Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

~*~*~*~
THE ENAMORED WRITER

The O.R. waiting room at the New York Presbyterian Hospital heard a chorus of 'Thank God' only ten minutes after Bella arrived, just in time to hear from the ortho surgeon that her husband was going to be alright. Nevertheless, she knew they both had a long way to go, but she was sure they could face anything, especially with the amazing support system they had in their friends and family.

Bella sat down, waiting for a nurse to let her know when she would be allowed to see the love of her life, while Carlisle sat next to her, clasping her left hand tightly.

"So, let me get this straight. Only your Dad, Esme, and Carlisle knew about you two getting hitched?" asked Jasper from across the waiting room. Rosalie sat cuddled next to him with her head tucked under his chin.

"Pretty much," Bella answered.

"Man, how the hell did you manage to hide it from the press?"

Carlisle smiled (his demeanor a bit more relaxed since the doctor had delivered the good news) and explained how the impromptu wedding came to happen. Carlisle had agreed with Edward that a simple wedding with both sets of parents present would be the way to go in order to avoid the paparazzi and speculation. It was all done in the down-low, and even the staff at the restaurant where they celebrated after the ceremony signed a confidentiality agreement.

Bella listened to her father-in-law talk about her wedding, seeing his eyes shining with happiness. Many times, Carlisle had thanked her for bringing his son back to life and turning him into the man he was today. For years, Carlisle had tried to help him with his depression, the product of his mother's death, but nothing had ever worked. Edward's only comfort had been his music, which of course his father encouraged, but for the most part Edward had kept to himself, never really interacting with anyone outside the family. Jasper had being the first friend Edward had made outside his immediate circle. Brought together by their love of music, they had started the band. That's when Emmett had come along. Tanya had taken the mic to complete the band, and Midnight Eclipse was born.

When Bella had found out that she was Jasper Whitlock's step-sister almost four years ago, her first thought was: "Are you freaking kidding me?" Bella had always being a big fan of Midnight Eclipse. She could even admit to having a crush on Edward for ages, and when she finally met him, it was like a perfect fit. Bella never understood the whole you-had-me-at-hello kind of love, but when Edward had shaken her hand that first day, she'd finally understood. He'd had her with that first touch.

And he'd never let her go.

She'd made sure of that.

Bella's head snapped up when a nurse entered the waiting room.

"Mrs. Cullen?"

"Yes?" answered Bella and Esme at the same time, making everyone else laugh.

The Nurse smiled. "I meant the younger Mrs. Cullen. Mr. Cullen is in his room; you can see him now."

Bella stood up and followed the nurse through the hospital corridors, trying to prepare herself to see her husband. She knew the damage was extensive. From what the doctors had told her, Edward had a lot of cuts on his face from the broken windshield and also had extensive bruising on his arms as a consequence of trying to protect his hands. The nurse Leah told her that Edward had been put into a medically-induced coma to help him heal, so he wouldn't be waking up for a few days. Leah also let her know that only one visitor at a time was allowed in the room and that Bella could stay the night. They could set up a cot for her to sleep in if she wanted.

Bella quickly told Leah she was staying and asked her let her family know about her plans. It was almost midnight, and she was sure they were in need of some rest. They could come back in the morning to visit Edward. Leah smiled and agreed, leaving to deliver the message. Bella made her way to Edward's room, standing just outside it for a couple of minutes, a million and one thoughts running through her head. Then, pulling herself together and taking a deep breath, she walked in.

Bella sat on the toilet seat, her knee bouncing anxiously. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was not ready, they weren't ready. Just four weeks ago, she hadn't even known if there was going to be a 'them' anymore. She was scared as shit, plain and simple. She had no idea how Edward was going to take the news; he was still in a wheelchair, for pity's sake!

The buzz of the timer made her jump. She grabbed the thing and quickly turned it off and then she just… stared. She couldn't freaking move; she was literally frozen in place.

The doorbell rang; she didn't move.

Her mother-in-law knocked on the bathroom door; she still didn't move.

She heard whispered conversations though the door; yet, she didn't move.

Another knock, but this time Bella heard her husband's voice calling for her.

"Are you okay in there?"

"I'm fine!" She choked out, hiding her face in her hands and wiping her tears away.

She hadn't even noticed she had been crying.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

Bella cursed under her breath. Edward had always been able to tell when she was upset. She had no right to exclude him from this; whether it was happening or not, she needed him next to her to face whatever might come. So, with a final internal pep talk, she sighed and stood up. Checking herself in the mirror and making sure she didn't look like shit, she blindly took the plastic stick that was on the counter and opened the door.

Edward started back. He had been leaning close to the door, apparently trying to decipher what Bella was doing inside the bathroom for such a long time. He rolled back a bit, looked up and gave her a tentative smile, scrutinizing her appearance and frowning when he noticed that she had been crying.

"Okay, baby… You gotta tell me what's up, because I can totally tell you've been crying. Was it something I did? I know I've been kind of whiny and impossible lately… I'm sorry, okay? And I want you to know how much I fucking love you and appreciate everything you've done for me. I know the press had been brutal, with the whole secret wedding coming out and then the accident-"

"Edward, stop. It's not that… it's um, well…" She bit her lip and extended her hand, showing him what she was holding. His eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped.

"Baby… is it… can it be… I mean… we haven't… but the wedding night… oh shit, we totally forgot…"

"Edward, I know. Can you please just tell me what the test says?"

"You haven't seen it?"

Bella shook her head. "I'm too scared."

Edward ran both hands through his hair and then took the plastic stick. He looked at it for such a long time that Bella started to get nervous, biting her lip anxiously and trying to gauge his reaction.

"Well?" Bella finally ask when her nerves got the better of her.

Edward looked, his face giving nothing away, then rolled closer to where she was standing, put his arms around her waist and kissed her stomach.

That was all the answer she needed.

Bella knew then and there that everything was definitely going to be alright.