Chapter 29

Chapter 29
BPOV
"Ready Belly Bean?" Emmett asked putting the last of our bags in the trunk of his jeep.
"Yep. Are you ready Emmy Bear?" I grinned.
"You know it Bella baby. We would all be ready to go if my lug head shortie of a sister, would hurry up!" Emmett boomed.
"I'm freezing my ass off over here." Edward said. We could have all been in the jeep waiting for Alice's return, but who wants to sit in a car for 25 minutes straight. That is a waste of gas, and then we were too lazy to actually go back into the house.
We were all still waiting on Alice. She had to make a quick stop, and told us she would be here in five. That was 20 minutes ago. Soon enough her little yellow car was coming up the driveway.
"Something dangerous this way comes." Edward muttered loudly in my ear, his warm breath tickling the cold skin against my neck.
"Hey I heard that!" Alice screeched locking her car door behind her.
You were supposed to. We have been waiting for almost 30 minutes now. We have a whole a long drive ahead of us. Not to mention it's beginning to snow." Edward said glaring at his sister.
"Well I'm here now so stop being a baby." Alice pushed, returning his glare.
"You know you don't scare me." he glared playfully at her.
"Oh yeah?" Alice smiled evilly. They were both leaning towards one another,
"Yeah." Edward laughed and the next thing you know Alice was on his back giving him a wet willy.
"Ew! Al. Get off!" Edward hollered running back and forth with Alice perched on his back. We were all in fits of laughter at the sight.
"Say it." Alice pushed, ruffling up his hair.
"Never!" Edward laughed, although I knew he wished she would just get off by now. She ruffled up his hair again.
"Fine, Alice. You are a terrifying little thing. It's disgusting how much I love you." Edward breathed.
"Tell me about it." Alice grinned kissing his cheek before jumping off his back. Edward had a huge pout on his face, which made us all laugh. Edward walked over to me his eyes smoldering.
"Love, you were supposed to help me." Edward said his eyes glistening with excitement, his face flushed from the dropping temperature."Well babe, what do you want me to do about it? Your sister scares me." I laughed, although it was true. Alice did scare me, especially when she had all of beauty tools. She was a force to be reckoned with.
"Well how about you help me and I'll help you." He breathed, the faint scent of mint off his breath making me lightheaded.
"And what if I don't need your help." I pushed grinning; He put his hands on my waist and pulled me close.
"Oh you will. She's going to corner you one day, and you'll need me." He said smiling crookedly at me. His smile, which revealed those perfect set of pearly whites. His smile could make me lose all conscious thought, and I would become a blubbering mess. All I could do was blink, until Alice interrupted.
"Hey are you two finished plotting against me now? It's been 10 minutes of you two staring at each other." She smirked.
I shook my head to clear my head. "What?" I asked.
"Bells, you two dummies have been standing there for the past 10 minutes now. At this rate with all these delays we will never make it to mom and dad's on time." Jasper said.
"Really?" I gasped wondering where the time went.
"Yeah and now if you and lover boy are finished. Can we go now?" Alice asked.
"Fine." I pouted not wanting to pull away from his grasp. He just chuckled and kissed my forehead.
"Come on love." Edward said grabbing my hand. I rolled my eyes as he pulled me along.
I decided to sit in the middle next to Edward, and let Alice sit on Jasper's lap. It was somewhat of a tight fit, with all of Alice's bags and our stuff including all of presents were in the back blocking the window. I just prayed we didn't get pulled over. I did not want to end up in jail.
The whole ride to Carlisle and Esme's was humorous. Emmett had turned the radio on and we had sung to the old tunes of Christmas carols. After nearly laughing to death of Emmett's rendition of Santa Baby, and nearly melting into a pile of goo when Edward sang Bing Crosby's White Christmas when were finally here. Esme welcomed us with welcoming arms. Carlisle was still at work and would not be home until later. We have to make four trips alone with Alice's bags, and we soon brought the others in. I helped Alice out the Christmas presents under the tree. Of course, she was pestering me about her present.
"Come on Bella you have to tell me what you got me!" She begged.
"No can do Al. Besides, Christmas is in two days. Surely you can wait that long." I pushed.
"No I can't it's not fair." Alice cried bouncing up and down in place.
"Yes it is. You don't see me questioning you about my present." I said.
"Ooh if I tell you, then will you tell me!" she asked excitedly.
"Nope." I said popping the p.
"Bella!" Alice hollered and she began pouting. I knew my resolve was going to weaken if I gazed into her big hazel eyes. Only one person to call.
"Jasper!" I hollered and he came bounding down the stairs."Yes Bells?" he asked.
I just pointed to a still pouting Alice and Jasper just laughed.
"Let me guess. She's bothering you about her Christmas present isn't she?" He grinned.
"You know it." I smiled. He just grinned and threw Alice over his shoulder as he headed back up the stairs.
"Isabella Marie! I'm so going to get you for this." She hollered playfully. Jasper just laughed and smacked her behind.
I was about to go to the guest room to put my things up, when Edward stopped me. He was very fidgety and looking at me nervously. I raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Uh Bella?" He asked.
"Yeah?" I said timidly, yet curious
To what he was about to ask me.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing my bed with me." he said, and I raised my eyebrow up again at him. He quickly caught on to what he just said.
"Uh- no! That is not what I meant. Would you mind sharing my room with me? I promise to keep my hands to myself! I promise. Scout's honor." He said raising up his hand in mock salute. I just laughed at his dumbstruck expression. He looked at me curiously, and after composing myself, I answered him.
"I would love to share a room with you. But I swear if you knock me off the bed again, your ass is mine." I glared playfully at him.
"I'll have your word on it." He smiled crookedly pressing his lips to mine.
I melted into his kiss, and pulled him closer until I heard someone clear their throat. I swerved around to see Esme leaning against the doorway with a grin on her face. I felt my face flush. How embarrassing is it to be caught by your own boyfriend's mother. I pressed my face against Edward chest, which was shaking, in silent laughter. I smacked his chest with my free hand but kept the other grasping on to Edward's shirt, my face buried onto his chest.
"Don't worry Bella, Carlisle and I did more than that in our day." Esme laughed, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew Mom! Gross. I did not want to know what you and the doctor did before we came along." Edward shuddered.
"Silly boy." Esme smiled. Once I felt my face cool a little, I lifted my face. Edward was looking down at me with amusement in his eyes, while Esme had a breathtaking grin on her face.
"Go on you two. Your father should be home soon, and dinner will be ready in an hour. Why don't you go upstairs to freshen up?" Esme smiled.
"Yeah we should. Come on lover boy." I grinned grabbing his hand.
I pulled him upstairs, and headed towards his room, well…our room for the time being. Edward put my bags on the bed and wrapped me in a warm hug. I laid my head back in content. We just swayed back and forth and it wasn't awkward at all. After a couple of minutes, he finally released me. I had to admit I miss the warmth of his touch. We both decided to take showers and decided to let me use his bathroom while he took his in the guest bathroom. Giving him a kiss on the cheek, I grabbed some clothes and headed towards the bathroom.
After taking a hot warm shower, I threw on a pair of black yoga pants and a shirt. We were all staying in anyway so why not be comfortable. I heard Esme call from downstairs that dinner was ready. Naturally, Emmett was all ears and bounded down the stairs nearly knocking Alice and me over. Rose just sheepishly grinned trailing behind him.
I headed cautiously down the stairs, taking a relieving breath every time I made a step. Cringing at the memory of last time's fiasco. I almost made it to the last step, when I tripped. Yep, it was not going to be a pretty sight. Luckily, the fall never came as I fell in to Emmett's large arms.
"Jesus Bella. How clumsy can you be? I actually want to eat on time without rushing you to a hospital." Emmett boomed.
"Well thanks a lot Emmett. You actually think I like making contact with the floor." I growled. Yes, I actually growled at him.
"Feisty. No wonder Edward likes you so much. Now come on. "He said pulling my hand, but the sudden force of his pull caused me to trip once more and crash into him. He just laughed and threw me over his shoulder. I squealed and started smacking his back.
We entered the dining room to the amused faces of everyone. I was still laughing trying to get away from Emmett's grasp but he was so strong. How can a 5'6 one hundred and fifteen pound girl compete with a 6'5 two hundred and ten pounds of pure muscle? Here is the answer to that. You can't.
When I finally stopped swatting at him, he dropped me into Edward's warm arms. He pressed a kiss to my temple, and I giggled at his touch.
"Well it's about time. Bella for a second there I thought you were trying to seduce my monkey man away from me." Rose said.
"Ew, first off it's Emmett. He's practically my brother. Even if he wasn't I would never do that too you, because I love you too much." I grinned, and everyone mocked awed.
"Aww…That's so sweet but look at me I'm hot as hell." Emmett beamed.
"Emmett language!" Esme said with a hint of amusement.
"Sorry mommy. Just look at me though. The muscles and the dimples for crying out loud." Emmett laughed.
"Well someone apparently has a big head." Alice laughed.
"No I don't pix. In addition, most importantly the blue eyes. My Rosie said that they are the best she's ever seen." Emmett said proudly.
"Well duh! She loves you, so of course they are the best she has ever seen. Besides, I am a sucker for green eyes if you catch my drift. "I said staring back his gorgeous emerald orbs.
"Well who in the hell has green eyes!" Emmett asked."Me dumbass!" Edward laughed."Edward!" Esme said.
"Sorry. Still, how can you not know I have green eyes? Rose even has them for crying out loud." Edward stated.
"Well excuse me for not noticing." Emmett laughed.
"So wait, does this mean you never noticed my eyes?" Rose said angrily towards him.
"Ohh you're in trouble!" Edward and Jasper boomed loudly.
"Well babe it's not like I didn't notice them, I just never really paid attention to them." Emmett said.
"Stupid." Alice muttered in my ear, and I had to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing out loud."And what is it that you do pay attention to then?" Rosalie growled.
"Uh?" Emmett said.
"Well, you have all night to think about it in the guest room." Rose said folding her arms across her chest.
"Isn't that Bella's room?" Emmett asked."It was, but now its yours." Rose glared.
"I can't just put her out like that." Emmett pushed.
"Oh no worry Em. I am staying in Edward's room." Everyone's eyes flickered over to me and I blushed. Rose and Alice raised questioning eyebrows at me, and I just shrugged my shoulders.
Edward settled me into the seat next to him and I leant onto his touch. We heard the front door open, so we all knew Carlisle was home. He entered the dining are and gave Esme a passionate kiss on the lips. He actually moaned into her mouth. Can you say gross? I mean its sweet and all but when you have two people who are practically like parents to you, it's kind of gross.
"Eww, if you don't mind Daddy, I would really like the mortifying images that are now popping into my head to stay at bay please?" Alice shuddered.
"How is my Ally-bug?" He grinned kissing her forehead."Just fine without all the mental images thank you." she cheered. He then went around the table kissing the girls foreheads, and patted the boys on the back. When he got to me, I was surprised when he kissed my forehead.
"And how is my 3rd daughter doing tonight?" He asked. I beamed at his words.
"Just fine, thank you." I smiled so wide that I thought my face was going to hurt so much. He settled down next to Esme, and we began to eat dinner.
Esme had made post roast, with roasted vegetables and let me say it was just absolutely delicious. We rattled on about various topics but Alice was stuck on the gala that was tomorrow night. It was the annual charity gala for the hospital and anyone who was anyone was going to be there. Alice was babbling on about hair products and shoes, but I was listening to none of it, I just kept my focus on the amazing man beside me. I was still a little anxious at the fact that I still had not told him I loved him yet. I was going to tell him soon and just prayed that he still felt the same way towards me. He still hadn't really said I love you since that day and it was seriously killing me. What if I waited to long to actually say it? I guess dinner went away in a blur because I was soon dressed in my pajamas getting ready for bed. Edward was in the bathroom brushing his teeth, and looked a sight. He was wearing a black wife beater and some low pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips. Sex was the farthest thing from my mind at the moment but I couldn't help but get a little aroused from the sight of his muscles.
I sighed in frustration and leant my head back against the pillow. It smelled fresh of laundry detergent and Edward. I pulled the pillow to my face and breathed in the heavenly scent. When I pulled the pillow away from my face, Edward was on the edge of the bed with an amused grin upon his face."What?" I blushed.
"Did you actually smell my pillow?" He asked and I pressed the pillow against my face to hide my flushed face. I can't believe he actually noticed. It was just that he smelled so good. Today it was vanilla and musk, he scent alone did things to my body.
"Don't hide from me love. "He said lifting the pillow from my face. I gazed up and once again got lost in his eyes. He had an amused grin on his face, and I smacked his arm, although it probably didn't affect him.
"Stop that." I squeaked.
"Stop what?" He asked.
"Stop dazzling me like that. It's not fair." I pouted.
"I dazzle you?" he smile crookedly and there I go again.
"Damn it Edward! Yes, you dazzle me quite frequently. Happy now?" I huffed
"I'm only happy when you're around." He said giving me a chaste kiss on the lips.
"You're such a marshmallow Edward." I laughed.
"Oh, so now I'm a softy eh?" he teased.
"Maybe." I grinned.
"Love nothing about this is soft." Edward grinned taking his shirt off and then placing my hands onto his rock hard abs.
"You got that right." I moaned pressing my lips to his. He reciprocated eagerly pulling me closer to him. I didn't even mind the fact he was grabbing my ass either. I was about to straddle him when Alice barged in breaking up our little reverie.
"Mary Alice Cullen! Ever heard of knocking?" I screeched.
"Yeah, but this is much more fun. Now go to sleep you two. We have a lot of prepping to do tomorrow." Alice grinned.
"Al, seriously?" Edward grimaced and I realized I was still straddling him. Blushing I got off him. I swore I heard him mumbling something about a cock-blocking sister, but maybe I was just hearing things.
"Is that all?" Edward breathed.
"No, but Edward get rid of the wood, that is definitively something I don't want to see." Alice laughed. Edward glanced down and covered himself with a pillow. Her ears were turning red and I knew he was embarrassed. Alice just laughed even harder and strolled out the room closing the door behind her.
"Well if that wasn't embarrassing." Edward mumbled mortified."You'll get over it Lover boy, no lets get some sleep I said pressing my lips to his. I snuggled into his chest, and he wrapped his arms around me. Edward turned off the light, and I began raking my hands through his hair. Edward often told me he enjoyed it when I did it. He breathing soon deepened so I knew he was asleep. I gave him one more kiss against his lips before succumbing to my own.
"Come on Bella you're killing me here." Rose said taking a strand my hair to curl it.
"Me, you're the one practically pulling all my hair out." I winced in pain as she grabbed another strand.
"Well if you stop fidgeting so much we wouldn't have this problem now would we?" She said.
"I'm nervous." I admitted.
"About?" She asked.
"Well I never have been to one of these things before. What if I embarrass myself, or you guys? What do I even talk about with a bunch of doctors, and socialites?" I questioned. Rose raised an eyebrow at me as Alice bounced into the room.
"Bella, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. It's not even as boring as you think. We all actually have a good time." Alice said grabbing her makeup bag.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yep. Now close your eyes so I can do your makeup." Alice grinned.
"You're not going to poke my eyes out with that thing are you?" I asked. She nearly pulled off all my eyelashes last time when she did my mascara.
"Just trust me. Then I'll help you get dressed." she beamed. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.
I was surprised she was really gentle. When I looked in the mirror, I was amazed by the beauty in the mirror. The girl didn't look like a naïve 18 year. This girl looked mature and elegant. Alice had my eyes smokey with a slight blush on my cheeks. My lips for blood red, giving me a perfect pout. Rose had my hair in soft curls pinned to the sign with a silver butterfly barrette revealing my neck. I looked amazing. I couldn't help the Alice like squeal and grab her into a hug.
"Bella! Don't smudge your makeup!" Alice screeched."Sorry. Now here." Alice said giving me a strapless bra, and undergarments.
"Uh Alice why is my bra strapless?" I asked, the way my dress was made I should have been able to wear the bra I usually wore underneath it.
"Well I might have made some alterations." She said coyly.
"Alterations meaning?" I asked anxious.
"Oh I might have cut a bit of this and that." She smiled.
"You cut my dress! Alice that was a two hundred dollar dress, you just can't go around cutting other people's clothes." I screeched.
"Bella chill. I just cut some of that extra fabric off the back. It's perfect fully fine." Alice said.
"I don't know about this." I said worried.
"Relax, besides Edward is going to have a heart attack when he sees you.' Alice said, her spiky hair bouncing as she pranced about the room. I went into the bathroom to put it on.
"So do I look good or what?" Rose asked, as I glanced over in astonishment. Rose looked gorgeous of course. She was in an emerald satin ruffle dress that tied at the waist. (A/n: All dresses are on profile.) It showed off her beautiful figure and she had her hair in a knot at the base of her neck. She had light gold eye shadow on which made her green eyes gleam. She looked amazing.
"Girl if I wasn't so in love with Jazzy, I would totally do you." Alice laughed.
"Me too." A soothing voice said as Esme entered the room. She was dressed in a cocoa brown floor length gown with an empire waist and flutter sleeve. For a mom of 5 she looked amazing.
"Esme you look beautiful." I smiled.
"Thank you dear. Why aren't you dressed yet?" She asked.
"Waiting on Alice. Apparently she altered my dress." I huffed.
"Well Alice will be alice." Esme grinned. As soon as she said this Alice bounced from the bathroom dressed in a steel colored strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. She also had on 5 inch heels which almost made her even height with me.
"Well don't you look gorgeous?" I smiled at her."Thank you. Now come on Bella, let me help you went your dress." Alice pushed. I stripped off my robe. I was still a little shy undressing in front of them.
"Calm down Bella, it's not like we don't have the same parts." Rose laughed spraying some perfume on her neck. Alice helped me into my dress and when I finally looked into the mirror, I was amazed. Alice had took some of the extra fabric from the back and made my dress into a halter with a knot in front draping out into the rest of my dress. It tied at the base of my neck revealing my back. I felt and looked beautiful. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
"Al, I don't know what to say." I breathed, trying not to cry.
"Bella, if you mess up your makeup." Alice said sternly with amusement in her eyes.
"Well remind me not to underestimate you ever again." I laughed.
"I have been telling you that for the longest, now here." Alice said giving me a pair of 4 inch silver heels."Have you lost your mind Alice?" I asked looking at the pair of deathtraps.
"I think she has. Alice honey, have you seen what happened to Bella last time?" Rose asked."It'll be fine. With the way she's looking right now I doubt Edward would want to leave her side. Besides he said he'd always be there to catch her when she falls." Alice beamed.
"Well I hope he's ready to catch me then. I huffed putting on the heels. I stood up straight. I would actually be neck and neck with Rose if she weren't wearing heels. I grabbed my charm bracelet Edward gave me and I put in my diamond stud earrings. I didn't put on any perfume because Edward akways said he loved my nautral scent. I took a deep breath and glance in the mirror.
"Are you guys ready for our entrance?" Alice asked.
"Another entrance?" I groaned.
"Yep, now make sure the girls are up." Rose said adjusting herself, and I was even surprised when Esme did it. I looked at her shocked.
"What dear? Just because I'm a mother doesn't mean I have the goods? Besides without these Emmett would have never been born." Esme smiled.
"Thank god for that." Rose said."Oh so have you finaly forgiven him?" I asked walking towards the door.
"Yeah, after he begged for forgiveness on his hands and knees." Rose beamed.
"That's my girl!" Esme smiled.
"Esme!" I gasped."Again what. I would have made Carlisle do the same thing. How can you not notice someone's eyes?" She waved.
"Well that's Emmett for you." I laughed and Alice interrupted.
"Mom is going to go down first, then Rose, then I will go down and finally you will come down Bella." Alice said.
"Hey why do I have to go last?" I asked.
"We always do this. Oldest to youngest." Alice gestured."Alice you're not that much older than me." I pointed out."Yet I still am, now hush. Wait at least 15 seconds before coming down." Alice pushed and we all lined up at the top of the staircase.
Esme went down first. I couldn't see much from where I was standing but I could hear Emmett's booming voice about how they have one sexy mama. Fifteen seconds latert Rose slowly went down the stairs and I heard a large thump. Apparently Emmett mock fainted at the sight of herm which caused Rose to holler at him for getting his tux dirty. Then Alice slowy descended the stairs. Once saw she at the base of the stairs I waited fifteen seconds before catiously coming down the stairs. It was like one of those movie moments, where time stops and there's the guy and the girl who stare at each other, not willing to break their gaze afraid that the other person might just disappear. I actually made it down the stairs without incident, and there he was. Edward was dressed in a black tux, with a silver tie. He smile crookedly up at me, and I prayed to god I didn't melt into the floor. He grabbed my hand and put a gentle kiss to my hand.
"You look ravishing love." He grinned. I blushed and was about to give Edward a kiss when Alice screeched."Bella if you even smudge that lipstick." She pouted.
"Okay what's the point of me wearing it if I can't kiss my boyfriend?" I asked.
It's for the effect." Alice said, and I just shrugged my shoulders at her.
"Fine, but you better fix it." she huffed. Jasper just chuckled and pulled her towards him.
"Now where were we?" he grinned mischievously.
"We were right about here." I smiled pressing my lips to his. I could feel his smile against my lips. I heard a throat clear and I blushed pulling myself away from him.
"Now if you don't mind. Some of us are starving here." Emmett boomed, causing Rose to smack him in the chest."Is that all you think about you big oaf?" Rose asked.
"No, most of the time I think about you?" Emmett grinned."Most of the time?" Rosalie questioned, raising her perfectly arched eyebrow at him.
"Wait babe that didn't come out right. I think about you all the time." Emmett quickly said."Yeah, whatever." Rose shrugged walking over to the door."Aw man. I guess another night in the guest bedroom." Emmett pouted. Edward burst out laughing."What are you laughing at Eddie? I always knew red was your color." Emmett laughed. I looked up to Edward's face to see my lipstick smeared all over his lips. Using my thumb I pressed it to his lips, to remove it. Edward's eyes darkened and I found myself lost in his eyes again.
"Come on you two. Let's go." Jasper said. I grabbed Edward's arm and pulled him along. Carlisle and Esme had rented out a limo for the night so we all got to ride over together. It was being held at the Volterra, a huge 100 year old hotel owned by Aro and his wife Athenadora old friends of Carlisle. Edward helped me out of the car and went to put our coats away. He soon was back at my side as went entered the main room. It was nothing like I expected. There were table strewn everyone with a huge dance floor in the middle. Some people were enjoying dinner while others were dancing underneath the various lights. We found a table, and decided to eat first. We all decided on the steak, and our food quickly arrived. While we were eating, Mr. and Mrs. Volturi stopped over to greet their hello.
"Well is it isn't my old friend Carlisle.' Aro Volturi smiled.
"Long time no see my friend." Carlisle smiled back."And if it isn't the lovely Esme. How are you dear? "Mrs. Volturi asked.
"Good Dora and you?" Esme beamed.
"Just fine, and look at those kids, I swear they grow up so fast. It seems just like yesterday when Alice and Edward used to play with my Jane and Alec." She beamed. She looked around the table and her gaze fell upon me."Well who might this beautiful young lady be?" she asked. I blushed and looked down.
"Oh and look at that blush." She cheered.
"Dora I would like you to meet Bella, Edward's girlfriend, and my honorary daughter." Carlisle smiled.
"Nice to meet you dear." She grinned beautifully at me."Nice to meet you too ." I smiled."Nonsense child, call me Dora."
"Thank you, Dora for inviting us. All of this is just amazing." I said honestly.
"Thanks dear, I swear if it weren't for me Aro over here have this place looking like a chicken coop." We all laughed at his flushed face.
"Well if you don't mind we have other guests to greet. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night. Aro smiled."We will." We all smiled back.
After we were finished eating and some prodding, Edward had me on the dance floor. I was scared to death I was going to break my neck but he kept me on my feet the whole time. I was enjoying myself so much and all I wanted was him at the moment. All of a sudden Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you, and I had to laugh at the coincidence. Edward looked at me curiously and asked why I was laughing. I told him and he chuckled alongside me.
"You never cease to amaze me love." He grinned at me, and I pressed my head to his chest letting the soothing thump of his heartbeat as my metronome to dance to.
We decide to leave a little early with tomorrow being Christmas and all. Alice was passed out on Jasper's shoulder, while Emmett was sound asleep drooling on Rose's shoulder. Esme was snuggled up against Carlisle; I had my feet in Edward's lap as he rubbed them soothingly. My feet were aching so much from dancing all night. The driver soon arrived to the house and we all sleepily excited. Alice was still asleep so Jasper carefully picked up and they headed to their bedroom. Rose agreed for Emmett to sleep in the room which he happily obliged. My feet were still tender so after saying my goodnight to Esme and Carlisle. Edward carried me to our room. Edward threw me one of his shirts, and I quickly shrugged it on. I was so tired. Edward grabbed me to his chest and I snuggled into his warmth. I began raking my hands through his hair again and he sighed in content. I heard his breathing deepen once more and was about to go to sleep myself when his grip around my waist tightened and he whispered in my ear.
"Goodnight My Bella."
"Goodnight my Edward." I breathed.
"Wake up! It's Christmas!" Alice screeched jumping on our bed."Alice." Edward moaned behind me.
"Wake up Edward!" Alice said.
"No, I want to sleep and snuggle with my Bella in bed, now go away." he huffed pulling me closer. I wasn't arguing so I closed my eyes. I heard her huff and the next thing she was placing wet kisses all over on Edward and my faces.
"Eww pixie germs." Edward said although I knew he was enjoying it.
"Gross Al. "I laughed wiping my face.
"You know you love me. Come on breakfast downstairs, and you know Emmett." Alice grinned jumping off our bed.
"I guess it's time to get up love. "He smiled at me.
"I guess it is." I grinned. We both got out of bed. I threw on a pair of grey sweats and decided to keep on his shirt, it smelt of him and all I wanted was to be surrounded by his scent. Edward had put his glasses on and I swear I wanted to tackle him to the ground right there.
"Ready Love?" he asked.
"Ready." I told him. We went downstairs and managed to salvage two muffins and a piece of bacon. Emmett was on the warpath. Alice nearly lost a finger when she tried to steal a piece of his sausage. After we were done we all headed over to the living room where the tree stood with all of our various presents. Alice an Emmett were bouncing in their seat and nearly tackled us all down when it came to presents. I had given Alice and Rose tickets to Hawaii so that the three of us to go out on a retreat to relax and they just about squealed loud enough to make my ears ache. For Carlisle and Esme, I gave them a painting of painting of Betsy Patterson and Jerome Bonaparte, one of which they both admired. Now for the guys. I gave all the guys an envelope. They all looked at me quizzically.
"Well open already." I huffed, and I should have had a camera to catch their reactions. They all stood up and tackled me to the ground.
"I love it!" They all whooped.
"Well what is it?" Rose asked.
"Box tickets to the Super bowl. Jesus Bells, they were sold out. How did you even get these?" Edward asked.
"Phil had some old friends." I answered.
"But didn't Phil play baseball?" Jasper asked."Hey he had many friends." I laughed. They all pulled me into hugs once more.
"I'm so pumped I cannot wait." Carlisle laughed.
"Men and their football." Esme whispered in my ear. I smothered a snicker.
Esme and Carlisle gave me two new charms for my bracelet and a thousand dollar gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. I know I couldn't believe it either. Alice gave me a new bag, and set of clothes. Typical Alice. Jasper and Rose both gave me books. Jasper gave me a 1st edition Wuthering Height in excellent condition. I nearly sobbed at that. Rose had given me Pride and Prejudice which was my 2nd favorite book in the world. Edward was looking at me nervously as he passed me a small box. I looked at him curiously and noticed the familiar wrapping. It was something from Tiffany's. Catiously I open it to reveal a beautiful heart pendant with diamonds going alongside one of the curves. (Pendant on Profile) My hands were shaking, and tears welled in my eyes. He was looking at me curiously waiting for my reaction.
I looked up at him through my tears and smiled.
"I love it." I grinned and his crooked smile appeared. He gestured, to put it around my neck and I lifted my hair for access. His warm hands left tingling sensations down my back. He grabbed me in a hug from behind, and I kissed him eagerly. I lay back against his lap, and fingered the lovely necklace against my neck. He whispered in my ear.
"Now you can know for sure my heart belongs to you." My heart welled with his words.
Everyone had started cleaning up when I jumped up. I almost had forgotten about Edward's other gift. Only and Carlisle and Esme knew about it, and the nodded their heads for me to continue. They had already wrapped it and I carefully carried it out. Edward was looking at me confused, when I set it down before him.
"Bella what is this?" He asked.
"Well you will never know if you don't open it." I said biting my bottom lip anxiously.
He slowly opened it and his eyes were wide as saucers when he realized what it was.
"How-.. How did you know?" he breathed, his emerald eyes blazing.
"I didn't." I answered. He looked down and carefully opened the case. It was a black Jimmy Page style electric guitar with gold trimmings. (Picture on Profile) I even managed to get his initials engraved on it. He looked up at me and his eyes were twinkling with some unshed emotion. He carefully closed the lid and walked over to me and pulled me off to the side.
"That was one of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received. Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you." he said breathless.
"I know. Absolutely nothing." I grinned."I agree. I would die if you didn't exist. I love you so much." He whispered. It was right and the perfect moment. I took a deep breath and whispered in his ear.
"I love you too." His labored breathing stopped and his eyes focused on mine.
"You love me?" He asked his voice hoarse. I nodded my head and said it once more.
"I love you Edward Cullen." He smiled crookedly and pressed his lips against mine. It wasn't like our usual kisses. It was much more sweet and softer, the contours of our mouth finding each other. We pulled apart and he leant his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes and put my hands against his chest.
"You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words." Edward whispered."Well you will never have to wait again." I breathed before pressing my lips to his once more.
The next couple of days flew by, and I soon found myself wrapped up in Edward's arms. Tonight was New Year's Eve and we were in the big apple to watch the ball drop. This was my first time seeing anything like it. We decided to go get an early dinner, so we wouldn't be hungry for later. We were going to meet back down in an hour. Our hotel was located nearby so we didn't have far to walk. It was already crowded with New Yorkers and tourists. Edward and I were walking looking at various shops, and after 2 hours of just wandering, we decided to just head back. I was freezing my but off. The temperature was slowly dropping and you would think with all of the collective body heat from the crowd it would be warmer. Edward had his arms wrapped around me to keep me warm it wasn't really helping but I loved how his arms felt around me. It was about 30 minutes till the ball dropped and, as embarrassed as I was to say I really needed to use the bathroom. I gave Edward a kiss on the cheek and told him I would be right back. He opted to come with me but I told him to save my spot. There was a café right behind us so I headed over to use the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was an extremely long line. I really had to go and this was the closest place I could find. Besides, I refuse to squat in the cold New York air, I waited and I waited. It felt like time was just wasting away. If I didn't get in anytime sooner, I was going to burst. I was almost there when I heard a husky voice call my name. I looked up into the eyes of none other than Jacob Black. I sent Edward a text to tell him where I was, and that I would be back soon. He quickly responded to let me know he would be waiting.
"Hey Bella." he smiled.
"Jacob." I said bored. There were only 3 people ahead of me and 15 minutes left. Edward must have replied back because my phone vibrated in my pocket.
"So how have you been?" he asked.
"Good. How's the wife been?" I asked.
"Now you know it wasn't like that." He pushed.
"Do you know how embarrassing that is? To go on a date with someone and then find out that said person is married, and then trying to convince that person into an open marriage?" I quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Hey we're all adults here. It's New York for fucking sakes. Aren't we allowed to do what we want?" He asked me.
"Yes we are, but that still doesn't make that right, no if you would please excuse me." I said walking up. There was only one person in front of me with 8 minutes left.
"I really like you Bella." Jacob said putting his hand on my arm. I looked down at his arm and said in a menacing voice that almost scared myself it was so threatening.
"If you don't get your hand off of me right now, you and Leah will never be able bear future children. Got that?" He backed away and began walking away. He glanced over his shoulder and glared at me.
"Whatever Bella. Just know that I'm better than any douche you're probably dating. He's just going to cheat on you anyway." He growled."Fuck you Jacob Black. At least I'm in a relationship where we are both willing participants and he would never cheat on me. That's what you call a good man." I hollered over my shoulder. I took a deep breath my little rant had cost me precious time. When the bathroom was free, I all but ran to the next available toilet. I quickly relieved myself, and washed my hands. My phone vibrated again in my pocket, and I realized I had forgotten to check it. I opened it up, and my heart nearly dropped at the words.
Aww…finally said the I love you…eh
Those words were meant for me and you ruined it…
You didn't listen, and now someone has to pay….
You can't say I didn't warn you…
Kisses…
-Unknown Sender
My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. I had a really bad feeling. I glanced at phone to see I had about two minutes left.
"Shit!" I mumbled to myself as I ran out the door. The crowd was even larger but I could still faintly see Edward's bronze mane in the distance. His hair was unmistakable. I began plowing through the crowd. I didn't even care about the protests of me pushing into people. I just had to get to him, and give him that kiss. I had a minute left, and I was sweating bullets. Even through the cold my heart was beating profusely in my chest. Thirty seconds the ball was getting ready to descend. I pushed harder and harder, fifteen seconds I was running and running. I was almost there. There was a small clearing and if I sprinted right now, I would be in Edward's awaiting arms.
"Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven…" the crowd boomed. I was right there. The ball began to make it's descent to welcome the new decade.
"Three, two, -." Everyone called. I was just about to jump on him. When a brunette pushed me causing me to fall to the ground and crashed her lips to Edward's.
"One, Happy New Year!" Everyone screamed, as confetti fell from some unknown destination. I felt my eyes well up with tears; it didn't look like he was fighting her off either. He pulled away and glanced at my heartbroken face. Angry tears began falling from my eyes and it was too much. I stormed off, pushing people out my way as my sobs broke through my throat. I heard him scream my name out, but I didn't care. It was too good to be true, and I knew it. He was perfect and I was just me. People said the new decade was supposed to invigorating full of new hopes for life and love. Love…Fuck Love….Right now 2010 didn't look so promising anymore.