She wasn’t going to fail.
She was going to succeed.
Chapter Eleven
“This is so awesome,” Sophie said, placing the next bauble on the tree. “How did you do it?”
Edward smiled, recalling all the delicious ways Isabel had convinced him to buy a tree. Of course, she didn’t have to do anything at all. He’d have given her anything she wanted, and he didn’t need anything to make this work.
“I have my ways,” Isabel said, looking his way. He gave her a wink, and loved the way she blushed.
The beautiful red complemented her pale skin. It was one of the reasons she loved spanking her pretty ass, and seeing his brand all over her. He handed out some more baubles that he had also bought for the tree.
In fact, he had bought so much crap, everyone who drove past would know they were celebrating it. There was not just a wreath on the door. Nope, he had the flashing Santas, the flying reindeer, the snowmen, twinkling lights, the works. Growing up, he didn’t have all of the stuff he had purchased, but this was about making new traditions, and he had one for Christmas morning that he had picked up yesterday.
Sophie was aware of his plan to propose, and was even helping him to make sure it was as romantic as possible.
It would just be the three of them present, which he was more than happy about. Isabel didn’t like large crowds, and she certainly didn’t need them.
“You two look so cute together,” Sophie said. “How did you meet again?”
“I was hungry, and your sister was a waitress. The moment I saw her, I just knew it was love.”
Sophie chuckled, and when her back was to them, he watched Isabel mouth the words “thank you”.
He wasn’t about to tell Sophie what had happened all of those months ago when he’d walked in to witness what he had. The doctor he spoke to had advised against telling anyone, and those at Control, he’d asked for them not to say anything, to keep their opinions to themselves, and that he could handle it.
“Does anyone want any hot chocolate?” Isabel asked.
“Yeah, I do,” Sophie said. Edward agreed, and Isabel left the room. “I can’t wait to see her face. Can I see the ring?”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re going to give it away, and it’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“I know, I know, I just can’t wait.” Sophie did a little excited dance, making him laugh. “You have no idea how excited I am for her. We’re all going to be one big family. Are you going to have kids? Oh my God, is she pregnant?”
“No, she’s not pregnant, and yes, I’m hoping in time we can have kids. First, I want her to have some enjoyment.”
“I totally agree. If anyone deserves it, Is does.” She pressed her hands together and kept repeating the word please.
“Fine, fine.” He dug down into his pocket, and pulled out the single diamond ring. It was a basic ring but beautiful. The moment he saw it, he just knew that his girl would love it.
“Oh, that’s perfect, Edward. she is going to love that. You love her, don’t you?”
“I’m about to ask her to marry me. Of course I love her.” He pocketed the ring, and nodded for her to get back to her tree. “Don’t give anything away.”
“I won’t. I’m so excited. It has been too long since I came home. Can you believe that I actually missed Cape Falls?” she asked. “How messed up is that?”
“It’s not messed up.” He told her about Ryan, and how he had felt lost. “It’s a curse.”
“Nah, it’s not a curse. Even with all of its faults, Cape Falls is home.”
“You’re going to come back here?”
“Of course. Where else would I want to go? I want to be here when I’m Aunty Sophie.” She gave a little wiggle. Sophie was the one that was always so full of energy and spirit.
“Here we go,” Isabel said. She had three hot steaming cocoas on a tray.
He got up, taking the tray from her hands, and placing it on the coffee table. Picking up one cup, he handed it back to Isabel as Sophie took hers.