EMPOV
We sat in the car, letting the heater take the chill out of the late fall air. I had my tumbler of coffee in one hand, searching for the turn off that led to the house. It was a forty minute drive from our current so far.
"There! Look Em, right past those tree's there is a small clearing."
Peering in the direction she was pointing I saw the small gravel road. Turning right onto it I realized it was a private road, there were no other turn offs or houses as it narrowed, enclosed with tall trees. It cleared out after half a mile to a well manicured yard, flower gardens on the edge of the drive way. I stopped in front of a three car garage. The house looked a lot bigger in person than it had in the photo. It still wasn't as large as either of us were used to living in, but certainly not small. The doors and window's looked timeless. It was well taken care of, seeing the historic aspects it still carried. The window's were large, a beautiful antique door right in the middle. Of a wrap around porch.
Suddenly two small yapping dogs came running full speed at us.
"Oh Emmett! Look at them!" Bella cooed, bending down and allowing the dogs to jump and lick all over her.
"A couple of dust bunnies." I teased, bending to pet one of the fluffy creatures.
"Sorry about them! I had no one at home to watch them while I showed the house." A woman said smiling as she walked toward us. "I'm Esme Masen." Extending her hand to me. She was looked to be my fathers age with golden hair and warm, friendly eyes.
Her and Bella chatted merrily as we walked to the house, allowing me to look around the grounds. It was indeed beautiful. The entry way showed off the large open concept, the living room focal point with an updated kitchen toward the back and dinning area off to the side. It was all well laid out, making you feel comfortable instantly. Leading us down a hall, we saw a sitting room with enough bookshelves to build a small library which must have been one of the offices. Continuing, Esme showed us the laundry area and guest bath. Upstairs, two of the bedrooms shared a jack and jill bathroom, a third bedroom with a connecting bath. Esme walked us to a loft, saying would work well as a game area for children. I noticed the blush that stained Bella's cheeks. I reached out and grabbed her hand in mine, squeezing slightly. One half of the upstairs was dedicated to the master bedroom. The bedroom was huge as was the bathroom. I was surprised when I found the second office was sectioned off with the bedroom.
We walked back down the stairs and out patio doors that were in the kitchen, leading us to the back yard. The back of the house boosted large window's, making it look like it was just a wall of them to look out from inside and enjoy the woods that surrounded the property. It was a nice large yard, stone walkways, and a outside fireplace. You could hear the river, seeing it lead up toward the house on one side.
"What do you think?" Bella whispered into my ear.
I looked at her, seeing the excitement, the happiness in her eyes. I knew she loved it. I liked it also, but I loved it just because of how happy it made Bella.
"We would like to make an offer." I told Esme firmly, hearing Bella's gasp of surprise.
"Emmett, are you sure?" She rushed out at me before Esme could speak.
"You have a good husband, Mrs. Cullen. I see he aim's for your happiness." She smiled at Bella.
A week later we had all the contract's signed and key's in hand. Bella was about to have a fit when we met Esme at the bank and I paid in full for the house, I wanted to own it outright, the first purchase Bella and I made together would only belong to us. There was no Rosalie or Edward to hang over our heads any longer. The only thing that seemed to reassure her was me telling her I would get more than the amount I had spent on the new house back once the other house sold. I wasn't exaggerating when I said Rosalie had picked it out, and picked the very best one she could find. It wasn't that the house was abnormaly large, it was the area it sat. Close to shopping and the night scene. The new house had what was more to my liking, lots of land and privacy. Bella and I could take walks on paths between the tall trees, sit out back with a fire going at night. The house itself was comfortable and welcoming. After her first few pouts, she demanded to furnish the house herself with all new furniture we could pick out together. Neither of us had had a choice with our other homes. I called my Dad to tell him the news and ask him to join us for dinner to celebrate our first night in our new house while Bella asked Esme to also join us. We decided to keep it simple and just order pizza and grab some wine. After everyone agreed to meet back at a later time, Bella and I left for the store to get supplies.
After grabbed paper plates and cups, wine, and an air mattress I was able to talk her into stopping at a furniture store before returning to our new house. She rolled her eyes over my enthusiasm and smiled, shaking her head when we parked in the lot. It didn't take long for her to be just as eager as I was. We selected off white couches to go in the living room, ones I insisted we would have to replace if we ever wanted to have children in our home,with a brightly colors rug to add color and soft brown leather couches for the downstairs study. Before we knew it we were ordering not only our living room furniture, but adding the dinning room furniture, office desk, and a bedroom set. We scheduled to have the couches and bedroom set delivered tomorrow along with a small kitchen table and the rest next week when the shipment came in.
"I can't believe we did all this in one afternoon!" Bella said breathlessly.
"We got the house, why not start filling it up right away? It is our new home, no reason to make it sit empty. If we don't end up liking what we ordered, we can always change it." I said confidently, kissing her softly.
Back at our new home, I ordered the pizza while Bella laid out paper plates and cups on the counter, putting the wine in the wine fridge to chill while we waited for our guests.
"I think we have a little time." I said, sneaking behind her to nibble at her neck which caused her to shriek and laugh out.
She spun around to kiss me, allowing me to lower my hands to her ass and lift her up to sit on the counter. She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me close.
"Bella." I growled, grinding against her.
She brought her hands under my shirt and let her nails scratch down my back.
"Did I come to early?" Father chuckled from behind us.
"Yes!" I scowled.
Bella blushed fiercely, while I grinned widely at my father.
"Welcome to our new home!" Walking over to pull him into a hug.
"I suppose I don't need to warn you to be careful." He said humorously into my ear so Bella wouldn't hear.
"I am going to marry her one day. You can bet on it."
"I'm not usually a betting man Emmett, but I think you are right on this one." He grinned at me. "I'm happy as long as you and Bella are, Son."
"Hello!" Esme called out, "The front door was open, I hope I am not intruding!"
"Not at all. Esme, this is my father Carlisle. Dad, this is Esme." I introduced.
It took all my will power not to laugh loudly at the look on my fathers face as he gazed at her speechlessly. Esme in returned blushed, giving him a big smile while she shook his hand.
I had to start work at the school today and as much as I hated leaving her, I was excited to start our new future together. Both divorced and with a new home. Jasper had officially taken over my part of the firm and I was beginning a new career, it was a whole new life for each of us. Bella was unsure what she would do now but I encouraged her to do whatever pleased her. She could stay at home or find employment, whatever made her happy. I was thankful that my lip was no longer swollen, and there was only slight bruising under my eye, making it look more from lack of sleep than from fighting. I'm sure showing up battered would make a wonderful first impression with the school.
Walking out of the bathroom, I walked over to stare down at Bella who was sound asleep. I was still worried Edward would try something but I had a security system installed in the house in case he somehow found out our address and I made sure that the service in her car was working so if she was out and he caused trouble, the cops would show with just a push of a button. I hoped all my precaution would put her at ease, she tried to hide it but she was still throwing up in the mornings. I leaned down to kiss her lightly, not wanting to wake her and I left a note beside her on my pillow; leaving to start my day.
I was almost to the school when I saw a sign announcing there were puppies for sale. I slowed and thought it over, remembering Bella's reaction to the little dogs of Esme's. It took me less than a minute to make up my mind, grateful that I had left early so I had time to stop and look. I parked the car in the driveway just as an older man walked out from behind the house.
"Can I help you?"
"Sorry for the early hour, I saw the sign for puppies. Do you mind if I have a look?"
"Certainly, they are in the barn. What kind of dog are you looking for?"
"I am not really sure, I wanted to surprise my girlfriend."
I snorted to myself, it sounded juvenile even to my ears.
"Well, we have a litter of beagles that will be available next week if you want a smaller breed. We also have a couple bloodhounds that my sister dropped off, hoping we might be able to find a home for them."
"Are they pups?"
"Yes Sir, young things but been ready to leave for about a weeks now."
We finally entered the barn and I saw a bunch of puppies piled together, barking and tugging at one another. I took a couple steps toward them when a fat thing with huge ears came trotting over to me, yapping at my heels for attention. I bent down to rub it, grinning as it licked my hand.
"That's our female bloodhound."
I looked down at her big eyes. She was a beautiful dog, with a black and tan coat.
"How old are they?"
"Nine weeks."
"Would you be able to hold her for me till this afternoon? I work at the school. I think she is perfect."
"Certainly."
I paid the fee for the dog, shaking his hand and promising to be back later to retrieve her.
BPOV
Walking up groggily, I opened my eyes to see a note laying on Emmett's side. I felt awful for sleeping in on his first day of work, I had planned to make him a big breakfast before he left. I grabbed the note and read it with blurry eyes.
Bella,
I Didn't want to wake you, you were sleeping so peacefully. I have to leave early for my first day, but I will be back as soon as I can. Remember to keep the alarms set and doors locked if you leave keep your phone close to call me if you need anything. Enjoy your time, do as you please and know I will be back shortly. Looking forward to coming home to your beautiful face. I love you, Em
Smiling, I made myself get out of our new comfy bed and start my day. I showered and dressed in my old clothes, planning to set up an studio after I ate breakfast. I have been noticing that most of my clothes were getting tight and everything I owned prior to leaving Edward wouldn't fit at all. My body was benefiting from eating as much as it desired during each meal. Nothing made Emmett happier than to watch me enjoy my food. Carlisle had gone to Edwards house and boxed up all my clothes a few and personal belongings so I wouldn't have to enter the house or confront Edward a few weeks ago after we had moved.
I was so grateful for his continual support, I was only his ex daughter in-law yet he stood behind me instead of his son. He kept trying to apologize, even though I told him over and over that it wasn't his fault. The actions hadn't been his and I never told him what happened behind closed doors.
Thinking of the night before as I toasted a bagel, smiling to myself over Emmett's loving touches. I never thought I could feel so happy and free, that love could really be like this. I quickly covered my blueberry bagel with a thick layer of cream cheese. Knowing they were my favorite thing to eat for breakfast, Emmett made sure to buy fresh ones every other day for me. After, I carried a mug of coffee up to the attic Emmett had been working on in his free time. It now boasted complete and painted walls and a hardwood floor. It wasn't large, a small area with a big bay window that would let in plenty of light. Emmett decided I needed a space of my own since he was going to turn the second office space into a home gym so I asked for an area to paint in. I smiled at the green walls and began taking notes of what I needed to purchase for a small studio to begin painting again. It had always been a favorite past time of mine but I hadn't painted in years. Edward had always disapproved, saying it was pointless. I was now being given the opportunity to paint at will. Emmett even offered to buy my supplies but I begged him not to. I wanted to spend my own money without being told how to or having to track every what every penny was used on. My old tubes of paint had long ago dried and my brushes looked abused after not being cared for properly. I decided to go to a local craft store and stock up on what I needed. I was skipping down the stairs when a sudden burst of nausea hit me in waves. I flew to the nearest bathroom and dry heaved for quite some time before I could even handle sitting up.
Wondering if the cream cheese had been left out, I brushed my teeth and debated if I was well enough to leave for the store. I waited half an hour and upon no further sickness, I figured it was just a fluke and left the house to get my supplies.
I had a cart filled with different kinds of brushes and paint colors, canvases in different sizes and textures while I looked at easels, decided what one I wanted to purchase.
"Bella." Someone hissed my name in a whisper.
Looking around me, I couldn't find anyone around me. Goosebumps chilled my arms but I shook it off, thinking I was just imagining it. Grabbing the easel I had decided on, I walked down the aisle to head toward the check out lane. As I neared the end of the aisle, boxes containing different models flew down. A few hit me but they mostly lay in front of me, blocking the path. Crying out in shock I turned the cart hurriedly, feeling spooked and stopping before hitting a figure who stood in front of me.
Rosalie.
"You will never make him happy Isabella." Her voice was emotionless, her eyes void.
"Please, let me pass." I whispered, suddenly feeling anxious.
"I know the game you are playing. I promise you, after he grows bored with your small town girl ways, he will be groveling his way back to me."
I tried to move past her, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of answering. She grabbed the front of my cart, leaning forward so that she was closer to me.
"You had better watch your back, no one wants you. You were never good enough for Edward, what makes you think you are for Emmett? Who do you think has been keeping Edward happy since you left?" She sneered.
"You can't mean..."
There was no way she could be saying what I think she is.
"Oh Isabella. I was keeping your husband satisfied for the past year. Why do you think I wanted you to find him with Tanya? He'd kick her to the curb and I would be back at his side. We called it off for a few weeks before the party, worried Emmett would grow suspicious. My husband of course never did, he wasn't concerned enough about where I was or what I was doing. Who in this case."
She let go of my cart and stalked past me.
"See you later Bella, that's a promise."
I was shaking in the center of the aisle where I stood, my feet unwilling to move. After minutes had passed, I made my way to the check out. I hurriedly paid, throwing the bags into the back of the car and locking myself inside. Swallowing back the waves of nausea that had returned, willing my body to calm enough to drive myself home. I sat in the drivers seat crying with fear before I had to open the door and vomit violently. I took a drink of water from the bottle I had brought with me and finally started the drive home. I couldn't stop myself from looking behind me, making sure Edward or Rosalie weren't following.
When I finally arrived to the house I saw Alice's car sitting in the driveway. She and Esme were walking among the flower gardens, chatting happily together. The deep reds and oranges from the fall flowers making a pretty picture as the stems swayed around their legs.
When I finally arrived to the house I saw Alice's car sitting in the driveway. She and Esme were walking among the flower gardens, chatting happily together. The deep reds and oranges from the fall flowers making a pretty picture as the stems swayed around their legs.
Esme and I had grown close, a friendship blossoming quickly. Esme and Carlisle also seemed to have the same happen with one another. They had dinner together three nights a week, the mutual attraction was obvious to anyone near them. Esme had left her husband years ago when she was my age, also a victim of violence; a reason we had such a strong bond. She was fast becoming a mother figure in my life, something I had missed desperately. A year after I had moved to forks to live with my father, my mother and her husband Phil were in a car accident. A drunk driver had hit them head on and there were no survivors in either vehicle. Sadly, two years ago my father was shot after pulling a car over for a tail light being out. Once it was investigated, the car was found to have thousands of dollars worth of cocaine hidden inside of it. I blamed myself for a while, if I hadn't moved away from him he would have never had transferred to work in the city to be closer to me. It was Emmett instead of Edward who had helped me over come my depression.
Stepping out of the car they turned and began running toward me.
"Bella! You look so pale, what happened?" Esme asked.
Alice looked at me with a critical eye, taking in every inch of my appearance. I felt myself blush under her scrutiny.
"I ran into Rosalie at the store. I suppose her words affected me more than they should have." I mumbled, feeling short of breath.
"Bella, I want you to come inside with us and lay down for a little while." Alice said, her professional voice coming into play.
It was then that I remembered Emmett telling me she was a doctor and owned a small clinic in town. She had another non profit clinic, wanting to help people any way she could.
I laid on the living room couch once we entered the house, Alice placing a cool cloth on my forehead.
"Bella, please tell me what has you so upset or I cant help you." Alice pleaded, Esme hovering nearby worriedly.
"I don't really know. I have been feeling off lately. I think it's just from anxiety and fear. I will be feeling fine and the next second I am vomiting."
"I know this is a personal question, but have you and Emmett been intimate?"
"I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, Alice." I frowned at her.
"When was your last period, Bella."
God, she was blunt.
"I'm not sure, I haven't been regular in years."
"That is understandable considering the amount of stress you were under. I am trying to be tactful, but, are you on birth control?"
"Alice, I haven't been able to get pregnant since I lost my child years ago. Edward and I tried for a brief time with no luck, have never been protected while intimate. We never conceived."
"I have to ask again with a doctors perspective. Have you and Emmett been intimate, and if so, did you use precaution."
"Yes, we have." I was blushing fiercely, not wanting to put out Emmett's and my personal life. "No, we haven't used birth control or condoms. I never thought of it because of my inability to get pregnant with Edward. Emmett may have just assumed we were protected since I never spoke up. What are you trying to ask, Alice?"
"If I am correct you are now in a happy, stable home. You know you are safe and well loved?"
"Of course."
"Your body will have began to repair itself from a depression you may not have even realized you were in. With your sudden bouts of sickness and some other things I have noticed with a careful eye, I would like to make an appointment for you in my office for official testing."
"Testing for what? Do you think I'm sick?"
"Bella, when does Emmett come home today?" Esme asked, seeming to understand where Alice was going with her questions.
"I'm not sure. It's his first day, but I would assume not for a few more hours still."
Esme looked at Alice and they both nodded at each other, seeming to be on an agreement to what was still a mystery to me.
"What is going on?" I asked, feeling anxious over their secrecy.
"I have a room available that I use for emergencies at the clinic, would you be willing to come with me and Esme today so that we can figure this out together?"
Still uncertain, I nodded my head in agreement. We were soon huddled in Esme's car, driving our way across town to the clinic Alice worked at.
Laying on the examination table, I was as confused as ever. Soon after we arrived she had me answer a few questions and give her a urine sample. Once that was sent to the lab she came back in the room with some sort of equipment on a rolling stand.
"Will you please lay back for me?"
"Alice, should I record this just in case?" Esme asked, an excitement in her voice leaving me a bit less nervous.
Alice nodded her consent.
I closed my eyes and laid back, allowing Alice to work over me. I waited for the worst, thinking I had some sort of tumor. Suddenly the room was filled with sound, a steady rhythm.
"Alice?" I asked, my eyes now opened wide.
It sounded like a drum.
"That, Isabella, is the reason you have been feeling slightly ill."
"I don't understand." looking at her with confusion.
"Bella, that is your baby's heart beat. From the measurements, I'd say you are very early into the pregnancy."
Alice was rambling while she clicked buttons and twirled the wand around my stomach.
"No." I gasped, shaking my head.
"I know that you and Emmett are just building a relationship, but a baby is a blessing! Think of the gift you are giving to Emmett."
"Alice, it's to soon! Emmett just started a new job and we haven't been in our house for a month yet. I haven't even been divorced from Edward for very long."
"Isabella Cullen, stop that right now. I have known Emmett for a long time, long enough I think I can be a good judge of his character. You know him even better. Does he seem like the type of man who will blame you for an unplanned pregnancy? A man who wouldn't jump for joy over becoming a father?"
"He has always wanted to be a father." I sniffled.
"You need to talk to him before you get yourself all worked up. Everything will be just fine. I promise."
They drove me home and we had a small lunch together before they left me to set up the studio. I was unfocused putting tubes of paint away and setting up the easel. Only an hour till Emmett came home.
EMPOV
I had the puppy cradled in one arm, walking through the front door excitedly. I couldn't wait to see Bella's reaction. I had an awesome first day, the teacher's welcoming and students responsive to my teaching methods. After work I stopped at a pet supply store and got all the essentials for our newest addition.
"Bella?" I called out.
The house was quiet so I walked to the bedroom wondering if she had fallen asleep. Her body must still be healing because she still gets tired easily.
"Bells?" I called softly, entering our room.
She was awake, curled into a ball on the bed. Her eyes were open, bloodshot with tears.
"Baby, what happened?" I asked with concern, sitting down and rubbing her back with my free hand.
The pup must have been put out over being ignored because she let out a yelp of protest. Breaking free to run across the bed toward Bella and licking at her face. The pup must have pulled Bella in from her thoughts because she sat up blinking, looking at the puppy and then toward me.
"I saw the way you reacted to Esme's dogs, I thought you may like one of your own." I said softly, still concerned over finding her in this state.
"Oh Emmett!" She cried out, grabbing the puppy to press her face against.
"Bella, you are worrying me. What's wrong?"
"Emmett..."
She staled and my phone rang, cutting her off. I answered it with little attention, not even sure why I was bothering while my eyes stayed glued on Bella.
"Emmett." I heard Edward say from the other line. "I have received some interesting news. Should I congratulate you on getting my wife pregnant?"
This chapter has not been edited, it has been a hectic day. I will do it first thing in the morning, I didn't want to make anyone wait since I promised a Friday update. Thank you to all my readers and reviewers! Come say hello on Facebook: Fallinginloveindecember Twilight Fanfiction