I felt my body shift, but it didn't jar me enough to wake me up fully. Someone was rubbing my arm.

"Bella love, we're going to start the abdominal ultrasound now. You can go back to sleep if you want."

I mumbled, "Hmm," and drifted back towards sleep. I felt my blankets being rearranged, hands carefully tugging at my clothing, soothing heat fall over my exposed skin, warm jelly being spread over my stomach and something hard pressing lightly down on top of the jelly.

For a little while I lulled, the probe not hurting me at all, inching my way back to sound sleep, but I was aroused again by serious, murmuring voices. I stretched and began waking up in earnest, blinking my eyes open.

"...don't know Edward," Carlisle was saying. He was holding the probe on my abdomen, standing next to the ultrasound machine at my right side, while Edward stood tensely, arms crossed at my left. Blankets were still covering my upper body and legs, while a heat lamp had been considerately set up above my exposed abdomen.

Carlisle and Edward turned their attention to me, no doubt alerted by my movement, and Carlisle gave me a reassuring smile, while Edward's face remained a blank mask.

"Hello Bella. I'm just finishing up here. Is it tolerable for you to wait with using the bathroom for a few more minutes?."

I nodded, more aware of the urge now that he'd mentioned it, but it was bearable.

"Would you like to see the ultrasound image?"

"Yes," I breathed eagerly.

Carlisle adjusted the screen, and then used one of his gloved fingers to explain what I was seeing in the yellow 4D image.

"This cavity here is your uterus. And inside, you can see this fairly large mass."

And I did. To my disappointment, there was no charming baby on the screen, just a boring mass. I frowned slightly.

"Now I want you to understand I don't believe you're in any immediate danger, and I'm going to figure out what this mass is, but I admit I'm very surprised that we're seeing this. I expected to see an amniotic sac and a fetal outline, especially since you were feeling movement. This means we're probably going to need to do some of the advanced tests later."

I nodded numbly, staring at the mass in confusion, my frown growing more pronounced, as Edward took the probe from Carlisle, and Carlisle began jotting notes on his clipboard. When Edward's hand slipped into mine, I looked at him attentively.

"Bella, you look upset. What are you feeling?"

"I'm just disappointed we didn't get an adorable first baby picture." I confessed matter-a-factly.

"That's all?" He asked gently.

I struggled to regain control of my slipping composure.

"Well, um...Carlisle, do you have any idea what that is?" My voice came out far too high and distraught sounding. Edward murmured. "Love, it's okay," while Esme sat down on the bed beside me, pulling me into a hug, soothing my hair as a few silent tears streamed down my face. I hugged her back, comforted by her maternal support. She held me for a few seconds, murmuring, "You're safe," before I settled back onto the bed. She wiped the tears off carefully, and then held my right hand between the two of hers.

"Thank you. You're all so wonderful," I said sincerely, as a sense of being loved very deeply replaced the sadness.

Carlisle took the probe off my stomach and wiped the gel off with a tissue, giving me a small nod of recognition.

"My theory would have to be that given the nature of the pregnancy, something in Edward's genetic makeup has formed a hard, protective layer around the fetus which won't allow ultrasonic waves to penetrate."

"Like your skin?"

He nodded grimly.

"It's possible. When we do your physical exam, I should be able to get a clearer idea of the mass's nature. If it's hard, cold, can't be penetrated by a needle, that would indicate the mass probably is a very similar substance to our skin. Does it feel that way to you now?"

"It feels very hard, but not cold." I said rubbing my fingers lightly over the bump.

"You're very used to our skin temperature." Edward supplied. "You may simply not have registered it as being uncomfortably cold."

Carlisle walked over to a cabinet and pulling out a pile of black clothing, handed it to me.

"Bella why don't you use the bathroom now and take some personal time. When you're ready to continue testing empty your bladder and change into your exam clothes. I'll be here in the office."

I nodded, and Edward helped me up, casually re-adjusting my clothes as he did so. Taking my hand again, he led me out into the hall. I made a beeline for the bathroom, the need to relieve myself feeling more urgent now that I was standing.

I was surprised to find a spa atmosphere when we stepped inside. The soft purring of a space heater clued me into the source of the warm temperature. Vanilla candles flickered on one side of the sink top, while on the other was a stack of plush towels, with my brush, shower soaps and hair dryer laying on top of them. A pile of fresh clothes were sitting folded for Edward on the floor. I looked quizzically at Edward for an explanation as he locked the door.

"Rosalie's doing," he murmured, wrapping his arms around my waist lightly, and kissing my neck.

I smiled and washed my hands quickly before moving towards the toilet. Edward assisted me in collecting the urine sample, placing it in the cabinet under the sink, before we sanitized our hands again. I turned to dry my hands on the towel and his hands found my shoulders, massaging gently.

"Oooh, that feels good," I said quietly. He led me over to sit on the toilet again, and continued massaging me while I melted under his touch like butter. After a few minutes, he bent down so his face was level with mine, his expression warm.

"Would you like to take a hot shower with me?"

My smile bloomed into a mischievous smirk.

"Edward, I'd love to take a hot shower with you."

He shook his head, chuckling quietly, before leaning in to kiss me, soft, slow, sweet. When he pulled back, far too soon, his gaze met mine, unbelievably tender. It was as though I could feel his love for me radiating like rays of sunlight. I was overcome by a deep sense of being cherished. My face glowed, flushing red and I felt myself become aroused. Edward read my body language easily.

"Believe me Bella, I want you too, and tonight, I'm yours." he said, his voice low.

"Mine," I echoed, enjoying the sound of that. "All mine," I emphasized, pulling him towards me into an iron grip hug. He chucked again, returning my embrace.

"Now?" I whispered into his ear, my tone pleading.

"When we've finished testing for the day," he insisted grudgingly.

My face turned into a pout, but I knew the testing was important, so I nodded and settled for a shower, starting to shrug my top off. He helped me, carefully removing it in one fluid motion, setting it aside next to his fresh clothing pile. I stood up and finished undressing, while Edward did the same. He turned the water on, adjusting the temperature, before stepping in and offering his hand to assist me. I accepted it, and settled under the soothing stream of hot water. Edward placed a firm, gentle hand around my arm, keeping me steady, before proceeding to lather everything below my neck with my shower sponge, working his way down my body systematically. With my head spinning and my breathing sporadic, I managed to retain enough coherence to shampoo my hair in the meantime. Once I was covered in soap, Edward carefully turned me this way and that under the spray, letting the water rinse off the suds, running his fingers through my hair to be sure no shampoo remained. When he was satisfied, he shut off the water, and handed me a towel, letting me dry myself off as he put on the fresh clothes. Finished, I wrapped the towel around my body and Edward had me sit down on the toilet once more, before proceeding to gently brush and dry my hair.

Finally, my hair dried, he picked up my exam clothes, and hanging my towel over the shower rod, pulled a soft cotton turtleneck over my head. He handed me a pair of sweatpants to put on next, and I frowned, confused at how I could wear pants during a pelvic exam, before seeing that the fabric covering the crotch and abdomen had been cut away. Bemused, I pulled them on, the fleece lining feeling very cozy. Subsequently, Edward helped me step into a stretch-waist skirt which hid the missing fabric in my pants as it settled over them. My outfit was completed when he slipped on heated socks. With me dressed, he brought me to sit sideways on his lap.

"We thought that you would be warmer and more comfortable in these than in the traditional hospital gown." He explained.

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I definitely prefer these."

He kissed my hair.

"Do you want anything from the kitchen? Some fresh air or exercise?"

"I'll eat after the physical. I'm ready to get started."

"You're comfortable with everything?" Edward asked. He tried to keep his tone casual, but I heard the distress in his voice. Of course he was worried about the possibility of my discomfort. I felt his gaze probing my features for signs of anxiety.

I squeezed his hand, before looking up at him to offer reassurance.

"Yeah. I mean, I'm a little nervous, sure, but I know you'll help me through that, and we both know Carlisle is an amazing doctor who's going to take excellent care of me. There's really no reason to freak out about some painless exams that won't even take very long."

Edward nodded.

"That's a very healthy way to approach it."

I managed a small grin, and proceeded to use the toilet once more before washing up and walking into the office, Edward's hand wrapped around my own.

Carlisle and Esme were talking quietly on the far side of the room, sitting together on a sofa, but they came over to greet us as we walked in.

"Are you ready to get started Bella?" Carlisle asked kindly.

"Yes." I replied softly.

"We'll come back once you're situated with Edward then."

I nodded, and as they exited the office, Edward and I made our way towards the bed. He lifted me up to sit on the end between the knee rests, and then helped me get into the exam position, supporting my back as I put my legs up and laid down.

"Are your legs resting comfortably? I can adjust the knee rests if they're not."

"They feel fine," I assured him.

"Good."

Edward moved the heat lamp so that the warmth fell between my legs, and got me an extra pillow, so I would be propped up enough to see what Carlisle was doing. He draped a paper sheet over my legs, covering me completely and tucked a warm blanket over my torso, pulling the bottom edge up so that it didn't go down past my abdomen.

"Can I get you anything else?"

I shook my head.

"I'm set."

On que, Carlisle and Esme walked in, Esme seating herself to my right, taking my hand in hers under the blanket, Carlisle moving over to the sink to wash. His hands sanitized, my heart rate spiked as he came over to sit on my left side, while Edward started turning on the ultrasound machine.

"Bella, how are you feeling?" he inquired gently.

"A little nervous, but comfortable and safe."

Carlisle nodded and gave me a small smile.

"It's completely normal to feel nervous, and I'm really glad to hear you feel comfortable and safe. The more relaxed you are during the exam the better, so I'm going to have you focus on taking slow, deep breaths while you're feeling anxious during the exam. You'll be able to see everything I'm doing, and I'll explain things as we go. If you start feeling discomfort or need to stop, tell me, and we'll continue when you feel more at ease. Do you have any questions?"

"No."

Carlisle stood up, and getting gloves which he pulled on, came back to stand next to the left side of the bed.

"I'm going to start by gently pressing on your abdomen to feel the mass when you exhale. Tell me if it's tender and I can give you some pain medication. Take some deep breaths please," he explained.

I nodded and as I complied, he put both hands on the mass, rubbing the area gently to test for any soreness. When I showed no signs of distress, he used his finger tips to probe around the bulge gingerly, while the slight shakiness in my breathing calmed under his gentle touch.

"Keep breathing just like that, nice and slow. I'm going to gradually press deeper, but it won't hurt." Carlisle's explained, his tone soothing.

I nodded again, and squeezed Esme's hand as Carlisle pressed slightly deeper with each exhale, allowing me to adjust to the pressure so I wouldn't feel alarmed. I took six breaths as she rubbed my arm, and smiled supportively.

"This is as deep as I'll go," Carlisle informed me, continuing to palpate the mass from different angles. I smiled when I started feeling little nudges from inside in response.

"Do you feel him moving?" I asked happily.

Carlisle nodded, his expression one of deep concentration.

Thirty seconds passed as Carlisle analyzed my nudger's movements, before withdrawing his hand.

"You're definitely pregnant Bella," Carlisle pronounced calmly.

Esme began rubbing circles onto the back of my hand with her thumb and when I glanced over at her, we shared excited smiles. When I turned my attention back to Carlisle, he holding a metal speculum under the water. He came back to stand at my side.

"Bella, is this temperature comfortable?" He touched it lightly on my abdomen.

"Yes."

He placed lubricant on it, and handed it to Edward, who sat down at the end of the bed.

"I'm going to pull the drape up, and Edward's going to place the speculum. It won't hurt." Carlisle explained. As he grasped the sheet, Esme distracted me.

"How often do you feel the baby move Bella?"

I felt Edward's hand touch my thigh, and travel down, pulling my labia back, and tensed somewhat.

Esme's hands started massaging my shoulders soothingly, and I focused on her again, relaxing.

"Um, a couple times a day, when I'm awake at least."

As I said this, I felt Edward insert the speculum gently.

"Bella, you'll feel a clicking sound as I open this," he informed me, before doing so. It wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as I'd expected.

"I'm going to examine your cervix and vagina though the speculum, and use a swab to test for bacteria. After that, I'll remove the speculum, and put two fingers in your vagina, with my free hand on your abdomen, to feel the pregnancy from a different angle. You won't feel any pain." Carlisle informed me softly.

I nodded, blushing as Edward and Carlisle switched places. Edward kissed my forehead.

"Deep breaths," he reminded me gently.

I complied.

"If you don't mind me asking, what were some of your favorite adventures on your honeymoon?" Esme asked genially.

I looked at Edward, grinning, before turning back to Esme.

"We did so many things, I really enjoyed all of them, so it's hard to choose favorites. But watching the sunset on the cove was really gorgeous, and getting so close to the animals was really cool too. I've never swam with porpoises before."

I felt the speculum being withdrawn, and addressed Edward.

"What about you?"

He smiled.

"I liked the waterfall."

I shook my head.

"I still can't believe you got me to do that!"

Edward smirked.

"What did he talk you into?" Esme asked warily.

"We went up to the top, and I got on his back and we jumped off."

"You weren't traumatized I hope." She shot Edward a very motherly look.

I shook my head.

"I don't normally go for the thrill rides that drop at amusement parks and so forth, but I was with Edward. I didn't mind."

"Have you been on many amusement rides?" Edward wondered.

"My mom took me to a really big amusement park for my tenth birthday, and I really loved going through it with her. But mostly rides were just something I did at the state fair some years with my classmates as part of a social outing. The girls and boys would compete to do the scariest rides."

"That sounds like it must have been interesting." Esme commented with a grin.

"Yes, it was." I agreed.

"Which ride did you like best?" Edward pressed.

"I liked the Ferris Wheel, when Jonah wasn't rocking us at the top-my classmate," I explained.

"He'd try to rock the booth you were in on the ride?" Esme asked sympathetically.

"We'd get to the top and he'd shift his weight so we'd swing side to side and talk about the different cities where the Ferris Wheel had broken and people had died or lost limbs from the booths plunging down from the top. He laughed when we asked him to stop." I said dryly.

Edward ran his hands up and down my arms.

"I'm sorry he did that. And I apologize, we're making you tense talking about this, we'll change the subject," he said, feeling how I'd grown taughnter at recalling the memory.

I took some more deep breaths, and focused on the soothing feel of Edward's hands.

"You're doing great Bella. Hang in there." Carlisle encouraged me.

Careful to focus on staying relaxed, I smiled at my subsequent memory of the fair event.

"There were three of us in a booth that time: me, Jonah and Cassey. Cassey was pissed that Jonah had ignored her, so when the ride was finished, she plotted revenge with her girlfriends. Eileen really liked roller coasters, and Jonah had always chickened out of going on any, so she volunteered to challenge Jonah to do one with her, thinking either he's prove himself as a wimp or have to do something scary himself. She got him to go on the most extreme one in the park, and he was really sick afterwards. I think it was a little harsh on Cassey's part."

Esme smiled and Edward shook his head.

"Girls really shouldn't be underestimated." Edward remarked.

I grinned.

"No, we shouldn't." Esme agreed smugly.

I felt Carlisle withdraw his hands.

"Bella, I'm finished with the pelvic exam. Edward's going to insert the ultrasound probe now and we'll see if it shows us anything the abdominal ultrasound didn't."

I nodded, as Carlisle got up to stand next to the machine, while Edward took Carlisle's seat. I resumed my deep breathing as he placed lubricant on the probe and slid it carefully in place.

Carlisle pressed buttons, bringing the image into focus, before nodding.

"You see the same mass on this one."

He turned the screen, pointing out the mass in the image which was this time black and white.

"I'm going to write down the measurements we get from this angle, and then you'll be done."

He jotted notes onto his clipboard at vampire speed for several seconds, before Edward withdrew the probe, and handed it to him. I took my legs out of the rests, and sat up, pulling my skirt over the exposed skin in my sweatpants. Edward wrapped his arm around me and I felt comforted.

Sitting down in front of me, so he was at my eye level, Carlisle gave me a sympathetic look.

"Bella, this isn't going to be easy to hear or discuss, but I have some test results I need to share with you. I'm not trying to scare you or hurt you, but it's extremely important that you hear this so you can make an informed choice. Is now alright?"

I nodded, and Edward shifted me onto his lap, pulling me close in a tender embrace, as Esme came to stand beside us. Carlisle's expression grew serious and grim.

"Your blood and urine test results haven't come back yet, but what we've done so far has told me some significant information. The fetus is extremely strong for it's size and age, and it's growing very fast. From what I can feel, the mass is, as you suggested, made of a substance like our skin. I'd like to confirm this by attempting amniocentesis, but I don't believe any instrument can pierce it. Most likely, this mass can only be penetrated by vampire teeth, which would explain the legends of human-vampire children chewing their way out of their mother's bodies. Given how the legends describe these children drinking blood after they're born, I'm concerned the fetus is feeding off your bloodstream as well. Your dizziness, paleness and fatigue are all symptoms of anemia, which would result from that kind of blood loss. If you continue the pregnancy, at this rate within a week, the fetus is going to be strong enough to hurt you, causing bruising and broken bones. As the fetus grows, it will continue to take nutrients from your body, making you very weak. In that state, you're life would be in danger and attempting either a delivery or termination could easily be too much for your heart. If we didn't deliver the pregnancy early enough, and the fetus chewed its way out on it's own, it would almost certainly kill you."

He paused, letting that sink in, before continuing.

"The good news is that we discovered your pregnancy early on and it's treatable. I can safely remove the pregnancy in a matter of hours while you're completely numb and relaxed. You'll make a full recovery. As your doctor, I'm telling you it's critical that we remove the pregnancy before it's too late. I'm convinced that failure to do so would result in your death. I'd like to operate tomorrow evening."