I take you downstairs and then get a start on breakfast?"
"I can help," she states.
I shake my head at her as I pick her up. "No, Nayeli, you are on bed rest, and that means you do nothing but relax."
"I don't like doing nothing," she mutters to me in a childlike voice.
I raise my brow at her, and she pouts back at me.
"I'll bring you into the kitchen with me. You can keep me company and give me directions?"
She grins making me shake my head.
"It's almost as if I have gained another daughter."
"A naughty daughter," Bella whispers in my ear, and then starts to kiss my neck.
"Very … and we should stop now since we can't do anything but give ourselves blue balls."
Bella's giggles making me smile. I sit her at the kitchen table and walk to the counter.
"How about toast, bacon, and eggs for the girls and me and a cheese omelet and toast for you?"
Bella nods at me, and I get started. I am almost finished when the girls join us.
"I'm starved," Kassie tells us sounding sleepy as she enters the kitchen.
"You must be, you didn't eat much yesterday," I agree, happy to see that her appetite is back. I am sure Cordie was down a little, too, but you couldn't see it as much as Kassie.
We enjoy our family breakfast, and all walk into the living room after we're done eating. I take Bella's blood pressure sending the numbers to my dad, and then we settle down to watch television.
We've been watching for the best part of the morning when the doorbell rings.
"I'll get that," I say with a smile as I get up.
I open the door to see Mike standing there with flowers, and a bag. I smile and then hug him because I'm so happy he saved my family. Luckily, he seems to have anticipated my movements and moved the flowers to the side so I didn't crush them.
"Thank you for saving them," I say feeling as if I am getting caught up again in my emotions.
"Yeah …" he says shakily, "I just came by to drop these off for Bella, and I have something for the girls, too," he says handing the flowers to me.
"Come in, and give them to the girls and Bella yourself," I tell him.
"Are they up for a visitor?" he asks sounding worried.
"They are for the guy who saved them," I tell him.
Walking in, Mike follows me, and when we get to the entrance to the living room, his name is yelled by Cordie and Kassie together, who both run into his arms.
"Hi, girls," he says, and kneels down to them. He hands me the flowers and I take them to Bella, who is holding back her tears.
"I brought you girls each a little something to keep you occupied until you're all healed up."
The girls open their bags and start pulling out things. He brought Cordie a new art set along with a book on the history of famous artists. He brought Kassie a new sports set, and a few advanced learning workbooks to help challenge her with mathematics.
"I know she's too young for the art books, but Jessica's sister is an artist and this is part of her workload at College. I thought it was good to get her started on art history early on," Mike tells us clearly nervous about the gifts.
"I love them," Cordie tells him right away. "I can't wait to read them," she says as she opens the book clearly engrossed in it.
"Those are perfect gifts for both of them," Bella tells him as she pats the seat next to her.
Mike walks to the sofa and sits down, giving Bella a smile.
"Sorry, I yelled at you," Bella blurts as tears run down her face.
"It's okay; I should've tried to explain what I was doing. My head just went into overdrive," he says.
Bella shakes her head. "It was wrong of me to yell at you."
"It was okay, Bella, I could see you were scared," he stops and shakes his head.
"I personally thank God you were there. It was one in a million chances," I state still thankful that he was on the road at the time.
"I'm more than thankful that Jessica's car broke down outside Alice's shop. That's where I was headed at the time."
I just look at him.
"Alice called me and Jessica's car wouldn't start, so I was on my way to help her."
I nod at him.
Bella simply looks at him "I can't believe you rammed her car," she stutters.
"I had no choice. I am only sorry that I didn't catch up to her before she hit you the first time."
"What?" I mutter having no clue what he means.
"As I said, I was on my way to Alice's, when she cut me off almost hitting a few other cars. When I realized it was Maggie's car, I followed as fast I could knowing she was going to cause an accident. I even radioed the police, but she hit Bella's car before I could tell what was going on. It took me ages to get past the other cars."
Bella placed her hands over his, the guilt that he's been feeling for not reaching her beforehand is clear in his voice.
"You got to us; you saved us, and that is what is important," she tells him again. "Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?" Bella asks, but he shakes his head.
"No, I need to get to work. I was just dropping by to bring these things for you and the girls."
"Don't be a stranger, and come back soon," Bella tells him, knowing the girls are still making him a hero medal for what he did.
"Will do," he says standing up. He waves to the girls who have been looking at what he brought them, and I walk him to the door.
"Thank you, again," I say making him shake his head at me.
"I just did what any reasonable minded person would have done."
I hum, in disagreement with him; there are many people that wouldn't have done anything but video tape it.
When he gets into his car, I walk back to the house.
"Did you see what he gave me?" Cordie asks showing me her book.
"I did," I tell her as she grins at me.
"I hope that I can paint as good as these artists."
"I am sure you will; in fact, I think you'll be much better," I tell her as Bella nods in agreement.
At lunchtime, I take Bella's blood pressure again and send it to my dad before I make everyone soup and salad. After we eat, we head out back and sit on the heated patio so the girls can get fresh air, but still stay warm.
The doorbell rings again, only this time it opens and my parents walk in.
"How are my patients?" My dad asks with a smile aimed at Bella.
"I'm okay," she quickly replies and my father looks at me.
"She's doing better, but she's still in pain, and didn't get much sleep last night."
He chuckles and nods while Bella sighs. "You didn't need to tell him all that," she mutters at me.
"I did; he has to know all the facts," I counter making her raise her eyebrow at me.
"Mike came by," Kassie tell my parents making both of them look at her. "He brought Mom flowers and gifts for Cordie and me," she says showing my mom.
As my mom looks over the girls' gifts, my father looks Bella over.
"Your blood pressure thankfully is almost back to normal," he tells her happily.
"Yeah, does that mean no more bed rest?"
He chuckles shaking his head at her. "No, it means bed rest until the new year."
"But that's ten days away!"
"Yes, and then it will be half-day bed rest for another ten days after that."
Bella pouts at him but when she sees that she is clearly not making him change his mind, she starts to become whiney.
"I need to do something, I hate sitting down all the time."
"Tough titty," my father responds.
Bella just looks at him and then looks at me. "Tough titty?" she questions.
"It's a nicer way of saying 'tough shit.' You're on bed rest," I whisper against her ear.
"I know what it meant, Edward, I just never imagined that your father would say something like that to me."
"My father has a very colorful vocabulary, and that's barely touching the tip of the iceberg of his colorful sayings."
"They can't be as colorful as yours," Bella states with a raised eyebrow.
"Now that we have that out of the way, and I know you are all fine, I am here to steal my granddaughters for an hour or two. If you don't mind, that is?"
Bella looks at the girls who nod at her, seemingly excited about going with their grandparents.
"Jackets, shoes," Bella tells them, "And be good."
"We're always good," they both tell her with a roll of their eyes.
Before they leave, they hug both Bella and me.
"Now, how about we have a little nap?" I ask feeling quite tired myself.
"Sounds good; it's just a shame there's nothing else we can do."
I chuckle as I pick her up to carry her to our bedroom.
"You're going to have arms the size of my thighs if you keep doing this," she tells me before kissing my neck.
"Hush, woman and stop trying to provoke things I can't do," I tell her placing her gently on the bed.
She gives me a bit of a pout, but then smiles at me, anyway.
Bella and I are only able to get about ninety minutes of sleep, but we stayed in bed, resting, which helps me feel better, myself. I know it didn't help Bella much, but she did at least relax.
"We're back!" I hear Kassie yell happily, and I chuckle shaking my head.
"Coming back downstairs with me?" I ask and Bella nods at me.
I pick her up and carry her downstairs. When we get to the living room, I am surprised to see that both girls seem overly happy about something.
"I take it you two had a good time?" I ask.
"It was great," they tell me together, before giggling.
I raise my eyebrow knowing that they are up to something. I look towards my parents who merely smile and wink at me, clearly telling me that they are up to something, too.
"Your dad and I were thinking," my mom starts off, and I hum at her, "that with Bella, and the girls being injured, that maybe this year we can have Christmas dinner here. I would do all the cooking of course, but no one would need to leave?"
"I can help cook, Esme," Bella says looking at her.
"I know, and I could use some help, if you are in a seat." my mother quickly agrees clearly happy that Bella is agreeing to have dinner here.
"Sounds good, Mom, but is Alice okay with it?"
"Yes, it was her idea."
I look at Bella shaking my head. My sister still has the power to surprise me.
"The last thing I need to know is, if you have anything special you do for the day?"
Bella looks at her and then to me. "I think she's asking if you have any family traditions on Christmas Day."
"Oh, we used to, but …" Bella says trailing off.
"What did you used to do?" I ask looking at her.
"It was more my dad. We used to go around town and sing carols on Christmas Eve. Then, we went to the local nursing home, and other homes of people we knew who would enjoy it, and sing for them. It was great fun … but we haven't done that in years."
I sigh and then kiss her head. "Sounds good, but since we can't go much of anywhere, maybe we could sing carols as a family," I whisper to her hoping to make her feel somewhat better.
My parents stay until Alice, Jasper, and Colton show up. The girls take Colton up to their room, to play and Jasper and I head to my office to talk. Alice starts dinner while Bella keeps her company.
"How's work?" I ask Jasper.
"It's fine, everyone was shocked about what happened to Bella and the girls. They wanted to send 'get well' flowers. Tanya said she would buy the flowers. She added that everyone could pitch in to donate to homeless shelters in the girls' names."
I smile nodding at him. Whereas, I am grateful for these thoughts. I would rather they keep their money but giving it to charity is the next best thing.
"The flower arrangement will arrive tomorrow," Jasper tells me.
I nod and Jasper moves on.
"I have heard rumors that the CEO of the CBOT is planning to ban Eleazar and his associates from being allowed to trade on the floor. He's no longer going to be allowed to hold a chair. None of the other chairs are impressed with what Maggie did, and in turn, by what he allowed her to do. I also know that several companies are unhappy but are waiting for actual proof that he was involved before pulling out. Either way, I think Eleazar's business and stocks may be hit quite hard by what happened."
I sigh and rub my face. "I know I should feel guilty, especially if he had nothing to do with it, but I don't really give two shits. If it does turn out that he knew or had anything to do with Maggie's hair-brained idea, I will guarantee you this, and he will be ruined. All in all, my biggest concern is that my family is okay."
"Is Bella really okay?"
I shake my head at him. "She's barely sleeping, and she's in considerable pain. I haven't taken her out in the car again since we came home, so I'm not sure how she will react to going out in the future."
"Do you think there will be a problem?" I roll my eyes realizing that my father, of course, wouldn't have told anyone about her panicking. "Yeah, she freaked out. She almost had a full blown panic attack on the way home from the hospital."
"Oh, yeah, that's not good. I mean, it's bound to be hard for her, more so with the fact that her parents died in a car crash; so I understand."
I nod at him, knowing he's right, but then there's Kassie to think of. She may have been young when her parents died, but she was still in the car with them. And now to experience something like this—it must be weighing on her mind, at least somewhat.
"I think it'll be best for all three of them to talk to someone," I say.
"I agree," Jasper says with a smile.
"Okay, so now down to business," I clap my hands together.
Jasper spends half an hour taking me through everything that has happened at work so that I know who's doing what. However, I have no reason to worry, just like I had thought, everything is running smoothly.
Jasper and I join Alice and Bella in the kitchen. "I could have stylists come around to do your hair. I know you said Edward's washing it, but let's face it – he is a guy and doesn't know about tips to keep our hair shining."
"That sounds good, Alice, but can't the girls and I go to you. I feel cabin fever coming over me already."
"Not sure, Nayeli," I answer for Alice.
"Come on, Edward, I am just going to be sitting in a chair."
"Yeah, Jessica just finished the reflexology requirement for masseuse training, Bella could get that," Alice adds.
"No," I snap knowing that's not good for someone who's pregnant.
"Fine, she can have her hair and nails done. I swear I'll make sure she sits the whole time. I'll even push her in the wheelchair," Alice states.
I sigh looking at her. "Fine, but only for two hours, and then she's back here to rest and relax." I mutter knowing that I could get the extra gifts I want to buy while she's there.
Bella claps her hands smiling.
I roll my eyes as I lean in to kiss her. "If you get tired or feel unwell, you had better call me right away."
"I will call you anyway," she says with a smile as she kisses me again.
"What are you and Alice making for dinner?" I ask and she smiles at me.
"Your favorite, of course."
~PP~
"You're sure you are okay?" I ask as I stand at Bella's car door. She nods at me as she puts on a brave face.
"The girls need me to be okay in the car, they can't see me fall apart," she replies quickly to me. Before I can debate she has opened the door and is sitting in the passenger seat.
"You girls ready to go to Aunt Alice's?" she asks hiding the pain of her quick movement.
"Yeah," they say with a small smile.
I close Bella's door, walking around to my side getting in. "Okay, ladies, let's go. If anyone needs me to stop the car just tell me, okay?"
They all nod in agreement as I start the car. As I pull out of our driveway, Bella's breath slows down as she holds onto the car door.
I drive more slowly than normal even though there is a part of me that is yelling to just put your foot down and get there as fast as possible. The more logical side knows this drive needs to be slow and easy for all three of them.
"I don't like this road anymore," Cordie sobs as we approach the bridge.
"Me either," Kassie adds.
I glance at them seeing they are holding hands with their eyes closed, and I glance at Bella seeing she, too, has her eyes closed.
"It's not too busy, and we should be off the bridge soon," I tell them all trying hard to hide the worry and anger in my voice.
As soon as I am clear of the bridge, they all seem to relax a little. I know everyone including me is grateful when I pull up outside Alice's shop.
I walk them in and Alice moves quickly to us. "Take it easy on them today," I say with a wink making Alice roll her eyes at me.
"This is my line of work; don't tell me how to do my magic."
I chuckle as I kiss the girls and Bella goodbye.
"Just call me if you need me, Nayeli."
"I will," she whispers and gives me a smile.
I sit in my car for a few minutes before driving off, heading to Rose's first.
~PP~
"Have you gotten Bella's car yet?" I ask as I walk through the door.
"Rose frowns as she looks at me, but I give it a few seconds and she shakes her head.
Rose places her hand on her hips and she looks at me. "Hi, Rose, how are you? I am good, Edward, you? Oh, I am good, too, Rose, thanks for asking. I just dropped the girls and Bella off at my sister's shop and thought I would drop in and see if you had any word on her car."
I give her the look to say I am not amused, but in fact I am a little impressed that she was able to sound like me.
"You do see how a conversation is meant to go, don't you?" she asks with her hands still on her hips and now she is tapping her toe.
"The car, Rose?" I ask again.
"Good Lord, Edward, yes, I got it late last night. Although it's a total loss, and I can't fix it to make it road worthy."
I rub my face. "I thought so. If you have some time soon, could you come with me to buy her a new one?"
Rose again just looks at me. "You want me to go?"
I nod at her. "Not sure if Bella is fully up to it, and since you are her best friend, you'll know what I should or shouldn't get her." I stop and chuckle a little. "The day of the accident I was thinking of getting her a new car as a Christmas gift, but I was worried I would upset her over the cost."
"And now you have to, so that she has a car period?"
I nod at her. "I know the insurance will pay for her totaled car, but that can take months sometimes, and she needs to have a vehicle now."
"I know. Well, Mike is here so I have time now if you want?"
I smile and nod at her. "That would be great."
~PP~
"She would love this one," Rose says looking at a 1950 Cadillac.
"She would or you would?" I ask.
"Pa-tate-o … pa-tot-oh …"
I chuckle a little as I move her to the more up-to-date vehicles surrounding us. Rose said Bella would prefer a used car over a new one, so I'm indulging in her idea to at least look around.
"Do you think I should get her an SUV, or something that has four-wheel-drive?" I ask because a lot of people that have been involved in road accidents seem to go for these types of cars?"
"Not a bad idea; let's look at this one," Rose says pointing to a silver Volvo.
"Hi," says a voice, and I turn looking at a man that clearly works here. "This is a beauty of a car. Is this for your wife?" he asks.
"I am not sure about this car, but yes, I am buying a car for my wife."
"Well this car is …" Rose cuts him off by raising her hand.
"Open the hood; I would like to see the engine."
The man chuckles as if Rose said something funny, but does what she asks.
"This is a 2008 Volvo CX90. Ladies love them because they're very easy to drive and better yet to park. You can see that it looks clean and doesn't use much oil, but this is where you put it in if need be," he says like he is teaching Rose something.
Rose moves back from him crossing her arms. "I can see that it is has a three-point-two horsepower engine, two-wheel drive, ABS brake system, automatic transmission, with traction control and Alloy wheels. What I am really concerned about is that you mentioned nothing of the Garmin battery recall this model has, and I can see where there appears to have been some type of smoke damage under the hood near the firewall which means this car was likely damaged and repaired."
The man just looks at her opened mouthed, making me chuckle.
"Sorry, this is my mechanic, and she's here to make sure that the car I get for my wife is road worthy. My wife was just in a car accident."
"Mr. Cullen," another voice is heard. "Eric, I can take care of Mr. Cullen and Mrs. McCarty."
"McCarty is a woman?" Eric stutters.
"No, I am a mechanic who happens to be female in gender, dipshit!"
"Eric!" the manager yells causing a still stunned Eric to walk away.
"Mike called to tell me to expect you. Now, if you come this way, I have some cars for you to look at."
He takes us to another part of the dealership, and I step aside to let him take Rose to each car where she spends time looking at each of them before coming over to me.
"These are the top three on road safety and value, and on what Bella would like. These two are both great cars, but I would say that Bella would like this one the best if she were choosing," she says standing in front of a very nice 2016 black Chevrolet Traverse.
I take a look at the cars and agree that of the three Rose has me look at, the one she thought Bella would like the most is the best pick. Rose stays with me and even manages to get the manager to throw in extra deals.
When I drop Rose back off at her shop, I know that Bella's car will be delivered in two days on Christmas Eve.
I drive back to Alice's shop with fifteen minutes to spare.
~PP~
The drive home was a little better than the drive there, but I was still happy to get there. We have just finished with dinner when the girls receive a call from Alice.
I watch them giggle on the phone.
"We'll be back; bring mom with you," they yell running out of the kitchen.
Before I can follow them, the doorbell rings.
I look at Bella and then wheel her to the front door wondering what Alice and they are up to now.
I pull the front door open, and look outside, feeling stunned as Bella sobs.
Bella POV
I can't believe that both my class and Vicky's class are standing outside my house, along with a few of the children's' parents. Before I can even stutter out a hello, they are all singing Christmas carols.
My eyes glance around the group of kids, and land on my girls who are both standing with Emmett, James, and Vicky.
I cover my mouth so happy to hear them singing the songs we have been practicing for the Christmas show.
I give them a huge round of applause when they come to the end of their third song.
"Do you have time for hot chocolate?" I ask knowing I just made up several batches of my homemade mix last week to give to everyone for the holiday.
Emmett, looks at his watch and nods.
"Just a quick one, and remember boys and girls, this is Bella's home, and you have to be respectful."
Cordie and Kassie show everyone in as James and Vicky, help Edward with making the hot chocolates. I busy myself getting cookies out on plates, which I had made last week to take to the school.
"I can't believe you all came to sing to me," I blubber still overwhelmed by what the students have done.
"We all miss you and can't wait until you come back," Jack answers before taking a huge bite of his cookie.
"Yeah; as much as we love E-man as a teacher, we like you a lot more," Jean adds on.
"Hey, I am right here," Emmett mutters making them all laugh.
It's another half hour before the school bus is filled with the children, waving as they leave.
I close the door, pouting at Edward. "Can't I go into work, on the last day, it's just half a day and I can stay in my chair?"
He shakes his head at me. "You're only off for two weeks then you'll be back at work."
I stick out my lip more, making him chuckle at me.
~PP~
Edward and I have been doing some little things here and there for tomorrow so that we are able to relax and enjoy Christmas Day. I used to love the day, and still do, but since my parents passed away, Christmas hasn't felt like Christmas, not for me anyway. But this year I feel as if it may be the start of a new holiday for me. I still miss my parents very much, but the pain seems to be a little less, and my heart feels a little more healed.
I am a little worried about next week when we are going as a family to Forks. I am looking forward to seeing the place I grew up in, and Kassie's first home, but I am dreading giving my parents a first and last goodbye. When they were buried, I didn't really say goodbye to them; my mind was so focused on what I needed to do for Kassie, that I didn't seem to think about what I or my heart needed. After my accident, I know that they would've wanted and needed me to live a full live. They wouldn't have wanted me to dwell on the past about how things would've or should've been. My being there for Kassie and raising her doesn't mean I am taking their place or forgetting about them. It's about living my life and helping Kassie to live hers, and fulfilling her hopes and dreams just as she would've if they were still alive. In a way, I know it was them, who helped bring forward the twists in our lives that led Edward and me to meet, and for Kassie and Cordie to become a family.
I am shaken from my thoughts when the doorbell rings.
"Put this on," Edward hands me a jacket.
I frown but do what Edward asked. Once my jacket is on, Edward helps me walk out the front door.
I gasp covering my mouth as I look at a car that has a huge red ribbon on it.
"Merry Christmas, Nayeli."
I turn and look at him. "You bought me a car?"
"Among other things, yes."
I close my eyes feeling blessed that he has done this, and I know by the look of the car that Rose helped him. "Thank you," I whisper.
Edward kisses the side of my head. "I had wanted to get you a new car, but had held off. Then your accident ..." he again trails off and I nod at him.
He walks me over to the car, and I love that it is not brand new but looks like it is not too old either. The car is higher than what I am used to, but I think that may be a good thing, it sure looks safe.
"I love it, thank you," I say as I sit in the driver's seat. I swallow and my hands start to sweat. "I think I will wait until I am fully healed to test it out." My eyes flicker to him, and I hope I am able to hide the fear that seems to be coming over me as I think about driving.
Edward moves closer to me. "I swear. I will make sure you are able to drive and feel safe in a car. We will talk to a therapist and get you help if needed. You will be okay."
I nod at him and smile a little.
Edward goes over a bunch of information about the car and shows me all the bells and whistles.
I listen to him go on about all the different things the car has and can do as well as the safety ratings it has. The girls are ecstatic that the vehicle has a DVD player, so they can watch movies. It's perfect, and Edward is proud of what he bought for me. I can't help but smile at him.
"Has Rose been teaching you about cars?" I ask knowing he said a lot of technical babble that Rose always said when we used to go window shopping for vehicles together.
He just grins at me as he helps me out of the car and back into the house. The girls run off and I simply look at him.
"The insurance money from my car," I start off as Edward looks at me with a hint of worry, "I was thinking that we can split it in two and put it in the bank as a down payment for each of the girls to get cars when they are old enough."
Edward smiles, but I hold up my hand so he knows I have more to say.
"I would like them to take the more advanced driving course as well, before either of them is allowed to drive. My dad made me take one, and besides what happened with Maggie, I have never been involved in a car accident," I tell him feeling weepy. "Just like with Maggie, there was nothing he could have done to save himself and my mom. I want and need the girls to know how to be safe on the road. Kassie has now been in two accidents, and I don't want her to be in a third."
"I know, love, and I agree," Edward says as he holds me close.
He lets me go and I sigh.
"Do you think she's okay, Kassie, I mean? I am not sure how much she remembers about the wreck with your parents, but she knows what happened the other day."
I nod at him. "She hasn't said anything, and I am scared to ask her. Maybe after Christmas we should all sit down and talk about it—all four of us?"
"Sounds good to me," Edward says.
~PP~
"Mommy, Daddy, Santa's been here!" Both girls yell as they come running into our room.
"He has?" I ask back looking at Edward who is just waking up.
"Yep," they say with a giggle. "Can we have some cereal?" Edward and I told them that before they could open any gifts, we had to have a family breakfast.
"Yeah, Dad and I'll be right down," I tell them.
The girls leave and I turn looking at Edward who's smiling broadly at me. "Merry Christmas, love."
"Merry Christmas to you, too." I kiss him deeply, but pull back when we both moan.
"Come on," I say getting out of bed.
It takes a few minutes to get down the stairs, but I am grateful that I am able to do it without being carried.
We reach the kitchen to see that the girls have made our breakfast, which consists of toast and a glass of orange juice.
"Thank you," I say giving them both a kiss.
The girls both eat a little faster than usual, and look at Edward and me as we slowly eat our toast and drink our juice.
"Come on, I want you guys to see what Santa brought," Kassie says as she bounces in her seat.
Edward chuckles and raises his brow at her.
"I thought you two only wanted a baby brother or sister, and for your mom and me to get married for your Christmas gifts?"
Both girls gasp. "Is Mommy going to have a baby?" Cordie asks looking at me.
"I think what your daddy means is that, you are excited to get gifts when you only asked for us to be married and have a baby," I try to say without lying to them.
"Yeah, but we got Daddy and you gifts," Kassie tells us. "And I got Kassie something really cool."
"Yeah, I got Cordie something cool, too, and we want to see you open your gifts."
"Oh, I have gifts, too? Well come on then, Bella, we need to get in there," Edward jokes, making the girls both giggle at him.
As we walk into the living room, both giggling girls gasp and walk over to a pile of gifts.
Edward sets his phone up to record the girls, and then joins me on the sofa to watch them both open their gifts. I place my head on his big shoulder and enjoy the girls' happiness. When they are done, I give Edward his gift from me and then one from the girls as well. Edward in turn gives me the rest of my gifts as Cordie hands me the ones that she and Kassie bought.
When we've all opened our gifts, the girls help Edward clean up the wrapping paper and then we watch one of the new movies the girls received.
~PP~
I smile as Esme and Carlisle walk in with Alice, Jasper, and Colton, right behind them. The first part of the afternoon passes with eating homemade soup and grilled cheese sandwiches that Edward made. Then, we exchange gifts with each other. The girls and Colton go off to play; leaving us adults space to talk.
"That's a really nice car you have, Bella," Alice chuckles with a side look to Jasper. "Wish my hubby would've been so thoughtful."
"It was quite a surprise, but I like it very much."
"Have you taken it for a spin yet?" she asks.
I shake my head at her. "No, not yet," I whisper as I drop my eyes.
"You should take lessons again." My head snaps up to look at her.
"Alice," Esme says almost as if she is reprimanding her.
"What, I am just saying that after almost being killed by a crazy ass bitch that she may feel better if she took lessons again before driving. I saw it on a therapy channel, and they said it helps to build confidence."
Esme starts to talk, but I cut her off. "That sounds like a good idea, Alice. I know that as much as I love the car, I feel scared about driving one again."
"Nayeli, you should have said something," Edward mutters sadly. "I think it would be a good idea, too, and after the holiday, I'll look into it for you."
I smile and nod at him.
Jasper clears his throat and smiles. "How are Rose and Emmett? I figured that they would be here by now since there is food involved." He chuckles, and we all join in.
"They're both fine, and will be joining us soon. Emmett threatened death if we eat any of Esme's delicious Christmas dinner without him."
Jasper and Edward both chuckle as Esme shakes her head. "On that note I had better get started," I stand as she does, making her look at me.
"I'll sit at the table and cut vegetables," I say holding up the scout's honor salute, though I was obviously never a boy scout. "It'll give us a chance to compare notes about our guys, while the guys boast about who has the best wife."
"Oh that would be me on both marks," Esme says with a wink. "But come and tell me how Edward is treating you." She loops her arm with mine, and Alice takes the other side, both helping me to the kitchen.
"Besides the car, what else did my brother get you?" Alice asks as she peels the potatoes.
"Some clothes, sexy underwear, necklaces, and something for the bedroom." She merely looks at me, almost as if she's confirming it is sex toys.
I chuckle shaking my head. "A new bed," I tell her making her pout. I look at Esme who's also shaking her head at Alice.
"What did Jasper get you?" I ask.
"Clothes, shoes, handbags, makeup, and he paid for us to go away for a weekend trip for just the two of us. He said that you're babysitting," she says as she looks at Esme.
"We are," Esme confirms.
We are making good headway with dinner when Rose joins us.
"Girls," she says as she pulls up a chair, and starts to help us.
"So, does this mean the boys are making New Year's dinner?"
"Yes," we all say together, and then chuckle.
We talk and enjoy girl time together. As dinner gets finished, we set the table. Well, they set the table and I supervised as Esme put it.
It isn't long before the kids are washed up and everyone is sitting around the large dining room table to say grace.
We sit eating dinner and chatting. I feel as if we are all one big happy family. The boys all wash the dishes and then come watch as the girls and Colton open their gifts from Rose and Emmett.
At the end of the day I am tired, and feel some pain, but I know that it has been worth it.
"Did you have a good day?" I ask Edward as we lie down in bed.
"Yes, it has been the best Christmas ever. Well, until next year," he says placing his hand on my tummy. My own hand joins his, and we look into each other's eyes.
"Love you," we say jointly.
I feel his soft kiss and I know that I am right where I belong in Edward's arms.
A/N: So what did you think of the kids singing for her? Did you like their Christmas celebration? What do you suppose will happen next? Join us on Facebook if you want, our group is TeamAllTwilight & AndTAT Fan Fiction.
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