Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.
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Chapter 24
EPOV
This is a joke. This has to be a joke.
She can't be serious!
When she'd first told me I would be taking care of Henry tonight I'd thought she was making fun of me but then she'd showed me the breast pump. Now, as I was watching her pump, I was absolutely terrified. I'd never fed Henry and the only time I was alone with him was when Bella was in the bath room. And now I was supposed to take care of him for a whole night!
Okay, I could ask her for help if I really needed it but Bella'd threatened me with unspeakable things if I would dare to wake her for no apparent reason. She would even sleep in the guestroom to make sure I'd get up.
No one could say that Bella was stupid. She knew I would more likely ask for her help if she were next to me and Bella would hear Henry through the monitor. Her decision to stay in another room made sense. Too much sense if one asked me but no one did.
"So, the milk is in the bottle and I've showed you how to make the formula should he want more", Bella said as she started to clean the pump and put everything away. "Any questions?"
Did I imagine her teasing tone? Yes, I'm sure Bella wasn't teasing me. Or looking pleased with herself.
Did I ever mention that she was evil?
"Mm. I think I've got everything but do you really think this is such a good idea? I mean you're the only person who's ever fed him and ..."
"Exactly!" Bella interrupted me with an evil glare. "It's better for us if he gets used to other people feeding him and taking care of him. I won't be always around and I refuse to take him with me all the time."
Her stance clearly told me that this was not negotiable.
My only answer was a muttered "Okay".
"Good", smiled Bella and walked into the bathroom. It was late and Bella was really tired. Her cranky mood was prove of that. I did know that Bella needed to sleep and I hadn't been a great help so far. At least at night but to my defense I simply hadn't heard him. Bella seemed to be more attuned to him right now and woke at the slightest noise from him.
The sound of an opening door made me look up and I saw Bella, who wore just a big shirt and seemingly nothing else. It was really such a shame that we couldn't have sex for a few weeks. She looked incredibly and I wanted nothing more than to ravage her. Well, later boy.
"If you need help tonight, please come and wake me", Bella said as she made her way to the door. I could see that she wasn't entirely comfortable with her plans. She looked a little stressed now and kept pushing her hair behind her ear.
I got up from the bed and walked over to her and took her hands in mine. "Bella, you need sleep and I'm more than fine with taking the night shift." Yeah, right and elephants can fly "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Now, go to bed and sleep", I said and kissed her full lips. Mhmm, so good.
"I'm silly, I know", she said after my lips left hers. I nodded and pushed her out of the room.
And then I was alone. ….Fuck, I was so screwed!
TBM
"AAAAhhhh!"
At once I was awake and heard my wailing son. One had to admit that he had a healthy lung. He was incredible loud and was getting louder by the second.
"Okay, hold your horses. I'm on my way", I grumbled and got the milk from the kitchen before I walked to the nursery.
Henry was screaming his head off when I entered the room. I switched the light on, which was thankfully dimmed, put his bottle on the little table next to the rocking chair and walked to his crib. Henry was red from the screaming but there were no tears.
"Calm down, little drama price. Daddy's here and he's bringing food", I said and took him into my arms. As soon as he was in my arms he calmed down and looked at me like he was surprised to see me. Rationally I knew that he couldn't see that much yet but he did look confused. "Yes, it's me. Mommy is sleeping because you kept her up these last few nights. You'll have to make do with your father, sorry."
Slowly I walked to the rocking chair and sat down. It needed a little adjustment to make sure Henry was lying comfortably in the crook of my left arm but then everything was ready and I put the teat to his mouth. At first he didn't seem very happy with it, I would want the real thing, too, but after a few seconds the hunger won and he started to suckle. It was really something special to feed your own baby and I was thankful that Bella gave me the chance to experience this moment. I was so amazed, I didn't notice that Henry was nearly done with his bottle but his soft wailing made me focus again.
"Oh no! Mommy told me not to let you drink everything in one go. Please keep it down", I pleaded with Henry while I gently put him over my shoulder to burp him. How could I have forgotten to make a pause. Bella'd warned me that he could throw up when he didn't burp. Carefully I rubbed his back and listened to his sounds of discomfort. He was moving his little arms and legs as if trying to get rid of the pressure in his stomach.
Burgh!
The sound of his belching caught me by surprise, not even Emmett was that loud, and then I felt the vomit running down my back.
"URGH! Henry! That's so disgusting and it stings", I called out and nearly jumped out off the chair.
Carefully I held Henry in front of me and inspected him. It seemed he hadn't just sicked up on me but also on himself. His pale green onesie was also drenched in vomit and as much as I wanted to clean myself immediately, I knew that I had to change Henry first. It proved to be rather difficult to get him undressed without smearing the sick all over him but I managed. By the time I could put him into his crib his vomit had run down my back and was now at my briefs.
So much to the miracle of parenthood!
Quickly I went to my bathroom and washed myself and changed my underwear and t-shirt. When I entered Henry's room again I saw that my son was once again sleeping. I knew that he had thrown up quiet a lot and that meant he would demand his next bottle sooner rather than later.
Oh joy!
Well, there was nothing I could do to change that other than prepare his next bottle so that I wouldn't have to go to the kitchen in a few hours. That done I put the milk in the his room near the bottle warmer, which Bella and mom also bought on their little excursion, and crawled back into my bed. Hopefully Henry would grant me four hours of sleep. Unlikely but one could hope.
And it was unlikely. Not three hours later Henry was wailing again and by the sound of him he wasn't inclined to wait. Not one minute. I was lucky that the bottle didn't need much time until it had the right temperature, but I used the time to check his diaper, didn't need changing. This time I made paid attention to how much he was drinking and when he was half way done I took his bottle away and let him burp. Not that he liked the idea very much but it was better than the alternative. Soon he was done with his bottle and after he'd burped another time I put him back to bed. Tired and exhausted I walked back to my bedroom. I would never ever talk lightly about parenting again. It was a hard job and I really hoped Henry would let me rest now but he didn't. At 5:49 a.m his lovely voice woke me again and I was ready to scream myself. Why couldn't Henry sleep for more than three hours. I knew that some of my team mates had complained about night feeds and colics but I had never taken them too seriously. Somehow I felt that this was cosmic justice.
With sluggish movements I left my comfortable bed and trudged to the nursery. A quick check showed me that Henry was in need of a new diaper. After that was taken care of I wanted to grab the bottle only to realize that none was in the room.
"Shit!" I exclaimed. I'd forgotten to get a bottle ready. Swallowing more curses I turned around and walked downstairs to make some milk. Downstairs I left Henry in his playpen so that I could use both hands but that didn't stop me from making too much.
Oh well, maybe he would drink a little more and than sleep for longer or at least not start screaming again. This time I fed Henry in the living room because I didn't have the energy to walk up the stairs. The fact that I would need to ascend them in order to put my son back to bed was ignored for the moment.
"Okay, little prince, here's your new bottle. Please, for daddy, drink enough so that I can sleep", I asked him but Henry was already searching for the teat and I gave it to him to stop any screaming. His wailing was worse than any siren.
As soon as the teat was in his mouth he was perfectly content. His blue eyes were watching his surroundings while he consumed his early morning feed. To my immense surprise he drank nearly 4 ½ oz.
"Henry, respect. You're a little glutton, huh? Well, you and Emmett will get along perfectly. Your poor mom. I don't think Bella's breasts will appreciate your hunger. Don't drain them, you hear me? I love mommy's boobs, too."
His answer was to smack his pouty lips. Hm, a boobs man. After he was done drinking I put the bottle onto the table and lied back to rest for a little while. I knew there had been a reason why I'd bought such a huge couch. One could easily sleep on it.
And it was sooo comfortable.
No, Edward, don't fall asleep. Get up and put Henry to bed. Keep your eyes open. Op...
TBM
I woke up to someone running their fingers through my hair.
Hm, that feels so good.
"Did you sleep on daddy's chest tonight, Henry? You must have tired him", Bella murmured. "But you look so cute, mommy had to take some pictures. I'm sure that Esme and Carlisle would like to have some copies. What do you think, do you want to come with me and let your dad sleep for a while?"
"'m awake", I mumbled and tried to open my eyes. Bella was kneeling next to me and looked well rested and absolutely wonderful. "Morning, gorgeous, did you sleep well?"
Her eyes were bright with happiness as she looked at me. "Yes, I slept well. And you? Why are you here and not in bed?"
"Too tired."
"Hmm, I know the feeling", she laughed lightly.
"What time is it?"
"Nearly ten."
"What? Really?" I asked surprised. I would have thought it would be eight or something. Henry moved and I looked down and saw that he was awake and watching us. "Morning, Henry. You listened. I'm shocked."
"When was his last bottle?" Bella asked and took her son out of my arms to kiss and cuddle him.
"At six."
"Impressive", Bella said with raised eyebrows. "How did you manage that? It's been four hours and he isn't demanding milk."
I chuckled at her incredulous voice. Up until now Henry had barely made it to the four hour mark, so I could understand her wonder. "I made too much milk and just let him drink as much as he wanted. Oh, and Bella?" When Bella looked at me I took her face in my hands and kissed her sinful lips. "Night shifts suck."
"Yes, that they do", Bella answered laughing. "How was your night, by the way?"
"Let me put it that way, I'll never forget to burp him or to prepare a bottle at night."
"Yes, those are important lessons. Henry's very demanding, isn't he?"
I snorted at that. "He's a little Drama Prince. I hope that'll change when he gets older."
"Hope dies last. Come on, I've got breakfast ready", she said and pulled me with her.
In the kitchen awaited me heavenly coffee and eggs and bacon. I really needed the energy because I would meet my team mates at noon and we planned to play some football. After we were done eating Henry started fussing and announced his need for food himself. Bella took care of him while I went into my bathroom to get ready. The shower awakened my spirits which I really needed or the others would slaughter me.
By the time I was downstairs again Henry was sleeping and Bella had started cleaning the kitchen. Of course, as the gentleman my mother raised me to be, I helped her and we talked about our new sleeping arrangements. As long as it was off-season I would get up three nights of the week. We both hoped Henry would be sleeping through the night by September. If he shouldn't, I would take the weekend shifts. I did realize that Bella needed some uninterrupted nights. Soon it was time for me to leave and I kissed Bella good-bye.
Now I needed to apologize to two team mates.
TBM
I was surprised to see that I was the last one to arrive. Quickly I changed and jogged to the field.
"Sorry, I'm late", I called as a greeting.
"Edward, you look like shit. Did you party through the night?" Emmett asked with a suggestive eye-wiggle. Some of the men started laughing at that. Yeah, yeah. Someday you'll be in my shoes.
"Thanks, Emmett, and yes, I had an eventful night but not like that. Kevin, I have to apologize."
Kevin, one of our older mates, looked quiet shocked at that and asked "Why?"
"You were right. Raising kids is very hard. I never believed you when you'd tell us but now I do."
"Aah. What did happen?"
"I survived my first night taking care of Henry."
Kevin found my answer really funny and started laughing out loud. "Hey, Andrew! Edward has survived his first night."
Andrew was another one of our fathers and he, like Kevin, had laughed themselves silly, when they found out that Bella was pregnant. They'd told me I would one day look just like them after a bad night. Exhausted and completely run down. I knew the team had more than once laughed about our daddies and now I was one of them. Well, I would never laugh about someone else troubles again.
"HA ha. Well, how was your first night?" Andrew asked after he'd calmed down. Every member of our team was now listening.
"I learned the importance of burping and to prepare at least one bottle in advance."
The daddy fraction was nodding now and some were grimacing as they remembered their own experiences.
"Oh come on!" Sean, one of our newer and more snobbish members, said. "How hard can it be to look after one baby and isn't that woman's work?"
"You don't know what you're talking about. Dealing with a screaming infant is not funny. Especially if vomit is running down your chest or back", Andrew corrected him and all other parents were shaking his head at his stupidity. Even Emmett, who had little to no experience with babies, looked at him like he was crazy.
"My Rose would rip my balls off, if I would ever even think such a thing. If you want to have a real relationship with a woman, you'll have to share the work load. Now I know why the good girls are always leaving you."
Sean looked at Emmett like he wanted say something very nasty but the other team members were agreeing with him and some of them even gave Sean warning looks. He wasn't very popular and wouldn't be much longer on the team. Sean thought he was gods gift to football but his performance wasn't that good.
"Well, Edward", Kevin said and gave me a friendly punch. "Welcome to the joys of fatherhood. Every dirty diaper is worth it and women love it when a man is taking care of his child but you have to make sure that you aren't just parents. You're lovers, too, never forget that."
Yes, that had been one thing I'd been worried about. I didn't want us to be like the couples who didn't even remember when they'd last had sex or time for themselves. You needed a good support system and luckily we had it. We'd chosen great God-parents for Henry. Emmett and Angela were great friends and adored him. They would be more than willing to take him for a few hours. And then there were my parents would jump at any chance to spend some time with their grandson.
"Well, now that we're talking about live changing events, let's talk about your wedding, Jasper", Seth announced and looked at Jasper who was groaning now. "What's wrong, man. Did your lovely girl turn into bridezilla?"
"Worse, Seth, she's worse. Last night she stopped our foreplay because she had a new idea for the table arrangements."
At that we were all looking at him with the same shocked expressions. I knew that Alice took her wedding very seriously but this a little over the top. Just a little.
"Honestly, man, that's crazy but you did continue right?" one of them asked but Jasper's tortured expression was answer enough.
"No, we didn't. At first I thought she would be back after a few minutes but when she didn't return I took matters into my own hands and went to sleep."
Dear Baby Jesus, that was ….cruel. Hopefully Bella wouldn't be this bad once I popped the question...
Wait a minute. Did I just honestly consider marrying Bella? Yes, that I did and the thought didn't even scare me like it used to after the disaster with Tanya. I'd always wanted to meet that special someone and start a family. Marriage included but after Tanya and the relationships my team mates had had, I hadn't really believed in this dream anymore. And now...Wow, it's really amazing how fast things could change.
"Well shit, man. That sucks", Kevin said and brought me pack to the present.
"You've got no idea. I'm ready to grab Alice and elope. I really want to marry Alice but all this wedding preparations are getting out of hand. Last week she nearly had breakdown because the dresses for the bridesmaids had the wrong shade of purple. The dresses shall match the invitations and the decorations. I'm going crazy!" Jasper exclaimed and pulled at his hair in frustration.
"Maybe you should talk to her", Kevin offered. "My wife was a little like that and a few days before the wedding she had a nervous breakdown. We nearly had to cancel the whole affair. If she doesn't calm down, she won't be able to enjoy her own wedding."
Some of the others were agreeing and offered their own advices. Emmett, who was standing next to me, said, "I was never more happy that my Rosie is more easy going. Our wedding was small and intimate. Well, we were young and didn't have much money but it was perfect. That's all what matters. Tell her that this is stressing you. She loves you and wants you enjoy it, too. Or threaten her with canceling the wedding night, that would make Rose listen."
Yes, that it would. It was no secret that both Rosalie and Emmett loved sex, in every way and form, and Alice, who wanted the perfect wedding, would have a heart attack if Jasper threatened her dream. This plan of Emmett's could work.
"Woah, that's harsh, man", one of our linebackers commented. "The wedding night is one of the most important parts of a wedding."
"My point exactly. Alice loves perfection and this would get her attention and show her how serious Jasper is", Emmett concluded and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Hm, it could work. Yes, I'll try that if everything else fails. Thanks, Em", Jasper said after he'd thought it through.
"No prob. Now, enough talking, let's play football."
And that we did.
TBM
The next three weeks went over very quickly. Henry and training kept me busy but I enjoyed both too much to complain. And now that Henry only needed to be fed every five to six hours Bella and I got more sleep which made us very happy. Today Bella had an appointment with Dr Anna and we both hoped that Bella would get a clean bill of health. Bella'd told me that her bleeding had stopped and that meant we could have sex again. Finally! I'd offered to keep Henry with me so Bella could go alone and wouldn't be stressed by him and now I was eagerly awaiting her return and the verdict.
I'd just finished feeding Henry when Bella threw the door open and rushed in. Her expression said it all and I knew we would have a fun night if Henry would be willing to give us some time.
"Dr Anna said everything is fine and we can have sex again. Isn't that great!" Bella shouted and nearly ran to me.
"Yes, gorgeous, the best news I've heard in quiet some time."
Bella sat down and snuggled up to me. "Hmm, finally the sex ban is over. I never thought I would miss sex this much but I did."
"Yes, I know. Believe me, I know", I agreed and then I looked down at Henry and said, "Henry, mommy and daddy want to play tonight and that means you have to be a good boy and sleep. Will you do that?"
Henry's only answer was a little smile which shocked not only me but Bella, too. "Oh my god, did you see that? He smiled. Come to mommy, baby", she cooed and took him out of my hands and started to kiss him all over. "My baby boy smiled for the first time. I'm so happy. Yes, you made me really happy. Isn't that amazing, Edward?"
"Yes, amazing", I answered in a breathless voice. He smiled and at me. This little action made me impossibly happy and I knew that the smile I wore was huge.
"Edward, here take him. I need to call our families. Esme and Sue will be so happy!" Bella exclaimed and rushed to the phone. Smiling I shook my head and looked down at my son.
"Your mom is very excited and very happy. You would make us even more happy, if you gave us some time alone tonight."
From the kitchen I could hear Bella's excited voice as she told our families of Henry's great achievement. An hour later everyone was informed and we could go back to our routine. The rest of the day was spent in the garden. I took some rounds in the pool and Bella played with Henry on the patio. Later, while Bella cooked, I took Henry for a walk. Soon it was time to put Henry to bed and Bella and I were anxiously waiting for him to go to sleep. While Bella put Henry to bed, I took a shower and shaved.
The sight that met me when I returned to the bedroom was ….well arousing. Bella had used the time while I was showering well. She'd changed into something silky and short. The dark blue baby doll emphasized her amazing breasts which her a lot bigger now than before. I knew her body had changed during the pregnancy and she still had a few extra pounds but that was to be expected and I didn't care.
"Miss Swan, you're quiet a sight to behold", I growled as I stalked to her.
"Thanks, Mr Cullen. I thought this celebration deserved a special something. And did you now that we don't need to use protection for now?" Bella said with a naughty smile and started nibbling on my earlobe.
Dear Lord, this woman knew how to get me going. I didn't waste any time and ran my hands down her body and caressed her legs. "Hm, we should sent Dr Anna a nice gift for making this night possible. What do you think?"
Bella had a few problems answering because my lips were teasing her breasts. "Hm...ah yes, that we should...god, stop teasing me."
Sadly I couldn't do that because I had too much fun re-discovering her body. As much as I liked her baby-doll on her body, I liked it even more on the floor. My lips and hands moved over every inch of her body and Bella's hand weren't still either. She lightly scratched my back and graped my ass which ended any further foreplay. Of course I knew that this had been her plan.
"You're a bad girl, Bella. I know what you're doing."
"Me? I'm not doing anything", she said innocently but at the same time she wrapped her legs around me and pushed my dick near her wet and hot center.
Chuckling I said, "I love you, gorgeous" and then slowly pushed into her.
Fuck, how I'd missed this. The pregnancy hadn't changed how amazing she felt. "Bella, I've missed being with you. Aah... you still feel incredible."
"Hm ..yes, more...I've dreamt about this for weeks now. … more, Edward", she moaned and raised her hips to push me deeper into her which elicited a breathless cry.
Bella didn't seem to want slow and thorough, no, she wanted fast and satisfying and I completely agreed with her. It had been too long and I knew I wouldn't last really long. Five months without sex did nothing for my stamina.
I started thrusting harder and deeper and Bella was very happy about it. "Yes, like that … hm... faster...fuck...ohh."
"Yes, I love this. Aah... so perfect... so hot...yeah."
Suddenly, Bella pushed her hand into my hair and pulled on it while she tightened around me and screamed.
"Yes, EDWARD!"
That was all it took to take me over the edge and with a low growl I released into her. Sated I let myself drop next to her and pulled her into me arms.
The following silence was peaceful and comfortable. I let my hand wander over Bella's back while her fingers played my chest hair. I've missed this nearly as much as the sex itself. This peace was like nothing else.
"Aaah ah."
Bella and I looked at each other as we l heard our son reminding us of his presence. "Well, at least he's waited until we were done", I said in a dry voice.
"Yes, he already has very good manners", Bella commented. For one moment we were silent as we listened to Henry, then we couldn't hold it any longer and burst into loud laughter.
God, our live was crazy but I loved it.
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Here's the new chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter will be about Alice' and Jasper's wedding.
Love, Nini