SM owns it all … I just like to play with her toys …
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OMG, Readers I love ya, too… What could wrong with our girlie? Read on to find out! ; )
The last time … We ended with …
After everyone left there were just four of us within my home, myself, Charlie, Jasper, and Bella. As I made my way towards their room I was contemplating just how I would inform them of my news….
Chapter 21
Excuse Me!
(BPOV)
My body was feeling overheated and run down, but I was trying to stay awake. I'd heard what Carlisle and Jasper talked about in the hallway, and I was more than a little scared about what was going on with my blood. I knew that the new test results would take some time, but I just wanted to know what was going on with me as soon as any news came in.
Jasper was lying next to me again after his exchange with Carlisle in the hall. He'd even managed to take off his shirt before crawling back into our bed and under our blanket with me. His cooler body temperature against my overheated skin felt like heaven to me.
Jasper's thoughts and emotions were still all over the place, and he wasn't as calm as I'd hoped he'd be by now. The battle was over close to eight hours ago already, and the Major was still ready to pop back out of the box at any moment. His thoughts were centered on how to protect me from things that he could never really keep from happening to me. I was at a loss at this point as to how to make him see that I really was going to be fine, and there was no stopping Jasper's constant stream of worries right now.
We'd all heard as Aaron and Carlisle started to talk, but a few short seconds into their conversation, we couldn't hear anything anymore. That made Jasper worry even more, and I was also starting to worry now. Anything that needed a private conversation between Carlisle and Aaron couldn't be good, and I knew that it was Lugh's shield that was making it so that their discussion would be private no matter what.
My dad was standing in our room just watching us, and I could feel his relief in knowing that I'd be just fine in a few short days' time. Charlie sure does have his shit together for such a young vampire. Maybe Jasper's thought about turning me now wouldn't be such a bad idea. If I could be a young vampire like Charlie is, then why the hell don't we just do this turning crap already and get it over with. But intellectually I knew that I needed to get this elfin crap under control before he turned me.
In that other Resolute couple's relationship, I know that one was a elf and one is a vampire. But, Jasper, did the vampire change the elf into a vampire already?
I'm not sure, Darlin', that's a question that we'll have ta ask them. We should get ya notebook and have ya keep your entire list of questions in it for 'em. Now that everythin' is finally calmin' down a lil bit, maybe we can have Marcus call 'em and have 'em come over for a meetin' between the five of us.
Five of us? Me, you, and them, that equals four the last time I checked, Jas.
Ya, but ya need to be addin' Marcus into that equation, Sugar. He'd like to know more about Resolute Mates, as it does seem like it'd be somethin' new and excitin' for him. I guess he's kinda like Carlisle in that way. They both love new information, it makes their long lives more interesting in the long run, I'm guessin'.
Science experiments gone wild, huh? I asked.
Yep, was Jas' simple reply.
We just lay there silent and thoughtful for a long time. Even though I was feeling like cow shit, I was enjoying being held by Jasper, for what seemed like the first time in forever. My dad never made a sound, his only move was to walk up to the windows that look out over the backyard. Our silence was interrupted as Jasper and I both listened to Carlisle address the group down stairs.
"Isabella is doing as well as to be expected at this time. We will have no further information for you until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. I know that each of you are worried about her condition and I am sure that she and my son are grateful for your well wishes. But I must ask all of you to now leave, and we will meet here again tomorrow afternoon when more is known. To my family, I would like it very much if you could go on a hunt for a while, and allow Bella some peaceful rest."
We listened as many feet were scraping across the hardwood floors, toward either the back or front doors to the mansion. In very short order everyone left and Carlisle, my dad, Jasper, and I seemed to be the only creatures anywhere near the Cullens' home.
It's not just the Cullens' home anymore, Sugar. Remember, you're now a Cullen too, Jasper tried to joke as we heard Carlisle's footsteps coming closer to our room.
I thought I was a Whitlock? If you want to be a Cullen though, I guess I can do that, I joked back mind to mind.
Oh, now you know that I'm a gonna make you pay for that when you're feelin' better, right? Jasper threatened.
Yeah, right, oh Jasper Darlin'. I retorted, trying to sound like a southern belle, but it ended up sounding like a New England accent instead. That caused Jasper to laugh mentally at me, as Carlisle came into our room.
He walked over to my side of the bed, and gave me the once over again. I knew that my fever was high, but Aaron had warned us beforehand that it would be. He checked my pulse, my temperature, and my eyes and ears. Same old, same old really.
It wasn't until he pulled away and I saw his face that I knew that something wasn't right. Carlisle was as worried about something as I'd ever felt someone be before, and that in turn made not only me worry but Jasper too.
Charlie was watching this all go down without saying a word. Even as a vamp, my dad seemed to hold his composure. I guess that all of those years as a cop had really worked out well for him. Thinking about my dad got me to thinking about something other than my own problems at the moment.
Charlie's vacation time is almost over now. How are we going to explain that he won't be coming back to Forks, his job, or his daughter to the people here in town? I asked Jasper mentally.
We'll have ta think about that later. Right now, I think that your other father might have something ta tell us about those damn results already.
"Carlisle, what is going on with Bella's blood samples? We all heard you talking to Jasper in the hallway earlier, and we know that there is something that's not quite right about it. So spill it already, would you please?" Charlie suggested while looking Carlisle in the eyes. I could feel both of their anxiety levels go to the highest levels. I'd felt their feelings before the fight, and that was nothing compared to what the hell was going on now.
"Well, I did run those blood tests on the samples five times this afternoon and into the night. The first three times I ran them, the differences were staggering, and I was unable to come up with a cause for the sudden and unknown changes," Carlisle said while looking at Charlie.
Then he turned his head back to my direction and continued talking. "After you're Arising I performed a full blood count and screening on you. I also performed a physical exam at that time. When those tests came back there were no indications that you were anything but a normal and healthy elf." Carlisle stopped talking and started looking at his hands, then went on to say, "These new tests that I ran today indicate a dramatic change within your blood system. Yes, the elfin part is still there, but there is also indication that your blood has a foreign antibody contained within it also."
"Is that why you were questionin' me about the matin' mark earlier?" Jasper questioned.
"Yes, that has a lot to do with the situation that we now find ourselves in, in regards to Isabella's blood," Carlisle admitted. "Isabella's blood is now considered to be not only Elfin blood, but there is a small dose of vampire venom held within each cell at the moment. That is why I questioned you, Jasper. I became baffled after our discussion earlier. It was not until I talked with Isabella's grandfather, Aaron that all of the facts come into place as to what is now going on with our Bella." Carlisle stopped looking at Jasper and his butterscotch colored eyes locked onto my blue ones.
"I now know that what Jasper said was true, my dear. He never gave you even the slightest drop of his venom through his claiming you. But he did give you something else entirely." Carlisle looked over at my dad for a second then back to me.
"Bella, when you and Jasper reconnect your Resolute connection. Has there ever been a time in which you may have consumed some of Jasper's venom in other manner?" Carlisle asked.
Is he talking about what I think he's talking about? Your, you know, stuff? I questioned Jasper.
Stuff? Is that what you call it? Sugar, it's called semen. You know that, why do you have such a hard time talkin' about this shit? It's a natural part of who each of us is. There's nothin' to be ashamed or upset about.
I don't know. With this talk being held in front of both of our fathers, it's just kind of… I can't think about any other word, but Ewwww at the moment, damn it! I said as my face turned about ten shades of red. Even with me becoming an immortal elf, my blushes still came every once in a great while.
I hope that these two think it's the fever I have that's making me blush right now, I said mentally to Jas.
"Yes. She has ingested some of my venom in other ways other than my bitin' her," Jasper told the room, answering Carlisle's question for me. Thank God!
"I thought so. There is one more question that I need to ask Bella. With these test results being run in the proper manner, I now know why you're blood has become so atypical to the first results. When did you're last menstrual start?" Carlisle asked straight faced.
"Umm … A couple of days before I got one the plane to come here. Why?" I asked.
Jasper now I'm scared.
I know. I can feel it, was his answer.
"Isabella and Jasper, from what I've learned a while ago, in roughly six and half to seven months you are both going to become parents," Carlisle said while trying to hold in his smile, and failing miserably.
I know the shock from Carlisle's statement was written all over my face. There was no way that I could hide it, and I knew that my emotions were betraying me as well. Maybe this fever I've got has affected my hearing as well, I thought.
There's no way that I could be … umm...? OSM, Jasper's a vampire for Christ's Sake. OSM, He can't get me ... yeah …! OSM, Not to mention every time we've ever been intimate he's worn protection. Carlisle will just have to run those tests again, because there just is no way that this can be. OSM Nope. OSM ... Never... OSM ... Going... OSM ... To... OSM ...Happen!
OH SHIT MOMENT!(OSM)
I was too lost in my own thoughts and emotions to realize what was being said or going on around me, and I couldn't have given a flying fuck either way anyway. I closed my eyes, and prayed that when I opened them that this would all be some kind of those weird dreams that I have. Then I remembered some of the things that have been said to me either in person by my Grandfather, or have been told to me by others.
"If something should ever happen to me, and with you being my only Heir, you will have to accept the full weight of my title. Or you will have to bear another of our bloodline to continue on our legacy. With you being mated to a vampire, the chances of you ever bearing our family another Heir is not likely. Unless I were to intervene on your behalf…." Aaron had said that day that I'd found out that all of my weird dreams were real. Though I had no idea how he'd have intervened this time around.
"Bella, we're vampires. Our bodies are frozen, at the age and stage that we were at when we were changed into this life. Our bodies cannot change. In order for a woman to have a baby, their bodies undergo a huge revolution to accomodate a child. And ours simply can't. We are unable to reproduce through our loins. We can only reproduce through venom." Rose said that same day. If their bodies are frozen in time than how in the hell could I be … umm … now? That's when I noticed that not a word had been spoken by any of the men in room since Carlisle dropped the bomb about me being … I can't even think that word right now.
"Excuse me?" Was all I could come up with at the time. I just turned eighteen damn it! There isn't any way in hell that I was … nope!
"I was telling you that you are going to be a mom here in a few months, Bella." Carlisle said clear as day, but he was acting like I was a five year old that he needed to be talked too very slowly.
Charlie stepped away from the window, and sat down in the chair nearby with an audible huff leaving his mouth as he sat. He looked just as stunned as I was, and his emotions were saying the same. Carlisle wasn't as shocked as the three of us were but I guess he'd had the time to come to terms with this shit.
It was Jasper that was processing things within his head, unlike me. His mind was going a million miles an hour, and I was unable to keep up with him at this point. If Charlie and I were shocked, Jasper was out and out bewildered. I knew that he'd been upset after his and Carlisle's brief conversation out in the hall, but now his emotions and thoughts were just a jumbled mess of confusion and disbelief.
"I know that this is going to take a great deal of time to sink in, but it is true. I reran the tests twice just to make sure that my findings were correct. By my estimation, with the knowledge that each elfin female only carries a child for seven to seven and half months, I'd say we are looking at a late February to early March due date here. We should know more once the machines I have ordered come in. Until then I want to you, young lady, to stay off of your feet as much as possible. We don't want to take any chances with you or the fetus until we are completely sure with what we are dealing with," Carlisle ordered rather than said.
"I would also like you to increase your daily supply of Marva, and we may add some human food to your diet as well, until we know what is to come. Aaron has said that the human food would hurt neither you nor the baby, so I think that we should at least try that for now," Carlisle said as he got up off of my bed and started walking towards my dad.
Charlie was coming out of his shock induced stupor as Carlisle walked up to him. Carlisle reached out for Charlie's hand and led him back to our bed, and they both made themselves comfortable. That's when I noticed that Aaron had entered our room I was so dumbfounded that I hadn't even noticed him until then.
"Now, there are many things that need to be discussed. It would seem as if the child that you are carrying within your womb is half vampire, and half elf. The fetus' blood and yours are mixing causing your cells to become irregular. I am not sure at this time, but I believe that once the child is born your cells will revert back to normal elfin. Though there is a slight chance that they would remain as they are now. We will have to wait and see what happens at the time of the child's birth. I will do extensive blood work ups on you thorough out the pregnancy, and then after the birth as well," Carlisle said, turning his head towards where Aaron was standing.
"My Heir and her mate, I am sorry for trespassing at such a time, but I was unable to stay away from this conversation once it had begun," Aaron said. "I do have something to confess. On the night of your eighteenth birthday, my Heir, you received a family heirloom that you are still wearing even now. I knew from previous nights while staying within this house, that you and your mate were being intimate with each other. I hope that you do not mind that I took it upon myself to place a little magic inside of that heirloom. It was not harmful magic, it was fertility magic my dear. I never believed that it would work so shortly after you receiving it, but it did. I did make you a promise to you that I would not do anything against your will again, after you received the bracelet, and I have felt guilty over it ever since. I was going to tell you about it, before your next mating cycle, but that discussion will not have to take place now. Can you forgive me?" Aaron asked, from his emotions I could tell that he was being completely honest, and I knew that over that last few weeks that at times he was feeling guilty over something. But I never dreamed it was over my present.
I was still in quite a bit of shock, but Aaron words made everything clear to me. It was true, what Carlisle had said. And Aaron's little magical display was its cause. Was I mad at him for this? Was I really going to be able to do this? Could I forgive him? But what is there to forgive him for right now?
We should consider this as a true gift, Darlin'. And yes, I believe what they're sayin' is true. I can tell that you're just as shocked as I am, and I ain't even got a fever on top of this shit. But I for one am countin' this as a blessin', Sugar. But I believe we need some more information before ya go on and forgive the lil fucker, Jasper was telling me mind to mind. I couldn't believe that Jasper, of all people, was willing to give Aaron a pass on this.
This really isn't a dream, and you believe that I really am …
Pregnant, Darlin'. I believe that's the word you're a searchin' for, Jasper laughed out mentally, while running his nose along the back of neck.
Jasper how do you feel about this? I mean, we're not even married yet? I don't even know how I feel about this yet. Hell, I can't even say the word… My mental musing was cut off by Jasper's laughter.
I'm happier than ever about this, Sugar. I do believe that we need to know as much about this shit as possible can, but I can't wait to tell everyone.
Hold on a second there, Buster, let me get used to this first, alright? I don't know if I want everyone to know just yet.
And why not? Don't you want to keep it? Are you thinkin' about not keepin' it, Sug?
I'm not thinking at all right now, but I'd never be able to not keep it. If it's true. I just …
Take your time, Sugar. It'll be alright. I'll be here no matter what, just know that.
I hadn't been able to give Aaron an answer, and I knew that everyone was waiting for me to answer him. I just couldn't right now.
"I'd like to keep this just in the family only, for now. I don't want anyone else knowin' about this but us. For security reasons if nothin' else," Jasper spoke up and saved me.
"Fine, we will keep this information within the family only. Do you agree, Aaron?" Carlisle asked the million dollar question.
"Yes, I believe that my Heir and her mate should have the time they need before they make this pregnancy common knowledge. Though I know that it will be a great day of celebration in Elfin on the day of the child's birth," Aaron stated proudly.
"So only the family will know about this? I can't tell Billy or Harry that I'm going to be a grandpa?" Charlie asked. He looked more upset about not being about to tell his friends than he did over the "my daughter's knocked up before she's married" thing.
"Dad, I thought that you'd be upset about this," I said.
"Well, I'll admit the timing is little off, but this 'she's pregnant before she's married' thing, that you're fretting about? It kind of runs in the family there, Bells. I can't say anything about it, because I know that I've done the same thing you have. Am I pissed? Nah, not really. Do I wish that you'd have waited until after college, sure. But life doesn't always work out the way we've got it planned, baby," Charlie says as he looks me in the eyes. He's putting off so much love towards me that I know that his words are true.
"Carlisle how do you feel about this?" I asked.
"Well, I believe that you and Jasper will be wonderful parents. And I know that you will both have all the help in the world to help raise this little one. So I am most pleased with this situation," Carlisle answered enthusiastically.
Jasper, are you sure that you're alright with all of this? It's not like you got a choice about this.
Neither did you, but to answer your question, I'm lovin' this. But nobody's asked how you're feelin' about all this. What do, you think, Sugar?
Right now, I'm scared shitless. I never really thought about having a baby before, but if it's yours then how can I be unhappy about it? It's just going to take me some time to get used to the idea, I guess, I said shakily. I really was starting to get over-heated again, and I just wanted to let this new turn of events sink in a little bit.
Why don't you try to sleep, Darlin'. I'll stay here with ya while you rest some, Jasper suggested.
Kay, I'm sorry, Jasper. I felt that it needed to be said. I hated feeling like I was pushing him for more than he was willing to give me.
Give you? Are you fuckin' kiddin' me? You're the one always given me everythin', I just feel bad that I can't give ya as much in return, Jasper said as I feel into a deep sleep in his arms.
(JPOV)
As my girl sleeps in my arms, I'll admit that I'd be lying my fuckin' ass off if I didn't admit that the news that my fiancée is gonna be having a baby did shock the shit outta me. Though it also thrills me to my very soul. Yeah, I'm just as scared as Bella is, though there ain't no way in hell that she'll ever find that shit out.
I need to know everything that I can about this pregnancy. I do find it kind of hilarious that Bella can't even say the word. She'll come to terms with this soon, I'm sure.
"What is the fever that's she's got gonna do to her or the baby?" I asked. Lil steps, I keep telling myself.
"Nothing. Although the poison could have affected the fetus at the time, now that it is leaving Bella's body, I do not believe that there should be any lasting damage. I have ordered a fetal doppler and an 4-D ultrasound machine. They should be here within a few days, and we will know more then. The bigger question is how are we going to tell the rest of the family when they come back? We will also have to tell the Denalis about Bella's condition. They are family after all. And of course I will have to call Italy after we tell the family. Aro and Caius both deserve to know that they will be becoming great uncles you know," Carlisle said proudly. He is emoting great joy at the moment, and also excitement. He's in seventh heaven right now, probably thinking about all the new medical knowledge he's gonna be learning with Bella and the baby.
The baby…Holy fuckin' shit, a baby?
"We need this time to be as stress-free for Bella as possible. I don't want to be rude, but I believe it is time for Jane, Alec, and Felix to leave. Now that the fight is over they are no longer any use ta us anyways. Demetri should stay until we find out about these attacks," I stated.
"I will also be sending my guard away as well. You are right, my Heir's mate, the less stress she is under the better," Aaron says.
"That brings us back ta the wolves. They are very attached to both my girl and Charlie. How are we gonna be keepin' this shit from them?" I asked the men that were in the room. "I don't believe that Bella won't ever want 'em to know, I think she just wants to wait til after the weddin'."
"That should be easy enough to do. Two and half to three months along, she should still be able to hide her pregnancy fairly well," Carlisle says.
"I say if we're hiding this pregnancy until after the wedding, and we are keeping this a secret from the wolves until then, we do the same with everyone else except for family," Charlie says. I think he's trying to cover his ass with his friends in La Push.
"Sounds like a plan," I agreed.
"There is one more item of business. Ashling is to be Isabella's assistant. Though she has been trained as an assistant, she is also a doula. She was a nurse in Elfin for years, but I had her trained in clerical work for my Heir." Aaron states.
"Yeah, Bella said, 'cause she's so accident prone," I said.
"Exactly," was Aaron's reply.
Was I mad at him this time around? No, not really. I was happy about Bella having a baby. So I can't hold this one over him. Though I'd never tell him, I'm kind of happy he's done what he did with the magic and all. Though every gift from him will now have ta come with a promise from him that it holds nothing in it, damn it.
"Let's wait to tell the family until Bella's had a good rest, alright? I'm sure that she'd like to tell everyone the news herself, so no hintin' to your mates until my girl is awake," I warned the guys.
The men left the room shortly after we finished talking. I just lay there watching Bella as she dreamed. I could see her eyes moving under her bluish lids. Her fever was still high, but not as high as it was been in the beginning. I listened as the others in our family returned one by one. And I stayed here on our bed watching as Bella's leg wound healed itself while she slept. After about five hours of rest, a long time to Bella now that she's an elf, she finally started to stir in my arms.
Good mornin ', Sunshine, I said to her as her eyes fluttered open.
Oh, Jasper, good morning to you too, she answered, joking a lil with me.
I waited as she really started to come to. I was testing her emotions as she slowly started to remember what we'd found out just hours before. It was still dark outside and the sun wasn't due ta come up for a few more hours so I knew that she was a lil disoriented.
Jasper, was last night real? she asked.
Yep, it was all real, Darlin'. Didn't your rest help it all ta sink in?
Yes, I guess it did a little. There's so much to think about. I don't know where to start, she said, working her way from worry to hysteria quickly. I put the old kibosh on that quickly, now that she was letting me feel her emotions again.
One day at a time, Darlin', that's how we're gonna get through this. One day at a time, I said as I held her a lil tighter in my arms.
She had been right before, thinking how we ain't had much alone time with each other since the Volturi guard had shown up. But I had wanted to make sure that everyone, especially her, was safe for the battle we had yesterday. Now, with everything else that's going on, I wish that I'd spent the last four weeks just holding her in my arms like I'm doing right now.
Me too, she says.
We lay there quietly for a long time. Bouncing our shared love off of one another, and enjoying how it felt. After some time she started to worrying again.
Are you mad at Aaron? Are you mad at me over the … pre..gnan..cy? she asked of me.
No, I ain't mad about your granddad interferin' in the matter. And let me tell ya that's a first when it comes to Aaron 'Lil Fucker' Bayne, Darlin'. I was trying to joke, but those words were the God's honest truth. I was looking forward to watching my soon-be-wife grow large with my child inside of her. To tell the truth, I was a looking forward to a lot of things.
Jasper, I don't ever remember there being a time when you didn't wear protection when we made love. Do you? My angel asked me.
Yep. One fuckin' night, Darlin', and that's all it took. I laughed out loud. The night we got engaged, remember? There just wasn't any time for that shit. And we made love A LOT that night, I joked with her, remembering that night as one the most amazing nights of life. I never dreamed that night would lead us to where we are now though.
That night made my top ten best times of my life too, you know, Bella said.
Oh really, you have a list? I asked.
Yes I do, and you are in every one of them. I couldn't help but kiss her for the compliment.
I'd like to hear more about this list please, I begged.
Later. You keep putting off what we are going to do about the Charlie situation, and what the good people of Forks are going to do now that they have lost their Police Chief.
We're gonna have ta fake his death, Darlin'. That's the only way to make sure that the humans don't start lookin' for more information about his whereabouts. It'll have ta be soon too, I'm afraid. His vacation time is almost up.
Wonderful, that's just great, Bella says, acting and feeling upset about the situation.
So we're both cool with giving Aaron a pass over this whole new situation? Bella asked.
Yep. I know I can't hold something so precious against him.
When are you going to tell your family about me and … you know?
I couldn't help but laugh as I answered her. In a lil while, just rest a lil bit longer and then, once the sun's up, we'll tell OUR family together, I remind her not so subtly.
Our family is going to be one number larger soon, my girl said unsteadily.
It would seem so, Sugar.
Aren't you nervous about having a bb..abb..y? she finally finished.
Nope, you and I are gonna be great parents, Darlin'. I said while looking at the blanket Bella was now wrapped in.
That night we conceived this child, Darlin', we did that under this blanket, remember? I asked her.
Yeah, I will never forget that night.
I went on to tell her about the old tradition with quilts, and how I'd remembered my momma's and daddy's so fondly. I told her even after all these many years I still had it Texas and that I had my momma's hope chest too.
This quilt is going with us on our honeymoon then, my girl thought as we watched the sun come up together from our perch on the bed.
Damn straight it is, Darlin'.
It's not that I'm ashamed that I'm pregnant… She said the 'pregnant' very slowly … I'll just feel better once we're married. I know how people gossip, and I just hate the thoughts of our situation being like that. You know? she asked.
If it'll make ya feel better, we can get married today if you'd like. Jeans and t-shirts, we'll go to Vegas and we can still either do the one in December for show, or forget about it all together. Whatever you want ta do, we'll do, Darlin'. But I want you to quit frettin' over it either way. I knew that her being upset was going to make her temperature rise again, and I didn't want that.
She never got the chance to answer me, as Carlisle knocked softly on our door, asking to come in. He walked in with his bag in hand, and checked her fever again. I knew that Bella was going to be in the finest hands when her time came. Carlisle would be the best doctor in the world to handle this situation.
"Do you feel like sitting up for a while? The family is downstairs and I know that they would love to visit with you for a while," Carlisle asked.
"Sure, I don't see why not," my girl answered.
I stood up and put my shirt back on. We'd been lying on the bed this whole time. Lost in our own lil world, but the reality of what we were about to tell our family was finally sinking in for the both of us.
I believe that Rose and Esme will take the news the hardest, Darlin'. Esme lost a baby when she was human and Rose has always hated being a vamp, 'cause she can't have kids, I was telling her as I went to the dresser and pulled out a nice nightgown for my mate.
"Carlisle, we'll be down in a lil while. I think that Bella would appreciate a shower before we make our way downstairs," I told him, knowing that she'd been dying to brush her teeth at the least. Carlisle turned and left us to get ready for the day.
Yeah, I'd like to brush the hair off my teeth first, Bella joked.
You know that doesn't sound right, Darlin'.
Well, it's the truth. I never do completely wake up until I've had my shower, and when I was human, my coffee.
As she brushed her teeth I drew her a lukewarm bath. I knew that she'd liked her water a lil on the hot side, but with her fever that just couldn't happen. I helped her get undressed and helped her into the tub, but instead of leaving her in there alone, I got in with her for the first time.
Her head was lying on the bath pillow, all the while my back was fighting with the fixtures at the other end of the tub.
Now there's a first. Esme made a design flaw. I thought.
Than come and lie behind me, and quit fighting with that thing. Bella joked, as she sat up for me to get behind her.
My hands had a mind of their own accord, and they wouldn't stop touching her while we bathed. Bella was rocking her hips into my ever growing erection, and if she didn't stop moving soon I was going to make a mess on her back.
My hands moved from rolling her nipples to further down her body. As my right hand moved to her slit, my lips found their way to the back of her neck. I had her moaning my name in no time at all, and my left hand moved to go behind her. I reached down, and sat her up a lil on my thighs. My left hand went back down, under her bottom and found her slit. I was moving two of fingers in and out of her tight heated hole, and my right hand worked her clit. I could feel her as she came on my hand.
Once she recovered a lil she twisted over toward her side a bit to turn around towards me, but I had to stop her.
Just sit back and relax. I said as I moved my hips up and down her wet silky back. It didn't take long until I was moaning her name as loudly, as she had been moaning mine.
Let's take a shower and get cleaned up. I can feel the family gettin' more anxious with each passin' second.
I got out of the bath first and started the shower. Once the temperature was set just right, I lifted Bella outta the bath in set her down in the tiled stall. I washed her hair, and made sure every part of was clean. It wasn't until I reached her stomach that the full impact of what was going on really hit me. As the water was cascading down my back, I bent down on one knee, and held my face to where Bella's womb would be. Before I moved again, I gave her belly a gentle kiss and rose to look my girl in her eyes.
I swear to you that I will do everythin' I can to make this time in our lives as easy and as carefree as I can possible make it. You, and now our child, are my number one priority, never doubt that. I never thought that I'd be able to become a father. Never ever dreamed about it, 'cause I knew that was just something that could never happen for me, but I now know to never say never, Darlin', I said as I placed the softest kiss I could onto Bella's lips. She was crying, but I knew they were happy tears, and I wished that I could cry them with her right now.
A short time later we were both ready to go downstairs and face our family with our news. Bella was wearing the nightgown I'd pulled out for her, and I wearing my usual jeans, t-shirt, and boots. As Bella made her way to the door, I stopped her again.
Carlisle said that you needed to take it easy until we know more about the baby, and I intend to follow the doctor's orders under every circumstance. I ran up to her at vampire speed and scooped her up in my arms.
I walked us slowly down the two sets of stairs, and sat her in my lap on our customary couch in the living room. Bella was still running a fever, but I did notice that the cooler water settings from our bath and shower seemed to bring it down another notch or two.
Everyone was waiting and staring at Bella like she was a museum artifact or something. I could feel her anxiety heighten and I hated that. I wanted her to feel nothing but joy right now, but I knew that she hated being in the spot light. As the Heir to the Elfin throne, the mother of a baby that would be the first of its kind, and as my mate, attention was one thing she'd have ta get used too. She might as well start now.
Thanks, she muttered to me in my head.
You're welcome, Darlin', I joked back.
I knew that Carlisle had sent the three extra Volturi vamps home already, and I also knew that Aaron had done the same thing with his guard. So the house should be quieting down for at least a lil while now. The only person here that wasn't family was Ashling, and she was standing in the corner of the room with Aaron.
Do you want Ashling to know about the baby? I questioned.
Yeah, she might as well know. It's not like I'm going to be able to keep this from her for very long, you know, Bella said, as her worry kicked up another notch. I used my gift to and sent her a shit load of calm, and she continued talking to me. How do we start this0 conversation? Bella asked me.
Don't you want to be the one to tell 'em?
NO, not really. Why don't you tell everyone, I'm happy just sitting here quietly listening to your voice, she replied.
Fine, I'll tell 'em but you'll owe me, baby, I joked as Bella laid her head in the crook of my neck.
I'm good for the loan, and you know it, she sassed me back. Damn, she was getting good at this flirting thing.
Maybe the girls showed you too much. My pants were already feeling tight damn it.
NEVER! she screamed in her head laughing at me all the while.
"Well, as you guys can see Bella is doin' well. The fever is still there, but it seems to be manageable. There is another subject that we're needin' to talk with y'all about though." I stopped and looked around the room at my family. Everyone had a serious poker face on right now.
"What's wrong with my sister?" Emmett piped up, as he made his way towards Bella. I notice that everyone 'not in the know', was almost inching their way closer to us as well.
"Nothing that won't go away in six or seven months or so," Bella joked at Emmett. "Everyone just sit down and let Jasper finish alright?"
Everyone looked at me as they took their seats again. Emmett looked like was about to break something if he didn't get his answers, and quickly.
At least they're looking at you now, and not me. Bella was thrilled that I was now the center of attention in the fuckin' room.
"Like my mate said this will all be cleared up with time, but y'all are gonna have ta be patient with us. We're just as new to this news as y'all are," I said looking Bella in the eyes. I took a deep breath, and let it out.
"In about six or seven months there's gonna be a new Cullen coming into our family," I said.
That's when everyone turned to Alice. "Don't look at me. I didn't have a vision of a new family member. I'm just as lost as you guys are."
"Not a new vampire. Well, yeah sorta, but what I'm tryin' to tell ya is that Bella is gonna be havin' a baby in six or seven months. It'll most likely be a half elf/ half vampire hybrid from what Carlisle can tell so far."
I was looking at Bella as I talked, and it wasn't until the full shock from the vampires in the room hit me that I realized what a show stopper my words must've been to everyone.
"How is this possible?" Rose asked.
"It was done with our family's Elfin magic, Ms. Hale," Aaron stated as he took the arm of the couch next to Bella.
Carlisle went on to tell the room what he knew so far, and Aaron actually helped and filed in the gaps for him along the way. I watched each family member as they received our news. I watched Peter and Edward, as their emotions went from shock to pissed the moment they found out the magic was done through Bella's birthday present. I tried to send them some calm, but it wasn't working fast enough.
"It's alright you two, just calm down. If anyone should be pissed it's me and Bella," I said, staring at the two guys ready to kick the shit outta Aaron. "We are goin' to take this one step at a time, and go day by day. Are we happy that Aaron did this behind our backs again? Not really. But the fact remains that Bella is gonna have a baby, and there ain't nothin' that can be done to stop it now."
"Sure there is!" Edward said. "Get that thing out of her, before it can cause her harm, Jasper. Hold her down, and let Carlisle fix this problem."
Rose, Esme, Char, and Carmen didn't like that lil statement evidently. The four of them did nothing but growl at Eddieboy as they moved in front of both Bella and I.
Someone's going to be in the dog house tonight, Bella thought to me. All I could do was laugh at her in my head. But as his words sunk in, I had to know.
Do you want Carlisle to … fix this, Sugar?
NO. I want our little oops. Don't you?
Yeah, but it's not really my choice now is it? I asked.
Jasper, this … baby is part of you, and part of me. I love every part of you, and I would never want to lose you. So to answer your question, I want this. I want every part of you I can get my hands on, She flirted again, 'causing my pants to tighten just a lil bit more, as I kissed the top of her head.
"Edward, there will be NO 'fixin' this situation. This baby is wanted and will be greatly loved, I can assure you and everyone else of that."
After my statement the girls are turned around and came up and hugged Bella and I both as she sat in my lap. Each hug was hesitant but heartfelt. Even the Denalis got into the hugging with us. Marcus had a shocked but happy expression on his face, and Eleazar was just flabbergasted.
Once the shock wore off a lil, each person starting talking. Before Bella fell asleep in my arms, Edward walked up to us; his greatest emotion at the time was regret.
"I'm sorry that I made assumptions. I'm just not that used to having to deal with someone who I can't read. I'm sorry that I thought that you two didn't want your child, and I never meant that I don't want to be an uncle. I just…"
Bella cut Edward off, and looked him straight in the eyes than said, "All is forgiven, Edward. We know that you were just trying to give us an out if we really wanted it, but trust me when I tell you we don't. Do we wish the timing was better? Yes, but we are truly happy about the … baby."
You said the word out loud finally, I joked with her in our way.
"Thanks, Bella, and again I am really sorr…" Bella moved her hand from my chest and placed it over Edward mouth.
"Let's never mention it again, okay?"
"Sure," Edward said, giving us both a slight smile.
That was very nice of ya. You could've made him plead a lil bit though, I joked
Next time ... she joked back. Bella's fever was taking a toll on her, and I could feel her exhaustion weighing her down.
"We're really are going to be uncles?" Emmett boomed, the finality of the situation finally hitting home with him. Edward, Emmett, Peter, Eleazar, and Marcus looked like if they had cigars they'd be passing them out right now.
"Bella, I'm so happy for you," Kate said, as she hugged us both. I noticed the two other sisters were behind her, and they looked just as overjoyed as Kate did.
"Oh my God, do you know what this means? Shopping! Bella you'd better put on those cross training running shoes you just had to buy last month, because you're going need them when we go shopping. How's about in a couple of days once your fever is gone, we make a trip to Seattle and buy everything for the baby?" Alice chirped.
"I'm telling you she only drinks the deer that frequent that Java Joe's garbage cans!" Bella said to the room. Everyone lost it, and that's when Carlisle cut in again.
"That will not be happening, Alice. Until we know more about this pregnancy, our Bella is going to be spending 99% of her time in bed," Carlisle stressed staring straight at Bella. "And there is one more thing. We will not be making the pregnancy public knowledge. Not until after the wedding at the earliest. So Alice and Emmett, that means keeping your mouths shut unless you are around the family. Does everyone understand?"
"We aren't telling the wolves?" Emmett asked.
"No, we are not, Emmett. Family only, at this point in time."
"There is another problem that Jasper and I were talking about earlier, Carlisle," Bella said weakly.
"And what would that be, my dear?" Carlisle asked, while bending down to check Bella over one more time.
"Charlie. He's supposed to be coming home from his Alaskan vacation soon, and he can't go back to work looking like he does. Jasper said that you guys were planning on faking his death or something. The wolves will know that that is bullshit, but to keep the secret it will have to be done, right?"
"Yes, we will start working on that today. But you, young lady, need to be upstairs and in that bed of yours. No sneaking out of it either," Carlisle commanded.
"Yes, sir."
I lifted Bella up bridal style and carried her into our room. Her mental voice was doing nothing but mocking Carlisle the whole way up ta our room.
How do you keep a young elf from doin' what they want ta do? I asked myself shaking my head as I undressed the girl in my arms. She was wearing a pair of beautiful lace panties, but nothing else, as I undressed and lay next her in our bed. My cooler skin was her heaven at the moment, and I'd give her anything and everything she wanted.
I love you.
As I love you. Rest, Sugar…
A/N: So did any of you see that coming? Please let me know what you think. I know that I came aweful close, to flat out lying to some of you, but I had too. I am sorry for that. I'm a preachers kid, and the guilt has been killing me since Sat. So please say that you forgive me...
To those who reviewed Thank You! I love those and they help me write faster! *wink ..Hint ..wink* To those who've added THaTH to you favorites and alerts those thrill me too. Thanks …
Hugs~Izzy