…

Bella

…

The weeks pass with no word from Jasper, Garrett, or any of the other men. Alice slips into depression as the days grow shorter, and their absence grows longer. Rosalie and I try to spend time with her, try to distract her, but we can see through the fake enthusiasm she tries to show us.

Rose and I have used the excuse of her needing cooking lessons to spend many evenings with her.

I've grown used to the constant company as well. After the town meeting, Edward told me that I wouldn't be left alone for a moment, and he meant it. Even my nearly constant trips to the outhouse are accompanied. It was irritating at first, but I know better than to complain. A positive to it is that I've grown incredibly close to Rosalie. We've spent a lot of time together. Between her babysitting me, the two of us spending time with Alice, and just hanging out together with our guys, she's an almost constant companion.

I've come to realize that she's just a really strong woman, and that seems to intimidate the men around her, my husband included. However, his opinion of her has softened over the last several months, thank goodness. He's actually been really nice to her. I'm sure that the situation with Jacob helped change his opinion. Whatever it was, I'm grateful, as is Emmett.

When we have our first measurable snowfall in late November, Alice is almost inconsolable. Rosalie and I spend the day with her, trying to offer her comfort and encouragement.

"He's dead, I just know it. He's never coming back to me!" Her sobbing and tears are heart-wrenching. Rose and I look at each other over her head, not knowing what to say to her. I know in my heart that they're still alive, but the logical part of me knows that it's a definite possibility that they might not be. For my friend, my sister, I have to go with my heart.

"Alice, we have to believe that they're fine. They've only been gone a little more than a month. Jasper is more than capable in weather like this. Remember the hunting trips he's led in the middle of winter?" She just nods, sniffling back her tears. "And Sam is the best tracker we have. We don't know what's going on, why they're not back yet. All kinds of scenarios could be playing out. Maybe Kate was hurt, and they needed her to heal before they could leave. Maybe there are other people being held there that needed their help. We have no way to know what's happening. We just have to have faith in our guys." I pull her close to me, trying to offer her some comfort. When she speaks again, her voice is broken, much like her spirit.

"He just has to come back." Looking me in the eyes, she whispers, "I think I'm pregnant."

"Oh, Alice, that's wonderful!" I squeeze her to me, Rosalie joining in. "How far along do you think you might be?"

"I suspected before they left. I told him that morning. I didn't want him to leave and not know what he might be leaving behind."

"Well, it's great news. And I'm sure that it's helping him stay focused on what he needs to do so he can come home to you. Both of you." That earns me a small smile.

"I know. It's just so hard to stay positive." She dries her eyes with her sleeve.

"Have you been to see your dad? To confirm the pregnancy?" Rosalie asks.

Alice is shaking her head. "No, I haven't. I've been holding out, hoping Jasper would be..." She starts crying again, so I attempt to hug her while she has her moment. Once she's calmed down a bit, she goes on. "I hoped I could wait for him to get back, so we could share the news with the family, together."

"Aww, honey, it doesn't make the news any less special. Besides, what would Jasper want you to do? Would he want you to wait, or would he want to make sure everything is okay with the baby?"

"No, you're right, he'd want me to go see my dad."

Rosalie abruptly stands from the sofa, holding out her hand to Alice. "No time like the present. Let's go see him now."

"Now? You want to go now?" Alice looks like it's the last thing she wants to do.

"If we don't escort you, I'm pretty sure you won't go. So, come on Mrs. Whitlock. Let's check on that baby."

As we expected, telling her parents seemed to be just what she needed. Being there to see the smile that lit up her face as she told them was great. But, then we filled Esme and Carlisle in on how she's been wallowing in self-pity. The smile fell from her face when she saw the disappointment in Carlisle's eyes.

"Oh, Alice. I thought you were doing okay. Your mother and I hadn't noticed. I'm so sorry we didn't see; that we didn't reach out to help you."

"It's all right Dad."

"No, it's really not. I hope you know we're there for you, even if we didn't recognize the signs of your depression." Carlisle settles down onto the bed, beside her. "And dear, you can't continue doing this to yourself. Dwelling on negative thoughts isn't good for the baby. You need to get out of the house, go for a quick walk..."

Alice interrupts him. "Walks, even in the winter?"

"Yes, Alice, even in the winter. The sun still shines, and the fresh air is good for you; both of you." Looking over to Rose and me, he smiles. "And I'm sure your friends can help you keep your mind on more pleasant things. Besides, do you really want us to have to tell Jasper that you weren't taking care of yourself while he was gone."

"No, I don't. All I can promise is that I'll...try."

He leans over, kissing the top of her head.

"That's all we can ask."

As more weeks pass, Alice seems to come out of her depression a little each day, trying to focus on the one bright spot in her life. She spends a lot of time with Edward and me, and sometimes Rosalie as well, talking about her pregnancy, baby names, things she needs to do to get ready. I can tell it's wearing on Edward, but as I said to him, she doesn't have her husband there to talk to about these things, so we're the ones she's turning to.

"I know I sound like a dick, but sometimes I wish she'd spend more time with her mother. Esme is excited to be a grandma, so she should share it with her."

Edward is sulking tonight as we get ready for bed. Alice left to go back to her parent's house just a half hour ago, well past when Edward was ready to go to bed for the night.

"No, you don't sound like a...dick," I whisper the last word, and he just snickers at me. I hardly ever curse, and when I do, he teases me relentlessly. "Shut up!" I laugh and toss a pillow at him, making him laugh harder. We both crawl naked into bed, and into each other's arms. "I know you just wanted some alone time tonight. We haven't had much of that lately." I snuggle into his chest, well, as best as I can with my nearly eight-month pregnant belly between us. His hand automatically goes down to feel our little one moving around.

When he scoots down for his nightly chat, he doesn't bother trying to keep their conversation quiet tonight. I run my fingers through his hair as he talks to our baby.

"So little one, your momma still says you're a he. Are you? Are you my son? Everyone thinks that all guys want sons. Honestly, I couldn't care any less. As long as you come out healthy and strong, it doesn't matter what you are. I'm gonna love you so much. I already do." Looking up at me, his smile is bright, even in the dim light. "You know, we should probably narrow down some names."

"Yeah, probably. Do you have any ideas?" After a few more kisses to my belly and responding kicks, he's back up to eye level with me.

"Not really. I mean, maybe we could include one of my parent's names?" He says it like a question, almost shyly.

"I would like that. You were named after your father, right?"

"Yes, and I don't think the world needs another Edward Masen. Maybe we could use the middle name we share? Something, Anthony. Do you want to use any names from your family?"

"I'm not sure. But I do like Anthony as a middle name. Um, I do have a suggestion though. What do you think of Logan?"

"Logan Anthony Masen? Has a nice ring to it. Yeah, we can put that on the short list. Now, what about a girl? I like Ella, after her beautiful mother." He's nuzzling into my neck now, distracting me from our conversation.

"No, not Ella. I like it, but it's a little too close to my name. What else do you have?" My words are breathless, and I'm completely distracted by the kisses he's giving me up and down my neck. He seems to have forgotten about what we were talking about as well, because he doesn't answer me.

With so many of our evenings being spent with Alice, we haven't had much alone time lately. Add that to the fact that I've felt as big as our cabin the last few weeks, the result is we haven't made love in a while. I know it's been hard on Edward. He needs the outlet to release the tension he has everything that's been going on in our settlement. So, when he looks at me the way he is right now, I know that tonight things are going to be different.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are, carrying my baby?"

"Yeah, beautiful like an elephant. I know I've only seen pictures of one, but I know they're at least as huge as me."

"Would you stop that, please? You're beautiful. Yeah, you've put on a few pounds here and there that aren't baby, but they've all landed in just the right spots." As he says this, his hands move to my behind. "Like this ass? Yes, it was amazing before, but now?" He gives it a squeeze for emphasis. "Now, it's magnificent. And your tits?" Once again, his hand moves to my breast, giving me a gentle squeeze. "Baby, they're perfect." Taking a nipple into his mouth, he sucks gently, rolling his tongue around the hard peak. "And sweet too." His grin combined with his words make my face heat in embarrassment. I know my body is just getting ready for my baby, but knowing that he's tasted it is a little disconcerting.

But as the sensations of his kisses and wandering hands surround me, I forget why it weirded me out in the first place. When his fingers find their way to my center, and he begins his teasing, I have only one thought; I need him inside of me.

"Please." I know I sound needy, desperate even.

"Please what, baby?" His hands and mouth feel like they're everywhere, and I feel him, hard against me.

"Please. I need you." He pulls away; just far enough so I can see the smirk on his face.

"Tell me what you need." My legs are parted just enough so that his fingers can trace my entrance. When his thumb swirls around my sensitive clit, combined with his lips on my breast, the feeling is too much; I need him now.

"I need you to be inside of me."

"All you had to do was ask. Turn on your side baby." His gentle hands help guide me onto my side, never leaving my heated skin. Lifting my leg and placing it over his, he gets into position behind me. "I love you so much Bella, more than anything." With that, he pushes into me and a feeling of completeness washing over me.

With his left arm wrapped under and around me, he reaches for my hand, interlacing our fingers. His right hand has found its way back to my center, rubbing gentle circles around my clit once again as he continues to move inside me. We both push and pull against each other, finding our rhythm.

When he brings our joined hands to my breasts, gently brushing the stiff peaks, it doesn't take long for the familiar feeling of pleasure to begin to swell. His face is buried in my neck, his lips on anything they can reach when the dam bursts for me.

"Oh, God! Ungh!" Yelling out, I squeeze my eyes tight, seeing spots behind my lids, and hearing a ringing in my ears; the intensity of my orgasm making me feel like I'm underwater. I'm so lost in the pleasure, that I almost miss the moment Edward stills and pulses inside me, moaning into my neck as he finds his release. His arms are wrapped around me, surrounding me, as we both come down. His hand finding its way to the wiggling and kicking that always starts after we've made love.

I reach up and run my fingers through his sweaty hair, as he begins to trail kisses along my neck once again. His voice is the only other sound in the room besides the sounds of our breathing.

"I love you Bella, more than my own life, I love you."

"I love you too, Edward, more than there are stars in the sky."

We hold each other a little tighter as we drift off to sleep, still connected.

The next morning, we're up with the sun, getting ready for the day. Seeing as I'm almost eight months pregnant, I'm not 'on duty' at the clinic anymore, but since I still need a babysitter some days while Edward works and Rosalie is working as well or unavailable, I do end up spending some of my days there with Esme. Today is one of them.

"Do you want tomatoes in your omelet?" Edward asks me from the kitchen.

Scrunching my nose up thinking of the canned stewed tomatoes he's talking about, I decline. "No, sorry, but I can't stomach any more of those squishy things." He must find something in my expression or my words funny, because he's laughing, shaking his head.

"All right, no 'squishy' tomatoes then."

From where I'm sitting, in my favorite spot near the fire, I just take in the beauty that is my husband. The strong muscles of his back, his arms, are being hugged by the fitted fabric of the thermal shirt he's wearing. My eyes drift down, and I see the long thermal underwear aren't too bad either. My gaze lingers just a beat too long, and he turns to face me, my breakfast in hand. I know I've been caught, but I don't feel the least bit guilty about it. Besides, he teased me this morning with those hands and his mouth, then decided we needed to get out of bed and start our day. Needless to say, I'm a little miffed.

He walks over with two steaming plates in his hands and presents one to me with a flourish. "Breakfast is served, milady."

"Oh, it smells fantastic! Thank you, baby." He gets a quick peck to the cheek.

"You're welcome. Though, it evolved into more of a frittata than an omelet. The roasted potatoes from last night are in there. Hope it's okay."

Taking a bite, I decide to do a little of my own teasing, closing my eyes and moaning in appreciation. "Oh, it's so good."

Opening my eyes again, I can see the effect my little show has on him; the long underwear leaving little to the imagination.

"Thank you for making me breakfast. I'm a lucky girl to have a hubby willing and capable in the kitchen."

"Remember, my specialty is limited to eggs."

"Well then, I'll leave the cooking classes to you on egg day when this little guy is ready to learn. Sound good?"

"Sure, I can do that." He's quiet for a moment, contemplative. "So, you're pretty sure it's a boy?"

"Oh, Edward, I have no idea. I mean, yeah, there's a little voice in the back of my mind telling me that it's a boy, but there's no way to be sure."

"We talked a little about names last night, but we didn't really settle on one for a girl. We should at least talk about girl names."

"You're right. But, I don't like Ella. I know you mentioned it last night, but..." I scrunch my nose again. "It's too close to mine. I mean, imagine walking in here, calling out to one of us. We'll both come running. And don't forget, I grew up in one of these cabins, and I know first hand how voices and noises carry in the dead of night. You don't want your daughter hearing you call out..."

"All right, all right, you've made your point. No Ella." He gives me the side eye and shivers, obviously weirded out by the thought I've put in his head. "So, if not Ella, then what do you suggest?"

"Well, what about using both our mom's names? I kind of like the way Elizabeth Renee sounds." I'm a little hesitant to suggest using it as a first name, worried it may bring up bad memories. But I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I think it would be a great way to honor a woman who meant so much to him. Watching him, I can see many emotions cross his face before he nods, almost to himself.

"Yeah, I like that. I like that a lot." He reaches over, his finger taming a loose lock of my hair behind my ear. Searching my eyes, I see love, but also vulnerability. "You know," his voice is soft. "I never thought I'd have this." His hand goes to rub soothing circles over my belly. "When I was little, right after the McCartys took me in, I'd watch the three of them, and I was so jealous." He smiles at the memory. "Sometimes I'd act up, just to get extra attention. They caught on quick, though. Always made a point to include me. They went above and beyond, they really did. I mean, Em's folks were great, but I always felt out of place. And now," his eyes dart between mine. "Now, I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm surrounded by friends and family, and we're about to add to it. So, for you to agree to name our baby after my parents, to honor them that way, well, it amazes me. Thank you."

His kiss leaves me breathless, so when he pulls away and says we need to get a move on, I'm still in a daze. It takes me a moment to snap out of it, but when I do, I find his outstretched hand waiting to help me to my feet. Pulling me up and into is arms, I get another kiss.

"I love you so much."

"I love you too, baby. But if you don't stop with all the kisses, I'm going to have to drag you back to bed and have my way with you again."

He throws his head back and laughs. "All right, point taken. I'm sorry. I really should stop the teasing, huh?"

"Yes, you really should. I'm horny and hormonal. Not a good combination if you keep starting and stopping the make-out sessions."

"Yes, ma'am. I need to get in to see Charlie anyway. He's expecting me soon. But, we'll pick this up later, though?"

"Absolutely."

After dressing for the day and cleaning up after breakfast, I gather a few things in my carry-all basket for the day; a book, the baby blanket I'm knitting, and some food to snack on. Seeing that several inches of snow have fallen overnight, we don our boots and heavy coats.

"Baby, don't forget your hat and gloves." Edward is holding them out to me, then he changes his mind and helps me put them on himself. When he's done 'adjusting' them, I reach up for a kiss.

"Thank you. You're always looking out for me."

"That's my job, right? Besides, we're too close to your delivery; I don't want you getting sick." Looking outside, we see that the wind has picked up a bit. "You better take your scarf too."

It takes us a little longer to get to the clinic, with all the snow that's fallen, but when we do, we're greeted with the warmth of the fire and Carlisle and Esme's smiles.

"Well, good morning you two! How are you feeling today?" She comes over to take my coat after Edward helps me out of it.

"Good; tired and huge, but good. How have things been here?"

"Quiet. Everyone seems to be cozied up at home." Looking up at Edward, I can see the apology on his face. He knows I'd rather be curled up in front of the fire at home. I brush my hand over his cheek.

"I know. It's okay. I'm safe here." I reach up and kiss him. "Now go, or you'll be late. I love you."

"I love you too." Another kiss for me, and then he leans down and kisses my belly. "And I love you little one. Be nice to Mommy today, no somersaults on her bladder." With a kiss for his aunt and one more for me, he's out the door.

The morning passes quietly, everyone taking advantage of the cold, snowy day to just stay home and out of trouble, so I'm lost in my book when the door flies open.

Her familiar, ice blue eyes are wide, scared looking. Carlisle and Esme take notice too.

"What's wrong dear? Are you okay? Is your husband okay?" Esme steps up to our visitor, her hands gently on her shoulders.

"We're both fine, but there's been an accident outside the mill. I think some kids were playing around down there and someone got hurt." Carlisle gets to his feet and flies into action, gathering supplies and asking questions.

"Who is it? Do you know what kind of injuries we might be dealing with?" He's shoving things into his bag; bandages, suture kits, splints, anything they might need.

"No, I was just told to run here."

As if they all of a sudden realize they're about to leave me alone, they both look up at me, worry written all over their faces. It's Carlisle that asks the question.

"Will you be okay here?" He glances over at the woman standing just inside the door, and back at me, silently asking if I'm okay with our present company. Knowing time may be against us, I try to put their minds at ease.

"Go. I'll be fine. Besides, Jane will stay with me, won't you Jane?" I look over to her.

"Sure, I can stay. I'd just be in the way at the mill anyway."

"See, it's settled. I'll have company, and I won't be left alone. Maybe we can walk over in a bit and see if I can help." Esme comes and gives me a hug.

"Thank you, Bella. Go ahead and set up the exam tables just in case we need to bring someone back."

"Okay, I will. Now go." I shoo them out the door, and into the cold. Jane finds a chair and takes a seat while I start readying the clinic for patients. Her voice breaks the silence.

"So, how much longer do you have? Before your baby's born?"

"Oh, maybe a month or so, but it won't be a day too soon." I absentmindedly rub my belly, feeling a roll and a nudge.

"That's great. I'm sure you're looking forward to it."

"Of course. I can't wait." I glance back over my shoulder and give her a quick smile before turning back to my work. As I get things gathered for any patients that might be here soon, my mind drifts to what might have happened at the mill. As an uneasy feeling runs down my spine for some reason, I attempt to get more information. "So, who did you say was injured?"

"Oh, um, they didn't say, I was just told to come here." Jane's voice is closer now, just behind me. Just as I'm about to turn and question her, a hand reaches around my face, holding a foul smelling rag over my mouth. I try to turn toward her, fight her off, but whatever is on that rag is making my vision blurry. I hang on long enough to see her pull a syringe from her pocket, and inject me.

As the dizziness takes over, I reach down with both hands, cradling my belly in my arms; my feeble attempt at protecting him.

My last thought before the blackness takes me over ...

...'I'm so sorry Edward. I love you.'

…

A/N: Okay, I'm gonna go run and hide now! Please withhold tossing rotten produce my way... It's wasteful, and who wants to clean that up?! You could always chew me out in a review...

Many thanks to my beta, SunflowerFran, but all mistakes are mine. Also a thank you to my pre readers, gabby1017, Life and Death's Lullabies, and SarcasticBimbo, and to 2brown-eyes for my lovely banner.

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to review!