A/N: Thanks again for your lovely reviews, aswell as all the follows and favourites. It really means a lot. Hope you all continue to enjoy the story.
In the morning, Bella wakes up warm and cosy. Edward was suggled close against her, his soft breaths tickling her neck. She smiled and sighed happily. She almost felt what happened yesterday was all a dream.
She stayed still for a moment, savouring the warmth of Edward's body pressed against hers. She felt his chest rise and fall with each peaceful breath, his arm draped over her waist, holding her close even in his sleep. She couldn't help but smile to herself, feeling a rush of joy and contentment. This wasn't a dream—it was real, and it felt perfect.
She gently turned her head to look at him, taking in his features in the soft morning light. His copper hair was tousled, and his lips were slightly parted. There was a peacefulness in his expression that made her heart swell. She felt so lucky, so grateful to have him here, even if only for a little while.
Trying not to wake him, she carefully shifted, brushing a light kiss against his forehead. Edward stirred slightly, his hold on her tightening as he nuzzled closer, murmuring something incoherent in his sleep. Bella chuckled softly, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his arm.
After a few more moments of just enjoying the closeness, she carefully began to slip out of bed. But as she moved, Edward's eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across his face.
"Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
Bella smiled back, leaning down to kiss him softly on the lips. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she whispered. "I was going to make us some coffee."
Edward caught her hand, pulling her back down beside him. "Stay a little longer," he pleaded, his eyes still half-closed. "Just a few more minutes like this."
Bella laughed softly, her heart melting at the simple request. It reminded of the familiar moment like this all those months go when he first visited. "Okay, just a few more minutes," she agreed, snuggling back into his arms. "I guess the coffee can wait."
Edward grinned, pressing his lips to her temple. "Best decision you've made all day," he teased, his voice husky with sleep.
They lay there for a little longer, the world outside waking up around them. Bella couldn't help but feel happy and content. She felt like she could stay in this moment forever, just the two of them, wrapped up in each other.
But eventually, the promise of fresh coffee and the start of their day won out. Bella gently pulled away again, this time with Edward letting her go. "Alright, I'll get us some coffee going," she said, smiling. "And then we can start our cookie-baking marathon."
Edward chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. I'll be right there to help." He stretched, looking entirely too handsome even with bed hair.
Bella got up, grabbing a sweater from the chair beside the bed and pulling it over her pyjamas as she headed to the kitchen. She felt a warm glow in her chest, thinking about the day ahead—full of baking, food prepping, laughter, maybe a little dancing, and just being together. It was everything she wanted this Christmas to be.
As she started the coffee machine, she glanced back towards the bedroom, hearing Edward moving around. She couldn't help but smile again. This was her Christmas miracle, and she couldn't wait to see what the day would bring.
Bella turned back to the coffee machine and hummed softly to herself as she waited for the coffee to brew, the rich aroma filling the kitchen. She reached up into the cupboard, pulling out two mugs, and turned just in time to see Edward emerging from the bedroom.
His hair was still messy, and he'd thrown on a plain white T-shirt, but he looked effortlessly handsome. "Smells good in here," he said with a smile, his voice still thick with sleep.
Bella grinned. "Just wait until we start baking. The whole place will smell like cookies." She poured the coffee and handed him a mug, their fingers brushing briefly.
Edward took a sip, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've had a real Christmas like this." He set his mug down on the counter, moving closer to her. "You're making it feel… different, in the best way."
Bella's heart warmed at his words. She leaned in, resting her forehead against his."I didn't realise how much I missed this kind of connection until you showed up." she whispered.
Edward's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. "I feel the same way. I never thought I'd find this… find you, but I did and I'm so grateful" he murmured, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss.
They stayed like that for a while, holding each other in the quiet of the morning, the only sounds of them breathing and the humming of the appliances in the kitchen. It felt like time had stopped, and they were in their own little bubble, a world away from everything else.
Eventually, Bella pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed. "Okay, time to get started on those cookies," she said, trying to sound determined even as her heart raced from their kiss.
Edward laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, ma'am," he teased. "Lead the way, baker Bella."
They moved around the kitchen together, gathering ingredients, and Bella found herself smiling at how natural it felt. Edward seemed at home here, measuring flour and cracking eggs with a surprising amount of confidence. She watched him, noticing the way his face lit up when he found the cookie cutters shaped like stars and snowflakes.
"Let's make these really festive," Edward suggested, holding up the cutters with a grin.
Bella nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. We'll make them look like they came straight out of a holiday bakery."
As they mixed and rolled out the dough, the kitchen filled with the sound of laughter and Christmas music playing softly in the background. Edward was, as he'd predicted, a bit messy in his baking style, but Bella didn't mind one bit. Flour dusted his hair and shirt, and she couldn't resist reaching over to brush some of it off his cheek.
He caught her hand and kissed her palm, sending a thrill through her. "Having fun?" he asked, his voice low and playful.
Bella giggled, nodding. "The most fun I've had in a long time," she admitted. "I think we make a pretty good team."
"I'd say so," Edward replied, his smile warm. "And I promise to clean up the mess… eventually," he added with a wink.
They continued to bake, cutting out shapes, decorating with icing and sprinkles, sneaking tastes of cookie dough, and dancing around to the music. It felt like pure joy, a perfect blend of holiday magic and the comfort of being with someone who felt so right.
By the time they were finished, there were trays of cookies cooling on the counter, each one more festive than the last. Bella stood back, admiring their handiwork. "These are going to be delicious," she declared proudly.
Edward wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close again. "I think we did pretty well," he agreed. "And now, we have the perfect treats to take to the Christmas service tonight."
Bella turned in his arms, her smile softening. "I'm really looking forward to that," she said. "It'll be nice to share something so special with you."
Edward nodded, his gaze tender. "Me too, Bella. Every moment with you feels like a gift."
They stood there, surrounded by the scent of freshly baked cookies, the twinkling of Christmas lights in the background. Bella couldn't have imagined a better start to their day. She felt a deep sense of happiness and knew that this Christmas would be one she would cherish forever.
"Now how about we make some breakfast? All that baking has made me hungry now" she smiles. "Let's just wipe the sides and put everything in the dishwasher," she adds with a chuckle. "We made quite the mess in here"
Edward grinned, glancing around the kitchen, which looked like a flour bomb had gone off. There were sprinkles scattered across the counter, bits of dough stuck to the table, and bowls stacked in a precarious tower near the sink.
"Yeah, I think we got a little carried away," he laughed, picking up a dish towel. "But totally worth it for those cookies."
Bella grabbed a cloth and started wiping down the counters. "Definitely worth it," she agreed. "But if we don't clean up, we won't have any space left to make breakfast!"
Edward chuckled as he began loading the dishwasher, placing the bowls and spoons inside with surprising efficiency. "You're right. Can't have a holiday breakfast without a clean kitchen," he teased. "Plus, I'm starving."
Bella laughed softly. "Okay, so what do you feel like? Pancakes? Eggs? Or we could go full holiday mode and make French toast with cinnamon and nutmeg."
Edward's eyes lit up. "French toast sounds amazing. Let's do that," he said, his enthusiasm making Bella's heart flutter.
"Perfect!" she replied, grabbing the eggs and milk from the fridge. "I'll get started on the egg mixture. You can handle the spices and bread." She handed him a loaf of thick, fresh bread and some cinnamon.
Edward nodded, getting right to work, slicing the bread into generous pieces and sprinkling the cinnamon and nutmeg onto a plate. As they worked together, the kitchen felt even cosier, filled with the promise of a delicious meal and the happiness of their shared company.
Within minutes, the rich, sweet scent of French toast filled the air, mingling with the lingering aroma of cookies. Edward expertly flipped the slices in the pan, the edges turning a beautiful golden brown.
Bella smiled, enjoying the sight of him moving so confidently in her kitchen. "You're pretty good at this," she teased, watching him as she leaned against the counter.
"I had to learn a few things. I occasionally help cook on the ship" Edward says with a grin. "But I have to admit, I've never made French toast with such… festive intentions."
Bella laughed. "Well, you're doing a fantastic job. And I think it's going to taste amazing." She set the table, pouring out fresh orange juice and laying out some butter and syrup.
When the French toast was ready, Edward served it onto their plates, dusting it with a bit of powdered sugar and adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. "Voilà!" he announced, placing a plate in front of Bella with a flourish. "A holiday breakfast fit for royalty."
Bella giggled and took a bite. The French toast was warm and sweet, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. "This is delicious," she murmured, closing her eyes with a contented sigh.
Edward watched her, his expression softening. "I'm glad you like it," he said quietly. "I wanted to try make this morning special for you."
Bella opened her eyes and reached for his hand across the table. "Every moment with you is special, Edward," she said sincerely.
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, savouring the food and each other's company. Bella felt like her heart might burst from all the happiness she was feeling. She had never had a Christmas like this before, and she knew that no matter what happened in the future, she would always remember this one as the best.
When they finished, Bella sat back with a contented sigh. "That was perfect," she said. "Thank you."
Edward leaned back in his chair, smiling at her. "The pleasure was all mine," he replied. "But now that breakfast is done, how about we take a walk before we dive into the rest of the day?"
Bella's eyes lit up. "I'd love that," she agreed. "A walk sounds perfect."
Edward stood up, extending his hand to her. "Then let's go, my lady," he said with a playful bow.
Bella laughed, taking his hand, feeling a thrill of excitement. She couldn't wait to see what other little moments of joy this day would bring.