Not for Now, but for Eternity

Chapter Seven: And Then There was Four.

Special Thanks to my beta, fuzzyltlwingedthing (Lila).

This is the last chapter. The next chapter posted will be the Epilogue.

Please see the end for an important author's note.

I don't own Twilight. We all know who does.

Bella-25 weeks pregnant

Edward was walking with the help of a walker. I was huge—the amount of baby I had in me was disproportionate to the amount of 'me' I had available. I was uncomfortable and huge, and more than halfway through my pregnancy.

"Bells," I heard Edward say. I was content and sleep in our warm, cozy bed under the covers. It was cold and I liked to stay warm. Edward had other ideas. "You're going to be late." I rolled over and tucked myself in, placing my hands on my protruding stomach and feeling my babies kick—probably at each other. They weren't even born yet and there was already some sort sibling rivalry going on. I looked at my alarm clock—again—and thought I could sleep five more minutes before I had to really get up.

"Isabella," he said again. "You are going to be late—and if you don't get up now, we're not stopping at Starbucks."

And that was the motivation that I needed. Hey, I don't want to hear any crap. These babies had already deprived me of many things—I wasn't giving up my Chai Tea Latte. It wasn't going to happen. I knew I could get Edward to stop regardless of the time. He couldn't deprive me of anything, but he knew that I couldn't say no to him either—not anymore.

I pushed myself up and out from under the warmth and comfort of my covers. I smoothed my bed head down and looked at the clock again. There was no time for a shower—good thing I'd taken one the night before. I wiped the crust from my eyes and got up. I had finally given in and bought maternity clothes a few weekends ago with Alice and Rose. I pulled out a cute pair of black dress pants and a deep purple maternity top and shoved my feet into my sturdy pair of Dansko's. No heels for me anymore. I just couldn't stay balanced and being pregnant on crutches was not my idea of a good time.

An hour later I arrived at work, after going through the Starbucks drive through and dropping Edward off at rehab. Esme was meeting him there—Edward and I had agreed since I would be taking some time off after the babies were born that I was going to keep working until delivery. Esme was flexible in her scheduling and spent a lot of time at rehab with him. I spent a lot of time in my office, signing off on lab work and other paperwork. I had been told to not enter autopsy, for fear the chemicals I worked with would affect my babies.

Office work wasn't that bad. The deadlines weren't as stressful as the ones associated with autopsies and I was able to sit more. I was still exhausted by the end of the day, but at least my feet didn't hurt. That was always good. I had gotten through an impressive amount of paperwork in the past three hours. I eyed the next stack of files as I had a little snack of grapes and almonds.

"Dr. Swan," my intercom buzzed alive and pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, "I replied.

"Mr. Cullen and Mrs. Cullen are here to see you. " That was odd; they didn't usually come to see me at work.

"Send them in."

I pulled out my compact and made sure that I looked ok. I smoothed down my hair and reapplied my lipstick. I put my shoes back on moved the mountain of files off my desk and onto the floor behind me. I didn't want Edward to think that I was working too hard because then he would lecture me and I didn't need to be lectured. Again.

"Is something wrong?" I asked as Esme walked into my office.

"No, Edward just wanted to show you something."

"Well, where is he?"

"Right here," he said a second later, sans walker. He walked over to me and gave me a hug and a kiss. "Whaddya think, babe?"

"You're walking!" I wrap my arms around him, as well as I can with my belly, and give him a hug. I can't believe he's walking without his walker. It's only been a little over two months. My eyes are a little misty.

"Are you crying?" Edward asks, looking down at me.

"No. I'm just happy." I wipe at my eyes, betraying my emotions and look up at him.

"You know what this means, right?" he asks, looking down at me.

"No more handicapped parking?" I reply sarcastically, because I know what he's going to say.

"We can get married."

The room was suddenly silent. I didn't know what to say. I had told Edward that when he could walk down the aisle with me that I would marry him. I thought that it would take longer.

"We could," I replied a minute later. I really couldn't come up with any more excuses as to why we couldn't do this. He was essentially out of the military—there was no way he'd ever be a SEAL again which meant he wouldn't want to be in the military. I was pregnant. We lived together. These babies would be here sooner rather than later.

"We will." Edward said. "I was thinking Friday at 5pm. I've already called Rose, Alice and Jasper."

"Friday. Don't you think that's….. a little quick? I don't have a dress. Or anything planned."

"You said you wanted something small and simple We can do it there. That's about as small and simple as you can get."

I sat down behind my desk and put my head down. It was spinning and it needed to stop. I loved Edward. I already loved my babies. I knew Edward wasn't going anywhere—at least not anywhere dangerous. I knew he wouldn't leave me. I knew he loved me. I was just scared. Scared of it all. Motherhood. Being a wife. Edward's recovery. It was all so scary.

July 2005

"You're beautiful." I said to Alice, arranging her veil for what seemed like the thousandth time that day.

"So are you, I'm glad we picked that color." I scoffed at Alice and went back to adjusting the rest of her dress.

"So who's the guy?" Alice asked. She, along with everyone else, was displeased that Edward and I weren't together.

"Erik. Just a guy I met in school."

"He came by himself," Alice replied, I knew who she was talking about and it wasn't my friend from school.

"I can't believe that you brought a date to my wedding."

"You said that I could. If you didn't want me bringing a date, you shouldn't have said it was ok."

"I didn't think that you would actually bring someone!" Alice whisper-shouted at me.

"I wasn't coming to your wedding without a date. That's just embarrassing."

"Edward did." Alice replied, again.

"I'm sure he'll leave with someone." I didn't want to talk about it. Edward and I were supposed to be here together. No one understood why I broke it off.

"Bells, Alice, you ready?" Rosalie asked, as she waddled her hugely pregnant body into the room.

"Yes," we replied simultaneously.

An hour later Alice and Jasper were married, Rosalie and Emmett were dancing and Erik was getting me a drink from the bar. We were sitting outside on the brick patio of the clubhouse watching the reception while taking in the nice weather; not too hot with just a little breeze.

"Hello Bella," I knew that voice. It was a beautiful voice that I knew all too well. I turned around and saw the handsome face that the voice belonged to.

"Hi Edward," I replied.

"How have you been?" Edward asked.

"Fine," I replied. "Busy."

"Busy, I'm sure. Congratulations by the way."

"Thanks," I saw Erik coming and stood up to meet him.

"Who's this?" Erik asked, looking from me to Edward and then back at me.

"This is Edward," I replied. "Edward, this is Dr. Erik Fenton, one of my fellow classmates."

"Nice to meet you," Erik said, pushing his hand forward to shake Edwards. Edward didn't reply.

Edward glared at the hand and his hard eyes snapped to mine, "We'll talk later." He walked away and didn't look back.

"Was that the Edward?" Erik asked.

"Yeah," I replied slamming back my pink vodka martini, Alice and Jasper's signature wedding reception drink. I needed alcohol.

"He's hot," Erik replied.

"I am well aware of the hotness. Thanks though. Unfortunately for you, he's as straight as I am. Sorry dear."

"It's a shame," Erik and I watched Edward walk around the buffet.

"Us straight girls think the same thing when we see hot gay men," I reply, punching Erik in the shoulder.

"I'm going to the bathroom; I'll be back in a few." I watched Erik walk away and turned my attention to my brother and his wife. I watched them as they danced to a slow song, Rosalie's obviously pregnant belly pushing up against Emmett's flat one. It was a sight. The three of them, Emmett, Jasper and Edward, were all in Navy Whites. They all looked very handsome. And Jasper and Emmett were lucky enough to have beautiful woman by their side.

It made me sad watching them. Knowing I'd never have that.

"Why are you crying?"

I turned my head and saw him standing over me. His tall frame, clad in white, almost shining in the sun.

"I'm happy for them," I reply, pointing towards Alice and Jasper. "They're so happy."

"That should be us," Edward said, also nodding towards Alice and Jasper. "That could've been us."

"I don't want to talk about this here," I replied, looking towards the bathrooms looking for Erik. I didn't see him.

"Then where, Bella? You won't answer my calls. You ignore my emails. Your voicemail is full."

"I told you it was over," I replied.

"Without an explanation," he replied. He pulled out the chair and sat down next to me.

"I gave you an explanation. You broke your promise."

"I didn't break it. It's only a year Bella, a year! And then I'm out. Done. A civilian. By that time, you'll be done with your internship and I can come with you wherever it is you want to go for residency. It's only a year Bella. You won't even notice it. It'll fly by."

"I'll notice it Edward. It's not as easy for me as it is for you. I just can't turn off the want, the need. I'm not like that. I think about you constantly when you're gone; your smile, your kisses, the fact that you are in combat. You have a dangerous, could-be-killed-at-any-minute job. It's hard to concentrate knowing your life is in constant danger. It'll be easier this way. Easier without you. Your leaving soon for training. Give me some time. We'll talk about when you get back. I promise.

"I don't want to talk about it when I come back. I want to talk about it now."

"Edward, I can't right now, I just can't." I got up and walked away from him and fled to the bathroom. It was the only place I could think of where I knew he wouldn't follow.

Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom to find both Erik and Edward waiting for me.

I looked back and forth between them and motioned for Erik to follow me.

I walked silently towards the car and bleeped my car open.

"He loves you Bella," Erik said as I got into my seat.

"I love him too. But sometimes, Erik, love isn't enough."

Friday (Present Day)

"What's wrong Bella?" Rose asked me, she was 'fluffing' my hair, as she called it.

"I'm nervous."

"About what, honey?" Rose asked.

"Everything. I'm going to be a mother, Rose. A wife. How do I know how to do that? I don't have a mother. I never really paid attention to my parents' marriage. It's not like I can call my mom and say 'hey did you and dad have great sex your entire marriage, or was it just mediocre.' And how did you know what to do when I fell, or when Emmett flipped off his bike and was bleeding. How did you know what advice to give us? How do I explain to my children that I was pregnant before we got married? How is that something you discuss? Edward and I were irresponsible and now I'm pregnant and getting married. They're going to figure that out eventually—and then what do I tell them?"

"It doesn't matter. He loves you. You love him. That's it. Enough said. Worry about the other stuff when it happens. It'll be at least 14-15 years before they realize it.

"Am I doing the right thing?"

"Absolutely," she replied. "Contrary to what you've thought in the past, love is enough. You and Edward have been through everything; loss, tragedy, separation, love, hate, lust. You've run the gauntlet of emotion with this man. He's your other half. He always has been. Like Emmett was my other half. You'll never find anyone else like him. He fits you, perfectly."

"He does fit me perfectly," I giggled. I thought I was funny.

"You're gross," she said, poking my belly.

"Leave them alone. They haven't done anything to you."

"Seriously, Bella. I've always known you two would end up together. And so did Emmett. He couldn't have asked for anyone to take better care of his sister."

"You're right," I said.

I was wearing a plain ivory maternity dress and white flats. My hair was appropriately fluffed and everyone was waiting for Rose and I, Alice would walk in front of us.

Minutes later, we were standing in front of the Justice of the Peace, Edward by my side saying vows and exchanging rings.

Everyone that was important to us, even our children, was in attendance; Alice, Jasper and Annaliese, Rose, EJ and Aaron and Esme. My best guy friend, Erik, and his date, Peter Green, who was ironically my doctor.

We had reserved a private room for lunch at the Jefferson Hotel, down the street from the court house and invited the justice of the peace to come with us.

We made toasts and everyone else drank champagne.

"If I could have everyone's attention, "I heard Esme say. She stood up and flattened her skirt out against her legs. "I have a present for Edward and Bella." She came out from behind her chair and pushed it in. "As many of you know, my husband, Carlisle, died several years ago. Prior to his death, he bought a house in the city with the hope that someday Bella and Edward would live there. At the time of his death, Edward and Bella were—"she looked to the two of us—"disgruntled with each other and I never told them about the house. So today, on your wedding day, I present to you your father's gift to you." She handed me a piece of paper that I realized was a picture.

I took a deep breath. I knew this house. I loved this house. I passed by this house regularly. Wow, I couldn't believe that it was ours and that we would have a place to bring our children home to.

"Now that Esme has given you the best gift ever—"Alice gave Esme a hug and a quick peck on the cheek as she stood," we have a gift. Actually, Rose, Jasper and I have a gift for you. We've decorated the nursery, bought the cribs, the changing table and everything you need for little ones. It's all there just waiting for them."

I was overly emotional and couldn't control the tears falling from my eyes.

I looked to Edward who was thanking everyone. And then I looked down at our hands, intertwined with each other. His platinum wedding band nestled behind his third knuckle.

"I love you," I whisper into his ear.

Ten Weeks Later

Thirty five weeks today. I had three more weeks to go. Dr. Green had told me that he liked his twins moms to go 38 weeks. I wasn't sure if I could go that far—if my body could go that far.

I was going to be crazy from inactivity by the time these babies got here.

I was right—as usual. My little compact, 5'3 body was not made to handle two 'Edward sized' babies. I had been on bed rest for a month. Strict bed rest—which meant I was in the hospital, hooked up to a monitor I was allowed to sit up, and swivel my body to the bedside commode. It sucked. The wait was killing me.

Edward—now almost fully healed and almost running, visited daily. He still had Physical Therapy, but it was only three days a week for three hours a day, instead of the daily therapy he had started out with. . In a few months, he'd be evaluated for whether he could return to active duty. It was a long shot, but he was going to try. I was trying to be supportive about it, but I was hoping that he would be a civilian again.

"Hey," he said, walking into the room and placing the milkshake, I had begged him to bring me, onto my table.

"Hey baby," I replied, reaching up to kiss him on the lips.

"How are my babies?" He asks, putting his hand to my stomach.

"Good," he scooted onto the chair next to me and sat down.

"How's my wife?" He asked, stroking my cheek. I leaned into his touch and wished that he would keep his hand there all day.

"Tired and ready to no longer be pregnant."

"Any contractions?" He asked. I went into labor a week after the wedding. They were able to stop it and warned me to take it easy. A week later I had regular contractions again and I ended up in the hospital. This time, I was put on bed rest and told to be careful. Two weeks ago, at a routine exam, I was found to be dilated but my cervix was normal—for the time being. My blood pressure was a little high and my ankles looked like sausages—at least that's what Alice said. I couldn't see my own ankles and neither could she. But we could see each other's ankles.

"None, today." I replied.

"Good. That's good." I knew that Edward was scared. Scared we'd have preemies and scared something would happen to me during labor.

I was bound and determined to deliver two healthy babies. It was the only goal I had until they were born.

"You look tired," I said to him. He had bags under his eyes, I was concerned.

"I'll be ok." I knew that in addition to Edward's PT, he was working on getting our house ready. He didn't want the kids to go home to the apartment.

"Take a nap," I motioned towards the chair that he sometimes slept in and he looked at me and smiled. Minutes later, I could hear him lightly snoring, his face slack and looking ten years younger.

Thirty Eight Weeks

I made it. I was beyond what was considered full term for a woman carrying twins.

I was going to need major plastic surgery after this, my stomach stretched so far that it was almost opaque.

I was in labor and this time, it wasn't going to be stopped. The babies—we still didn't know what we were having—were excellent. Their lungs were in good condition and the babies were healthy sizes.

Our house was ready. Their rooms were ready. I was ready—or I had myself convinced that I was ready.

"You ready to meet these babies?" Peter asked as he walked into the room.

"Yes," Edward was sitting next to me, holding my hand. He was ready to meet them too.

"Ok. One last ultrasound before we go to the OR, just to confirm that Baby A is still breech."

We all looked at the screen and none of us were surprised to see Baby A folded, with the butt down and face up.

"Yup, still breech." Dr Green replied. "Let's go to the OR."

An hour later, we got to meet our children.

Soon after, Esme, as well as Jasper, Alice, Rose and Annaliese met us in the recovery room where the babies were snuggled in mine and Edward's arms.

"So give us all the details," Rose asked.

"This, "Edward said, "is Carlisle Anthony Cullen, weighing in at 7lbs and 11ozs and 20 inches long." He looked like me—he had tufts of brown hair and gray eyes. I wondered if they would be brown or green. I was hoping for green.

"And this," I said, clutching the other one to my chest, "is Renee Esme Cullen. She's 6lbs and 9ozs and is 19 inches long. And look at this," I said, removing the hat that was hiding her red hair.

Esme put her hands to her mouth and gasped. "They're beautiful."

"Just beautiful," Edward stared in Carlisle's eyes like he was the second coming.

"And perfect," I said, "don't forget perfect."

I would like to thank everyone for taking this journey with me. I know that it has been a long one and I'm appreciative of every single one of my readers and reviewers. There is one more chapter to this story, an epilogue, to be posted after this weekend.

I will be continuing a one-shot written a while back called B Shift, with the goal of completing it before August 20th (when my children return to school and my life gets super busy again).

My other story, A Stranger in the Night, will be put on hiatus for the time being, but will be completed at a later date.

For those of you who don't know, there will be a Fanfiction 'ban' from Friday, June 8 at 10pm to Sunday, June 10th at 10pm, Pacific Time. To sign the petition, go to . You can also join Team No FFN on Facebook.

In the event that you want to follow a rambling, slightly neurotic and OCD mother of three on Twitter, I'm 'JosabbiMommy'. I can't guarantee that it's PG rated. I can probably make you squirt coke out your nose though.