Chapter 14

The machine that was registering Edward's blood pressure started to beep rapidly. A nurse immediately came into the room, pushing Tanya out of the way.

"Miss you're going to need to leave, only immediate family is allowed in this area." She said sternly.

"I am immediate family, I'm Edward's sister." Tanya replied sweetly.

Bella gasped at the blatant lie Tanya told the nurse. "She's his co-worker, and can wait in the hall way. Tanya, I'll be out in a minute to tell you all about Edward's condition."

"You heard Mrs. Cullen, now please wait out in the hall." The nurse practically shoved Tanya out the door.

Bella turned back to Edward and smoothed his brow with her hand. "Don't worry love; I'll take care of her. I'll be right back." Leaning down she kissed him gently on the lips.

But before she could leave his bedside, Edward grabbed her arm. "Bella, remember she's a liar and a lawyer, which makes her a really good liar. Please don't fall for whatever she has to say. I don't want her here; I don't want anything to do with her." He said tiredly.

"Edward, close your eyes and get some rest, don't worry about me." She kissed him one more time and headed out the door.

Tanya was waiting right outside looking very impatient. When Bella walked out of the room, she immediately bombarded her with questions. "What the hell happened to him Bella? Why did I have to learn from Mike Newton who heard it from one of his friends who lives in this godforsaken town; that Edward, my partner, was in a serious car accident?"

"Tanya, calm down. First of all, why would I call you? You are Edward's co-worker, not partner. You would have found out on Monday, along with all the other people in the City office, what happened. Secondly, what are you doing here? You could have called the hospital to find out his status." Bella stood back with her arms folded.

"Bella, you have to know that Edward means the world to me, how could I not be here!" By this point Tanya was speaking very loudly. A nurse that was passing by shushed her.

"Here's the thing, Edward doesn't want you here. So I suggest you head back to Seattle and we'll call you if there's anything to report."

"I want Edward to tell me that himself. Or are you just saying these things because you know that when he and I are together, there's chemistry and you can't stand it. You're just a little cookbook author and I bring excitement to his life. What do you bring? Edward is a vibrant, brilliant lawyer, he could even possibly be mayor of Seattle one day, but you would just hold him back. You're afraid that your comfortable little life would go away. Admit it Bella, you know Edward deserves someone more exciting, more successful, not some clumsy, mousey writer going nowhere."

For a split second, Bella started to believe the vile woman standing in front of her. Maybe Edward did need someone more like Tanya. Wait! What the hell was she thinking?!

"Tanya, I suggest you leave now before I have you kicked out of this hospital. After all, my father-in-law is the head of this establishment and I'll have you booted faster then you can blink. As for what Edward needs, I can't speak for him, but I do know that if he ever decides he needs a superficial, bleached blonde with enough Botox and silicone in her body to stay preserved 90 years after her death, I'll happily send him your way."

Tanya gasped but wasn't about to back down. Just when she was about to start in on Bella for a second time, someone walked up behind her and put and hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Edward's father standing there.

"Excuse me, but you're disturbing not only my son, but everyone in the hospital. You need to leave. As Bella said, we will be in contact with you, if we feel there is anything to report. Now please leave." Carlisle sounded pleasant but authoritative. "Would you like me to show you the way out?"

Tanya was floored that this man was kicking her out of the hospital. "Tell Edward I'll be in touch." With that she stormed out.

"Thanks Carlisle." Bella walked over and hugged him.

"I was going to step in sooner, but your tirade was far too entertaining."

Bella chuckled against his chest. "I didn't think I had it in me."

Carlisle put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look her in the eyes. "I knew you did Bella. You are the very best person for my son. The minute you and Edward started dating I knew you would be around for a very long, long time. Esme and I couldn't be more proud of our children, not just because of the people they turned out to be, but also the people they've chosen to have in their lives."

Tears had formed in Bella's eyes and were threatening to spill over. "Thank you Carlisle, that's very sweet of you. And thank you for making me cry yet again this weekend."

He laughed, hugged her tight one more time then pulled her with him back into Edward's room. Upon entering, they were both surprised to see him still awake and smiling.

"Baby, you're supposed to be sleeping." Bella scolded.

"How could I possibly sleep when my wife was in the hall bitch slapping a bitch?"

Bella laughed. "How did I do?"

"I'd bet my money on you any day sweetheart." He reached for her hand and kissed it.

"Dad, when can I get the hell out of here?"

Carlisle was busy reading Edward's chart. "Son, you've had two major brain surgeries in as many days. Please don't rush this. We're going to move you back into your original room today and I'd say, my best estimate for you to go home is going to be 4 or 5 more days."

"Oh come on Dad, I hate it here."

"I know you do son, but this is where you need to be right now."

Bella listened to them bicker back and forth for a minute then an idea came to her. "Carlisle, why can't Edward stay at your house? He'll be well cared for, by you and Esme, and me. He's just lying in bed here, why can't he do that there?"

"See why I married her Dad? Not only is she hot, she's brilliant." Edward said proudly.

Carlisle thought about this for a moment. "You know, you're mother would be less a pain in my side if you were at home. I'll go make the arrangements right now."

Edward sighed contentedly and watched his Dad leave the room. He looked up at Bella, "At least at home I'll be able to sleep next to you."

"I don't think that's a good idea Edward, you need your rest. And what if I accidentally hit you in the head?"

"Bella, I'm not doing this if you aren't going to be in my bed. I might as well stay here."

She knew he was serious. "We'll see."

"No, there's no 'we'll see' about it. I hate not sleeping next to you Bella; I can't sleep without you next to me."

Bella was quiet as Carlisle came back into the room. "Well it's all set. An ambulance will take you to the house in about an hour."

"Dad, Bella will be staying with me."

"I know Edward, it's all set. But I have to tell you both, no sex, not until you've completely recovered."

Bella blushed an intense shade of red. "I don't think that will be an issue Carlisle." She said extremely embarrassed.

"Good, let's get you ready to go son."

Bella and Edward looked at each other. Edward was the first to speak. "Just think babe, it'll be like the first time all over again. We'll get married again, and have a real honeymoon."

"I don't think you can last that long Mr. Cullen."

"Is that a bet Mrs. Cullen?"

Bella extended her hand to shake his to accept the bet.

"The challenge is on, shall we kiss on it?"

"Excuse me sir, we aren't married, I don't kiss strangers." Bella said haughtily.

The battle lines where drawn, who could hold out from sex the longest.