"Turn for me," Alice says and I do. She grins. "It's perfect, Bella."

She's putting the final touches on my charity dress. It's a black, deep V-neck, long sleeve dress with a slit up the leg. It suits me more than the colorful dresses with sparkles. It's understated and not too flashy.

Alice had to take it in a few inches because I lost so much weight from the hyperemesis gravidarum—severe morning sickness—so she was quick to jump in and fix the loose dress for me.

We leave first thing in the morning for Carlisle and Esme's. The charity function is tomorrow night, and then we'll head home the next day since neither Edward nor I could take off much work. I scheduled five days off around Christmas for my dad's trip here, and Edward took off the two days after Christmas. The plan is to take my dad to meet Carlisle and Esme and tell everyone about the baby together on the twenty-sixth.

"Thank you so much, Allie," I say, giving another twirl. "It's absolutely gorgeous."

She grins. "You look beautiful. Oh, I hope you have a good time."

"I'm sure we will. Thanks for taking care of Ulysses for me."

"Of course. That cat adores me."

"He does. I'm going to change."

I'm careful taking off the dress and putting my jeans and shirt back on. Alice puts it in a dress bag for me, and I take it home and hang it up until I need to pack it. Edward hasn't seen me in it yet, and I hope he likes it.

I'm a little queasy, so I take my meds and settle onto the couch until Edward gets here. I look through the Zillow app at houses and mark down a few I'd like to see in person. We're going to officially start looking in January, but I can't help myself.

Edward gets home around six, and I have his nana's spaghetti waiting for him. He lights up at the smell and kisses me deeply.

"How was your day?" he asks.

"Rather boring. Alice finished my dress."

His brow raises. "Oh, I can't wait to see you in it. Have you packed?"

"Eh, somewhat. I figured we could do that tonight."

He nods. "Sounds good. Is dinner ready?"

"Yep. Hopefully, it tastes right. I followed the recipe to a tee."

"I'm sure it's good. Have you been sick today?"

"Just once this morning when I woke up, but the medicine helped."

I plate our spaghetti and put them on the island. Edward digs right in, moaning about how good it is. I guess I did a good job replicating the recipe. I taste it, and there's something about it my stomach protests. I quickly make it to the trash can and toss my dinner. He's quick to my side and rubs my back.

"I'm okay," I sniffle. "I guess the baby isn't in the mood for spaghetti."

"I'll make you some soup. Can you take another pill?"

I nod. "Yeah, I'm due for one. I'm going to take it and brush my teeth."

"Okay, gorgeous. Let me know if you need me."

I smile softly. "I think I can brush my teeth alone."

I run upstairs and take a pill before brushing my teeth. My next trip to the dentist is going to be excellent with how often I've been brushing my teeth and using the Waterpik. No getting yelled at about not flossing enough this time.

I head back downstairs, and Edward is heating up a bowl of soup for me. It settles better than the spaghetti, but I mostly just sip the broth. I've read horror stories that HG—hyperemesis gravidarum—can last the entire pregnancy. I'm praying my little one goes easy on me after the first trimester. I've yet to gain any weight and, in fact, have only lost. It's not good for either of us.

After dinner, Edward goes to his house to pack his bag while I go upstairs to finish mine. He has some clothes here, but not a ton. Since we'll only be gone two nights, I don't need much. I decide to leave the dress in the bag and just hang it in the car so it doesn't get wrinkled.

Edward gets back quickly, leaves his bag by the door, and then carries mine down for me. We spend the rest of the evening snuggled up on the couch, watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It's one of my favorite Christmas movies.

I don't own Twilight.

Thanks to Ashley, May, and Mary prereading and Sally for beta'ing.