Chapter VII
Bella flopped backwards into a chair. The room had cleared; she was all alone. "How, why? I can't. No. How am I supposed to separate myself from him if I am spending a week with him?" Bella stood up quickly and had to pause to gain her balance. Her head spun with all that was happening. She took a deep breath and headed out the door. She went to the elevator and pushed 8 for the Administrative Floor. She had a plan, though it wasn't a great one. She would march up to the Nursing Administrator's Office and demand that she couldn't go. Not sure why, as of yet, but she would figure it out by the time she got there. Nothing could make her go and run the risk of doing what she knew would happen if they had the chance.
The doors opened with a ding and Bella stepped out. Ahead of her stood the Nursing Administrator Office. She took a few steps and was at the door. She knocked, "Come in." She took another deep breath and opened the door.
The office was pristinely white; almost painful to look at. "Oh, hello Ms. Black. Congrats on the trip. I know you will do our hospital proud. You were the most qualified in this part of the state to go, and I know you will not only represent our hospital but our country."
Bella blinked quickly and took a quick breath, "Wait, country? What do you mean country?"
"Oh, you didn't know? This isn't just a trip with reps from each hospital, or even each county or state. You, Ms. Black, are the nursing representative for the United States of America. You and Dr. Cullen will be bringing back information about new technologies, and the both of you will be our liaisons with the other country's contacts you meet. Thank you for your dedication and sacrificing some time with your husband. This will go on your record and…" the administrator got up and closed the door "…there is a raise involved. You will be given another title which will give you the advantage of working from home for part of your schedule. Also, since you seem to have a good working relationship with Dr. Cullen, you will be taking part in monthly conferences across the country to share your knowledge. Alice suggested that since you are going to the conference you should have the whole package. I agreed. So, again, congratulations. Now, Ms. Black, what is it you wanted?"
Bella realized she was holding her breath the entire time. She took a few deep breaths and said, "I, um, just wanted to thank you for choosing me for such an important assignment and position. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't Ms. Black. Have a good day."
Bella nodded, got up, and before she knew it she was in her car driving home.
Bella pulled into the driveway of her home, shut off the engine, and took a few deep breaths. "What am I going to say to Jacob? How will he react?" She got out of her SUV and walked to the door. As she opened the door she heard, "Surprise!" There stood: Alice, Jasper, Jacob, her father, and Super Doctor. Jacob was holding a bouquet of flowers and a sign that said "Congrats! Have fun in Ireland!"
Alice ran to Bella and hugged her, "I am so happy for you. You deserve this position and the time off. I know it sucks you have to spend it with my stick in the mud brother, but try to enjoy your time anyway. Don't let him ruin it for you."
Jacob stepped forward, "Hey, back off. I have limited time to spend with my wife before she goes to the Emerald Isle." Jacob hugged her. Bella felt like she could melt into him at that moment; his large arms and wide torso sucking her in. She could feel the heat of his body envelop her and seep into her own body.
"I wasn't sure how I was going to tell you, but I guess you already know", Bella chuckled.
Sheriff Swan started to wave his arms in the direction of the door, "Ok, everyone, time to go. Let the lovebirds spend some time together before she has to leave."
Edward walked up to Jacob and shook his hand, "I will take good care of her, I promise." Edward looked directly into Bella's eyes when he said he promised. It made a chill go up her spine, and a tingle spread between her legs.
Jacob slapped Edward on the shoulder, "I know you will buddy. And while you are there fine a nice girl and get laid. Throw caution to the wind and just do it. Don't worry about the next day. You need to relax. For this I am your doctor and your prescription is to get laid, and not only once, as much as you can in your free time." Jacob leaned in towards Edward's ear and said loudly on purpose so Bella could hear "Those Irish girls are hot; show them what American guys can do in the bedroom!" Jacob laughed loudly and gave a quick hug to Edward.
Edward sheepishly chuckled and went out the door.
"So you are ok with this? Did you know that I can work from home, but I also will be traveling every month around the country?"
Jacob hugged her again, "Of course I know. Alice explained the whole thing to me. I will miss you, but I support you and your career. This is a big honor and I am proud of you. I also have some possible good news for you dealing with an important issue to us."
Bella looked up at him quizzically, "What? Everything ok?"
Jacob reached an arm under her legs and scooped her up in his arms. He started walking up their steps to their bedroom, "Better than ok. I went to the doctors today to get some results of tests that were run. The human body is a wonderful machine, and someone you know has some little fishies swimming in his pond again!"
Bella's jaw dropped open, and her eyes opened wide.
"Yup, you guessed it, I am a modern miracle. My body has repaired itself a little. My sperm count is still really low, but it is still higher than I was supposed to have. A little more than none is a lot! They told me there is a 1% chance of pregnancy at this point, but you want to try for the fun of it?"
Bella's eyes filled with tears, "Yes, of course. I can't believe this. Please, we need to practice now. AND OFTEN!"
Jacob laughed a deep, almost sinister laugh, "Oh, I plan on it. By the time I take you to the airport you won't be able to walk."
