"I think they are being pushed down into the birth canal. It can't be that much longer," I said.
"Do you think it will be before the other mess happens? And if so, it won't be too long after that I will have to be changed. Edward, are you thinking I will have to be changed immediately after the girls are born," Bella asked.
"It has crossed my mind. Come on, love. Let's go home."
Bella smiled and I helped her out of her chair. Once outside they were all happy to see she had calmed down. Esme walked over to Bella and hugged her.
"It will be okay dear, you'll see," Esme said.
"I am sure it will. I just don't know how much more excitement I can stand. The girls are going towards the birth canal," Bella answered.
"They told us," I said when Carlisle was looking at me in wonder.
"That is amazing that you can talk to them. Well, I suppose we should head home. We can't thank you enough for what you did for Bella," Carlisle said to Kate, Tanya, Carmen and Eleazar.
"It was our pleasure," Eleazar said.
"It was nice pampering someone again," Carmen said.
"Now we all will be so much closer to each other. Like the family all together again," Kate commented.
"It appears we will need all the help we can get what with the vampire army and the Volturi on their way," Tanya said.
Bella's eyes got wide. I looked at Alice and she understood. We needed to go before Tanya caused Bella to go into a panic attack again, which would be completely unnecessary to have Bella in such a state again.
"I think we need to get going so Bella can rest for a while. Jasper and I can ride with Edward and Bella," Alice said.
"By the way I heard Tanya trying to seduce you," Alice said to me only.
"Later," I told her.
"Thank you all for your help with Bella. I'll never be able to repay your kindness," I said.
"That is what families do for one another," Tanya said.
Her mind was running rampant still with thoughts of what could have been at least to her. I wondered if she would ever learn to let this go. I simply nodded to the rest and walked to my car. I gave the keys to Jasper as I wanted to sit in the back with Bella. Alice got in the passenger seat. I knew she would start the minute the car started. I felt a wave of calm and understanding hit me. Jasper must have noticed a tension in the air as well.
"Are you going to explain yourself," Alice asked me mentally as I made Bella comfortable.
"I guess you did not hear the whole conversation. I told her that Bella was my only love," I answered.
"I figured as much. I don't know why she doesn't give up. I mean, it is obvious to everyone that you and Bella belong together. It wasn't like she had not been hearing you two going at it since you got here. How many times did you to do it?"
"Alice, you can see the future. Can't you tell me?"
"Twice. Last night and this morning."
"You need to get a life."
"But you know I am your favorite."
I chuckled and turned my full attention to Bella. She looked a little bit sleepy. Bella was trying very hard to suppress a yawn.
"Are you sleepy, love," I asked.
"A little. It is getting near my nap time," Bella answered.
"How much further is it?"
"Almost there. Another 2 or 3 minutes," Jasper answered.
"We're not finished, not by a long shot. But we have your guys room good enough so Bella can sleep if she needs to. I know Carlisle wants to check the girls' progress. Once she has had a nap then we can get her some food and get ready for the exam," Alice said.
"Here we are. Casa Cullen," Jasper said.
It was a truly beautiful house. Two stories with lots windows and surrounded by trees. It sat at least a mile off the road. Bella smiled as she looked as though she was happy to be here. It was a placed that looked like Esme would have lived. Jasper pulled my car into the garage beside of Alice's and Carlisle car. We got out and I helped Bella inside. Even though it was not exactly like the women wanted it, it was still breath taking.
"Oh, Edward, Bella and your room is upstairs of course. Actually all the bedrooms are. I think you will like the fact that one you have your own very large bathroom and well, go see for yourself," Esme said.
We followed her upstairs and lost Jasper and Alice in their room. I heard her say something about the enormous closet space. Always thinking about clothes. Esme opened the door and she was right. The room was huge. One door she opened to the extra large bathroom and the other room, this was apparently the one she was most excited about. Inside once she opened it, I saw my piano. It was perfect. The lighting was great and there were places around where one, such as Bella, could listen to me play. I was speechless. The bedroom was no less spectacular. The bed sat in the middle and had gauzy mesh around it. It was gold like our other one as far as the color. It was a king size bed and there was a couch with a matching chair. Over on one whole wall there was a library ready for Bella to fill with all manner of books. She was in awe.
"This is, well it is too much, Esme," Bella said as she stared.
"No, dear, you are family and we take care of family. We want you both to be comfortable," Esme said. "Well, Alice left you some pajamas in the bathroom. That way you can go ahead and lie down. Edward, Carlisle would like to speak with you."
"Thanks again for all you have done for me. I can't thank you enough."
"It is no trouble dear. Now get some rest."
Esme walked out and I sat down on the bed. Bella looked at me.
"What?"
"Well, I was thinking how very happy you look. And I was wondering was there any way possible I could make you even happier," I asked.
"What exactly did you have in mind, Edward?"
"Not what you were just thinking."
"If you can't read my mind, how do you know?"
"Funny Bella, no I was thinking something more that involved the rest of the family."
"I see. And what exactly might that be?"
"Well, I was wondering when you would like to get married."
"I want to do it as soon as possible. Today, in an hour, in a minute, this very second, I don't want to wait one more day to start forever with you."
I leaned over and pulled her closer to me. I placed my head on her middle and turned to kiss her tummy.
"That tickles," the girls said.
"My silly girls, who would have thought you, could feel that."
I heard another peal of laughter. Bella leaned over and pulled my head up. She brought her soft lips to mine and I felt the fire ignite in me. I brought her down to me as I lay on our bed. Bella giggled.
"Edward, I really need to take a nap. I want to but we can later. I can't believe I'm telling you no. This is odd."
"I am sorry love. I am having trouble controlling myself. You my dear are irresistible."
"Well, of course I am. Haven't you always told me that?"
"Yes. Okay, I'll try to be good. Go ahead and get dressed. I'll be waiting."
Bella kissed me once more. I watched her walk into the bathroom and I sat up. I looked around the room. There were still boxes around but for the most part everything was perfect. I saw a door which I was sure led to a rather closet and knew that Bella would be terrified to look. Might as well not mention this at the moment, no need in panicking her any more than I needed to. I heard the door open and she was in a dark blue tank top that was over sized for a rounding middle and a pair of shorts. They were longer than she normally wore. Bella looked a little sad.
"What's wrong, love," I asked as I pulled her to me.
"Alice brought me maternity pajamas. Look at these things," Bella said as she pulled up the shirt. I rubbed her tummy lightly.
"Ah Bella, I see nothing wrong with it. Think of the love that went into making those two babies. Do you feel that it is worth the risk?"
"I would not have had any other children besides yours. Because they are yours makes them that much more special."
I pulled her in closer and laid her on the bed. I hovered over her and Bella placed her hand on my face. She was breathtaking.
"Bella, you take my breath away. Can I do anything for you?"
"Well, you can let me take a nap. Right now you are tempting me, Edward."
"Enough said," and I leaned over and kissed her waiting lips.
I tucked the covers around her and kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too. I should not be too long."
"I will be waiting. All you need to do is call for me."
"Okay. Have fun."
I closed the door and walked downstairs. Carlisle was in his office filing books on his shelf when I walked in the room. He looked up and smiled.
"Edward, have a seat. We have much to discuss," Carlisle motioned to one of the chairs.
I did as I was requested and took a seat. Carlisle sat across from me.
"Bella is napping," he asked.
"Yes."
"Well, it is probably a good thing. All of this is going to do nothing but add more stress to her life. Victoria is on the move and now the Volturi are coming as well. I would have thought we would have more time. But this is what life has dealt us. I will tell you that we have been in contact with some of our friends around the country. They are coming from Romania, Ireland, Georgia, and even the Rain Forest. It seems that Alice has located someone with a similar situation as your girls."
"That is a relief. It is good to know that our children are not the first."
"They are similar but not the same outcome."
"What do you mean?"
"It will probably be best if the boy tells you himself. In other related news, I need to tell you about something that I have done."
"And what might that be?"
"I asked the wolves to help."
"Why would you do something like that? Then they will know we lied about Bella!"
"Edward, I asked Sam to choose the ones he could trust with this secret, the ones who would not run to Jacob and tell him everything. I think we can trust them."
"Maybe so but we need to deal with the contingent that Jacob Black will find out and that he will come here looking for Bella, we have to prepare ourselves for that scenario."
"I have already thought about that. We will cross that bridge as it comes. Now on to the babies: since they are so far down I give them a few days."
"As do I."
"Which would mean that Bella's transformation would begin shortly thereafter, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Do you plan to do so yourself?"
"That is what she wants and I will not deny her anything. But I would not object to you being in the room at that time."
"Of course, anything I can do to help. Now, I heard from Alice about Tanya. Do you think she will propose a problem?"
"Not as long as I ignore her. I explained to her exactly how I felt about Bella; I don't understand why she has such a hard time understanding and accepting it."
"There is history there. I wanted to warn you that I have asked for their help as well."
"They are family and I can be civilized."
"I know you can. By the way, Bella left this. I believe that was what Alice had been sent to retrieve by Bella when she came up and heard you in conversation with Tanya."
Carlisle handed me Bella's bracelet that I had instructed Tanya to give to her. I was in such a state I did not think about getting it from the nightstand where I had seen it the night before.
"Edward, I would like to discuss something else with you."
"And that is?"
"I wanted to warn you about intimacy with Bella seeing that she is this far along. I do not want her to be over exerted. Do you understand?"
"Carlisle, I did go to medical school. So you are saying that we should not?"
"No, I am saying you need to figure out other ways to do that. Edward, this is as hard for me to tell you as it is for you to hear. You are my son for all intents and purposes. I never thought I'd be having this conversation with any of you."
I suppose I was rolling my eyes and breathing unnecessarily hard. This conversation was particularly hard as I like Carlisle did not expect to be hearing anything like this. I had not expected Bella to get pregnant nor had anyone else but it was a happy surprise.
"I know. I never thought I would be hearing it either but I am and I understand. Since we are being open about things, we did something like that this morning. It seemed to work fine, not as romantic as what I like but sometimes it is not always romantic."
Carlisle looked at me and then we both started laughing. It felt odd but familiar that we were discussing such things. My whole family had always been so open about everything and now I was a part of it which was very odd for me. It made me feel even closer to everyone. Carlisle finally calmed down as I had as well.
"Well, I am glad we had this chat. I knew that you and Bella would work things out as far as the intimacy issue goes. Bella is a beautiful woman and I see great things for the two of you. You are being blessed with something amazing and we all get to share in your joy. So, thank you, Edward, for allowing all of us to live through you."
"My pleasure, Carlisle; I think I will go check on Bella."
"Let her rest, Edward. I know you have not seen her in a while but if you go in there she will wake up. Let her be able to sleep without your distracting her."
"I suppose I could go fix her lunch, she can't sleep that long."
Carlisle nodded and I left the room to find the kitchen. It was not too hard. I simply followed my nose to where Bella's foul smelling food was kept. It smelled disgusting to me; I did not know how she could eat such things. But I am sure she used to think the same thing about my diet. I milled around the kitchen looking for the right thing to fix. I decided some cut up vegetables, fruit, and a peanut butter, jelly and banana toasted sandwich. I took great care in everything that I did, removing the skin from the apples, peaches, oranges, and carrots. I sliced the celery and removed all the strings. The berries were washed and sliced where applicable. I used wheat bread and fresh strawberry jam with length wise sliced bananas. Bella liked chunky peanut butter so I put all these things together after I had toasted her bread.
I was nearly done when I heard her up. I placed the food on a plate and the fruit in a bowl. I poured her a glass of milk and had it all done when she walked in the kitchen.
"What are you up too," Bella asked.
"I was making you lunch. Do you need the babies' food first," I questioned.
"I don't know. Ask them."
I walked to Bella and first I kissed her cheek. Then I placed my hands on her middle.
"Girls, are you hungry?"
"Oh, hi Daddy. Yes, we are. Can we have some please," they asked.
"Okay, I'll tell Mommy. They want to eat as well. I can warm up what Eleazar sent. You like it better warm right."
"Yeah. I guess it has to be with the whole body temperature thing. Wonder why this isn't grossing me out?"
"Maybe because it is for the girls and not you. It will be a second. You want to go sit out on the deck?"
"Sure."
"I'll make the cup and bring the other food out too. Go make yourself comfortable. Will you be okay?"
"I am sure I can make it out on the porch."
The blood was warmed enough not to be cold and I poured it into the cup with the straw so Bella could not see it. I placed it on the tray with her other food and stepped through the doors to where Bella was seated. She looked so serene and peaceful I almost hated to disturb her but Bella saw me and there was no getting away from her now.
"Hello, love. Here you go. Drink up," I said as I handed her the cup.
Once again I was drawn to her lips around the straw. I almost felt guilty for the ungentlemanly thoughts I kept having about Bella. I had no idea what had come over me in the last two days. Whereas before I could keep the hormonal teenager caged, he was clawing to get out. I shook my head to get him out of it. Bella snickered.
"Am I that obvious," I asked.
"Well," Bella said looking down at my predicament.
I glanced and apparently I was that obvious. I rolled my eyes and growled.
"Oh come on, Edward. I think it is great to see that I finally have such an effect on you."
"Bella, you always have. I was just better at hiding my inner teenager before."
"I wonder why you can't now. Not that I am complaining or anything."
"I am not sure. As much as I would like to ask Carlisle, I think I have had enough embarrassing conversations with him for one day."
"What happened," Bella asked as she continued to sip the blood from the cup.
Now I had to concentrate even harder to continue the conversation. Maybe I should hunt or something. For the moment, I simply pulled up a chair beside of her and at least I could hide my uh situation for a while.
"Carlisle, being the good doctor and father, warned me of inducing labor with certain activities."
Bella looked at me curiously. Please tell me she actually knew what I was saying to her.
"Bella, I am begging you not to make me have the conversation twice in one day."
She started to laugh. She got me.
"No, I knew what you were saying, just wanted to make you squirm," Bella laughed.
"You are not funny."
"Oh I think I am a comedian. So, no more 'activities' I suppose?"
"No, he did not say that. Just other, uh, other . . ."
Please, Bella, figure this out. I don't want to say this out loud.
Bella started laughing again. The little minx had me again. I hung my head.
"Ah, poor Edward. I'm sorry. I can't seem to help myself today. I love to watch you get flustered. Anyways, I understand. Besides, we had no problems this morning. Why not indulge that way or maybe we could think of some other ways? I am sure the internet has a site about pregnancy and uh, well . . ."
Bella blushed a bright red and now it was my turn to laugh.
"My silly Bella looks who is flustered now. How absolutely cute and priceless," I laughed.
Bella laughed right along with me and sighed. She looked at the cup and I thought she might be done with it.
"Bella, would you like me to ask the girls if they are full," I asked.
"Yes. I would like to have some regular food now," she answered.
I got up from my chair, got on my knees in front of her and placed my hands on her expanding middle.
"Hello, my girls. Mommy would like to know if you are full," I asked.
"Yes. I think we are too full. Daddy, it is too crowded in here," one of my daughters said.
"I see. Yes, Bella, they are full. But they also said that it was getting a little too crowded in there. Not much longer my beautiful babies. We love you and look forward to seeing you."
"We love you and Mommy too. We are sleepy."
"Get some rest. We'll be right here. They are tired. And they said they love us too."
"Tired? Didn't they sleep when I did," Bella asked as she nibbled on her sandwich.
What was it about her eating now that I found overly captivating? Was it that I thought about how her lips were look curled around her prey? Or was it the ungentlemanly images running through my head? It may be ill mannered but it was something we had both enjoyed immensely. Something I would not mind indulging in again. That is if Bella wanted to do such a thing. It would not be an issue I would ever force. But to think of such a thing when she is immortal like me was almost too sinful to conjure up in my mind.
"Edward! Earth to Edward! Edward," Bella yelled.
"Yes," I asked nonchalantly as I tried to act like I had heard her the whole time.
"Oh no you don't. You spaced out for like 5 minutes or so. And it was a little bit scary," Bella said as she stared at me.
"I am sorry, love. I do not know why my mind has started to wander now."
"I know why. You see, Edward, you only make those kind of noises usually when we are alone."
If I could have blushed crimson red, it would not have been enough. I had been giving away by that wayward teenager yet again. Why was this happening to me now? I had been on this Earth for over a hundred years and had been able to bed down these feelings the entire time. Why were they resurfacing with a vengeance now? Bella must have seen my furrowed brow as she looked at me with concern on her face.
"Edward, it's okay. I am fine with you being this way. I know it is all new to you, but I am sure with a little time it will be something you will master once again. Or we'll just become Emmett and Rosalie," Bella laughed.
I had to admit I thought that was humorous myself. I laughed right along with her.
"Thank you, love. I suppose I am giving too much thought to all of this. As long as it does not bother you, I will attempt to not let it affect me."
"That's the spirit. So, I was wondering about something."
"And what might that be?"
"Well, see you are not the only one who knows about medical stuff. I read about ways to induce labor. And if you think that a fight is coming our way then you are going to need me as well. And there is no way I can help while I am this huge."
"What are you saying, Bella?"
"I am saying let's go indulge in 'activities' to get these babies out."
I know I had to look stunned when she said this. Not that those things were not crossing my mind because they were. But I was not thinking of them as a means to an end. I thought of it more as a display of our love. I was a little taken back.
"Bella, I like to think of our intimacy as a sign of our love," I explained.
"Edward, honey, so do I. I was trying to be funny. I guess I didn't do a very good job," Bella said sadly.
"Love, I did not intend to hurt your feelings. It's just that, I don't know. I was worried that you are more interested in sex than making love."
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, what a thing to say! I can't believe that just came out of your mouth!"
Bella used my full name. That can never be a good sign. I had to think up something to fix this. I did the only thing I could think of to do. I took the tray out of her hands, pulled her close to me and kissed her with all the passion I had in me. And she responded in kind, giving all my passion back. I left the food on the table and picked her up gently and whisked her back upstairs. Once inside, it was then I heard Alice.
"Edward, you know Carlisle wants to examine Bella," Alice said to me.
"Leave me alone," I snarled aloud.
That was the last I thought of anything but Bella for several hours. We showed one another exactly how we felt. We held one another, shared our fire, our passion, our desires over and over again. I wanted her to feel my love, to see it in the way I looked, the things I said, the way I touched her. I wanted her to feel how sorry I was for opening my mouth and sticking my foot in it. I wanted her to feel loved, wanted and desired. I needed her more than I needed anything. One kiss would never be enough. Never.
As we lay entangled in each other's arms and the sheets, I sighed contently.
"What was that for," Bella asked lazily as she drew circles on my arm that was draped across her.
"I am guessing that is what they call make up sex. I have heard Emmett and Jasper talk about it. It is when the man does something to anger the woman," but I never finished because Bella was laughing at me.
"Edward, I know what make up sex is but did you really think we were mad at each other," Bella asked.
"Actually yes, I thought you were mad at me. Were you not?"
"A little surprised but not mad. But I could be if it meant we could do that again."
"My little insatiable flower, I would gladly indulge for longer but if I do not get you to Carlisle, I think I will be hearing another in depth conversation about our sex life."
"Oh, well would you like to join me in the shower?"
"I don't know Bella."
"I can be good if you can."
Bella got out of the bed, naked and beautiful as ever. I rolled over to her side and got out of the bed, following her lead. She turned on the water as I got the towels. When I got back she was already under the water soaped up. I was in awe. I suppose my mouth was hanging open when she turned around and looked at me. Bella snickered.
"Well, I guess I see which one of us who can really behave themselves and which one of us can't. Get in here before we both get in trouble," Bella said.
I did as I was requested and slipped in behind her. I found that if I stayed on the other side of the massive shower I could keep my thoughts in check. Lucky for me Bella seemed to be in her own little world too. It was times like these when just a glimpse into her mind would be helpful. Once I finished I stepped out, dried and wrapped the towel around my waist. Bella had finished so I held the towel up for her and I swaddled her in the warm towel as there were warmers in the room. I walked out into the bedroom to find that Alice had been and placed our clothes on the bed. As I was dressing Alice started.
"I see you are finally done with your sexual exploits," Alice snickered to me.
"I see you have been looking at my future again," I replied. "If you don't want to see these things, stop looking."
"Well, considering you two are going at it like rabbits all the time, it is hard not to see you doing it."
"I can't help myself. I am not sure what has come over me. Part of me wishes I was in more control and the other is glad to be living so free."
"Edward, don't let it bother you. I am actually glad that you and Bella are so loving. So is everyone else in the family. We are glad to finally see you happy."
"I don't know that I have ever been this happy in my entire life."
"Whenever you're ready, Carlisle is waiting for you downstairs. I'll be at the bottom of the stairs waiting."
"Thank you."
Bella looked at me and smiled.
"Alice talking to you again," Bella asked.
"Yes, teasing me about us. Not to worry though, love. Carlisle is waiting for us downstairs," I replied.
"I'm glad they find it funny to pick on us."
"Well, to be honest, it has been going on for years between all of them. They have poked fun at each other for years. Now it is our turn to be a part of this."
"I know. Alice has told me all about this. Rosalie said that most of the ribbing goes to her and Em."
"You know we have the moist ammunition against them. If they were much less vocal, it would not be a problem. That and they tend to destroy a lot of property. 3 houses to be exact."
"Three houses? Are you kidding? How is that possible?"
"Two immortal beings going at each other full steam tends to cause lots of property damage."
"I suppose so. I bet Esme was mad."
"That would be a mild understatement. They had been wedding gifts to their multiple weddings."
"You mean you get married more than once."
"Sometimes, but if you would be happy with just once I would find that acceptable."
"Well, let's just wait and see. I might like to get married to you more than once. After all I don't think one lifetime is going to be enough."
I laughed and kissed her forehead as I led her out of our room. "I could not agree more."
As we descended the stairs I immediately saw Alice waiting. She had a huge smile on her face. Alice had missed Bella as well and was overly happy to see her. She hugged Bella close carefully.
"You look beautiful, practically glowing," Alice said as she looked at Bella.
"I don't feel beautiful. I feel really fat," Bella said.
"Bella, you are not fat," Alice replied.
"Love, you are more beautiful today than you were yesterday," I added.
"You two are biased. I suppose Carlisle is waiting."
"Yes, I am going to help out if that is okay," Alice said.
"I don't mind. Do you, Edward?"
"No, not at all."
"Let's get this over with," Bella said as she pulled me along. "I hate being examined."
"I can understand that. It doesn't look like one those things you'd particularly enjoy," Alice replied.
"You never had one?"
"Bella, I don't remember anything from my human life. I suppose in this circumstance it is not a bad thing."