Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. The inspiration for TLB is credited to Lavender Mornings by Jude Deveraux. No copyright infringement is intended.

Thank you Ann, Jess and Steph, (my amazing betas at project team beta dot com) for walking me through this process.

Special thank you to Sheena (Savannah-Vee on FFN) for her help again this chapter, she made sure that Jenks sounds like he's from London not Cleveland.

Unearthed

I woke to the ticking of the alarm clock beside our bed. I had my left arm beneath my pillow and my right arm wrapped around Bella's waist. My body curved to trace hers as we fit together as matching pieces of a puzzle. I lifted my head and strained my neck to read the clock at the edge of her nightstand. It was a quarter past five in the morning. I slumped back into the curve of Bella's body and kissed her hair, taking in the warmth of her body and the peaceful beauty of her sleeping face. Despite the heavy day that stretched out ahead of us, she looked almost content.

I couldn't help myself. I kissed her shoulder, and she stirred beneath my lips. She rolled over so that her face was inches from mine. Bella moaned softly, not quite ready to wake. Her left arm reached under mine and around my back. She pulled herself closer and burrowed her head against my chest. Her brown waves lay tangled and strewn haphazardly across her pillow. She realized that morning was inevitable, and her moan turned into a soft groan.

"What time is it?"

"Five fifteen."

"Mmmmunh."

"Not a morning person as of late love?"

Bella murmured into my chest.

"No, not exactly."

I couldn't keep the grin off of my face.

"I would think waking to my kiss would be better than the bells of that alarm clock."

"Oh God, turn it off. I used to have one of those things as a kid. I threw it across my room one morning. After that my mother tortured me with Irving Berlin's "Oh, How I hate to get up in the morning."

I hummed a few bars of it into her hear. Bella hit my shoulder.

"Stop! I give in. I surrender. I'll get up."

I reached across her body and pushed down the pin between the brass bells and settled back down beneath the covers.

"We have a little more time if you want."

Bella wrapped her arms around me lovingly. Just as the warmth of her body settled back into my chest I felt her tense beneath me.

She remembered.

She was awake enough to remember what day it was and the reason why we were here. Her body lurched forward as she sat straight up in bed. The covers fell to the waist exposing her bare chest to the cool air of the room.

"What time are we supposed to be at Mill Hill?"

"Seven."

I sat up and pulled Bella's hair back behind her shoulder. I kissed her neck and her shoulder and down her arm. Then I wrapped both my arms around her and pulled her closer to me from behind. Bella's head dropped a little. She was probably thinking of holding Serena for both the first and last time.

"No matter what happens today, we'll face it together. You won't have to do this alone. I promise."

Bella pulled her hands up and pressed my arms deeper into her chest and against her heart.

"I know. I'm probably going to lean on you a lot today."

"I know," I agreed. "I'll be right beside you."

I got up to find the box of penicillin that Esme had prepared for Bella. She sat on the edge of the bed while I wiped the alcohol against her skin. I looked at her almost apologetically for this. She ignored me.

"You chicken, just do it," she urged in frustration.

I shook my head, pulled the skin tight and plunged the syringe into her arm. She winced a little as I pushed the plunger down.

"Good thing you're a much better operative than a doctor."

I rolled my eyes, because I didn't want her to have the satisfaction of knowing she was right.

oo!OO!oo

After breakfast, we made our way to the car. Bella slid onto the front seat with a bag on her lap while I put her wheelchair into the trunk of Carlisle's Triumph. The bag lay at her feet while her folded, white mantilla rested gracefully on her lap. Bella was playing with the embroidered circle edging, rubbing it softly between her fingers. I didn't say anything as my eyes fell upon her. I just turned the key and started the engine. Bella was still looking down while tracing the feather light tulle with her fingertips.

"It's for Serena," she said softly.

I just nodded. I reached my left arm up and around her shoulders pulling her close to my side. The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon. It lit strands of Bella's hair, turning them amber and red.

The engine and exhaust had barely warmed us by the time we finished the ten minute drive to Mill Hill. I parked and helped Bella into her wheelchair.

"Ready?" I asked.

Bella took a deep breath and nodded as I pushed her toward the front door. She seemed to stiffen as we rolled into the entrance. She sat up straight, as if she was keenly aware of her surroundings. I wasn't sure if she was flashing back to her memories as a patient here or if she was preparing herself for meeting Jenks and Serena.

"We're here to see Jason Jenks."

The nurse behind the registration counter stood and pointed in the direction of a long southerly hall. She motioned to the elevator at the end of the hall and told us that Jenks' office was at the far west end of the building. I thanked her and pushed Bella down the long, blue hallway.

Jenks' office was cluttered, full of papers, cigarettes and intricate maps of the hospital grounds.

"Corporal Masen, Mrs. Masen," he said, while he stood and reached out to shake my hand.

He grabbed his jacket off of a crowded coat stand and led us down the hall and out of the back entrance of the building. As he passed through the doorway, he grabbed two small shovels lying against the wall to the left of the door. I bristled from the chill in the air this morning, but Bella didn't seem to notice. Her veil lay between her hands under the protection of the heavy quilts that I had brought from the car.

"How long have you worked here, Mr. Jenks?" Bella asked gently.

"Fifteen years now, Madam," he said rather formally.

Bella smiled at him. The morning light hit her face giving her a radiant glow. The softness of her smile seemed to put Jenks more at ease.

"Yes, I've seen a lot 'ere, too much really with the war." He paused for a brief moment as if he suddenly remembered why we came to see him today. "I am very sorry for your loss. I don't bury little ones like yours very often." His voice trailed off into a whisper.

Bella nodded once. As I watched her face, I noticed an expression there that I couldn't quite place. She was intently watching Jenks.

"I made the box – I mean coffin, myself," he offered. "It was so small. I hadn't 'ad to make one like that in a long time. I tried to make it just right for the baby."

"I appreciate that Mr. Jenks."

Bella paused for a moment. She seemed to be carefully deliberating over what to say next. I was confused by the subtle nature of her questions.

"Mr. Jenks, do you know what my daughter is wrapped in? I brought something of mine for her."

Bella pulled the veil out from beneath the quilts in demonstration. I heard his quick, small gasp. Then I saw a deep sorrow for Bella's loss fill his eyes.

"Oh, Madam, I don't know. I gave the coffin to Ms. Lauren. The baby was already in there when I buried her.

Bella nodded.

"Ms. Lauren, was that my nurse?"

"Yes, Madam, Mrs. Lauren Mallory. She's the 'ead nurse in the burn ward."

"Is she here today? I'd like to thank her for taking care of me while I was here. Without her and Dr. Varner, I wouldn't be alive right now."

I stiffened at her words. Bella glanced up at me. The corner of her mouth softened a bit, curving up to let me know that she was okay.

"No, Madam, Miss Lauren is sick today. I know she would have wanted to see you. I went to talk to her after Corporal Masen called me. She was so startled by the news that you were alive, she started to cry.

Bella's eyes shifted to mine and squinted for a second before they returned to Jenks.

"I had no idea she was so dedicated to me. I wish there was some way to thank her while I was here.

"Well, Madam, if you'd like to write her a note I could give it to her."

"Oh, Mr. Jenks, that's kind of you. I know there's really no way to repay her for the care she gave me while I was here. Perhaps I could bring her something to thank her and help her feel better at the same time….maybe flowers or some food?

"That's nice of you, Madam. I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

"Does she live close by…?"

We were making our way around a bend between two long rows of maple trees. As we emerged from their golden canopy, the white crosses began to appear on our left. Hundreds maybe thousands of soldiers were there awaiting transport back to the U.S. or to their family plots somewhere along the allied lands. My mouth fell open at the sight. The hills rolled and the ground stretched out dotted in white as far as I could see. The grey haze of the morning hovered over half of the crosses in the distance. I envisioned it as a misting ghost who covered the graves to keep them warm through the cold, dark nights.

Bella, too, paused at the sight. The awe of the moment shook both of us. Jenks stopped beside us, staring at a map between his rough hands before pointing off to the distance.

"There, beneath the elm tree."

All of the crosses looked the same, but off in the distance about fifty yards from the edge of the road was a young elm tree. Many of its leaves had fallen to the ground, but the few that remained danced in the gentle breeze. The sun had lifted itself up over the horizon and illuminated the frost glistening from the elm's teardrop shaped leaves.

"I chose the tree for the little one to give it some shade and protection from the seasons."

Bella's head dropped, and she closed her eyes. She pursed her lips tightly. I placed my hand on her left shoulder and gently squeezed it. Bella reached up for my hand.

"I'm okay," she murmured softly.

I took one of the quilts from Bella's lap and followed after Jenks as he headed off for the elm. I laid the blanket by the tree and went back for Bella. I reached down to pick her up under her legs when she stopped me.

"No, Edward, I want to walk."

I nodded and helped her to stand. She wrapped her arm around mine and laced our fingers together. I reached across my chest to grab her under her arm and hold her steady. Together we solemnly made our way to the quilt and prepared ourselves to meet Serena together.

Bella sat down, and I handed her the veil. Jenks rechecked the marker of the grave against the map and then pulled the cross from the ground. He reached down into the hole left by removing the cross. He emerged with a green glass vial with a black lid. He unscrewed the cap and emptied a rolled brown paper into his open hand. He stretched out the coil and read.

"Serena Marie Masen.

- Caucasian Female –

- Brown Hair –

Born July 20th 1944 – Died July 20th 1944.

Weight 6lbs 3oz."

Bella balled her hands into fists and looked down at the quilt. She didn't cry. She just nodded and kept staring down. Jenks handed the vial and the paper to me. I looked at them briefly and placed them on the edge of the quilt. Jenks leaned forward and offered me the handle of one of the two small shovels he carried with him. He dug in first, and I followed him. The ground was cold but not frozen. The fall frosts had not sunk deep into the ground. The grass that had grown over the grave this summer was now yellowing; the roots came up easily as Jenks and I worked side by side.

"It's not far down, maybe three feet."

A few minutes passed as we labored to remove the earth from my daughter's grave. The work to find her seemed to harden the ache in my chest. Each shovel of earth brought me closer to her and to the loss burrowing deep in my chest. I would have been her daddy, her protector. I would have chased away bad dreams and kissed her cheeks goodnight. I would have seen her off to school on her first day and walked her down the aisle. Each small mound of earth I lifted was a bit of her future I would never see. And with one last thrust, I hit something hard. The shovel vibrated at the contact with the tiny coffin and every bone in my body felt the tremor. My teeth rattled together. The soft thud I heard when the shovel hit the wood formed a painful, hollow ache as I exhaled. Bella's back stiffened with the sound.

Jenks stopped and leaned his forearm against his shovel as I stepped forward into the shallow grave. I dusted off the top of the coffin and pried it from the earth. This pitiful little box, no longer than my mother's rolling pin, held my Serena. I stepped out of the grave and placed, the box on the ground. I knelt down and placed one hand on the box and used the other to shield my eyes. I said a silent prayer for my little Serena, asking God to keep her safe until I joined her someday.

I turned toward Bella. Her eyes met mine, and she swallowed hard. Her distant gaze seemed to look past me.

"Open it," she said.

"Bella, no."

"Edward. I will hold her. Once."

I sucked in a deep breath and shut my eyes. I slowly shook my head no. My eyes were still closed when I heard her soft whisper.

"Edward, please."

I winced at her words, knowing the pain it would cause her both if I answered her plea and if I refused her. Unthinkingly, I picked up the shovel and pried at the edge of the lid. The nails gave way easily, and I lifted the lid from the tiny pine box. The sunlight hit this small bundle wrapped in a tattered baby blanket. I reached inside and gently lifted the small package with both of my hands. With my back toward Bella, I stood and unwrapped our baby. I looked down at the blanket as the baby lay there naked in my hands. The sadness I was feeling burned away with a flame that ripped down my spine. My jaw clenched and a hiss escaped from between my teeth. I stepped quickly and turned toward Bella. I placed the blanket with the child into my wife's outstretched arms and reached for the service arm at my waist. I cocked the pistol with my thumb. The sound of the click was deafening in my head. I turned and aimed my loaded gun directly at Jenks' chest.

"WHAT IS THIS?"

Jenks' eyes widened in fear and complete confusion.

"WHERE IS SERENA?" I shouted at him.

Jenks was stunned, unable to speak. He shook his head in quick, short motions not knowing what or how to answer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bella re-wrap the child and start to scramble to her feet. My focus on Jenks was distracted by her unbalanced reach for my arm. I hoisted her to her feet and wrapped my free arm around her waist to support her. All the while the furry, burned in my throat and pushed me to shoot this liar in front of me.

"Edward, he doesn't know."

I ignored her. Bella reached out for my right arm and pushed down against me to lower the gun from Jenks' chest.

"Edward, he didn't put the baby in the coffin. He didn't know."

My eyes squinted as I tried to rationalize her words.

"Know what?" Jenks pleaded. He raised his hands in the air to surrender.

"That's not Serena. It is not our brown haired, little girl. It's a redheaded baby boy!"

Jenks looked around on the ground trying to make sense of my words. There was nothing there to be found, he didn't have an answer for us. Bella was right; he didn't know anything.

I un-cocked the pistol and lowered my arm. Bella and Jenks both exhaled in relief. Bella turned and wrapped her body around me. I pulled my arms to her to comfort her.

"WHERE IS LAUREN MALLORY?"

Jenks frowned. I instantly recognized that he knew where she lived. Jenks hesitated. He looked at me; he was probably envisioning me pointing my pistol at her as well. It wasn't an impossibility. For a moment, I considered Bella's embrace. She wasn't crying; she was hiding her face from Jenks. I placed my pistol back in the holder and wrapped both of arms around Bella. I followed her lead. I took in a deep breath to calm myself. I tried to make my voice gentle…

"Jenks, she owes us an explanation at the very least. I can't take my wife back to the states without finding out what happened to our baby girl."

Jenks pondered while I kissed the top of Bella's head. I looked away from him and raised Bella's chin from my chest. I stared into her eyes. There weren't tears or fear in them. There was only resolve. She nodded at me and curled back into my chest.

I heard Jenks as a huff came from between his lips.

"Ms. Lauren is a good woman. You want her to help you find her daughter, but I want your word that you won't 'urt her. I know who you are Corporal. I will make sure they find you if any 'arm comes to her."

"She won't be harmed."

Jenks swallowed and looked down at the earth and then over to the bundle over on the quilt that Bella had rewrapped.

"103 Grove Hill Road."

I nodded and lifted Bella into my arms and carried her back to the car. I returned for her veil and left the quilt with Jenks and the unknown baby. We didn't speak as I helped her into the car and put the wheelchair in the trunk. I climbed into the driver's seat and pulled the door shut behind me. Bella jumped slightly from the sound. It awoke her from her daydream. I leaned over and grabbed both of her shoulders.

"I know this is a stupid question, but are you going to be okay?"

Bella looked down at her hands shaking her head. The soft curls of her brown hair shook. I was waiting for her to cry or to show the same emotions that were seething inside me.

"I knew it," Bella said flatly.

The Last Breath Historical Research and Reference Guide:

Chapter: 13 Unearthed

Story reference: Bella and Edward examine the glass vile containing the details of Serena's birth and death.

Historical Significance: Identification burial bottles were used to mark the graves of WWII soldiers. One is placed in the left armpit and buried with the body, while a second bottle containing identical information is placed at the head of the grave.

Source: http:/med-dept(dot)com/grs(dot)ph

Story reference: Edward offers to sing Oh, how I hate to get up in the morning, to Bella to rouse her from her slumber.

Historical Significance: Irving Berlin in 1918 created this popular American wartime song in 1918. Berlin himself served with the U.S. 77th Division from April 1917, at that time having already established his name as a popular composer. During his wartime service Berlin continued to produce highly topical wartime themes: Oh! How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning proved a remarkable success and went on to sell 1.5 million sheet music copies.

"Oh! how I hate to get up in the morning,
Oh! how I'd love to remain in bed;
For the hardest blow of all, is to hear the bugler call;
You've got to get up, you've got to get up
You've got to get up this morning!
Some day I'm going to murder the bugler,
Some day they're going to find him dead;
And then I'll get that other pup, the kind that wakes the bugler up,
And spend the rest of my life in bed."

Source: Song: http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=71smG5d29to WWI background: (dot)com/audio/ohhowihatetogetupinthemorning(dot)htm

A/N: So...did I give it away? Did anyone know the baby was alive before this chapter? What part helped you figure it out? I left a few clues along the way. And, for the two reviewers who made guesses on it, I hope this answered some of your questions.

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.

- First Blush