So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?
Up next will be a jump in time, leading up to Christmas and preparations for Edward's first fight in New York at Madison Square Garden. We'll also hear about the investigation into Volterra, James' punishment and more about Emmett's injury.
What I own: A summer cold
What I don't: Twilight
Chapter Thirty-Six
The fire was burning in the fireplace with some quiet instrumental holiday music playing in the background. Edward was hanging some décor over the fireplace, giant bells and straightening them, trying not to let them all clang. Bella was carefully unwrapping ornaments, hanging them on her rustically, but elegantly appointed tree. It had been put up hastily, but not decorated due to the craziness of their schedules.
"Will it snow?" Edward asked. "Not like Chicago has had white Christmases recently, but I do like the idea of the white fluffy stuff on the ground for Christmas."
"More like a sleety, mushy, snowy mess," Bella answered, wrinkling her nose. "In the higher elevations, they get snow. With our location, we get more sleet. Though when I was thirteen, we had a huge snowstorm. We were stuck at Bull Dog for three days. The plows couldn't get out."
"Three days at the gym. Sounds like fun," Edward deadpanned.
"We had everything we needed. Showers, a kitchen, food, and entertainment," Bella quipped. "The only thing that sucked was that I was the only girl. The guys were rank where I came out smelling like a proverbial rose. Even my dad reverted back to his baser, male instincts. I made Carlisle pick me up and I stayed with them until my dad realized that he smelled like a foot."
"Gross!" Edward laughed. "I mean, all guys go through that phase, but a grown man?"
"Yep," Bella said, standing up and wiping her hands on her jeans. "What time did Alice say she was coming?"
"Alice had a meeting with Colin and was picking up Jasper at three. Rose and Emmett will be here in about ten minutes," Edward replied.
Emmett, after two weeks in the hospital, had made a complete recovery and regained his memory of his wife and unborn baby girl ... yes, they were having a girl. He did struggle with short term memory loss, debilitating migraines, and a short temper, but those would eventually decrease with time and without the constant barrage of fists. Emmett officially retired, winning his last bout due to the disqualification of James.
James, who was still in jail, and would presumably stay there until his trial date for first degree assault, attempted murder, and a slew of other lesser charges on his attack of Emmett Cullen. He was also dropped by Volterra, which was put on probation for the actions of their fighter. Victoria kicked him to the curb, as well.
Ironically, she tried to get in touch with Edward … sending him naked pictures to entice him back into her clutches.
Bella did not take too kindly to that. She sent a picture of the two of them kissing and said that he was no longer single. He was hers until further notice. With a flourish, Bella blocked the number and dragged Edward back to her office to prove how much he was hers … with another teasing, taunting and amazing blowjob. They'd yet to make love, but it would be happening soon, if Bella had her way.
She was ready.
He was ready.
Time was their enemy.
With Emmett's retirement, Edward's upcoming fight and the press surrounding Edward's return to the ring, Charlie was heavily upping Edward's training. The only time that Edward was at 'rest' was when he was sleeping, usually at Bella's home since it was closer to Bull Dog than his apartment. Seven days a week, he was fighting, running, sparring, training, and watching film to get him ready for his first fight in over a year. They did not know who he was fighting, but it was narrowed down to a fighter from New York City or a fighter from Volterra. After the debacle with James, they prayed that Edward's opponent would be the New York fighter: Benjamin Amun. The Volterra fighter would either be Sam Uley or Jacob Black, who had lost weight and was in the same weight class as Edward.
The doorbell rang, making Bella hop up. She squeezed Edward's ass as she passed. "Hey! I feel like a piece of meat!" he laughed.
"That ass was just too tempting to ignore," Bella sang, throwing open the door and grinning. "Preggosaurus Rex!"
"Bitch," Rose retorted, smacking Bella's hands away from her belly. "You just wait until I'm not a million years pregnant and you'll see if I don't kick your ass."
"Don't tease her, Bella," Emmett growled lowly with his hand curling into fists.
"Easy, big guy," Edward said softly. "They're just having some fun." He gently pushed Bella and Rose into the house, blocking Emmett. Emmett recognized he was stalking forward. He blew out a breath, sticking his hands into his pockets. "Sorry. I don't want Rose upset. Her blood pressure is still borderline."
"Bella's teasing will not cause me to go into early labor, Emmett. She's always teased me like this. Right, Hells Bells?" Rose smirked.
"Let's get something to drink, Emmett," Edward smiled, rubbing his friend's shoulder. "You want some beer?"
"Water, please. Rosie, what do you want?"
"A soda. God, what I wouldn't give for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee," Rose moaned, sitting down on the couch, and rubbing her belly, which had popped out while Emmett was in the hospital.
"Can you get me a soda, as well, Edward?" Bella asked, sitting down with her friend.
"I'll also grab the appetizers," Edward said, leading Emmett into the kitchen.
This was the quiet, family-only Christmas party. The night previous, Charlie hosted a huge blow-out at his home before putting the gym on hiatus for the holidays, save for the fighters going to New York City. While Edward and Emmett got the drinks and appetizers, Carlisle and Esme arrived, carrying a large basket of baked goodies. Hugs and kisses were passed around as everyone settled into the seats in Bella's living room.
After Charlie, Alice and Jasper arrived, a buffet of finger foods was set up in the kitchen. Bella and Edward were curled up on the floor, sharing a plate. Charlie watched the two of them and smiled tenderly as he saw how much Edward adored his only child. He was a good man and made Bella happy. He couldn't ask for anything more on this Christmas Day.
"We finally decided on a name for our baby," Rose said. "Right, Monkey Man?"
"You're not naming her Monkey Girl, are you?" Alice teased. "Just, no."
"Really, Mary Alice?" Rose deadpanned, arching a dangerous brow.
"Well, she might have monkey hair. Both of you had cowlicks that made your hair stand up on end when you were babies," Esme giggled. "I think I have proof in my purse."
"Oh, please, don't, Mom," Emmett groaned. "No one needs to see those photos. Can we share our news?"
"Yes, I'd love to know what to call my granddaughter!" Esme beamed. "A baby girl!"
"We're naming her for my grandmother, Hannah," Rose answered. "The middle name is to be determined, but will represent the godmother. We're still figuring that out, but as soon as we know, we'll let you know."
"Hannah Cullen … that's a beautiful name," Alice squealed. "Now, I know what to put on my presents. Princess Hannah will be so spoiled by Auntie Alice."
"And Auntie Bella," Bella argued. "I know I'm not related by blood, but that's my niece."
"Agreed," Rose nodded, rubbing her belly. "You're my sister from another mister. Right, Charlie?"
"Right," Charlie laughed. "I think of all you girls as my children. And, to some extent, Edward, Emmett, and Jasper are my sons. I'm so proud of all three of you."
That made Edward jolt a bit. He looked at Charlie like he'd grown a second head. He stared at Bella's father; his brows pulled low on his forehead. With a shake of his head, he kissed Bella's cheek and got up off the floor, ducking out of the living room.
"Excuse me," Charlie said, following the young man out of the living room. He followed Edward out to the back deck. It had started snowing … fat, fluffy flakes sticking to the ground. "Talk to me, son."
Edward flinched again, leaning forward on the deck. "It's been almost ten years since I've spoken to my father. As far as I know, he's still alive, but he could have drunk himself to death. It's what he did after my mother died. He used my inheritance to buy alcohol and fuck over my life. It's why I started fighting." He kept staring out at the water, shivering in the cold. "I'm an orphan, Charlie."
"But, you're not," Charlie argued. "You're a part of our family. My daughter loves you and you love her."
"I just … my father never once told me he was proud of me," Edward whispered. "He never said he loved me. I was just the cruel reminder of what he lost when my mother died." He blinked to Charlie. "I'm the spitting image of my mother."
Charlie moved to touch Edward's shoulder. The younger man flinched, uncertain how to take the soft touch. "Edward, son, I'm so proud of you. You've overcome a debilitating injury. You're back to where you were before, even better than the fight you had with Demetri." He gently turned Edward to face him. "Do you think I'd let you near Bella if I wasn't proud?"
"You let Jake near her," Edward deadpanned.
"Jacob had us snowed, to be honest. He was a part of the family for the longest time, but his actions were beyond the pale," Charlie snarled. "You, however, are a man of honor and integrity." He hugged Edward. "Your father was a fool to not see what a wonderful, strong man you've become. His loss is our gain." Pulling back, he looked at his daughter's boyfriend. "You're a good man and I will say that I'm proud of you until you truly believe it."
"Thanks, Charlie," he whispered. "Can I get a few moments?"
"Not too many. It's cold as balls out here," Charlie grumbled, stepping back, and rubbing his arms. He gave Edward a smile, leaving the deck and going back inside.
Edward held up a hand, capturing some of the snowflakes. He was biting back shivers, but he needed to clear his head. Memories of his father in a drunken tirade or the night they were thrown out of their home. He lowered his hand, slamming his eyes shut. He was no longer that little boy. His father was no longer in his life.
"Edward, you're turning blue," Bella said, walking out with his jacket. She placed it on his shoulders. "Whatever my dad said, I'm sorry."
"No, he said something that my father never said to me," Edward sighed, turning, and pulling Bella into his arms. She was warm, so very warm. "He said he was proud of me. It just threw me off-kilter. I'm okay." He cupped her cheek. "I'll explain everything later."
"Okay," Bella frowned, kissing him tenderly. "You've got me worried, baby."
"No worries, gorgeous. I promise," he vowed.
"Inside! Inside!" Bella chirped, tugging him back in the house. "We're opening up our Secret Santa gifts that we pulled at the gym."
An hour of exchanging Secret Santa gifts, laughter and good food, Edward's mind settled over what had transpired with Charlie. He was comfortably curled around Bella in front of the fire. He idly played with a lock of Bella's curls, transfixed by the shimmering copper highlights. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet, still coming to grips with Charlie's pride and admiration.
When everyone left, Edward helped clean up the dishes and went to throw out the trash. After he came back inside, he saw the lights were off in the kitchen and the tree twinkled from the living room. Bella was sitting on the couch, holding a bag and wore a bright, sunny smile. "If you think that I didn't get you something for Christmas, you're sorely mistaken, Masen," she quipped. "I know we said …"
"I didn't follow our promise, either," Edward chuckled, plucking a bag from under the tree. "It's our first Christmas. I wanted to make it special."
"Being with you, that made it special," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his lips. "You fit in so well with our family."
"For the first time in ten years, I felt like I had a family," he shrugged.
"Was that why you were so quiet?"
"Part of it," Edward replied. "The other part was just enjoying the holiday." He put the bag into Bella's lap. "Merry Christmas, love. I hope you like it. If you don't, we can return or exchange it."
"We can't return yours. I had it engraved," she said. "But, I think you'll like it. Go first, Edward. I've wanted you to have this since I picked it up while you were training the other day."
Edward grinned, kissing her so sweetly and pulled out the tissue paper of the bag. Inside was a leather box embossed with the word Rolex. "Bella … this is too much …"
"Hush, I don't care," she argued. "Please open it?"
With another brush of his lips, he opened the box and found a silver and black watch nestled on the satin. He took it out, feeling the engraving on his fingertips. Flipping it over, he read:
Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
All my love, forever, Bella.
"Bella, this is … no one has ever gotten me such a thoughtful, perfect gift," he whispered.
"Let's see if it fits," she sang, putting it on his wrist and beamed brightly when it clicked in place. "Just as I thought … a perfect fit."
He looked down, blown away by the beautiful watch Bella had given him. "Thank you, my love," he said. "Now, it's your turn. I hope you do like it."
With a glint in her eyes, she opened the bag and pulled out two burgundy boxes. She opened the larger of the two, finding a large diamond pendant with pave diamonds set all around it. "It's called a halo setting … you've been like an angel for me. It seemed fitting for you, gorgeous," he explained.
"This is beyond exquisite," she breathed. "Put it on me?"
"I'll try. My big paws might not be able to handle it," he laughed.
"Shut it. You have elegant, beautiful hands," Bella argued. He managed to put it on, and she weaved their fingers together. "See?"
"You're not done, Bella," he chided. "There's more."
"This is already too much, but thank you," Bella said, taking out another box. The other box held a pair of matching earrings. "I'll wear them when I'm at the fight on New Year's Eve. Your own personal angel watching over you." Closing the box, she stared at him … "Make love to me, Edward. I'm ready. I know that I'm ready for you and to show you that I love you."
"You're it for me, angel," Edward vowed. "Once we cross this bridge, there's no turning back. We're sharing one body, one soul … I won't let go of you. I love you."
"I don't think I could let go of you if I tried," Bella said, tracing her fingers down his handsome face. "Make me yours."
A/N: The best type of cliffie, hmmmm? Pictures of Bella's décor and their presents are on my blog. There's a link in my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, Hive and Spoutible, too: tufano79.
Up next will be citrus … straight up citrus. We'll also get up to New York City and Madison Square Garden … the fight! Who will Edward fight?
Leave me your thoughts.
