The Red Coats Future Take

December 30, 2013

New Year's Eve was the following night, but Edward was looking forward to a quiet evening with Bella in a few hours. With Christmas behind them, his latest case solved, it would be nice to just lay around and do nothing.

The month had been stressful enough.

"I better see you tomorrow night," Garrett threatened.

"I'm going with Bella."

"Yeah, but knowing you two you'll be late."

Edward's frown slowly lifted into a smile. "We won't be that late."

Someone turned on the television as he finished some paperwork at his desk. Tuning out the news, he finished as quickly as possible. Double-checking everything was in order before he left for the day.

"Don't be late, Edward!"

Edward gave Garrett the one-finger salute and headed out. Along the way home, he stopped to grab something Bella needed for dinner and a six-pack of beer for himself. After a quick shower, he walked into her apartment and found her serving some chicken parmesan, dressed in an apron and little else.

"Hell yes," he said, rubbing his hands together. "I'm going to have dessert first."

Her giggle was sweet and innocent, until she planted her sweet ass on the table. His groan was deep as he lifted his t-shirt over his head, ready for anything she threw at him.

"I can get used to this," he murmured, stepping between her parted thighs.

"I hope you don't," she whispered as she peppered kisses along his jaw. "I wouldn't want you to get bored."

"Never."

Hours later, they sat on the couch. The flat screen was on as Bella flipped through channels.

"I just want to check on this story," she whispered, as his fingers played with her hair. She sat with her back against his chest, a blanket covering them both.

"When are you putting an ad for the apartment in the paper?" The tenant had already turned over the key and Bella indicated that it needed little work.

She shrugged. "Not until after the holiday," she replied. "I don't want the trouble of showing it and such until then."

"Good idea."

He had a suggestion, but wasn't sure if it was too soon for it. "Maybe you shouldn't."

That caused her to still, her hand poised mid-air with the remote still pointing at the television. "Why?" she asked slowly.

"We both like it here."

"Yes." She turned to face him with questions written all over her face.

"Between the studio and our floor, it could make a very nice place with some planning and construction."

The corner of her mouth twitched before she threw her arms around him. "You're amazing."

He exhaled sharply, the nerves he had before gone. "Why?"

"Because I thought the same thing," she whispered, kissing his cheek and pulling back to look him in the eye. "We're really on the same page here."

His fingers curled into her hair, pulling her into for another kiss. He stopped just before his mouth touched hers. "Same page, same book. I'm wherever you are, Angel."

She bounced happily, her happiness vibrating through her. His kiss was less than gentle, but something caught her attention on the television.

"Oh, sorry, I've been waiting to hear about this all day."

He only chuckled as she turned up the volume and handed him his beer without even having to ask. They really were on the same page.

"Angels in red?" the news anchor said, a smile spreading wide. "Holiday spirit has spread state wide due to random acts of kindness by angels in red. Here's Michael Newton on the story."

Angels in red? Edward thought. What the fuck?

"What started as a simple act of kindness by a stranger days ago, has started a movement that sweeping the state and has already reached as far as Washington," the reporter said. "I myself had witnessed such an act when a solider, wearing a red beanie and scarf, paid for groceries of the young mother struggling with the bill. He said nothing more than that an angel in red had helped him too."

He walked a bit, showing that he was standing in front of the little diner a few blocks down their street. "Curious to what the original source of these angels in red acts of kindness, I traced it to this store and this remarkable young woman."

"Oh my God," Bella whispered as Bree smiled shyly under the harsh glare of the camera light. Beside her was a woman that looked like her, hugging her closely. Bree explained how a couple known as Mr. and Ms. Christmas helped her buy a jacket to keep warm. She held up the note that Edward had written to her.

Edward was stunned as he continued to watch.

A map of the city showed how the movement spread from Bree to many others and panned to a larger map of the state.

"This is Michael Newton," the bright blue-eyed reporter stated as he adjusted his newly acquired red scarf. "While the identities of the local Mr. and Ms. Christmas remains a mystery by tight-lipped neighbors, more angels seems to be popping up nationwide. Reporting for K-SEE 24 News—"

Bella switched off the television and removed the beer that practically dangled in Edward's fingers. Slowly, she turned to face him only to find a huge smile on his face.

"You okay?" she asked.

"I didn't do it for any credit."

She rubbed a hand over his rough jaw, scratching a little. Something he seemed to like. "I know you didn't."

"A month ago, I never would've believed something like this could happen." He cupped her face. "Now, it doesn't seem that hard to believe."

She smiled and kissed his lips. For the rest of the night, they spoke of past loves, present love and the kind of love they hoped to have in the future. Edward had no doubt there would be plenty to go around.

They made love throughout the night, laid around in bed the following day, only to be very late to the party. Edward's only excuse to his partner was, "Bella looks too good to resist in red."

Valentine's Day 2014

Construction was well under way, most of their belongings were in the studio as the crew erected walls downstairs. The renovation would last at least six months, complete with a master suite, two more bedrooms, a staircase to the top floor and state of the art kitchen.

Edward stood in front of the salesman ready to kill the bastard. "What do you mean the ring is not ready?"

Garrett cleared his throat as he clasped his partner's shoulder. "What my friend here is trying to say, is when will it be ready?"

"I'm sorry, but it won't be done tonight."

"Oh, it'll be ready," Edward hissed and advanced. He put his hands on the glass counter display, leveling the little man with a glare. "You are not about to ruin my plans tonight with your incompetence. I was told the ring would be ready yesterday."

Unfortunately, Edward was busy chasing down an armed suspect, two streets over and spent the rest of the day booking the asshole.

"Yes, sir," the little shit said, swallowing nervously. "There was a problem when it arrived back from repairs. A diamond was missing."

"Get someone back there to fix it. I don't care if it costs you extra. I need that ring in two hours. Do we have an understanding?"

"Yes, sir."

Edward slapped his hands on the glass, startling the jeweler enough to jump back a step. "Two hours," he hissed still glaring. Garrett had to pull him out the door. "Asshole."

"Come on, since you can't go home yet," Garrett said, steering Edward toward a deli. "We can grab some lunch."

"What am I thinking?" Edward groaned, his hands immediately tugging on his hair. "This is a fucking sign."

"That's the sign you decide to see," Garrett grumbled, rolling his eyes. "After everything that's happened since you've met her, you believe that's the sign? You decided a problem with the ring means you're not meant to be together."

"Fuck you, I'm just nervous."

"You have no reason to be," Garrett said, shaking his head. They ordered and managed to find a table.

"I know I don't, but we've had shit luck lately," Edward said, shrugging. "Stupid plumbing was not working this morning."

"Ouch."

"Neither was the water heater." Edward wiped his mouth with a napkin and checked his phone for the time. He intended to be at the jewelry store on the dot of his deadline. "I got the water working, but not the heater."

"Double ouch."

Edward nodded. "Had to watch Bella warm up water on the stove and give herself a sponge bath."

Garrett cursed. "How is that bad fucking luck, man?"

Edward grinned. "Didn't say our plumbing issue was the problem," he said, but scowled. "You showed up two minutes later to give me a ride."

"That explains the look you gave me and for your usual grouchiness this morning."

Edward said nothing for a while, absently eating and thinking. He wasn't one for romantic gestures. Hadn't had the need for them since his first girlfriend. Proposing should be special, and a proposal to Bella should be fucking unforgettable. He couldn't figure out how to do that.

"Edward," Garrett said. "Just be yourself."

Edward nodded, exhaling slowly as he realized that was what Bella would want anyway.

Bella hummed as she touched up her lipstick. Edward was due any minute. His usual habit of taking a shower before joining her in the studio, the only part of the rebuild that had electricity, would give her a few extra minutes to get ready.

She'd been running errands all day. Another commissioned project had her mind whirling with ideas. The minute she got home, she worked on Edward's Valentine's surprise. She wasn't one to celebrate the day much, hadn't been with anyone during the holiday before.

Their relationship moved at lighting-speed according to many, but to her and Edward it was perfect. When they discussed the idea of living together, the following day Edward called an architect friend to come up with plans. The three apartments on their floor combined with her studio almost quadrupled the square footage. He hired a crew within a week of finalized blue prints.

He was a man of action. When he said he wanted something, he went out of his way to get it. She loved that about him. She blushed when she remembered how Edward said they'd fill their new place with children. Something about the image of Edward holding a tiny baby in his arms drove her crazy.

"Gah!" she moaned and fanned herself.

When the man dedicated himself to a project, he did everything he could to make it happen. She couldn't be happier. She looked in the mirror, her cheeks naturally flushed from arousal.

Things had been going well with them, though they hit a few snags. He wasn't keen on the whole "Mr. Christmas" nickname her family liked to tease him with, but he was relaxing a little more when they all got together.

It would take time for him to get used to her crazy family.

She adjusted her breasts beneath the red coat, turning side to side to make sure everything was in order. The earrings that sparkled in the light made her smile, as did the memory of it did.

Since she made the suggestion during the New Year's party, he seemed strongly against it. She wanted to sculpt him but needed a nude photo or a charcoal drawing at the very least. She would've preferred a plaster mold, but he said no. She pouted and pleaded, but nothing seemed to work. After a day or two, she dropped the subject all together, but the desire to do it remained with her.

He surprised her two weeks earlier with beautiful ruby earrings that once belonged to his mother. They were lovely, but after she put them on, he led her to her studio and stripped. She was all for that kind of action and started to do the same.

However, he stopped her and cleared his throat, his eyes on her naked breasts. "As much as I would love to watch you work while naked, I would not be able to stay still if you are."

"You're going to let me?" she questioned softly, so afraid to scare him away.

He stepped back in all his naked glory, arms extended out. "Do with me what you will."

She moaned at the memory still so vivid in her mind. Positioning him as she photographed him was hard enough, and she did her best to get him to relax. It wasn't exactly easy for him and she talked him through it. He was willing for her to draw him, and remained immobile during the hour it had taken her.

It was when she slathered on plaster to his abs that their breaths started to quicken. "You need to stay really still if we want the cast to be good." He only nodded, swallowing as his eyes roamed over every inch of her.

"How long?" he asked. His voice was low and husky.

"Twenty minutes." Thankfully, she used the pricey, quick drying brand.

He licked his lips. "Dance for me, Angel."

She did. It was an enlightening experience, she never felt so sensual before, and he loved every second of it. By the time she had him out of the mold they were a bundle of raw nerves and made love on the floor.

She wanted another experience like that very soon.

With the ring in his pocket, Edward checked his appearance in the mirror. He cursed his hair, trying without success to flatten it a little. The LED lantern was the only light he had, but it was bright enough to get the job done. The tie he wore itched and thought it was too much for the fourth time since he dressed. Another curse and the tie disappeared, loosening two buttons. Rolling up his sleeves, he grabbed the bouquet of flowers he bought earlier.

He felt slightly stupid, but he'd do anything to get another smile from his angel. He wanted a life full of them. It was time to put the ring on her finger, and tell her he wanted it all with her.

The construction crew left earlier than usual and he was thankful for it. He had to dress awkwardly behind screens, and he didn't want them ruining his time with Bella either.

"Bella?" he called out for her, heading up the staircase that had been finished that morning. They were the most costly thing of the renovation. The locked door at the top of the stairs surprised him.

She knew he was home. Why would she lock it? He knocked on the door, not having the key to that particular lock.

He knocked.

She answered the door a crack, a slim brow cocked in question. As if she didn't know him. Her eyes roamed over him, much as he had the first day they met. The expression on her face was just like his when he saw her Christmas outfit and red coat months earlier.

He kept the smile from forming on his face, wanting to play along. She had said she'd make him pay for slamming the door in her face.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Ms. Swan," he said, lifting the flowers he held up. She huffed in annoyance and slammed the door.

He waited, leaning against the hand railing. The wait wasn't long. The door opened slightly, one of her eyes on him. She giggled.

"You done?" he asked. He pounced and heard her make a run for it. Her laughter seemed to fill the room, bouncing from the high vaulted ceilings. He dropped the flowers on the table to run after her. She gave him chase, enriching his blood and quickening his pace. He caught her by the couch, his arms wrapping around her waist. Panting from the short but quick run, they laughed and plopped onto the couch.

"Hello, Angel," he whispered, sweeping his mouth along her neck. "Mm, you smell good."

She moaned softly and gripped his shoulders. "Dinner will be ready soon," she murmured, whimpering when his teeth scraped gently across her shoulder.

"How soon?" he asked.

"About forty-five minutes." Her answer seemed to spur him on, his hands moving her ass and maneuvered her to straddle his lap. So distracted by his mouth and roaming hands, her plans for the night disappearing in the haze of their mutual desire.

The nip on her ear brought her to her senses, until his talented tongue soothed the sting. "I miss seeing you in your red coats."

It was true, after December, she wore them only a few times. She wanted the "red coat" thing to be special for the holiday season.

"Fucking love that you're wearing the one I bought you," he murmured, pulling her hips roughly over his lap.

That made her remember, and with a startled "Oh," she tumbled off him. The look of utter surprise and a little horror made her giggle.

"What the hell, Bella?"

He only called her by her name when he was upset, but the soft pout on his lips indicated he was more amused.

"You make me lose my focus," she accused, standing and dusting off her pretty coat. She stood in front of him, holding a hand to his chest when he tried to grab her again. "Stop."

He pouted, which on Edward Cullen was irresistible. His hands dropped to his lap, his fingers clenching over his thighs.

She wasn't expecting their evening to start this way, but should've known it would. The man couldn't keep his hands to himself whenever she wore the color red. Instinct told her to roll with it.

She breathed deeply and squared her shoulders, turning around to give herself a moment to get her hormones under control. That was a futile endeavor, considering that Edward's scent was all over her and she still felt the slight sting of his rough, five o'clock shadow on her skin.

She slipped her hand in her pocket where the remote lay and music filled the room. She slowly unbuttoned her coat, her shoulders dropping enough for the fabric to fall. Heat rose to her cheeks, slightly embarrassed by the show. She was a t-shirt kind of woman at home, but she wanted something special for her man.

Edward sat back, watching with avid interest at the steady sway of her hips. The rhythm matched the beat that thrummed from various speakers, and the one of his increasing heartbeat.

A part of him wanted to put a stop to whatever she intended. The part that wanted to get on one knee and ask her to marry him, but another part put a muzzle on it for now. His hands itched to tear off the coat she wore and anything that would hinder his ability to taste every inch of her. He wasn't used to her initiating sex except for the one time when Garrett was at the door. She usually caught on what he needed the moment she laid eyes on him.

He always wanted her, but she read his mood easily. She knew when he needed it to be soft and slow, and when he just needed inside her desperately. If she turned and saw his expression now, she'd see a potent need for both.

His eyes roamed over her, noticing the black and red heels on her small feet. Tiny bows led up to black-seamed stockings…except that they weren't seams, but words.

"Oh fuck," he hissed, his head cocking to the side enough to read. "Devil in disguise." The elegant script ran up the back of her thighs, making him swallow, his mouth achingly dry. It was something he often accused her of, and always tried to prove. Her giggle had him groaning, as his eyes continued to the take her beautiful form in.

The drape of her coat enhanced her delicate, naked shoulders. "Christ, woman," he grunted and made a grab for her. She yelped in surprise, slapping his hands away. He chuckled and tried again, but she danced away from his reach. She spun around, dropping the coat as she moved.

He choked on his next breath, the one after was a muttered curse. Dressed in a red corset, trimmed with delicate, black lace, breasts nearly spilling out, he reached for her again. She stepped back.

"I love you, Angel, but if you don't get over here now, I'm going to turn that ass of yours red."

She moaned as her beautiful mouth pursed slightly into a kissable pout. With a hand on her hip, she turned again, showing him her ass and shaking it. "You mean this ass."

That was it.

Without another word, he lunged. The next second, he had her pressed against him, his hands on her ass, and his mouth at her ear.

"I had plans for you tonight," he whispered, his voice low and rough.

"Same here," she gasped as he bit her shoulder. Her hands lifted to his hair, but he was quick to move away. "Where are you going?"

He dropped to his knees, whispering something she couldn't hear against the swells of her breasts. He needed to do something before he lost all his senses. Her moans were not helping, but he couldn't stop himself from sampling her skin. There was an inch of exposed where the hem of her corset met the top of her tiny underwear. She tasted like heaven and hell, all rolled up into one beautiful woman.

"Mine," he whispered, dipping his tongue along her exposed skin. Her fingers curled in his hair and he lost it. Every coherent thought disappeared in his mind, as others replaced it. He needed her taste on his lips, his tongue. His fingers found the snaps to her garters, loosening them fast and removing her underwear. His mouth left wetness behind, tasting all the rosy parts of her.

He kissed her inner thighs, sucking and nibbling. Feasting as his nose nudged between them. She moaned loudly, her fingers tightening in his hair. His mouth was on her the next second, earning another long, drawn out sound. She gave into the pleasure, riding out the orgasm within minutes.

She begged for his mouth, kissing him with her taste still on his tongue. She cried out for more as they worked hard to eliminate the barriers between them. She murmured her love and encouragement as he slid deep, deep inside her.

"Love you," he whispered in return, groaning at the feel of her all around him. She was everywhere, soul fucking deep. "So fucking much."

Her head fell back against the rug, her eyes wide as she breathed his name. He wanted to see more of her. He wrapped his hands around her waist and shifted, eliciting another moan from between her sweet lips.

"Want to watch you ride," he groaned at the sight of her. His back against the couch, he grasped her hips, helping her move. His free hand pulled down each of the cups of the corset, the image would guide him through any lonely nights.

"There's not going to be any," she murmured, her hair falling around their faces.

"No," he agreed willingly. "Never again." He saw the tears in her eyes and wiped them away. "I love you, Angel." She whispered the same again as she sunk down, taking him deeper. He felt her again, touching a part of him he thought had long since died.

Whispered words turned to harsh breaths and moans. Her hips moved harder, his hands helping her find completion. "That's it," he whispered against her soft, reddened mouth. His fingers moved between her thighs, slick and wet, hot and desperate to feel her let go. "You feel so good."

She moaned, "Edward." Her hips rolled just as he changed the angle with a lift of his own. Her next breath was a cry of his name. Groaning, he mouthed her name against her neck, letting go with his arms wound tightly around her.

His fingers ran down the length of her back for a few minutes as they caught their breath. A ding from the oven served of the reminder of how off track the evening had gone. Neither of them seemed to mind, as she served dinner. They fed each other, her perched on his lap, one of his hands on her back, occasionally curving over her ass.

"Do you think it'll always be like this?" she asked, licking off a bit of sauce from the corner of his mouth.

He did the same, smiling as he pulled back. "Always."

She smiled, grabbing another bite from their plate, but his hand stopped her. He lifted hers to his mouth, kissing each fingertip.

"Will you marry me, beautiful?" he asked softly. As if he pulled it from thin air, she noticed her finger adorned with a beautiful ring. Her mind blanked.

He waited patiently as a range of emotions crossed her sweet face. From shock, all the way down to happiness.

"Yes," she said, nodding. A pink flush washed over her face, neck, and chest.

"What is it?" he asked, concerned.

"We're not going to be able to go into details about the proposal." She giggled and he joined her, holding her close. "I love it." She said holding out her hand to look at her ring. The red ruby surrounded by diamonds sparkled under the lighting. She smiled up at him coyly. "Admit it. You love to see me in red."

There was no denying it. She was the bright spot in his world of black, white, and gray that fateful day when he first saw her. He tried to resist her, but she called to him like no other.

Catching the look in his eyes, she kissed him. That day she was irresistible in a red coat, now, she was in her ruby engagement ring. As he returned the kiss with the same reverence she did, he realized he couldn't wait to see her floating down the aisle in white.

"This Christmas," he murmured. "I want to get married this Christmas." She whispered her agreement as he slipped inside her again.

Christmas 2014

On his lap, he held Bella close. Family and friends mingled and danced under the safety of the warm tent over their garden. The ceremony passed without a problem and only a few tears, the reception still had hours to go.

His hand rubbed her stomach, the warm fabric soft beneath his palm. "When?" he asked. He was careful to keep the conversation to between them. She had surprised him with the news only moments before.

She smiled brightly. "July fourth."

"Is that right," he said, chuckling against her shoulder.

"Yup," she said and tugged his mouth against hers.

"Holidays will sure be memorable," he said, grinning beneath her lips. She pouted, biting his lower one.

"Always," she quipped. He seemed to have a strong hold on his desire and control. She had to find a way to get him to lose it. A thought came to mind. She whispered in his ear, "Not only am I wearing something old, something borrowed and something blue," his hand gripped her thigh over her wedding dress tightly, "But I'm also wearing red."

"Fuck," he hissed and rose to feet with her still in his arms. Hand in hand, he rushed through family and friends, saying goodbye for the night. Bella's mother cried as she told them to have fun on their honeymoon. Edward was getting impatient and a little desperate.

"Where are you two going?" Garrett asked, blocking their way into the building. Edward was ready to mow him down.

"She's wearing red," he grunted as if it was a significant enough of an answer. Garrett backed away slowly as Bella giggled, not helping the situation. "She's irresistible in red." He pulled her into his arms, proceeding upstairs intending to show her how much.

AN: Thanks to kimmie43 for all your help with this story and support. Thanks to all those that recommended this fic. I loved writing it. I set out to write another holiday story that makes you believe in a little holiday magic like I had a couple of years ago with The Christmas book, unsure if I could do it again.

I think I did it. Well, hope so anyways.

I'm so glad I accomplished what I set out to do. Thank you all!

Now onto my regular WIP's schedule ;)