Hey everyone! Happy Friday! Well, I promised I would try and give you one more update this week, and I managed to do it! I think you are all going to like it.
Let me say, I can't believe that you are all still reading and enjoying this story. Words can't express how happy I am. You all blow me away with your reviews! I promise, even if I don't have the time to reply to all of them, I do read them all. They all make me smile.
This is not beta'd, so all mistakes are mine.
Stephanie Meyers owns all that is Twilight.
BPOV
"No, I think it tastes just right."
"No, it definitely needs something. Hmm...I think more garlic."
"Mom! No more garlic! No one will be able to eat it if you put in more garlic. If anything, maybe some more fresh basil. Actually...yes, more fresh basil!" I tell mom, reaching for the pot of fresh basil leaves sitting on the counter.
"Maybe...Carlisle?"
Of course, call in the master taster, I laugh to myself.
"You bellowed il mio amore [my love]?" He says, walking into the kitchen.
"Taste the gravy dear." Mom says.
Dad leans dips a spoon in the tomato gravy, bringing it to his lips. He tastes, pondering, then dipping back into the mixture. "It needs more garlic doesn't it?" Mom asks.
"No, no,no. Mom, seriously! There are like thirty cloves in there already! It's fine right?" I ask dad. "Maybe a bit of fresh basil?"
"Hold on." He says, walking over to the fresh bread that mom and I baked this morning and rips off a chunk. He walks back over to the gravy and dips it in. "Hmm. Maybe?" Then dipping in a second piece of bread, he closes his eyes and hums.
"Oh dad!" I yell, lightly slapping his arm. "You are just eating now!" I laugh at him.
"Carlisle Stregoni BeneficiCullenza!" Mom yells, making dad jump and almost drop his dipped bread. I can't help but to stand there and laugh.
"Damn woman! I almost dropped my bread! If you wouldn't starve me, I wouldn't have to steal. Besides, you asked my opinion, which is it is fine the way that it is." He says, giving mom a kiss as he tries to make a quick exit, but not before mom reaches out and slaps him on the ass.
"Really you two?" I hear Edward say, as he walks into the kitchen dressed in sweats and a plain t-shirt. I figured he had to 'work' this morning when I woke up in bed alone. "It is never a good time to see the two of you slapping each other asses!" He says, rolling his eyes as he makes his way over to me.
I dip a spoon into the gravy, "Here, taste this." I say, slipping the spoon in his mouth.
"Mmm, perfetto [perfect]." He sighs, slipping his arms around my waste, kissing my neck.
"Really Edward! Pot calling the kettle black are we?" His dad stand there with is arm around moms waste. "Let me assure it you, it is never a good time to see your son nibbling on his fiance!"
I can't help the blush that graces my face, while Edward just laughs.
"Is everything good son?" I head dad ask, while I cross to the fridge to pull out the items to set the antipasti platter.
"All taken care of. Jasper has the tribute to add to the safe." He answers, walking over to me, taking the packages of meat and bowls of of marrinated veggies that we made a few days ago. I turn and grab the containers of bocconcini, olives and the block of parmesano reggiano. I make my way over to the counter to begin arranging the platter.
As Edward reaches up to the top cupboards to grab the platter for me mom says, "No more business today, and not more talk of business. It is Thanksgiving."
"Sì mamma." [Yes mom.] Edward says, giving mom a kiss on her cheek as he sets down the platter for me.
As I am arranging the meat on the tray mom is checking on the turkey in the oven. "Turkey looks like it will be ready on time. Another hour and we need to put the veggies in to roast." She says.
"It smells wonderful you two." Edward says, stealing a bocconcini and popping it into his mouth.
"Steal more food off this tray and you won't be eat at all later!" I tell him, smirking at him.
He laughs, coming up behind me and hugging me. "Ugh! No offense, but you stink baby. Go up and shower." I tell him.
"What do you mean I stink?"
"I mean, you stink Edward Anthony!" I say, laughing. "Now go, people are going to be coming soon." I mock yell at him, pushing him towards the kitchen entrance. "Oh, that reminds me mom. I told Erik it was alright if Angela came. Their parents are still not accepting Erik and Peter very well, so Angela didn't want to spend the holiday with them, and had no where else to go."
She tsks under her breath. "That is such a shame. They make a fantastic couple, so in love! It is no problem at all. She and Erik are always welcome here." I smile and go back to arranging the platter.
Not long after that, I make my way up to Edwards room, where he and I slept last night so that I could be here in the morning to help mom cook. I go to the closet and lay out a pair of black dress pants for him and my favorite dark blue button down shirt. I quickly exit and make my way over to my room and quickly shower.
By the time that I am clean, hair brushed and dried, make-up applied and panties and bra on, I hear Edward come in as I am standing in my closet pulling on my gray Pianola dress. I quickly grab a pair of gray Manolo Blahnik heels from my shelf and make my way out.
"You're beautiful baby." Edward says, coming over to give me a kiss. As I deepen the kiss he pulls back a bit and whispers, "We don't have time to do what I want to do you to,- love."
I smile at him, grabbing his arms to balance myself as I slip on my shoes. He gives me a small tug towards the door, but I pull back on him, stopping him. "Before we go," I begin, making my way towards my dresser drawers, pulling off a thin gift wrapped box with a yellow bow from the top, "I have something for you."
"You bought me a present baby? You didn't have to get my anything, it's only Thanksgiving." He laughs.
"Well, it isn't for Thanksgiving. It is just because. Just a little something for you office desk." I say, pressing a small kiss to his mouth. "You are always surprising me with something, now it's my turn to surprise you." He just looks up at me, smiling and shaking his head. "Go ahead...open it!"
He tears open the paper, letting it fall to the floor. As he lifts over the box cover, he flips it over and attaches it to the bottom of the box. He lifts off the tissue paper and lifts out the picture frame, turning it over. His eyes go wide, and then move up to me, then back down to the picture frame. "Baby...is this...?" He trails off. I nod my head to him. "You're..." He begins again, walking over to me, placing his hand on my stomach, "My baby is in there?" He asks me, with the biggest smile in the world on his face.
"Yes." I tell him, smiling back.
"Oh my God!" He yells, picking me up and spinning me around. I can't help the squeal that escapes me, as I hang on for dear life. He sets me down, giving me the sweetest kiss imaginable before dropping to his knees in front of me. He holds the picture frame up to my stomach. "How far along?" He asks, just looking at the ultrasound picture against my stomach.
"Very early, the doctors estimate five weeks. I actually had to drop your name in order for them to do the trans vaginal ultrasound so I could give you the picture when I told you." I tell him.
"I already know how, but...how?"
"When you found me, and I came back home, I guess scheduling an appointment to get checked up with my doctor and my next depo shot slipped my mind. What with everything going on; the treat to me, doing the show, the shooting, Charlie. I know it isn't perfect timing, and we aren't married yet but..."
"No! Don't you dare doubt. I am so fucking happy baby." He says, standing up, taking my face in his hands. "Stai portando il mio bambino. Il nostro amore sta crescendo dentro di te. Non posso dirvi quanto sono felice che mi fa." [You're carrying my baby. Our love is growing inside of you. I can't tell you how happy that makes me.] He says before kissing me softly. "I love you so much my Bella."
"I love you too Edward." I say, kissing him back. As we pull apart, he looks down at the ultrasound photo. "I thought that would be better than giving you a stick that I peed on." I say, laughing.
"Yes, thank you love." He laughs. "Can we tell the family today?"
"That is why I told you first. I figured since we were all here together, today would be perfect. I want you to announce it to everyone. No one has a clue or even suspects. I kept it all to myself."
"What made you suspect you were?" He asks.
"Well, I can smell everything now! Ugh, the good and the bad. Certain smells were making me sick to my stomach, and I threw up a few times. So, I told Stefan, Peter and Felix that I need to go to get my depo shot, only I had called and set up to take the test there."
"Sneaky soon-to-be Mrs. Cullen!"
"Thank you Mr. Cullen!" I reply. "Come on, I bet Emmett is eating all the food without us already." I say, as we make our way out.
As we make out way down the last step we are greeted with the loud sounds of all of our family and friends. Rounding the corner to the kitchen, all of the women are standing, getting the plates ready to serve the pasta on. While the men are meandering in and out munching on the the antipasti platters that I made earlier.
I give Edward a small kiss then make my way in, grabbing an apron off the hook as I go. I am greeted with kisses from Rose and Alice. I give a hello to Emily and Nessie, Sam and Jacob's girlfriends, as well as Carmen, Eleazar's wife. "Did Kate make it home from college?" I ask Carmen.
"No, she is spending it with her boyfriends family, they will be here for Christmas, and the wedding." She tells me.
"That is great. I haven't seen Katie in forever!" I say, thinking fondly to my friend from school. She and I were never as close as Edward and I were, but we were still good friends.
"She is excited to see you too. She sends her love and to tell you she can't wait for the bachlorette party!" She laughs.
"It is going to be eeepppiiiccc!" Alice sings!
"Oh God! Kill me now!" I playfully protest.
As mom starts to put the pasta in the boiling water, I set about grating some cheese. As I am grating, I feel Edward snake his arm around me. He leans into my ear, "You are so much more sexier now little mama!" He whispers
"Shh, someone will hear you." I whisper back!
He kisses my cheek, laughing as he grabs a some meat and cheese from the platter on his way out.
"Where are my lovely ladies at?" I hear Peter say, as he walks into the kitchen. He makes his way over to me, setting down a tray full of pies before he picks me up in a hug. He makes his way over to mom to do the same. They have forged a strong bond over the past few weeks, it is so nice to see him so affectionate with her.
"Hey Bells!" Erik says, giving me a hug after he sets down another tray of pies.
I count eight pies. "Where did all the pies come from?" I ask, hugging a very quiet Angela.
"Oh, well...umm. I didn't want to come empty handed, and Peter said that there would be house full of people today. So I made four pumpkin and four apple. I hope that is OK?" She says shyly.
"Oh dear. You were only required to bring an appetite, but I must admit I am glad you brought them, I actually forgot all about the pies this year! We have cannoli, pignolo's (macaroons), then we will be frying up some zeppole later." Mom tells her, pulling her into a hug. Sensing Angela's unease, "We are all family and close friends here dear, there is nothing to by shy about."
Just then Edward and dad make their way into the kitchen. "Hello Angela." Edward greets her, giving her a hug.
"We are honored to have you here sweetheart." Dad says, pulling her into a hug too.
Just then Stefan walks into the kitchen, and Angela's jaw drops open, and Stefan stops in his tracks, staring at her. I smile, looking back and fourth between the two. "Stefan, this is Angela, Erik's sister. Angela, this is Stefan, he is my driver."
"It's a pleasure Angela." Stefan says, taking her hand, and kissing the back of it.
"This is Angela's first time here Stefan, why don't you show her around after we eat." I suggest.
"Why don't I give you a small tour of this level?" He asks her.
"That would be lovely." She replies, as he takes her hand and leads her away.
"Damn Bells! You should go into the match making business. First you introduce Alice and Jasper, Jess and Mike, then Peter and I. Now you my sister and Stefan!" Erik laughs.
"It's a gift!" I laugh.
After about twenty minutes of putting the final touches on the pasta, and pulling the turkey out of the oven to rest before carving, we are finally all sitting at the table. Dad stand up to speak. "Well, this has been one hell of a year for the Cullen family. We have grown leaps and bounds. But always staying true to the heart of what makes us so strong. Family. I would like to thank you all for coming and celebrating this day of thanks. It is tradition that we all go around and say what we are thankful for, and everyone must participate!" He says, laughing. "I am thankful for all of my family. My beautiful wife Esme, my sons Edward and Emmett, my daughter Bella. And to all of you sitting at this table. You all hold a special place in my heart."
Everyone around the table takes a turn. Mom echo's dad's sentiments; Emmett is thankful for a house full of awesome cooks, Alice is thankful for her cloths and the opportunity to make everyone around her beautiful!
"This may sound cheesy, but I am thankful for Bella." Peter says. "She walked into my life when she was at her lowest. We helped each other out; leaned on each other, danced with each other, laughed and cried with each other. She showed me what family means, and she brought me to all of you. So, I thank you for the opportunities that you have given me, the love you have shown, and the friendships that I will forever cherish." He finishes, giving Erik a kiss and tossing me a wink. As I wipe away the tears I blow him a kiss.
I give my thanks, following the lead by everyone else around me, for family, for love, for forgiveness. When it is finally Edwards turn, he stands. "I have so much to be thankful for. For my family that loves me though all of the mistakes I make. For all of my friends who have my back regardless of the situation, to my beautiful Bella who has made me the happiest I have ever been in my life. But I am most thankful for the additions to our family; the new partners we have taken on, and the new friends we have made along the way." He says, nodding his head towards Angela and Peter. "But most importantly, the beautiful life that Bella and I have created together, who will have a special place at this table next year."
I look over at mom and dad and smile. "Edward are you saying...?" Dad asks
"Yes, Bella is pregnant!" He announces. Then the flurry of congratulations, hugs, kisses, squeals and belly rubs begins.
"Oh my baby girl! You are going to make a wonderful mother." Mom tells me, pulling me into a hug, rubbing my back. "I can't wait to take this journey with you and Edward."
I hug her back, crying into her neck. I pull back, and look at dad. He opens his arms and I rush into them. "Sono felice per la mia bambina." [I am so happy for you baby girl.] He whispers to me.
Edward is next to us as I pull back from our hug, he tucks me into his arm. "Son, I can't tell you how happy I for you both. It is a ride of a life time, and the greatest thing you will ever do. Your mother and I are here for you every step of the way." He says, hugging us both at the same time.
Emmett makes his way over to us and hands up each champagne glasses. "Yours is sparkling juice Belly!" He says with a wink, as he turns to face the table. "I would like to propose a toast. To my brother Edward. Ed man, we may not be blood brothers, but we are family. After my parents died, and mom and dad took me in, you did everything to make me feel at home. We have been through it all together. Trouble, college, the wrong women, finding the right women that make our lives complete." He says, tipping his head to Rose who is holding Lily, and then back to me. "We have grown up from those little boys who looked up to our parents. Now, we are parents; it is such a trip bro! I am happy for you brother. So, let's raise our glasses and toast to the happy couple, and the Cullenza heir that is cooking away. To Edward and Bella!"
"TO EDWARD AND BELLA!" Everyone says, holding up their glasses.
I look to Edward who is staring at me. "Happy Thanksgiving my love."
I smile back. "Happy Thanksgiving baby." I say, as we all take our seats again and begin dishing up the pasta course. Everyone begins talking and laughing, and I can't help but think I can't wait to have our little Cullenza here with us next year.
So...a little bit of good news. After all the angst, heartache and tears of the last few I had to give you all something to smile about. I hope you all loved it. Leave me some love if you can. Have a great weekend, and I will see you on Monday.