They head to the bedroom to change out of their pyjamas and into warm appropriate clothes as before they leave, Bella remembers to get the turkey out the freezer and into the fridge. "Mustn't forget that" she grins with a wink.
They then head outside from her apartment holding hands, the cold air hitting them as they go out the door, a thin layer of snow was on the ground as it was snowing lightly.
Bella shivered slightly as the crisp air hit her cheeks, instantly turning them rosy. Edward squeezed her hand, grinning at the sight of her bundled up in a thick, knitted scarf and a cosy hat that covered her ears. "Snow on Christmas Eve," he said with a smile, glancing up at the light flakes still drifting down from the grey sky. "How perfect is that?"
Bella beamed. "It's magical," she agreed, stepping closer to him, feeling the crunch of the thin layer of snow beneath her boots. "I love how everything looks so peaceful and clean, like a new beginning," she added softly, squeezing his hand back.
They started down the sidewalk, their breath puffing out in small clouds, the air crisp and invigorating. The town looked like a picture from a holiday card, the trees dusted with snow, lights twinkling from every window, and wreaths hung on doors. Bella pointed out a few of the more elaborately decorated houses, her face lighting up as she spoke.
"That one always goes all out," she said, nodding towards a house covered in strings of coloured lights, inflatable snowmen, and a life-sized Santa Claus on the front lawn. "They have a whole light show set to music in the evenings. It's quite the spectacle."
Edward laughed, enjoying her enthusiasm. "I'd love to see that," he replied, imagining the display.
They continued their stroll, making their way towards the local park. The snow continued to fall in gentle flakes, and the world seemed to grow quieter around them, the soft crunch of their boots on the snow the only sound. They reached the park entrance, and Bella led them down a path lined with snow-covered trees, the branches arching over them like a canopy.
Edward looked around, taking in the serene beauty of the scene. "This place is incredible," he murmured, tightening his grip on her hand. "I've missed the simple things like this. Just being in the fresh air, seeing the snow fall."
Bella smiled up at him, her heart full. "I'm so glad we get to experience this together," she said. "I want to share everything with you."
Edward stopped walking for a moment, turning to face her. "I feel the same way, Bella," he said softly. "Being here with you… it feels like I've found something I didn't even know I was missing."
Bella felt a rush of warmth spread through her despite the cold. She reached up, brushing a few snowflakes from his hair. "I'm so happy you're here," she whispered.
Edward smiled and leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead. "Me too," he murmured.
They resumed their walk, feeling the quiet peace of the winter morning around them, the snow continuing to fall gently, like a soft blanket covering the world.
As they walked, they talked about their plans for the rest of the day, and Bella couldn't help but feel a growing excitement for the Christmas festivities. She had a feeling this Christmas would be the best one she had ever had.
They eventually found a bench to sit on, brushing off the snow and sitting down, not minding if they got a little wet. Bella leans against Edward. "Happy Christmas Eve, Edward," she says softly.
Edward wrapped his arm around Bella, pulling her close against his side to shield her from the cold. He felt the warmth of her body even through their thick coats and couldn't help but smile. "Happy Christmas Eve, Bella," he replied softly, his breath misting in the chilly air.
They sat together in comfortable silence, watching as the snowflakes continued to drift lazily down around them, each flake sparkling in the soft light of the overcast sky. The world felt hushed, almost as if it were holding its breath, waiting for Christmas Day to arrive.
Bella snuggled closer, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling utterly content. "I've always loved Christmas Eve," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "There's something so magical about it… the waiting, the excitement, the feeling that something wonderful is just around the corner."
Edward nodded, his gaze sweeping over the quiet park. "I think I understand what you mean," he said, his voice gentle. "This time, it feels different, though. It feels… incredibly special, because I'm here with you."
Bella turned her head slightly, looking up at him with a soft smile. "I feel the same way," she said. "This is already my favourite Christmas, and it hasn't even happened yet."
Edward's eyes softened, and he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. The kiss was gentle and slow, a promise of the love and joy they were sharing. When he pulled back, he kept his forehead against hers, their noses almost touching.
"I don't know how I got so lucky," he whispered, "but I'm grateful for every moment with you."
Bella's heart swelled with emotion, and she reached up to cup his cheek, brushing her thumb over his skin. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Edward," she murmured. "And I'm just so glad you found your way to me."
He kissed her again, a little longer this time, his hand tangling in her hair as if he never wanted to let go. When they finally pulled apart, they both laughed softly, breathless and a little giddy.
Bella rested her head back on his shoulder, her eyes closed, savouring the feel of his heartbeat against her. "This is perfect," she said, her voice filled with contentment. "Just sitting here, with you, in this moment… it's all I could ever ask for."
Edward smiled and rested his cheek on top of her head. "It's more than I could've ever hoped for," he replied quietly, holding her close as they sat together on the snow-dusted bench, the world around them blanketed in quiet, peaceful white.
"We should get back soon" she smiles, letting out a soft happy sigh. "We got things to do, lunch to be made and then the Christmas Eve service later this evening, which I'm really looking forward to".
Edward nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over him as he listened to Bella's soft, happy sigh. "I'm looking forward to it, too," he replied with a gentle smile. "I've never been to a Christmas Eve service quite like the one you described. It sounds... special."
Bella's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, it really is," she said eagerly. "The whole town comes together, and there's this beautiful feeling of community and joy. We all sing carols, and when the clock strikes midnight, everyone wishes each other a merry Christmas. It's one of my favourite traditions since moving here"
Edward's smile grew as he watched the way her face glowed with anticipation. "I can't wait to experience it with you," he said, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Everything's better when I'm with you."
Bella blushed, her heart fluttering. "Flatterer" she chuckles softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Reluctantly, they stood up from the bench, brushing the snow off their coats. Edward took Bella's hand again, and they began to walk back through the park, their steps crunching in the snow. The town seemed to have a new energy as they headed home, more people bustling about, smiling or waving hello, as they prepared for the festivities to come. The air was filled with the sound of distant laughter, and festive music coming from homes.
As they neared Bella's apartment, Edward glanced over at her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "So, what's for lunch? Something delicious, I presume," he teased.
Bella laughed, her eyes sparkling. "How does a hearty bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches sound?" she asked. "Something simple and warm before the busy evening ahead."
Edward's stomach growled in response, and he grinned. "That sounds perfect," he agreed. "I could use something warm after that walk."
They reached the door, and Bella unlocked it, stepping inside and immediately feeling the welcoming warmth of the apartment. She slipped off her coat and hung it by the door, turning to help Edward with his. "We'll get lunch ready, then maybe a restful afternoon before heading to the church," she said, already heading toward the kitchen.
Edward nodded, watching her with a fond smile. "Sounds like a plan," he replied. "I'm just happy to be spending Christmas Eve with you, doing ordinary things… making them extraordinary."
Bella paused and turned back to him, her eyes soft with affection. "You have a way of making everything feel extraordinary, Edward," she whispered.
He crossed the room in a few steps and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Then I guess we're a perfect match," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "Because you make me feel the same way."
They held each other for a long moment, soaking in the warmth of the apartment and the quiet promise of the day ahead.
"Let's make this a Christmas Eve to remember," Bella said softly, pulling back just enough to look up at him with a bright, loving smile.
"Let's," Edward agreed, his heart full as he gazed down at her. "Starting with that delicious lunch."