As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, a comfortable silence settled between them. Edward's fingers gently stroked Bella's hair, his touch soothing, his breathing steady and calm. Bella felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in years, a feeling of safety and belonging that seemed to encompass her whole being.

She tilted her head to look up at him, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his chest. "You really mean that?" she whispered, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "That this is just the beginning?"

Edward's eyes softened, and he cupped her face with his hand, his thumb brushing away a stray tear she hadn't realised had fallen. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life," he replied. "Every moment we've shared, every letter, every video call… It's all led to this. To us. And I want so much more, Bella. So much more with you."

She smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. "I want that too," she confessed. "I've never felt like this before… so sure, so… complete. Like I finally found where I belong."

Edward kissed her forehead, a soft, lingering kiss that seemed to say all the words he couldn't find. "You belong right here," he whispered against her skin. "With me. Always."

They stayed like that for a while, soaking in the warmth of each other's presence, the simple comfort of being close. The room felt like a cocoon, a small world where only they existed, where time stood still. Bella could feel herself drifting, the weight of the day and the comfort of Edward's arms lulling her into a peaceful haze.

"Do you think… after your deployment… that you'd maybe want to stay?" Bella asked softly, her words tentative, but filled with hope. "Here, I mean. In this town, with me?"

Edward paused for a moment, considering her words. He could see the hope in her eyes, the longing for a future that seemed almost too good to be true. "I've thought about it," he admitted. "I've thought about a lot of things, about what happens next for me, for us. And I know that wherever you are, that's where I want to be."

Bella felt a rush of emotion flood through her, her heart pounding in her chest. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Edward nodded, his expression serious but filled with tenderness. "I've been all over the world, Bella. I've seen so much, done so much… but I've never found a place that felt like home. Until now. Until you."

She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by his words. "I want you to be happy, Edward. I want you to have a life you love. If that means being here with me, then… then I'd be the luckiest person in the world."

Edward pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her lips. "Then consider yourself the luckiest, because that's exactly what I want. A life with you, Bella. Just us, together."

Bella's heart soared, and she couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up from her chest. "I'd like that," she breathed, her smile bright and full of joy. "I'd like that very much."

They kissed again, slow and deep, savouring the moment, the promise of what was to come. The snow outside continued to fall softly, the world beyond their window a winter wonderland of possibility and new beginnings.

As they eventually settled down, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room, Bella felt the most profound sense of peace. She closed her eyes, her heart full, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together. And that was all she needed. All she'd ever need.

Edward held her tight, feeling the same sense of certainty, the same promise of a future that he knew, without a doubt, he wanted to share with her.

"Goodnight, love," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness.

"Goodnight, Edward," Bella murmured back, smiling as she drifted off in his arms, her heart content, knowing that this was just the beginning of their story.


Edward wakes up first, and for the first time in a while, it's not really early. He looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table and It was a little after 9am. He looked down at Bella, who was still sleeping soundly next to him, looking serene in her sleep, her hair spread out everywhere on the pillow. He nuzzled his nose against her cheek, planting a soft kiss there. He knew she would want to get up and prepare for today with all the food. "Merry Christmas, love" he says softly.

Bella stirs slightly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she slowly opens her eyes. "Mmm... Merry Christmas," she whispers, her voice still heavy with sleep. She blinks a few times, her eyes adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains. She stretches a little, feeling the warmth of Edward's body next to hers and snuggles closer, reluctant to leave the cosy cocoon of their shared bed.

Edward chuckles softly, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek. "We should probably get up soon," he murmurs. "Lots to do, and we've got that turkey to take care of."

Bella giggles, burying her face against his chest for a moment. "I know… but just a few more minutes," she pleads, looking up at him with a teasing smile. "I want to savour this — waking up with you, on Christmas morning."

He smiles warmly, his heart swelling with affection. "Alright," he agrees, wrapping his arms around her a little tighter. "A few more minutes… just for you."

They lay there in comfortable silence for a little longer, the world outside quiet, as if holding its breath for the day ahead. Bella takes a deep breath, soaking in the scent of him, the warmth, and the promise of the day.

After a while, she looks up at him, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Okay," she finally says, "I guess we should get up. We've got Christmas to celebrate, after all!" She grins, feeling a surge of excitement for the day ahead — their first Christmas together.

Edward nods, pressing another soft kiss to her forehead. "Let's make it a good one, Bella," he whispers, "the first of many."

With that, they slowly pull themselves out of bed, ready to start the day, knowing that this Christmas would be special, one they'd never forget.

Bella grabs a jumper and puts it on over her pyjamas and heads to the kitchen, with Edward following close behind. She puts the kettle on and rummages in the fridge. Popping items on the side, for breakfast and then bringing out the turkey. "I might brine it for a little bit. Make it extra juicy" she grins. "But I'll do it after breakfast" and pops the turkey on top of a plate, covering it over. She then washes her hands and looks up at Edward, smiling "What you fancy for breakfast?. I could do a simple fry up? That will keep us going until Christmas dinner. It's still pretty early"

Edward leans against the kitchen counter, watching Bella with a warm smile. "A fry-up sounds perfect," he replies, his voice still soft from waking up. "I'm not picky, so whatever you want to make, love."

Bella beams at him, clearly excited about the day ahead. "Alright then, fry-up it is!" She starts gathering the ingredients: eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, and bread for toast. "We'll have a proper Christmas feast later, but this should hold us over."

As she begins cooking, Edward steps in to help, taking over the coffee-making duties. The kitchen fills with the delicious smell of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee, and there's a comfortable rhythm between them as they move around each other, exchanging smiles and the occasional soft touch.

"Everything smells amazing already," Edward says, sneaking a piece of bacon off the pan when Bella's back is turned. She catches him just in time and playfully swats his hand away, laughing.

"Patience, sailor," she teases. "You'll get your breakfast soon enough."

Edward chuckles and holds his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. I can wait… but barely," he jokes, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Once everything is ready, they sit down at the small table by the window, plates piled high with food. The warm light of the morning makes the whole scene feel even more festive.

"To our first Christmas," Bella says, raising her coffee cup with a smile.

Edward clinks his mug against hers, his gaze soft. "To our first Christmas," he echoes.

They dig into their breakfast, the sounds of their laughter and easy conversation filling the room, knowing that this Christmas morning was already shaping up to be one they'd treasure forever.

After they finish breakfast, Bella takes a deep breath and looks out the window at the snow-covered street. "It's so peaceful," she says softly. "I never thought I'd have a Christmas like this, where everything just feels... right."

Edward reaches across the table and takes her hand, squeezing gently. "Me neither. It feels like I've been waiting a long time for this," he admits. His eyes meet hers, filled with warmth. "And I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Bella smiles, her heart swelling with happiness. She stands up and starts clearing the table, but Edward quickly steps in. "You cooked, so I'll handle the dishes," he insists, grabbing the plates before she can protest.

Bella watches him for a moment, appreciating the sight of him so comfortably fitting into her life. It was still surreal to have him here, in her apartment, after all the months of waiting and hoping. She turns to the fridge and gathers all the things she needs to start preparing the turkey, carefully brining it while humming a Christmas tune.

As Edward finishes up the dishes, he sneaks up behind Bella, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "You're amazing, you know that?" he whispers, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Bella leans back into him, her hands still busy with the prepping. "I try," she teases, turning her head slightly to meet his gaze. "I can't wait for dinner tonight, it'll be perfect."

Edward nods, his arms tightening around her. "It will be. We'll make it special, just like everything else we do together."

Once the turkey is ready to sit and soak in the brine for a while, Bella takes off her apron and turns around to face Edward, her hands resting on his chest. "We've got plenty of time before we need to start cooking everything else. Want to go for a walk in the snow?"

He grins. "I'd love that."

They bundle up in coats and scarves, stepping out into the crisp winter air. The snow crunches softly beneath their feet as they walk hand-in-hand through the quiet neighbourhood, the soft glow of Christmas lights still twinkling in the windows.

As they reach a small park nearby, Bella stops and looks up at the sky, which has started to flurry again with light snow. "This is like a scene out of a Christmas movie," she laughs, holding her hand out to catch the snowflakes.

Edward watches her with a fond smile. "It's better than any movie."

They walk in silence for a while, taking in the beauty of the day and enjoying each other's company. Eventually, they find a small bench near the park's fountain, which has frozen over in the cold. They sit down, huddling close for warmth. Bella rests her head on Edward's shoulder, feeling content and at peace.

"Do you ever think about what our future will bring?" Bella asks quietly, her voice soft but full of curiosity.

Edward glances at her, sensing the depth of her question. He wraps an arm around her and pulls her closer. "I do," he says after a moment. "Especially now. With you. I can see a future—one where we're not spending months apart, one where we get to do this kind of thing all the time."

Bella's heart skips a beat. "I like the sound of that," she whispers, her breath visible in the cold air.

They stay there a little while longer, lost in the moment, before eventually heading back to her apartment. There was still Christmas dinner to make, after all.

As they step through the door, Bella pauses and looks at Edward with a mischievous smile. "You know, I think this is going to be the best Christmas yet."

Edward grins, leaning down to kiss her gently. "I know it will be, love."