A/N: Hi! Just want to continue to thank you all for your continued support! I've been so grateful for your reviews. I'll be uploading 2 chapters today :) September has been a very busy month and I haven't been able to upload as many chapters as I wanted to. Very much looking forward to October now. Would like to give a disclaimer for this chapter, that there is a slightly tame sexual moment at the end of this chapter. Even though I've rated fanfic as Mature, none of the sexual scenes will be explicit. That's not how I do things. But thanks again and hope you continue to enjoy this story x
With their hot chocolate finished, they soon headed to the bedroom. They strip from their clothes into their Pyjamas and share the sink in the bathroom to brush their teeth, playing bumping hips with each other as they smile at each other in the mirror. Bella then starts doing her skin care. "I've made you a basket of toiletries" she smiles as she puts on her night cream and points to a small wicker basket on the side full with male products. "Should be some skincare in there, if you need some. I didn't have anything for you last time so thought I'd make something up for for you"
Edward grinned as he glanced at the basket, filled with an assortment of toiletries — a range of products clearly chosen with care. He picked up a face wash labelled with a simple, masculine design and turned it over in his hands, chuckling softly. "You think of everything, don't you?" he murmured, a playful gleam in his eyes.
Bella laughed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "I just wanted you to feel at home," she said, her voice light and affectionate. "And maybe keep that handsome face of yours even more handsome," she teased, leaning closer to kiss his cheek.
Edward pretended to look serious as he inspected a bottle of moisturiser, his lips twitching with amusement. "Skincare, huh? Well, I guess I'd better start keeping up with a routine if I'm going to keep up with you."
Bella giggled as she finished applying her night cream, watching him with a fond expression. "I'll make a skincare lover out of you yet," she teased, tapping his nose playfully. She the left the sink and leaned in the doorway, enjoying the sight of him in her bathroom, so comfortable and at ease, as if he belonged there.
Edward quickly rinsed his face, using one of the products with a refreshing scent, and then turned back to Bella, drying his hands. "I like it here," he said softly, his gaze meeting hers in the mirror. "Everything feels so… easy with you."
Bella's heart swelled at his words. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I feel the same way," she whispered, her voice full of sincerity. "I'm so happy you're here."
They turned off the bathroom light and made their way back to the bedroom, the cosy warmth of the room welcoming them in. Climbing into bed, they snuggled close, the scent of fresh linens and a subtle hint of peppermint from the hot chocolate they had earlier filling the air.
Edward wrapped his arms around Bella, pulling her close as she nestled against his chest. "I don't think I've ever felt this content," he murmured, his breath warm against her hair.
Bella smiled, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his arm. "Me neither," she admitted softly. "I've always dreamed of having someone to share the little things with… the everyday moments like this."
Edward kissed the top of her head, his heart full. "You make every moment special, Bella," he said. "I'm so grateful we found each other."
Bella's smile widened, and she lifted her head to meet his gaze. "Me too," she whispered. She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, feeling his arms tighten around her, anchoring her in place.
They lay there, their foreheads touching, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. The snow continued to fall softly outside, the world hushed and peaceful, as they held each other close.
"Let's make every Christmas like this," Edward murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Together."
Bella felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, a deep happiness blooming in her chest. "Yes," she agreed softly, her voice full of promise. "Together."
They kiss again, slightly more passionately this time and she smiles against his lips as she feels Edward's hands explore her body. It had been months since their first time, and being this close and intimate in the bed, brought back all the memories of that night. Edward's eyes then meet hers and she part from the kiss, with a look of longing and as if he was asking for permission. She blushes and nods. "Yes" she breathes softly.
Edward's eyes softened at her whispered word, his lips curling into a gentle, adoring smile. He brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, his thumb caressing her cheek with tender reverence. "You're sure?" he whispered, his voice filled with care and respect.
Bella nodded again, more firmly this time, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Yes, Edward," she repeated softly, her voice steady and filled with trust. "I want this. I want you."
With a sigh of relief and happiness, Edward leaned in, capturing her lips once more in a deep, passionate kiss. His hands continued their exploration, moving slowly and carefully, as if memorising every curve and contour of her body. Bella felt herself melt into his touch, her body instinctively arching closer, craving the warmth and intimacy he offered.
They took their time, savouring each touch, each caress, the world outside disappearing as they focused solely on each other. Every touch was a reaffirmation, a promise, an unspoken bond growing stronger between them. Edward's hands were gentle yet confident, his kisses soft but filled with intensity, as if he were pouring all of his love and desire into each moment they shared.
Bella responded eagerly, her hands roaming his back, his shoulders, pulling him closer as she matched his passion. The months of longing, of waiting, of building anticipation seemed to spill over between them, and it felt like coming home, like finding a missing piece of herself.
When they finally pulled back for air, their breaths were ragged, their foreheads touching as they gazed at each other, hearts pounding in unison. Edward's hand rested against her cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of her lips. "I love you, Bella," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Tears welled in Bella's eyes, a joyful smile spreading across her face. "I love you too, Edward," she replied, her voice breaking with happiness.
And then, without another word, they came together, their bodies and souls intertwining in a dance as old as time. The room was filled with the sounds of their soft breaths, quiet whispers, and the rustle of sheets as they moved together, creating their own rhythm, their own language of love.
In that moment, nothing else existed but them, two hearts beating as one, sharing in the warmth, the love, and the promise of many more nights like this. As they finally lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside seemed even more peaceful, the snow falling quietly, blanketing everything in a soft, serene white.
Bella felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her. "This is perfect," she whispered against his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her cheek.
Edward pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. "It's only the beginning," he murmured back, his voice filled with promise. "Our beginning."
