A/N: Thank you for your continuous support and love for this story, I really appreciate it. :) I made a slight error at the end Chapter 13, where it says Edward drives home. I will change to that to Bella, as it's her car and she drove to the store. Sorry about that! haha
Once back at Bella's apartment and after they had packed everything away in its rightful place, the two of them settled down on the sofa, the cosy warmth of the room wrapping around them. Bella immediately snuggled up against Edward, resting her head on his shoulder as his arm slipped comfortably around her.
She looked up at him with a soft smile, her excitement bubbling up again. "Do you want to go to the Christmas market soon, after a little rest?" she suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "They have stalls for gifts and decorations, food and drink, and there's even carol singing. It's all really nice."
Edward glanced down at her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile as he listened to her describe the market. The idea of wandering through festive stalls, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas, sounded perfect. "That sounds wonderful," he replied, his voice warm and eager. "I'd love to go."
Bella's smile widened, her eyes lighting up. "We missed the tree being turned on," she continued, "but the lights and the tree are so beautiful. You'll love it, Edward."
He could see how much this meant to her, and it made him feel even more excited to experience it with her. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I can't wait to see everything, especially with you by my side."
Bella blushed slightly, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. She had always loved the Christmas market, but this year felt different—special—because she was sharing it with Edward. The thought of wandering through the festive stalls together, sipping hot drinks and listening to carols, filled her with a sense of joy she hadn't felt in a long time.
They sat together for a few more moments, simply enjoying the comfort of each other's presence, taking time to enjoy the rest, before Bella finally pulled herself away from his embrace. "We should get ready before it gets too late," she said, her voice light with excitement. "It's probably going to be a bit chilly out there, so we'll need to bundle up."
Edward chuckled softly as he stood up, helping Bella to her feet. "Good idea. Let's make sure we're nice and warm for our night out."
They both headed to the bedroom to grab their winter coats, scarves, and gloves, the anticipation of the evening ahead making their movements quick and eager. As Bella pulled on her coat, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of spending the night at the market with Edward, knowing it would be one more memory to treasure from their first Christmas together.
When they were both ready, bundled up and ready to face the cold, Edward took Bella's hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Let's go make some Christmas memories," he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
Bella's heart swelled with happiness as they stepped out into the now crisp evening air, the promise of a magical night ahead filling her with a sense of wonder and excitement. With Edward by her side, everything seemed brighter, and she knew that this Christmas would be one she would remember for the rest of her life.
The walk to the market took about twenty minutes, and Bella couldn't have been happier as she held Edward's hand, their fingers interlaced. The streets and houses were decorated with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow that made the evening feel even more magical. Snowflakes from an earlier flurry clung to tree branches and rooftops, adding to the festive charm. Bella stole glances at Edward as they walked, her heart full at the simple joy of being together.
When they arrived, the market was bustling with life. Crowds of people moved between the stalls, their chatter mixing with the cheerful sounds of Christmas carols playing in the background. The air was filled with the mouthwatering scents of roasted chestnuts, cinnamon, spiced cider and wine. Edward took it all in, his eyes bright with wonder at the festive scene unfolding before them.
Bella turned to him, her grin wide with excitement. "Shall we get some mulled wine and then have a look around?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling.
Edward smiled back, squeezing her hand. "That sounds perfect," he agreed. "Lead the way."
They made their way over to a stall selling mulled wine, the fragrant smell of spices filling the air. Bella ordered two cups, and they stood together, savouring the warmth of the drinks against the chill of the night. Bella took a small sip, the sweet, spiced flavour instantly warming her from the inside. Edward followed suit, nodding appreciatively as he took a sip.
"This is really good," he said, his voice tinged with delight. "And just what I needed to warm up."
Bella laughed softly, her cheeks rosy from the cold and the wine. "I knew you'd like it," she said, her smile playful. "It's the best way to start off a Christmas market visit."
They wandered through the market, taking their time to explore each stall. Bella pointed out handmade ornaments, beautiful candles, and unique gifts, her excitement infectious. They stopped at a stall selling freshly baked gingerbread and bought a few pieces to nibble on as they walked. Edward watches Bella as she talks about the market, her joy evident in every word, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude that he was here, sharing this moment with her.
As they strolled past a choir singing carols near the towering Christmas tree, Edward paused, pulling Bella gently into his arms. "This is beautiful," he said softly, looking down at her with affection. "I've never seen anything like it. Thank you for bringing me here."
Bella leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I'm so glad, Edward," she said, her voice sincere. "This is exactly how I wanted to spend Christmas—with you."
They stood there for a while, the sounds of the carols and the twinkling lights creating a perfect backdrop for the moment. The market was full of life and laughter, but for Bella and Edward, it felt like they were in their own little world—a world where everything was simple, joyful, and filled with love.
After finishing their mulled wine, they continued to explore the bustling market, moving from one charming stall to the next. They admired intricate handmade crafts, sampled delicious holiday treats, and occasionally stopped to listen to musicians playing festive tunes. The air was crisp and cold, but Bella and Edward's shared laughter and conversation kept them warm.
At a stall filled with beautifully crafted ornaments, Bella picked up a delicate glass bauble painted with a winter scene. She turned it over in her hand, admiring the fine details of a tiny snowy village captured inside. "Isn't it lovely?" she said, holding it up for Edward to see.
Edward nodded, his eyes on the bauble, then on Bella. "It's beautiful," he agreed, though he was more captivated by the joy on her face. Without hesitation, he took out his wallet. "Let's get it. It'll be a little keepsake from tonight."
Bella's smile widened, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Our first Christmas ornament," she said softly as the vendor carefully wrapped it up. It felt like a small but significant moment, a tiny symbol of the memories they were making together.
They moved on, stopping by a stall where a vendor offered samples of roasted chestnuts. Edward handed a few to Bella, and they both laughed at the unexpected warmth of the nuts in their hands. Bella savoured the sweet, smoky flavour, her eyes closing for a moment as she enjoyed it.
After a while, they found themselves at a stand selling woollen scarves, hats, and mittens. Bella picked up a soft, hand-knitted beanie in a dark emerald green. "This would look great on you," she said, holding it up to Edward's head with a playful grin. "It matches your eyes."
Edward chuckled, allowing her to pull it onto his head. "How do I look?" he asked, striking a mock-serious pose.
Bella giggled, stepping back to admire him. "Handsome as ever," she teased, her voice warm. "You should definitely get it."
Edward didn't hesitate, buying the beanie and pulling it down snugly over his ears. "There, now I'll be warm," he said, tugging her close and kissing her on the temple. "Thanks for looking out for me."
As the evening went on, they made their way toward the central square, where the market's centrepiece stood: a massive Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights and shining ornaments. Bella and Edward paused at the base of the tree, gazing up at its towering branches. The sight was breathtaking, the glow of the lights reflecting off the freshly fallen snow, creating a magical atmosphere.
"This is even better than I imagined," Bella whispered, squeezing Edward's hand. "I'm so glad we came."
Edward wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as they admired the tree. "I am too," he said softly. "You make everything feel so special, Bella. I've never felt more at home than I do right now."
Bella turned her face up to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness. She felt a swell of emotion, knowing that this moment, this night, was something she would cherish forever. "You're my home too, Edward," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him softly under the twinkling lights of the tree.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth and the glow of the holiday lights, the world around them seemed to fade away. The music, the laughter, the bustle of the market—it all became background noise to the quiet, perfect joy of being together.
The night was chilly, the market lively, and the Christmas spirit palpable, but nothing compared to the feeling of sharing it all with someone they loved. Bella and Edward held each other close, savouring every moment, knowing that this was just the beginning of many more holidays spent side by side.