Chapter 25: Santa Baby

Rose

Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Forks, Washington

It's a little past two in the morning when we loudly and clumsily stumble into our room at the inn. We only have it for one night, as we want to wake up to Santa's gifts on Christmas morning with Emmett's parents tomorrow, and it has already made itself useful for the little time we've spent in it so far.

We had checked in, played some football, and then disaster struck – or what we thought was a disaster. Turned out Edward, with the help of Jasper, had planned ahead as much as he could have in terms of the unthinkable happening, and it had worked out for the better.

Seeing Bella and Edward married in front of the tree in town was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. While the chapel was beautiful, small and quaint with its mural painted walls and stained glass windows, their story had planted roots right next to the freshly lit Christmas tree in town, so it was only fitting for this next chapter of their lives to begin there, as well.

It was a full circle moment that everyone needs in their lives to remind them of the things that really matter.

As the door closes behind us and Emmett, fumbling with the light switch after several hours' consumption of holiday spirits, I know he is the only thing that matters right now.

We're about to put our room at the inn to good use.

We're bumbling hands and fast kisses, the two of us knowing this path well after all this time, knowing this is one of the ways we can always find each other again.

Emmett pushes into me quick and easily, my dress pooling around my waist from his haphazard fingers, and I can't get close enough to him. I press him deeper into me, not caring who hears how much I want him, and I let him drive as hard and as fast as he can because I need him. I always have and I always will.

Several hours later, after passing out in a sated haze of desire and drunken debauchery and waking up again, after taking some pain relief for our pounding heads, we are lazy under the blankets with no rush to go anywhere. We have complete faith that Noelle is safe and happy with Esme and Carlisle; it's impossible to walk into the Cullen's and not feel at home. We want that for our daughter, too. We want her to have as many avenues as possible in her life, for her to be able to have open doors waiting for her at her grandparent's house and at all of her aunts and uncles. And it starts now, making sure we give her these experiences, while refilling our cups at the same time.

"You think she's up?" Emmett grumbles into my shoulder, and it warms me from head to toe knowing he's thinking of Noelle just like I am. Our little Christmas Noelle, most likely conceived during our week here at the inn two December's ago.

"Hmm, what time is it? Nine?" I ask, reaching blindly for my phone on the nightstand. No matter what time it is, it's still too early for me to fully open my eyes after all the celebrating I did last night at the wedding.

I can tell by the gruffness of Emmett's voice that he's hurting just as much as I am. "Mm-hmm."

"Oh, yes. For sure." I smile. "She's probably on second breakfast right about now."

"I could go for some breakfast. Big and greasy," Emmett moans, rolling over onto his back so he can rub his bare stomach.

"Coffee," I mumble. "That's what I could go for right now."

"Know what I could go for right now?"

"Is there ever a time when you're not up for that?"

He sits up now, a little more cautiously this morning than usual, and gives me a sleepy but nonetheless serious look. "I still feel like I'm making up for lost time."

"Maybe that's not a bad thing," I consider, rubbing slow circles on his hand that rests on my stomach.

"Too much of you is never a bad thing," Emmett chuckles before shaking his head. "Sometimes it takes my breath away knowing how close I was to losing you."

"We aren't those people anymore, Em. We had nothing then and look at us now. We're about to have so much more."

"Do you really want to look for houses here in Forks?"

"Seattle is amazing. We have great friends and great jobs and Noelle would be so happy growing up there." Still settled against the pillow, I turn my head a little to the left to get a better look at him. "But everytime I come here, I can't help but feel this…fullness, or completeness, in my heart. It feels like Christmas all year round because of the life you had here growing up and because of your family who still live here now."

"What will you do for work?" Emmett asks. This is the first serious conversation we've had about moving to Forks. "My job is flexible. It may mean I'll have to stay overnight in Seattle a few times a month, but I think I can manage if it means we'll be here together every other day of the year."

"I can look into some work from home options they offer. Maybe I'll end up having to do the same thing you'll have to. But Noelle can go to the same daycare as Evie, and we can see Alice and Jasper and your family as often as we like." The thought warms me from head to toe at the image of Noelle and Evie being able to play together everyday. "I love the idea of Noelle growing up close to her family."

Emmett pauses, squeezing my hands at the words I don't say. "Alice is going to be fine," he reassures me. "We're all on top of it now."

"I know," I say. "But I know I can help. I want to help. Even if that means being that voice for the Moms here in Forks. Sometimes just lending an ear is enough."

"I love you," Emmett says, leaning down to press a hard kiss to my lips. "So much."

"I love you. Happy Christmas Eve."

"Ugh, that reminds me. When do Edward and Bella leave for their honeymoon?"

"Day after Christmas. Why?"

"I have two days to find us a house. And to close on it. I'm not losing this fucking bet."

"What the fuck are you talking about, Em?"


Happy Christmas Eve to all who celebrate!