A/N Here's 14! Enjoy! We are getting towards the end folks. There is one more chapter and an epilogue… then maybe a smutty outtake if anyone wants one!
Mucho gracious to my beta h00r coachlady12…She beat me with a baseball bat for this chapter… it was that bad! Lol. I love her though! Please go check out her stories on her ff site they are amazing! She has a finished one Dangerous Corporate Liaisons and a WIP Guarding Bella Swan. Both awesome so go now! 2113307/coachlady1
Also need to thank: 84Gemma, ducknynoel, and joayla for looking over this chappy for me! I love y'all so much!
Check out on my profile for song info and the lovely polyvore that 84Gemma did for the fic!
Also check out the banner that the talented rosalynn7885 made on the profile!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not a single thing. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. There is no copyright infringement intended.
Never before and never since, I promise These are days you'll remember
will the whole world be warm as this
and as you feel it, you'll know it's true
that you are blessed and lucky
it's true, that you are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you
These are the days by Natalie Merchant
BPOV
"Oh, my God! Are you sure?" Edward asked gripping my hand tighter.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. I just had a lot of water gush out of me and I'm getting pains." I grunted as another pain hit.
"Okay. Okay. Um, I'll get the bags and you get dressed." He ran into the walk-in closet and started looking around frantically.
"Edward! I haven't even packed my bags yet!"
"Oh, okay. Well, I'll pack and you get dressed." He started throwing random clothes into the closest suitcase. Normally, I would fight him on this and pack myself but at that moment I didn't care. He could pack whatever the hell he wanted. I pulled off my maternity jeans that were now soaked through and grabbed a pair of sweat pants. I was going into labor so I didn't care how I looked. As another pain hit, I grabbed the side of the door and breathed through it. I was trying to remember what was written in all of those magazines and books I had read. However, right now, my memory was fuzzy at best.
"You okay?" Edward asked coming up behind me, rubbing soothing circles in my back, his face full of worry. I nodded. We locked everything up and Edward helped me out to the car.
As we drove, Edward called my mom to let her know what was going on. I could hear her squealing through the phone and proclaiming she was on the next flight out. Then he called the hospital to let them know we were on our way and that my contractions were averaging every five to seven minutes apart.
I didn't pay much attention to the conversation after that as I gripped the door handle tightly. I closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing. I couldn't help thinking how painful it was already and this was only the beginning.
"Um, okay, so your doctor is not on call at the hospital tonight," Edward stated glancing at me quickly as he merged off the highway.
"What? Then who is?" I inquired looking over at him, my hands now on my stomach. It was so dark in the car and I could barely see the expression on his face.
"My dad," he replied putting the blinker on to turn into the hospital parking lot.
"Oh," I muttered as Edward parked. He hopped out and grabbed the bags from the backseat. He walked over to me in lightning speed and helped me out of the passenger side.
"How is this going to work?" I asked, completely confused and shocked at this new information. "Can he be my doctor?"
"Yes. It'll work just like it would if it was your own doctor; we don't really have a choice. He's the doctor on duty for delivery so he's the one we have to use." He held my hand as we walked across the parking lot toward the entrance.
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that, Edward. I don't really want him down there." I mumbled. I had met Esme and Carlisle officially a just a few weeks ago.
*Flashback*
"Mom, Dad, this is Bella. Bella, this is my mom, Esme and you've already met my dad, Carlisle."
"It's such a pleasure to finally meet you, Bella! I've heard so much about you!" Esme enveloped me in a hug and I could tell her words were genuine.
"Bella, lovely to see you again," Dr. Cullen stated, shaking my hand. The last time we had seen each other was that day in the office; the memory caused me to blush.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, too, Dr. Cullen, and to meet you Mrs. Cullen."
"Oh, please call us Carlisle and Esme. Mrs. Cullen is my mother-in-law!" Esme exclaimed pulling me into the house.
"Now, let's talk about the baby before we eat dinner."
The conversation with Edward's parents was easy. They were nice and seemed truly interested in the baby. We talked about names and the nursery. I told them Edward and I had set up a nursery in his apartment because his apartment was bigger and he had the extra room. It made more sense. Seeing Edward paint the walls and help pick out the accessories had made me smile.
I purchased a bassinet for my apartment but Edward offered for me to stay at his place for as long as I wanted. We had been contemplating getting rid of my place altogether and have me move in, but hadn't made the final decision yet.
I told them about my mom. How happy see was to be a grandma and that she'd been around during the ultrasound but had since gone back home to be with her new husband, stating that now that Edward was present, she felt it was better to let us figure everything out. She was coming back for the birth, however, declaring she wouldn't miss it for the world.
"So, what about your father? Was he just as excited?" Esme inquired over our dinner of garlic roasted chicken and mashed potatoes.
"He's excited. He was shocked at first, but he's genuinely thrilled to be a grandfather."
The conversation continued from there. I learned a lot about Edward's childhood. I laughed at stories of his building forts and coloring on furniture.
"He's going to inherit this table." Esme laughed when she told me about the alphabet that was currently drawn underneath her thousand-dollar dining room table.
I told them about my childhood and we discussed how Edward and I had met, skipping over the details. At the end of the night I felt welcomed and even loved by them.
"Please, let us know if there is anything we can do for you," Esme instructed as she and Carlisle walked us to the front door.
"Yes, anything at all," Carlisle replied.
"I will and thank you for a lovely evening." I hugged them both and headed toward the car. Edward stayed back a few moments to talk to them. I knew it was about something good though because when he turned to head back toward the car he was beaming.
"I think that went well. They really like you," Edward said as he slid into the driver's seat and started the car.
"I think so, too, and I really liked them as well." Edward placed a soft kiss on my hand. We hadn't said we loved each other yet, but I knew it was coming and it made my heart soar with anticipation. As we drove back to his apartment, all I could think about was how happy I was that everything seemed to be working out.
*End of flashback*
"It'll be okay, Bella. He's a professional," Edward explained as he ushered me into the lobby and toward the elevator that took us up to the delivery floor. As I exited the elevator, a nurse came over and talked briefly to Edward before coming over with a wheelchair for me. They wheeled me into a spacious room and explained to me all that I needed to do while Edward filled out paperwork.
Once I was settled into the bed and Edward had finished the paperwork, he was at my side holding my hand. I smiled up at him, loving how sweet he was being.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yes." I nodded.
The nurse came in then to place a monitor on my stomach. I smiled as the entire room was suddenly filled with the wonderful sound of our baby's heartbeat.
"Bella, I need to check you to see how far you're dilated, okay?" The nurse explained.
"Okay."
"I need you to scoot your bottom down some and lean back." I scooted down a few inches feeling completely exposed. "That's good. Okay, you're going to feel some pressure." It was incredibly uncomfortable as she checked me. "Some pressure" was an understatement. I held my breath and grasped down harder on Edward's hand. He looked over at me worried.
"Okay, you're about four centimeters and eighty percent effaced. You are well on our way," she proclaimed. I relaxed, thankful that the invasion was over and not looking forward to any others. She checked the monitor as another contraction struck. Edward watched as the line on the screen went up and then went back down, signaling that my contraction was almost over. "Excellent. It seems that your contractions are averaging two to three minutes apart and are a good length. I'll go ahead and start an IV and let Dr. Cullen know. The baby will be here before you know it."
When she left the room, I breathed through another contraction. They seemed to be closer than two to three minutes apart. A little while later in the middle of yet another contraction, Dr. Cullen came in.
"Bella, it's so nice to see you again!" All I could do was grumble at his enthusiasm. I was not in the mood for his pleasantries. He chuckled. "Edward, son, good to see you." They exchanged handshakes. "Well, I see we are well on our way here. Everything's looking great. Were you having contractions throughout the day?" he asked as he walked over to check my monitor.
"I guess a few. I had some pains but it wasn't anything bad, just uncomfortable." Edward looked at me surprised to hear this news. All I could do was shrug.
"Did they feel like bad period cramps?"
"Yes," I replied as another contraction took over. Carlisle waited till it was over before continuing.
"Well, with everything on here and what you're telling me it shouldn't be long now. Did you want any pain medication?" he asked stopping next to my bed. I shook my head "no."
"I'm going to try and do this natural," I answered. Carlisle nodded.
"I'll be back in about an hour or two to check on you. Let me know if you change your mind and I'll order some medication." He gave me a quick smile and a pat on my shoulder and left. Edward leaned closer to me.
"Bella, you didn't tell me you had been having pains today," he stated obviously upset.
"Well, I've been having them off and on since before I went on bed rest. I didn't think it was a big deal." I huffed. I really didn't need his worry right now. I clamped down on his hand as a strong contraction washed over me.
"Oh, my God, please tell me when it's almost over!" I screamed. Maybe medication wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"Okay, almost there… almost there… you're over the worst part now… okay, it's over." He leaned forward and kissed my cheek.
"You'll have to continue to do that. It makes me feel better to know when it's almost over." He nodded. After an hour of contractions like that one, I decided on the epidural. I absolutely hated needles, especially one that was to go in my spine, but I needed relief from the pain and if this is the way to get it then I would do it. After it was done I immediately felt relief and Edward was back at my side.
An hour later the nurse came back to check me followed by Carlisle. I still wasn't okay with his being my doctor, but at this point I didn't care who it was. As long as they could deliver a baby I was good.
"Okay, it appears you're around eight centimeters and one-hundred percent effaced. Almost there, Bella!" she announced excitedly. All I could do was nod. I was feeling good from the drugs but could suddenly feel so much pressure.
"I'd better call your dad and let him know so he can come down. I told him I would." Edward squeezed my hand and kissed my temple then disappeared. I briefly remembered the day that Edward met my dad.
*Flashback*
We pulled up to the house just as my dad exited with the trash.
"Dad!" I screeched running over to hug him. I would always be a daddy's girl. My dad wasn't a loving man, but I knew he loved me. He hugged me briefly before eyeing Edward who was paralyzed at the car. I walked him over.
"Dad, this is Edward. Edward, this is my dad, Charlie."
"Mr. Swan, it's nice to meet you." Edward held out his hand. My dad looked at it momentarily before reaching out and accepting his handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Edward. So you're the one who knocked up my daughter, huh?"
Edward swallowed.
"Dad!" I exclaimed bewildered that he'd be so bold. My dad just shrugged and walked back into the house after depositing the garbage in the can. At that moment Sue flew out of the house wrapping me in a hug. She had been like a second mother to me lately.
"Is he behaving?" she asked and I knew she was asking about my dad.
"No, not really, but when does he ever?" She shook her head looking toward the house and sighed.
"He means well. This is just hard for him. His baby girl is all grown up." I groaned. "Edward! Darling, it's so nice to meet you!" She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. If I had a camera I would have taken a picture of his surprised face.
"We aren't always as stubborn as Bella's dad around here," she explained to him walking him toward the house.
"I heard that," my dad grumbled from his favorite chair. He was currently watching the Mariner's game and sipping on his favorite beer, Rainer.
The rest of the visit went as well as it could. My dad wasn't overly friendly toward Edward, but he wasn't rude either. When I was sixteen I asked him why he was mean to my boyfriend. He told me that he would never be nice to any of my boyfriends because he had a daughter and he knew what boys were thinking. At the time the statement confused me.
Right as we were leaving, Edward disappeared into the kitchen with my father.
"Should I be worried?" I questioned Sue as she walked with me outside.
"No, I told your father to be gentle with him." Moments later Edward came back out, his face completely white. He would never tell me what they discussed but later on that week Edward asked if my father really did own a shotgun.
*End of Flashback*
Right when Edward left, Esme came into the room. She looked breathtaking in a crème colored knee-length dress, her hair pulled up and away from her face.
"Bella! I wanted to stop by and let you know that I'm here in the waiting room, love. I'm so excited!" She leaned in and kissed my forehead. She spoke softly with Carlisle before exiting. I groaned as I felt more pressure.
"Feeling some pressure?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, it feels like I have to pee," I stated wondering if I really did.
"That's normal. You remember your classes?" I nodded. "It's all part of the process."
Edward came back then followed by the nurse. "Your dad and Sue are on their way."
"Okay," I replied trying really hard not to groan. It wasn't painful just uncomfortable.
"Bella, we're going to check you again, okay?" I squeezed my eyes shut and attempted to relax as they checked me, but failed miserably. The pressure was unbearable.
"Alright, you're fully dilated. With the next contraction I need you to push," Carlisle instructed. The monitor beeped signaling my next contraction. Edward reached over and grabbed my hand.
"Good. Take a deep breath, hold it, and push from your bottom," Carlisle said. I inhaled and pushed. "Yes, just like that. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, and breathe Bella." I let my breath and took another deep breath.
"Okay, with the next contraction same thing," Carlisle explained. The next time the machine beeped, I did it again, Carlisle counting to ten. I did this for an hour and every time he said I was getting closer and I started not to believe him.
"Okay, we can see the head," he announced. Suddenly, bright lights were turned on and what felt like a million people were in the room. Carlisle was now dressed in scrubs and a mask.
"This is it, Bella. I know you're tired, but just a few more pushes and you and Edward get to meet your baby and I get to meet my grandchild." I nodded and pressed down again. Edward was holding my hand, telling me how good I was doing.
"Son, would you like to see this?" Carlisle asked as I pushed again. Edward made his way toward my feet and watched with wide eyes.
"That's it, Bella. One more time and the head will be out." I mustered all of my strength and pushed, grunting my frustrations out.
"Okay, the head's out, you can stop pushing now." Easier said than done because at that moment all I wanted to do was push. There was a rush of activity as the baby's nose was suctioned out. Before I knew it our baby was out and crying in Carlisle's arms.
"It's a girl!" he announced placing her immediately on my stomach. His eyes were full of tears. I reached out to touch my daughter's tiny hand and began to cry. She was absolutely gorgeous.
"Edward, would you like to cut the cord?" Carlisle asked handing him the scissors. Edward nodded as tears rolled down his cheeks. Seeing him so emotional made me cry even more. Carlisle showed him where to cut. Afterward, they swept her away to be cleaned. Edward came over and kissed me sweetly.
"Thank you," he said cupping my face in his hands.
"For what?" I asked.
"For giving me the best gift ever."
The nurse walked back over with our daughter wrapped in a blanket, her cherub face sticking out from underneath her pink cap. She handed her to Edward who cradled her gently in his arms.
"Hi, Emma. It's so nice to finally meet you. We've been waiting so long to see you," he told her. I wiped a tear away at the conversation he was having with her. He walked her over. I scooted over to make room for him to sit on the bed with her.
"We love you," he proclaimed, kissing her chubby, rosy cheek. He looked over at me, his watery green eyes full of wonder and joy.
"And I love you," he stated leaning in and kissing me. Emma gurgled at the exact moment our lips met and I couldn't help but smile against him. We were now a family.
A/N *whew* Leave me some review love! xxo