All I Want for Christmas is You Update

AIWFCIY Ch. 2 on FFn

AIWFCIY Ch. 2 on AO3

AIWFCIY Ch. 2 on Stars

AIWFCIY Ch. 2 on Wattpad

"Nope," Lauren chirped, handing him his change. "But, Bella marches to her own drummer. We love her for it."

Edward took his change, leaving some money for Lauren, but handing the rest to Bella as a tip. She took his hand, dragging him out of the bar. He followed like a dutiful puppy, becoming turned around in the bowels of the airport to her car. His slight inebriation didn't help much, either.

Arriving at an old, rusted Chevy truck, Bella wrenched open the door. The screech filled the garage, making both of them jump at the sound.

"How old is this thing?" Edward asked, doing the same as he tossed his luggage in the bed of the truck. 

Worth the Fight Teaser

 “Okay, we’ve got the boring paperwork done,” Bella said. “Did my dad give you a tour?”

“He did. This place is amazing,” Edward replied.

“Nothing but the best for our fighters. We have beginners all the way to professionals,” she smiled. “Emmett Cullen is our biggest fighter at the moment. We had a few others, but they decided to leave Bull Dog after we cut ties with another fighter who had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. We do not allow performance enhancement drugs in our facility. Dr. Cullen, Carlisle, who is Emmett’s father, will not write a script, nor would he condone that behavior.”

“And, the fighters that left felt like that policy was too strict?” Edward asked.

“More like they were standing in solidarity with the fighter who left … he was my ex-boyfriend,” Bella explained. “I was the frigid, uncaring bitch and he was the freewheeling, carefree fighter who didn’t care who he hurt with his cheating, drug use and overspending. He owes the gym about $50,000 for back training fees, money for withdrawing from his last fight and a lot of room service, bottle service and … manual service.” Edward arched a brow. “He liked the ladies. If he couldn’t find them for free, he’d paid for them.”

“Gross,” Edward groaned. “You said he was your boyfriend? Why would he do that to you? You’re absolutely gorgeous.”

Bella’s cheeks flamed. He’d said it so easily. He thought she was gorgeous. As much as she loved hearing that from anyone other than her friends and family, she couldn’t get used to it. “I appreciate the compliment, Mr. Masen, but …”

“I’m sorry,” he blurted. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. That was not my intention. I was merely stating a fact.” He looked at her, giving her a gentle smile, which softened his features but not diminishing his beauty. This man was dangerous. He was soft spoken, polite and a perfect gentleman.

The complete and total opposite of Jacob.

Destination Date Teaser

 Edward drove to the Flatstick Pub near Bella’s apartment in Pioneer Square. It was so drastically different from the posh restaurant where they’d eaten dinner. Neon beer signs and an indoor miniature golf course with AstroTurf grass made Bella giggle. “I’ve never been here. Do you mind if I take some video?”

“That’s fine,” Edward smiled. 

“Do you want to be on film?” she asked. “I’ll respect your privacy if …”

“No, I’m proud to be with you,” Edward answered. 

“Cool,” she beamed, pulling out her phone. She turned on the camera and grinned. “Hello fellow travelers. You know what they say about those hidden gems? They’re closest to home? Well, I’ve found one. I’m on a date with the handsome Edward. Say hello, Edward.”

He grinned crookedly, waving to her phone. “Hey, everyone.”

“He’s another hidden gem, but we’ll talk about him later. When we’re not on our date, hmmmm? Anyway, Edward’s the one who found this place. It’s awesomely cheesetastic and I can’t wait to try it out. Maybe you’ll get to see me suck it up playing mini golf in heels. Yes, folks. I’m in heels. Edward, take the phone. I should give them a glimpse of me dressed up like a girl,” she giggled. 

“A sexy girl,” Edward cooed, taking her phone. “Turn around, baby. Show off those curves.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

“Thank you for seeing us,” I said, holding my sick sister in my lap. It had been a long weekend and she was no closer to being better. “I got your name from …”

“Edward told me to expect your call,” Dr. Marcus Volturi said. “He told me that your sister was not feeling very well and when she was at your office, Edward said that she’d had a very deep cough.”

“I, um, wow …” I spluttered. “I never expected that he would call you …”

“I’ve known Edward for some time, Miss Swan,” Dr. Volturi replied kindly. “And let’s just say, I was just as surprised to hear from him, but if he’d called, it must have really worried him.”

“Bella,” Katie rasped. “My throat hurts.”

“I know, Kit Kat,” I frowned.

“That’s why you’re here,” Dr. Volturi smiled. “I want to take some x-rays of her lungs. When I listened to her lungs, I heard some rattling. I also want to run a rapid strep test. Her throat may be sore from her coughing. I just want to rule everything out.” He looked at my sister. “Do you want to see your bones, Katie?”

“You can do that?” Katie asked, eyeing him curiously.

“With a special camera,” Dr. Volturi said, holding out his hand. Katie took it and hopped off my lap. “We’ll be right back, Miss Swan.” They left the examination room. I sat back, looking at the décor. It was reminiscent of Finding Nemo. I took out my cell phone, checking my email for work. I had to take another day off because of Katie’s illness, but Alice and Edward were understanding.

Speaking of Edward … I pulled up his contact information. He’d given me his cell phone number. He’d also contacted Dr. Volturi, concerned about Katie. I bit my lip, opening up a new text message.

Edward, this is Bella Swan. I wanted to thank you for Dr. Volturi’s number. We’re at the appointment now. Hopefully, he’ll help alleviate some of my sister’s discomfort. ~ Bella

On the screen, the three dots began dancing. Edward was responding.

I’m glad that Dr. Volturi can help you out. He’s an amazing physician. He works with my father. Let me know how Katie is? ~ Edward

I will. Thank you. ~ Bella

You stay healthy, too, Bella. Call me when you get a chance? ~ Edward

I blinked at that. My mouth opened and closed like a cod fish. I held my breath, responding to his text. Probably tonight. After Katie is in bed. ~ Bella

Does Katie, and well, you, like soup? ~ Edward

We’ve been living off soup all weekend. Kit Kat wanted me to make my mother’s famous potato soup. Sadly, I’m coming up short. ~ Bella

It’s a good thing that I can. My mom has a delicious recipe that tastes like baked potatoes. May I make soup for you and Katie? ~ Edward

Did I want my boss over at my house? Food was growing pretty scarce because I hadn’t gone to the grocery store. Katie was so sick that I still didn’t want her to stay with a sitter and she was too miserable to go out. Hell, trying to get her to the doctor was hellacious. There had been a lot of crying and throwing of stuffed animals. I had to resort to bribery. Once we got home, Katie would get to have ice cream for lunch and an hour of screen time.

I sucked as a parent.

Katie and I would like that. The pantry is a little barren … Here’s my address … I tapped out my address, along with a few options for parking. Usually, there were very few spots on the street.

I’ll be over around six, Bella. Call me if anything changes. ~ Edward

Information Regarding the Fundraiser for Carey Anne Williams

I've volunteered my time to help out one of our own. On August 22nd at 3pm (Central Time), I will be participating in a Zoom call. I'd love to meet you all ... virtually ... Please read below on how you can participate in the Zoom fundraiser for Carey Anne Williams. Thank you to Clo Rodeffer for creating the preview video.

In order to participate in a zoom call a donation of $5 or more will have to be made to:

Go Fund Me for Carey Anne Williams

*Once the donation is made a receipt or a screenshot needs to be mailed to:

Authors4carey@gmail.com

*Receipts must be sent by 8pm central time the day BEFORE the zoom meeting takes place. NO EXCEPTIONS.

*Each Zoom call requires a donation regardless of amount.

*Authors will be announced ahead of time. If you think you'd want to participate in their call, please submit your donation and question as soon as you can.

*A donation does not guarantee that your question will be answered but of course we will try our best to have everyone's questions answered, time permitting.

**We reserve the right to remove anyone who is disruptive, rude, or acts in any way that is not conducive to a positive experience for everyone from the call.

A Single Step Teaser

A couple days later, Bella and Edward drove to a French restaurant, Restaurant Orsay, to meet up with Carlisle, Esme and Esme’s sister, Elizabeth. Bella shifted in the passenger seat and tried to cover her legs with her skirt.

“Stop it, beautiful,” Edward said, reaching across to hold her hand. “You look ravishing.”

“My legs look like toothpicks,” she grumbled. “When we get back, we need to work on making my legs look like legs and not like sticks.” She lifted her slender leg and poked at it. “And they’re so white.”

“We had a rainy, nasty winter,” Edward snickered. “I’m just as pasty, love.”

“Well, right now, you’re more red than pasty,” Bella giggled.

“Shut it,” he growled. “The pool and the waves and the weather … it was so relaxing. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“I thought you had enough sunblock. I’m sorry,” Bella said, threading her fingers with Edward’s. “When we get back to the hotel, I’ll put more aloe on your back. I promise.”

“Thank you, Bella,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and brushing his mouth along her knuckles. “You know, if you feel uncomfortable … with my mother’s actions and her comments … we can leave.”

“I’ll be fine,” she breathed. “I took your mother’s words too seriously. It didn’t help that I was overtired from the long journey. I was far too sensitive, to be honest.”

“She didn’t see you. She saw the chair,” Edward argued, his own temper flaring. “She needed to be educated …”

“Edward, I don’t want to cause a rift between you and your family,” she frowned, rubbing his arm soothingly.

“Dad was on my side,” he snickered, pulling into the restaurant and stopping at the valet station. Edward darted to the passenger side, helping Bella to stand. “Do you want your walker or …”

“I want to try, holding onto you,” Bella said, gripping his arm. Edward smiled, sliding his arm around her waist. They walked slowly into the restaurant. They were led to a semi private room.

Shaky Ground Teaser

I hate jogging. I hate jogging. I hate jogging. I hate jogging. I HATE JOGGING! Bella sneered as she pounded the pavement. She was wearing a pair of leggings and a tight jacket, her phone tucked into the pocket. She was listening to her angry mix, trying to calm down after a brutal overnight shift. She got into her car and drove to a nearby park, taking off and repeating her mantra. I hate jogging. I hate jogging …

“Isabella?” she heard.

Bella stopped and saw Edward wearing a pair of shorts and tight long-sleeved shirt. He was also dressed to run. She looked around, seeing she was in his neighborhood. “Hey, Masen,” she panted, tugging out her earbuds.

“It’s six in the morning,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

“Trying to forget last night’s shift,” she said. “Do you mind? I kind of have a flow going.” Edward nodded and they continued to jog, at a relatively fast past, too.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Just a lot of little cases that required all of our attention,” Bella said. “And needy fucking parents.” Her pace picked up as she ran into a park, Edward on her heels. “Yes, your child is sick, but I can’t wave my magic fucking wand and cure them of the common cold. AND I’m not giving you a god damned antibiotic for the sniffles.”

“Don’t hold back, Swan. Really,” Edward deadpanned. She smacked his chest. “Hey, I’m on your side. Don’t beat me up, woman.”

“You’re convenient, Edward. I can’t exactly smack the parents,” she snorted. She slowed down, stopping at a water fountain. “I love my job. I truly do, but I’m just on edge.”

“Why?” Edward asked, taking his own sip.

She wanted to tell him that she was on edge because she was turning thirty. She wanted to shake him and force him to open up to her, but he’d probably push her away. So, she shrugged. “I don’t know. I get this way sometimes.” She blinked over to a bridge about a half mile away. “Wanna race?”

“You think you can beat me?” Edward quipped, his face relaxing and a crooked smile spreading over his lips.

“Maybe,” she sang, bouncing on her toes. “Afraid you’re going to get beat by a girl?”

“Never,” he laughed. “On your mark, get set … HEY!”