Shaky Ground Teaser

After Jake said yes to be Carlisle and Esme’s son, there were pictures taken and the chaos of the opening of presents was bagged and thrown away. Carlisle and Esme bundled up and went outside with Jake to play in the snow. Alice and Jasper skyped with their families and Emmett and Rosalie. They looked exhausted, but happy.

“You guys are practically glowing,” Alice said as she angled her iPad so everyone could fit in the screen.

“Well, we …” Rosalie blushed. “Emmett met me at the hospital, knowing how much I hate the snow, and he drove me back to our apartment. He kissed me hard and he proposed.” She thrust her hand toward the camera, showing a beautiful engagement ring. “I said yes! Bella, Alice, I want you both to be my bridesmaids!”

“Of course,” Alice said. “Right, Bella?”

“I’m looking forward to it, but no heels, Rosalie. The doctor said that heels may never be a possibility,” Bella quipped. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for both of you.”

“It took an earthquake and an eight-hour drive in the snow to make me realize that I want forever with this woman,” Emmett said, his voice weary. “Edward, Jas … will you be my groomsmen?”

“It’s a date, man,” Jasper nodded. “You better take care of my sister. If you don’t, I’ll castrate you.”

“Don’t you dare, Jasper! I want babies!” Rose snarled, but she snuggled against Emmett’s side. “We’re glad you called, but with Emmett driving all night and me performing more surgeries than I care to admit, we’re going to crash.”

“Congratulations, Mr. and Dr. McCarty,” Edward said. “We’ll have to celebrate your engagement.”

“Sounds like a plan, Masen,” Emmett said. “Love you guys!” With a wave, the call ended and the screen went back to Alice’s screen saver.

“We’re going to exchange presents,” Jasper said. “Some are a little more private than others.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Sue and Elizabeth are working on Christmas dinner with Charlie and Edward Sr.,” Bella said. “Your presents are in my room.”

“You mean, you got me more than a bottle of bourbon?” Edward quipped.

“I got you glasses for that bourbon,” Bella giggled, getting up and making her way to her bedroom, with Edward on her heels. Inside, he closed the door and found Bella on her bed, with four presents in front of her. “It’s our first Christmas. I wanted to spoil you, baby.”

“We are on the same wavelength,” Edward smirked, bending over and pulling out four presents for Bella. He sat down across from her with his gifts. “My gifts are more … sentimental. Romantic?”

“Mine are useful, but fun,” Bella said, thrusting a large cube into his lap. Edward beamed, tearing into the brightly wrapped gift. Inside was a set of copper glasses to go with his bottle of bourbon from Charlie and Sue. “I planned that with my dad. He told me he was getting you his favorite booze. Do you like them?”

“Very much,” he smiled, moving so he could sit behind her, his arms loosely wrapped around her waist. “Open this one first, love.” She smiled, opening up Edward’s gift. It was a tube of lotion. “The woman at the department store said this is good for very dry skin or for someone who washes their hands a lot, like a doctor.”

Bella put some on her hand, smelling the lotion. “Smells indulgent, Edward. Thank you,” she beamed.