-IMPORTANT!—

Okay so here are some things you need to know before reading:

1.) I am in no way an expert on alcoholism, but I do the research. So if I make a mistake for some reason, please don't yell at me.

2.) My plan is to have the whole story in Edward's POV, but I may switch to Bella's or someone else's if I find it necessary. I will always tell when I switch though so it's not that big of a deal.

3.) There will be a lot of time jumps, and you should pay attention to the dates on the beginning of each chapter.

4.) Every chapter will have a flashback from Edward and Bella's past. All of them will be switched to third person POV. These flashbacks will be labeled accordingly, so you shouldn't get too confused.

5.) Finally, I really like reviews. So if you are feeling generous, just give me a little review. I love to hear what you all have to say whether it be good or bad. I am sure if there are other writers reading this right now, they understand how much one review means to them. So please just do me a favor, and review if you are reading.

Alright enough of that. This is the first chapter and I hope you all like it!

Chapter 1: Truly Happy
January 13, 2002

EPOV

"Isn't he just the most beautiful thing you have ever laid eyes on?" My love asked from her spot beside me. We were both sitting on our bed, and she was holding our newborn son. I had my arm wrapped around her, and my other hand playing with my son's small fingers.

"He really is." I said as I kept looking at this beautiful creature that was created with mine and Bella's undying love. He was just born about five hours ago, and he was already the center of my world. Right along with his beautiful mother that I have loved my whole life.

Bella gave birth to him in the bathtub of our home. She did it for me. Ever since that day, I have not been able to step foot in a hospital without either breaking down in tears or having a panic attack. Bella has tried to help me in any way she can to get over that fear, but it never works. So in order for me to see my first child's birth, Bella decided to have a home birth. Thankfully everything went well and we were greatly rewarded with this precious gift.

"Well I really don't want to call him 'it' for the rest of his life." She said and looked up at me with her big brown eyes. I laughed because we never were able to think of a name for our child. We never found out the sex, so we figured we would figure it out when we saw our baby.

"Why not? It is a nice name." I teased and kissed the side of her head.

"It is isn't it? It Cullen. That is very unique." She said sarcastically and laughed. I laughed along with her.

"Yeah, I guess not." I said and continued to play with my son's hand. He was sleeping peacefully, but he would still grip my index finger with his little fist. He was strong. "You know I have a name that I have always liked for a boy." I said quietly.

"Really? Well what is it, baby?" she asked.

"Liam." I said simply. It sounded like a strong name and it has a nice meaning. The name Liam means 'determined guardian'.

"That's the one, Edward. That is this little boy's name. He looks just like a Liam, doesn't he?" She asked.

"I think so."

"Then it is settled then. This is our son, Liam." She said and looked at me and I bent down to kiss her perfect lips. "I think I have a perfect idea for a middle name." She stated and went back to looking down at Liam.

"What is that?" I asked.

"Edward." She said simply. "I think it would be very fitting for this strong boy to be named after his amazing and wonderful father." I felt my heart swell with pride just thinking about my son having my name.

"Are you sure? I thought Edward was a stupid name." I teased and kept my eyes on my boy and could hear Bella let out a small laugh. It was like I was under a spell. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. I felt if I looked away, I would look back and he wouldn't be there. This felt just like a dream.

"Oh shut up, of course I am sure, Edward. I love you, and I think it would be perfect for our son to be named after you." She said sincerely and looked up me again. I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I love you too, Bella." I said and she smiled and looked back down to our son.

"Do you know when everyone is going to be here? I can't wait to finally introduce our son to someone." She said excitedly.

"Go ahead. You can practice on me." I smiled. "Introduce me to our first child."

She smiled and held on tighter to Liam and scooted out from my arms. I sat up further on the bed, and she got to her knees and still held Liam close to her chest. She shifted him, and held him with one hand on the back of his little head, and the other on his bottom. She held him out to me so he was facing me. He was still sleeping, but he began to squirm a little and move his arms around because of the new movement.

"Edward, my handsome husband." She started, and still had her smile on her face. It was good to see her like this. To see her happy by her own account, and not an artificial happiness that comes from the inside of a bottle. I really hope Liam can change things for her. "I would like to introduce you to the most beautiful little boy on this planet. My son. Your son. Our son, Liam Edward Cullen." She said and then handed him over to me.

I laughed and took my son into my arms. This wasn't my first time holding him, but it didn't stop the warm and comfortable feeling I got in my chest when he cuddled himself closer to me. He squirmed a little, but then just sighed and relaxed in my arms and fell back asleep. "He is amazing Bella." I said sincerely and she laughed.

"I know!" She squealed and the smile still remained on her face. I wish I could freeze this moment forever. I want her to always be this happy, this is the kind of happiness I work so hard to try and keep with her. I heard the door bell ring. "I will get it!" She said and then got up from the bed and walked toward the door.

"No, Bella let me go." I said and got up from the bed.

"Why? I am already right here." She said.

I walked up to her and placed Liam in her arms. "Love, you just gave birth five hours ago, I know you are feeling good, but just let me go get the door." I said and she nodded her head and gave me a chaste kiss on my lips.

I made my way down the stairs, and went to open the door. I was met with the smiling faces of our family and friends.

First was my Mom and Dad; Esme and Carlisle Cullen. My Mom jumped and wrapped her arms around my neck tightly and squealed a squeal that could challenge Alice's. Like mother like daughter I guess. "Where is my grandchild?" She asked while looking over my shoulder.

I smiled. "He is upstairs in our room with Bella."

She let go of me and then went to run up the stairs. My Dad gave me a quick hug and then went upstairs after my mother. My sister Alice just gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before running upstairs to go see Liam. Then my brother's girlfriend, Rosalie, did the same as Alice and ran to go see my boy. Alice's husband, Jasper patted my back before following after them.

Last was my big brother Emmett. Him and Bella were close when they were younger, and he was friends with her before all of us were. He had a concerned look on his face. I knew what he was thinking, because I was thinking the same thing. He walked in the house, and we both stood awkwardly in front of the door.

"So um, where are the kids?" I asked, I was talking about my niece, Emma, and nephew, Nickolas. Emma was four, and Nick was two.

"They are with Rose's parents." He answered. "How is Bella?"

"She is great, I mean she just gave birth to our son. She is happy."

"How long do you think it will last?" He said bluntly and I got mad.

I brought my hands to my hair and pulled on it gently. "Why do you have to do this now, Emmett?" I said through my clenched teeth.

"Because I know you, Edward. You are going to see how happy she is now, and think that she is miraculously changed."

"Well what if she is?" I said hopefully. "She went the whole time she was pregnant without having a single sip."

"Yeah, because Bella loves her child, and wouldn't intentionally hurt it. But now, she has no reason to continue not drinking."

"Are you fucking kidding me right now, Emmett? She has Liam and she has me."

"She has always had you, and you obviously aren't enough to make her stop." He snapped.

"But she has Liam! She loves him Emmett."

"And she loves you." He said as if he was making a point.

"Yeah, but she loves Liam more, he is her son. She will change after this. She won't ever intentionally hurt him, Emmett." I said frantically. I wanted to believe my words, but I don't know if I could.

"I know she wouldn't, but she is sick, Edward. Alcoholism isn't really something she can control unless she gets professional help."

"We already tried that Emmett." I snapped and I was really getting mad. I feel like any time I talk to my brother now, is when he is telling me what a horrible husband I am.

"Then try again!" He said loudly. I threw my hands up and walked past him to the stairs.

"I don't need to hear this shit from you anymore Emmett." I said and practically ran upstairs so I could get away from him, and to my family. I opened the door to the bedroom and saw my Mom was sitting on the bed along with Bella, and holding my son. No one heard me come in because they were too occupied with looking at mine and Bella's miracle.

My eyes however, were trained on my wife. She had the smile on her face that I fell in love with the first moment I saw her…

~Flashback~

A five year old Edward walked with his parents to the front door of his aunt and uncle's house. Edward only met his aunt and uncle a couple of times, but now him and his parents moved to Forks after his father got laid off on his job.

Edward's mother turned Edward so he was facing her, and tried to smooth down his always messy hair. "Okay Edward, you really need to behave alright?" Edward was a good boy, but he also liked to start his own mischief.

"Yes, Mom." He said and she smiled and kissed his head. Edward's father rang the doorbell and they waited for someone to answer the door. A couple of seconds later, a pretty woman with caramel colored hair answered the door. Edward noticed how she looked a lot like his Mom, which made sense since they were sisters.

"Elizabeth!" She said excitedly, and Edward watched as she hugged his Mom tightly. His aunt Esme then went to hug Edward's father before bringing her attention down to Edward. "Oh my, you really are a handsome little guy, aren't you?" She said and grabbed him in for a hug.

"You are very pretty, too." He said sweetly, and Esme melted on her spot and kissed his cheek.

"Come on inside, Emmett and Alice are outside on the trampoline, they have their little friend over, I am sure you all could have a lot of fun." She said and waved us inside.

"Is Carlisle home?" Edward's father, Edward Sr., asked.

"Oh not yet, he had some extra rounds at the hospital, but he should be home soon." She said and guided them to the back door. Edward looked out the back screened door curiously. He saw what he guessed was his cousins jumping on a trampoline. He only met them a couple of times, but he has seen a lot of pictures. He noticed Emmett right away, he was the biggest person on the trampoline, being eight years old. Then he noticed his other cousin, Alice, because she was the smallest, she was one year younger than Edward.

Finally, his eyes rested on another little girl who was jumping along with them. Edward noticed how pretty she was. She had a wide smile with one of her front teeth missing. "Can I go play with them?" Edward asked his aunt.

"Just one second, honey. I am just going to call them in so they can say hi to your parents, and then you can all go outside and play." She said with a smile, and then called all three of the children in. Edward watched as Alice and Emmett were the first ones to get off of the netted trampoline and the other little girl came off last. Edward looked after her and watched as she fell off of the side of the trampoline.

No one else noticed except for Edward, and he ran out the door faster than anyone could notice he was gone. He ran over to the little girl who was lying on the floor. He kneeled down next to her. "Are you okay?" He asked and the little girl looked up at him, and Edward was surprised she was laughing.

"Yup! I fall all the time." She said and continued to look at Edward. "You have pretty eyes."

"Thanks, yours are pretty too." He said.

She blushed. "What is your name?" She asked as she got into the sitting position.

"Edward."

She snorted. "That is a stupid name."

"Hey! My name is not stupid." He said offended.

"Yes it is, Edward." She said and got up to her feet.

"Well what is your name then?" He asked and started walking after her as she walked to the steps.

"Bella." She said over her shoulder with her pretty smile on her face.

"Well I don't think your name is stupid, so why would you say that about mine?" He asked and Bella stopped walking and faced him.

"I'm sorry, did I hurt your feelings?" She asked and bit her lip.

"A little bit." He said.

Bella closed the distance between her and Edward and kissed his cheek, causing Edward to blush. "I'm sorry, don't worry, I will be your friend forever if you won't be mad at me."

Edward was still shocked that a girl kissed his cheek. All of his friends back home said to never touch girls, because they have cooties, but Edward didn't think Bella had cooties. "Okay, but just as long as you will be my friend forever." He said.

"Okay!" She said and smiled the pretty smile that little Edward loved.

~End Flashback~

I smiled at the memory, and continued to look on at my family. Finally, Bella looked at me in the doorway, and her beautiful smile grew bigger, and her eyes lit up. I felt a tug on my heart thinking about how good she made me felt, by just looking at me that way. She got up from the bed as my Mom handed Liam over to Alice.

Bella walked up to me, and wrapped her arms around my middle and rested her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and rested my head on top of hers. "Hey, baby." She said against my chest.

"Hello, love."

"I think Liam already has all of them wrapped around his little finger." She said with a small laugh, and I laughed with her.

"I think so, too." I said and rubbed my hand up and down her back. I have had my Bella like this for nine months now, and there was a nagging thought in the back of my mind that was telling me she may not stay this way. I wish I could just hold her here in my arms forever, and wish she will never have the urge to go back to the alcohol. I don't want to lose my Bella again.

"You wanna know something, Edward?" She asked softly.

"What, Bella?" I asked and kissed the top of her head.

"I am so happy that he is going to have a big family. I am glad that he will always have your family there for him."

"They are your family, too."

"Yeah, but you know what I mean. At least we know that no matter what, our son will always have someone who loves him." I knew what she was alluding to.

"Bella, you have always had someone who loved you. I have always loved you." I said and grabbed her face with both of my hands and made her look at me.

"I know you have, and I love you, too." She said and traced my face with her fingers, causing my eyes to flutter closed. "God, I love you so much." She whispered and kissed my lips quickly and hugged me again. I hugged her close, and prayed to any God that would listen, to keep my Bella like this.

We were interrupted when we heard the loud cry of Liam. "I think someone is hungry." My Dad said while rocking a crying Liam in his arms.

"Why don't you go hold him, and I will go get his bottle." Bella said with a sparkle in her eye.

"Okay." I said and kissed her on the lips once before she went out the door. All of the girls followed after her, and I walked up to my Dad to grab my son, and try to ease his cries. I held him against my chest, with one hand supporting his head, and the other under his bottom. I started lightly bouncing with him and his cries quieted down, but he was still fussing.

"How is Bella, son?" My Dad asked.

"She is fine, you just saw her."

"That was not what I meant."

"Fuck, is that all you people want to talk to me about?" I asked in a slightly raised voice. Liam began to cry louder, so I just bounced him more and kissed the top of his head. I lowered my voice, but I kept my voice firm. "If you are asking me if Bella is once again drinking. The answer is no."

"Did you ever think about asking her if she will join therapy or something? So she doesn't start again?" Jasper asked and I really just wanted them to drop it.

"No, sorry I didn't get around to upsetting my wife, by asking her to join therapy, just six hours after our son was born." I snapped at them.

"Are you going to?" Emmett asked and I just looked down at my crying son, and tried ignoring them. "You know you have to Edward. It was a good sign that she was able to not drink while she was pregnant, but being a parent is stressful, and the littlest thing can make her snap and go back to drinking. Is that what you want, Edward?" Emmett asked.

"Of course not." I said, offended that he would even ask that question.

"Then you need to at least talk to her about it." Emmett said.

I really didn't even want to bring this up to Bella. I know her. I know that once I approach her about this, she will go on the defensive. She will undoubtedly get pissed, but I knew I at least had to try. "I will." I said and brought Liam higher on my chest. I kissed the top of his soft head, and kept my mouth there, just inhaling the scent of my newborn son.

I lifted my head when I heard the girls come back in the room. Bella walked toward me with the bottle in her hand and that smile still on her face. "Do you want to feed him?" She asked and handed the bottle to me.

I shifted Liam so he was now cradled in one of my arms. I looked over at Bella and that beautiful smile, and kissed her once on the lips. "I would love to." I said and sat down on the bed and started feeding my boy.

Later that night, I was lying in bed in my usual night time attire; a pair of pajama pants and no shirt. Bella was right on the side of the bed, and looking inside of Liam's bassinet, and humming to him. She just had on one of my old t-shirts, and she had a soft smile on her face as she stared down at our baby. I looked over at her, and looked at the happy and content expression on her face. It was obvious the abundant amount of love she had for him, just like any mother would love her child.

She took her attention away from him after a couple of minutes, and I am sure he fell asleep. She looked over at me and smiled. She climbed in the bed, under the covers, and rested her head on my chest. I wrapped my arm around her, and she linked our hands over my stomach.

She sighed loudly. "I'm pretty tired. Giving birth is a lot of work." She said and chuckled softly.

"You did amazing, my love. But before you go to bed, do you think we could talk about something?"

She lifted her head and looked me in the eyes. "Yes." She said warily.

"You have been feeling alright? Right?"

"Why? Do I look bad to you?" She asked, clearly irritated, she knew where I was going with this.

"No, you look beautiful. But I mean…you know…." I said, feeling like a coward for not even saying the words.

"Sadly, I think I do know. What you are really asking me, is if I want to go drink some fucking vodka." She said, just plain mad now. "You are asking me if I am going to turn back into a disappointment to you once again." She got off of my chest and let go of my hand. She sat cross legged next to me. I sat up with her.

"You were never a disappointment to me Bella. Those words never came out of my mouth that's not fair." I tried reaching for her hand, but she swatted me away.

"No, you know what is not fair? What's not fair, is having your husband have absolutely no faith in you."

"Bella, don't be like that, you know I have faith in you…I love you. All I want is for you to stay healthy." I moved a piece of hair out of her face, but she kept her eyes off of me, and she stared at the wall. "Have you ever thought of going to see a therapist?" I asked warily.

Now she looked at me, and I saw she was hurt. I felt like such an asshole, but all I really want to do is help her. I know she was never truly happy when she was drunk all the time; all I want is for her to be truly happy.

"Oh, so now you are saying I'm crazy?"

"No! Bella I never said that! Stop putting words in my mouth."

"I don't need to see a fucking shrink. I am fine." She said and crossed her arms over her chest.

"You are right now, but don't you think you should go get some professional help for your problems, so you don't ever have to go back to that place."

"No. I don't think that is necessary."

"But Bella…"

"No." She said loudly and thankfully Liam didn't wake up. "Just leave me alone, Edward. I know what is going on in my mind. I don't need you to try and act like you know everything."

"Bella, that is not what I am saying I…"

"Just leave me alone, Edward." She said and then laid down on the opposite side of the bed as me. She curled up with her back facing me.

I sighed and put my hand on her shoulder. She shrugged my hand off of her and I decided to just give her space. It killed me that she was mad at me, and didn't even want me to touch her. "I love you, Bella." I whispered and turned the lamp off on my bedside table.

I curled up on the other side of the bed, and had my back facing her also. I pulled the covers closer to my chin, trying to take away the coldness I felt at night when she wasn't close to me. I tried to fall asleep, but it wasn't happening. I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. I have only been trying to sleep for fifteen minutes.

Suddenly, I felt Bella moving on the side of me. I then felt a small hand on my shoulder, and it pulled me so I was now lying on my back, and I was soon looking into the wet eyes of my beautiful wife. "Bella…" I said and wiped the tears from her eyes. She bent down and kissed me softly.

"I'm sorry, Edward." She whispered and her voice cracked from the tears.

"It's okay, love. I am sorry too; I just want to help you." She kissed me again, and ran her hand through my hair.

"I know you do, baby. But I really am fine. I haven't even thought of taking one drink all day, I swear. I have given it up on my own while I was pregnant with Liam, at least give me a little credit."

"I know you gave it up like that, Bella. I am so proud of you for that, love." I said and tilted my head up to kiss her. "I am so proud of you; I don't even know how to express it in words. But I just don't want there be any chance that you will go back there."

"But I think I can do it, Edward." She said confidently. "I haven't had a drink in nine months, and I gave it up all on my own, just please let me do this for myself. I think I can do it."

I looked in her eyes, and saw that she was confident that she could do this. "Okay, but if you feel yourself going back there, can you please tell me? I only want to help you Bella, I don't mean to make you mad at me."

She smiled softly and kissed my forehead. "I know Edward, I know you want to help me, and I am sorry for snapping at you like that, but I could never really be mad at you. That was me just being irrational." She whispered and kissed my lips once more before laying her head on my chest once again. "I love you, Edward." She whispered.

"I love you too, Bella." I said and rubbed my hand up and down her back. I don't know what will happen in the future for Bella when it comes to her drinking, but what I do know, is that I will be there for her every step of the way. All I want is for her to be happy. She deserves nothing more than to be happy.

Please review and tell me what you think so far!