Here's the next chapter.

Thanks so much for the support, enjoy!

Double Deceit

Chapter 19

Holidays and Surprises

As we stepped into the cozy confines of the clinic, my heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Edward, held my hand tightly, his eyes radiating a love that calmed my racing thoughts. We had come to this secluded haven to unravel the greatest mystery of our lives, the gender of our identical twin babies.

The sonographer approached us, her gentle voice inviting us to relax. As she moved the transducer across my swollen belly, the screen lit up with two tiny forms. My breath caught in my throat as I witnessed the miracle of life unfolding before my eyes.

"They're so perfect," Edward whispered, his voice filled with awe.

"Are you ready?" The sonographer smiled, Edward and I nodded.

"Congratulations, you are having two beautiful baby girls."

A surge of joy washed over me as happy tears streamed down my face. Edward leaned in and kissed my forehead. We couldn't believe our dream of having a family was becoming a reality.

After the scan, we left the clinic and headed to a nearby coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm cheese Danish filled the air, creating an atmosphere of comfort and celebration. As we sat down at a cozy corner table, Edward ordered two hot chocolates and two cheese Danish.

While we waited, we couldn't resist discussing names for our precious daughters.

"I think I want their names to start with an E," I said softly.

"After me?" Edward asked, I nodded. "Ever since I found out I was pregnant the first time that letter has been on my mind, I have a list of names at home. I wrote it a long time ago, most of the names start with E," I admitted.

"Did you have any names in mind?" Edward nodded. "Elizabeth, like my grandmother."

"That's beautiful." I smiled at the suggestion. "It's so sweet and delicate."

As our hot chocolate and cheese Danish arrived, we couldn't help but marvel at the incredible journey we had embarked upon. I do not have a clue of how we are going to do it in our current predicament. We spent the rest of the afternoon in blissful conversation, sharing our hopes and dreams for our future family. We talked about the home we would create for them, filled with laughter and love. We couldn't wait to hold them in our arms and witness their first milestones.

Before the sun began to set, we made our way home, our hearts overflowing with gratitude and anticipation. We had experienced a moment that would forever be in our memories: the discovery of the gender of our precious twin girls.

The aroma of freshly made hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls filled Edward's studio, a warm counterpoint to the crisp December air outside. It was Christmas Eve, and the snow falling softly outside created a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. I was bundled up, my oversized sweater struggling to contain my growing belly, which housed two tiny miracles – our identical twin girls. I was in dire need of new clothes.

Edward was waiting for me, a mischievous grin gracing his features as I entered. He was a sight to behold, his bronze hair tousled, and his eyes alight with a warmth that rivaled the crackling fire in the corner. He pulled me into a hug, his hand resting gently on my stomach. "Merry Christmas, my love," he murmured, his voice laced with affection.

"Merry Christmas, Edward," I replied, my voice catching with emotion. The pregnancy hormones were in overdrive during the holiday season.

We settled into the cozy sitting area, the plush sofa draped with a thick, red blanket. The table was laden with a feast – a spread of Christmas pastries and an abundance of cinnamon rolls. Alongside that we were having eggs and bacon. The bacon was still on the pan as I needed to eat it hot. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. Edward always knew how to make me feel special, these little stolen moments it's what I lived for. He poured me a steaming cup of hot chocolate, the warmth spreading through my hands as I took the first sip.

"You look beautiful," Edward said, his gaze meeting mine.

"And you look handsome, as always," I replied, a playful smile playing on my lips. He was wearing a pair of joggers and a gray sweater.

As we sipped our coffee, I couldn't resist sharing my excitement about our twin girls.

"I can't believe it," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with a mixture of awe and wonder. "I can't wait to meet them."

Edward's eyes softened as he reached out to caress my growing belly. "Me too, my love," he said. "They are the most precious gift you could ever give me."

"No, it's the best gift you could have given me. It wouldn't have been possible without you, Edward. You were the one who figured out what was wrong with me, and for that I'll be forever grateful."

He served the food and we sat to eat, smiling and giggling every time our eyes crossed. Warmth flooded all over me every time Edward looked at me.

After indulging in our hearty breakfast, we exchanged gifts. I presented him with a luxurious Dior scarf, his favorite brand. He carefully unwrapped it, a surprised, yet delighted smile blooming on his face.

"You spoil me, Bella," he said, pulling me close. He kissed me softly, his lips lingering on mine.

It was my turn. I reached for the gift bag he had placed under the tree, my fingers trembling with anticipation. He watched me with amusement, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I hope you like them," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

I untied the ribbon, my heart pounding with excitement. Inside, nestled amidst a bed of tissue paper, were four gifts. First, a beautiful gold bracelet with an inscription that brought tears to my eyes: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. It was a perfect reflection of my journey this year.

Next, I pulled out an electronic hand warmer that also functioned as a flashlight. It was practical and thoughtful, something I knew I would use constantly, as I was always cold. Then came a pair of plush, fuzzy slippers. They were so soft and luxurious, I couldn't wait to slip them on. Finally, I unwrapped the last gift, a glass rose encased in a delicate glass case. Its beauty took my breath away.

"It's perfect, Edward," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. He had put so much thought into every gift, and each one held a special significance. He had captured my essence beautifully, reminding me of my strength, resilience, and the love that surrounded me.

He chuckled softly, his fingers brushing against the curve of my cheek. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

"Stop Edward!" I smiled, playfully pushing on his chest. My heart fluttered at his gaze and my blush expanded all over.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. "I may be handsome, but you're one of the most beautiful pregnant women I've ever seen."

He was right, of course. The pregnancy had brought a certain radiance to my skin, a glow that seemed to emanate from within. My eyes, usually a gentle honey, sparkled with an intensity that was both captivating and alluring.

He brought my face closer to his, we both leaned in and sighed as our lips met. Our kiss was slow, tender, a quiet explosion of love and passion. The world around us faded away, leaving only the warmth of his embrace, the sweet scent of his perfume, and the gentle thrumming of our hearts beating as one.

He pulled away after what felt like a lifetime, his forehead resting against mine. "I love you, Bella. More than words can say."

"I love you too, Edward," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

We sat there for a moment, lost in the tender silence, but too soon it was time for me to go, I had to pick up the pastries for today and I wanted to get back before everyone woke up. Renata made some Italian ones, but I needed to get the ones we always had.

"We'll see each other soon, okay?" Edward nodded and gave me one last kiss.

I went to the bakery and my order was ready. I also made sure that the cupcakes I ordered for dessert were still on. They told me they were going to be delivered an hour before the bakery closed today which was perfect.

Renata had prepared everything before she left last night. I placed the breakfast casserole in the oven per the instructions she left me. I prepared a tray with the bread she made last night alongside a few jars of homemade jam. I set out the plates and cutlery, and put a timer on the coffee machine. We had a full house today; my parents and Jacob's parents were here.

Last night was hard as Jacob and I waited for them to go to bed to retreat to our respective bedrooms, I hope they didn't notice that we weren't sleeping on the same bed anymore. I undressed and put on something more comfortable, so I decided to take a nap.

The living room, already aglow with Christmas lights, was bursting with laughter and chatter. After a hearty Christmas dinner, I had invited everyone to the living room, where I'd arranged a surprise. A tray of gender reveal cupcakes shaped like a Christmas wreath.

"Okay, everyone," I announced, "time to find out what we're having!"

The room held its breath as everyone simultaneously took a bite. The anticipation was palpable. I could see Jacob's eyes sparkling with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

"Pink!" exclaimed Sarah, lifting a cupcake filled with pink cheesecake cream. "It's a girl!"

"Two girls!" shouted my mother, revealing her own pink centered cupcake.

A wave of joy washed over me, a feeling I hadn't fully expected. The room erupted in cheers and excited chatter. I felt Jacob's hand on my back, his touch tentative but filled with warmth.

"Two little princesses," my dad murmured as he hugged me.

"Congratulations baby girl," he murmured.

Jacobs' parents were also congratulating him and asking him a lot of questions. He smiled and nodded at them, giving me pointed looks from time to time.

Later, after the cupcakes, there was a feast of sugar cookies shaped like reindeer and snowmen, gingerbread men, and an array of holiday-themed pastries. We also had warm apple cider, hot chocolate, eggnog, and coffee. But amid the festive atmosphere, I couldn't help but feel a prickle of unease. Jacob's mother kept her gaze fixed on me, her expression unreadable. Her scrutiny made me uncomfortable, sending a tremor through my already heightened nerves.

When the time came to open stockings, the atmosphere shifted and turned more amicable. The stockings were filled with things like skin care, makeup, and some other winter essentials.

Finally, it was time for bed. My parents went to bed first, as did Billy. Sarah stayed for a few more minutes as she helped clean up the kitchen, she was paying a lot of attention to us. her eyes lingering on us. I saw a flicker of something in her gaze, a hint of disapproval, but before I could decipher it, she moved on and focused on what she was doing.

"Girls huh," Jacob said, his voice low and hesitant. "You don't like it?"

"I thought it was one and one," he said.

"They are identical, both babies will have the same sex," I reminded him.

"Right," he nodded.

"Your mom is making me uncomfortable," I said as I put all of the leftover cookies in one tray for tomorrow.

"I noticed that, Bella, she seems on edge for some reason." His words were not reassuring at all.

We finished in the kitchen giving her time to go to her room, I went upstairs first and started undressing, Jacob was checking that everything was closed and locked.

I could hear him in the hallway talking to her because my door was ajar.

"Why were you in there?" She asked him, I guess she saw him try to enter the guest room.

"I was putting some stuff away," Jacob replied.

"It's late mom, you should go to bed,"

I didn't hear the end of their conversation as I continued undressing and getting ready for bed, I was exhausted.

As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the upcoming year, and how it would be filled with challenges, with the arrival of the twins and the lingering tension between Jacob and me. But tonight, in the glow of Christmas lights and the quiet peace of my home, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay…

* DD *

It was Christmas morning, I had made a pot of oatmeal and cut up some fruit, the warm, familiar routine feeling oddly comforting despite the storm brewing inside me. While Jacob's parents, Sarah and Billy, were putting some last-minute presents under the tree, my parents arrived. Jacob was already in the kitchen, helping me set the table. His presence was a quiet one, shadowed by the unspoken tension that had settled between us.

After breakfast, we gathered in the living room, the tree twinkling with the soft glow of the lights. Presents lay piled beneath it, their bright paper wrapping a stark contrast to the quiet worry that hung heavy in the air.

"Thanks Bella, it's awesome, I like it a lot," Jacob said, giving me a genuine smile.

I'd gotten Jacob a leather jacket. He had a vast collection, and I knew he'd appreciate the addition. For Sarah, I chose a new purse, and for Billy, a bottle of whiskey, a gift that felt familiar and comfortable.

Charlie got a box full of ties and a mug that said, 'Only the best dads get promoted to grandpa.' For Renee, I'd picked a pair of boots, Saint Laurent, her favorite brand , and a bracelet with the word 'Grandma' on it. Jacob gave me a new bottle of my favorite perfume, Daisy by Marc Jacobs. The kit came with a purse size perfume and a body lotion. Sarah was eyeing me very closely as Billy handed me a box. I opened it and it was a scarf.

Most of the presents were gone, except for two big boxes wrapped in gold paper with a pink bow.

"A present for the twins." Mom said, I sat and dad brought both boxes closer to me, mom started taking pictures as I unwrapped the first box. They were rocking horses – two pink swans, their painted eyes bright and innocent. They were beautiful, and I imagined the girls, my daughters, riding them, their giggles echoing through the house. I was suddenly overcome with emotion and started crying.

"Oh honey," my mom kneeled beside me and hugged me.

Then, another surprise came. Dad gave me a small box, and I opened it to find a key. "This is for you, Bella," he said, his eyes shining with pride.

"A little something to help with the twins."

Last time he gave me a key like this he got me my…no

"Go outside and see,"

I opened the front door and tears welled up in my eyes. It was a key to a Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV.

"It seats seven, top of the line, I made some customizations for you. The inside is all leather and the seats and steering wheel can be heated, and a few more things, just read the brochure," He smiled.

"Dad, I can't accept this, it's too much compared to what I gave you,"

"Nonsense, your car is not fitted for your new needs," He complained.

"A simple Toyota would have sufficed!" Dad laughed.

"Don't be ungrateful, Isabella," Sarah said. I was taken aback.

"Mom!" Jacob interfere.

"I'm not being ungrateful, just reasonable," I cried.

"Honey, you deserve this and more," Dad said, hugging me.

"No, I don't dad! I really don't deserve this."

"Nonsense! You're taking the SUV and that's my final word." It was more than I could have ever asked for. My throat tightened, and I couldn't speak. My heart overflowed with gratitude, but I just sobbed, the joy overwhelming me. The room was filled with the sounds of my choked sobs, a symphony of emotion.

I reluctantly packed a bag for the New Year's celebration on the reservation. Jacob and I, along with our parents, were on our way there. I was reluctant because Renata wasn't with me, she was with her husband in Italy, they went to visit her family. We arrived and got settled in their cabin.

Later that night we made some hot drinks and some food and everyone came down to the Blacks to catch up. Amidst the laughter and twinkling lights, I couldn't help but notice a familiar face.

"Leah?" I said, my voice trembling slightly.

She turned to face me, her eyes widening in surprise. "Bella?" she uttered, giving me a once over, her eyes lingered on my pregnant Belly for a second. I cradled it protectively and concentrated on her face, a mixture of emotions displayed across her features.

Thoughts?

FYI: The story is on it's climax phase...the end is near.

See you on the next chapter.

There's an album of pictures on my Facebook profile (Same name as here The Vampire Goddess)