EPOV
I was sitting on the hospital bed, Bella against my chest while she held our sons, one in each arm. I hummed softly in her ear, rocking the three of them gently. I couldn't take my eyes off of my sons.
My sons.
"What will we name them?" I asked quietly, kissing her temple.
Something had happened to me. Her leaving had caused such pain inside of me, and her return creating an overwhelming appreciation of her. But now that we had our children, those babies made the feelings grow beyond explanation.
I had a weakness I never had before, and the three of them were it.
We had yet to discuss names and had to finish the birth certificate information before going home this afternoon. She stared at our babies, seeming to think over my words before speaking quietly as to not wake the sleeping boys.
"I am not sure how you feel about being named after your grandfather, what are your thoughts of naming our first born after his father?"
I felt a pain in my chest as my heart swelled.
"Do you mean first of many?" I teased, giving her temple another kiss.
"We shall talk about that later." She scoffed.
"Antonio..." I hummed, looking at my first born, my name sake. "We did agree to this before getting Guilio." teased.
He was slightly bigger than his brother, each the same length of twenty one inches but he was chunkier. Our first born weighed seven pounds even and the second six pounds and eight ounces. So far we had no issue telling them apart.
"We should pick a name like your mother did, to give him his own identity." She said
"I have always been found of the name Luciano." It was also Emmett's middle name.
I felt as if I owed him that. If it wasn't for our friendship, I would have never met Bella. Would have never been found by her father and demanded to make an honest woman of her. I couldn't help but smirk at that thought.
"I like that." Her cheeks lifting with a wide smile.
"Antonio Luciano Masini Cullen. A good strong name." I smiled, lifting our second son into my arms after shifting slightly to give me more arm room.. "And this little one? What comes to mind, Amare? Luciano over there has been given my name and his alias, tell me a name you like."
"Matteo." She said softly, almost shyly.
"Matteo." I cooed at the baby in my arms. "What do you think mio figlio?"
There was a little squeak as he yawned and stretched his arms above his head, nuzzling into me trying to find his milk source.
"Is that a yes then?" I chuckled. "What do you think of Matteo Alessandro?" I asked her, frowning slightly as newly named Matteo began to fuss. "I know your Nonna's name is Alessandra..."
"Thank you." She said with emotion.
Looking at her, I brushed a hand across her cheek and smiled.
My chest was so damn tight!
"Thank you, my Bella. For these two boys, for marrying me, for forgiving me." Lowering my lips to hers, giving her a lingering kiss.
"Don't you have to wait at least six weeks before trying for more, Masini?" A voice interrupted, a quiet knock sounding on the door after.
"James!" Bella exclaimed.
I couldn't stop the scowl over her excitement at his appearance.
"Crudele." I growled.
"I come home to hear my favorite girl has given birth! I came directly here once my father told me."
He looked much different than he had, he looked healthy.
He stepped into the room, one hand holding a bouquet of red roses which he laid on a table that was beside the bed.
I tightened the hand not holding Matteo into a fist and let out another rumble.
"Two of them?" James' eye widened. "Congratulations Bro." James gave me a slight smile, holding his hand out.
I wanted nothing more than to break every bone in that offered hand. I stared at it for a moment before shaking his hand, narrowing my eyes.
He saved my Bella.
"Isabella." He smiled, leaning down to hug her briefly.
Fuck that, fuck him.
I cleared my throat but stayed silent, never moving my eyes from him.
"I never got to thank you before, for helping Isabella return home." I could feel the sneer that formed on my face.
"I apologize for giving you the wrong impression. I know I didn't give you reason to trust me, before all this happened, but I treated her respectfully." James said quietly and with conviction.
"Isabella and I have talked it through, I trust my wife."
"Now that is all settled, may I see the gremlins?"
My scowl deepened at his choice of word but otherwise stayed silent.
"Isabella is holding Antonio Luciano, and I have Matteo Alessandro."
"No James then?" He winked at Bella. "May I?" He asked, holding his arms out for Luciano.
Bella looked at me and I sighed heavily but nodded my consent.
"Sit down first, I will hand you Matteo once you have."
I may be a bit over protective already.
"Yes Boss." James chuckled.
I handed James Matteo once he was in a chair, almost afraid to let go of my son.
"You two sure make some beautiful babies. Look at the hair, he is Edward's son without a doubt."
Matteo was almost bald but had bright red fuzz covering his scalp. My Mama told us it would darken as he got older just as mine had. Luciano had a head full of dark hair that matched Isabella's. For now they each had matching blue eyes, which Mama said I also had as a newborn.
"How have you been?" Bella asked him.
"As you can see, much improvement from when you last saw me. Sober for a month solid now."
"That's great! I'm proud of you."
"Thank you. Well, I am going to go, I wasn't planning on staying long. I just wanted to check on you and the baby... babies." He grinned.
"I will walk you out." I took Matteo back into my arms, placing him into Bella's free arm before following him out the door.
"I want to thank you again." I said, sticking out my hand for another shake.
"This is surprising." He mumbled.
"I'm not saying I am now calling you a friend, but I owe you a great amount. I can never repay you for protecting my wife, returning her to me safely. You saved not just her and my children, but me. I may never fully trust you, but as long as Bella wishes, you are welcome to visit her and the boys from time to time.
"I appreciate that. I didn't make a very good impression, I know this. I am in a better place now though, and I will never again disrespect you or your marriage. Take care of them, they are worth more than anything else in this world."
"I know." I nodded once. "Take care of yourself.
I watched him walk down the hall and disappear into an elevator before reentering the room.
"Everything alright?" Bella asked me, a soft smile playing on her lips as she rocked our boys.
"Everything is perfect."
We finished filling out the paperwork and handed it to the nurse, the doctor giving us permission to leave an hour later. After making sure the boys were in the car seats correctly, I took one in each hand while a nurse pushed Bella out to the car in a wheelchair. I kept my eye on her, feeling on edge over trusting someone else with my wife's safety but bit my tongue to stay silent. The nurse seemed startled when Sam jumped out of the car and took the chair from her without so much as a smile. I smirked at her and breathed once more when he helped her settle into the car and came back for one of the car seats.
"Be careful." I frowned when my son was in his hands.
"I've got it Boss." He said lifting the seat and the tell tale sound of the latch announcing that the seat was secure in it's base. I walked to the other side and placed Luciano behind the drivers side, wiggling the car seat a bit to make sure it was secure.
"Alright, ready?" I asked him.
"Seth is waiting in the car behind us." He said.
I tilted my body to see Seth flip off the hospital guard who was trying to get him to move his car.
"Let's get out of here before he is arrested." I chuckled.
Getting into the drivers seat I looked into the mirror, making sure Sam was in the car with Seth and that they were ready.
"Edward, you can at least do the speed limit." Bella complained halfway home.
"I'm not chancing my boys. The men will know what top speed is allowed when they have to drive you three around." I scowled.
She huffed but didn't comment.
"You alright?" I asked, looking at her now that she was laying back in her seat with her eyes closed.
"Yes, just sore."
Once we were home, I helped her out of the SUV before going to our boys.
"Welcome home!" Esme and Renata called out, running from the house to greet us.
They fought with me till I allowed each of them to take the babies and wrapped an arm around Bella.
"Would you help me up the stairs?" She whimpered. "I want to lay down."
"I will send them all home." I assured.
The whole family was here, talking over one another and being their loud selves.
"It's alright, I didn't realize everyone was here. I will be fine on the couch."
"No, you will go rest."
"Antonio." She growled.
I breathed heavily but led her to the living room, kicking Jasper off of her favorite over stuffed chair and added a wince of my own to hers as she sat.
Two babies had come out of my wife's vagina. These round heads fit through that tight hole I called heaven.
"Isabella, Antonio." Cauis spoke up. "I hope you don't mind that I brought Camilla with me. If it is too much-"
"Enough Cauis." Bella interrupted. "She is always welcome in our home."
The little girl with hair that matched her father's and mine though a touch darker, bright green eyes that were replica's of ours; clung to Cauis' pant leg. Her little lips pouting as she looked around at all the people with wide eyes. It was probably overwhelming for someone so young and after loosing her mother suddenly. A new family thrust upon her.
"Hi." I squatted down to her level, giving her a wide smile. "My names Edward, your Papa's cousin."
"I'm Milly." She whispered, looking around us nervously as if afraid of who might overhear her.
I couldn't help but wonder if my and Bella's own daughter would look much like her.
I was already eager to extend our family, I scoffed at myself.
"Would you like to meet your new cousins?"
"Go with Antonio." Cauis smiled down at her when she looked to him questioningly. "Your Aunt Bella is a very nice woman."
"Tonio?" She asked, making the adults in the room chuckle.
"My name is Antonio, but I am called Edward also. You can call me Tonio if you like it better."
She gave me a calculating look but took my offered hand and allowed me to lead her to Matteo and Luciano who were currently in Rosalie an Alice's arms.
"This is Luciano." I pointed to Alice.
"Ano." She said, leaning forward to get a better look.
Alice smiled and leaned down for her.
"You remember me, don't you? No need to be shy."
"Papa said you were my Aunt Alice."
"I surly am, Princess!"
"And this pretty lady is Rosalie." I motioned.
"Another baby?"
"Yes, another." I chuckled. "His name is Matteo."
"Teo."
It fascinated me, the way she tested every name off her tongue. Her intelligence shining through her eyes.
"I saved the best for last." I whispered. "Do you remember Bella? She is my wife."
"I rode in a car with her, she brought me to my Papa."
Bella's eyes teared.
"Hello again." She said softly.
Nonna came in baring a tray of antipasto, Renata and Esme rushing into the kitchen to retrieve paper plates for everyone. The conversation flowed around the room as everyone ate, though my eyes refused to loose sight of my sons and Bella. The boys were being passed from arm to arm, Camilla sitting in Bella's lap and being read a story. A smile playing on my lips as I watched the two of them growing sleepy till they both closed their eyes. I stood and covered them with a blanket that was folded across the back of the couch. Kissing Bella's forehead, I hovered over her and watched her sleep.
"You look good Cousin, much better."
"I feel good." I said quietly. "I never thought I would feel like this, overflowing with love for another."
"It's a new beginning, the new generation for the Masini family."
"It certainly is."
"Your sons are beautiful, your Isabella did well."
We embraced and patted one another back, taking Luciano from my mother's arms after pulling away. She pouted but released him to me. I needed the closeness, the feel of his small body in my arms.
"Papa, my son." I requested once seated on a vacant couch.
He placed Matteo in my free arm and I warmed as my sons squirmed in my arms, getting comfortable once more.
"We set up two swings in the nursery." Alice said, coming over to sit beside me.
Laying her head on my shoulder she ran a finger across each boys plump cheek.
"So perfect. I love them already." She said.
"Thank you for everything."
"Thank you for making me an Aunt." She smiled at me, leaning to kiss my cheek before resettling on my shoulder. "I also made sure there was a bassinet in your bedroom. I wasn't sure if they would be sleeping together or if you wanted them in their own. The second is in the nursery so you can roll it into your room if needed."
"I'm not sure they will ever sleep anywhere other than in someone's arms. I'm afraid to take my eyes off of them. They are to much of a gift, I keep thinking I will close my eyes only to open them and find it was a dream."
"You deserve your happiness. You have had a rough year... I miss my carefree brother that you once were. The happiness that use to shine brightly in your eyes has returned, though I still see a tiny cloud."
"I'm worried about their safety. Nothing seems enough to keep them all safe."
"Rely on the rest of us, don't put all the burden on your shoulders."
"It's my job now, Ali. I'm the head of the family now."
"That still seems so strange to me."
"It gets easier to accept with time. I was young when Cauis informed me so the lifestyle wasn't much of a shock, though being promoted to Boss certainly was."
"I love you big brother."
"I love you too. By the looks you are receiving, I see another man who loves you." I narrowed my eyes and lowered my voice.
"Jasper." She sighed contently.
"He best treat you right."
"He is a perfect gentleman. He wont even have sex with me despite staying over many of times."
"Alice." I hissed.
"Oh relax. I'm going to marry him."
"He proposed to you?" I almost yelled.
As if Jasper heard what we were saying, he shifted in his seat and moved his eyes around the room skittishly.
"He should have come to me!"
"No, nothing like that. Call it intuition."
"Well your intuition better tell that boy to keep his hands to himself and to talk to me or Papa before you are given a ring"
"He's what?" Emmett's voice filled the room as he yelled.
Everyone turned their heads in Emmett's direction where he stood in a corner talking with Carlo.
Shit.
He chose now to tell him?
"Take a baby." I demanded, passing Luciano to her. "Mama! Come take Matteo."
I rushed to my feet once my sons were safely tucked in their Aunt and Nonna's arms and raced to my brother and father in-law.
"Really Carlo?" I hissed. "You decide to tell your son about his illegitimate brother the day my sons and wife come home from the hospital?"
I grabbed each of their arms and pulled them out of the house into the driveway.
"Does Renata know or are you springing this on her also?"
"You haven't told Mama? You cheating bastard!"
"Watch your mouth!" Carlo pointed a finger at him, his face red with anger. "I am still head of this family!"
"Fuck you!" Emmett spat at him.
"What's up Boss?"
Not now Seth!
"You, get the fuck out of here!" Emmett yelled at him.
"Whoa." Seth put his hands up and backed away. "I was just making sure Mr. Cullen was alright."
"Carlo, Emmett! What is going on?"
I mentally groaned as Renata joined our small group.
"Ask him!" Emmett threw his hands toward Carlo. "He is full of secrets!"
"Carlo?"
"Renata... Mi dispiace il mio Amore. I was going to tell you, I just didn't know how."
"Tell me what?" She was wringing her hands together, walking down the steps toward him.
Emmett was pacing with his hands tightened into fists at his side.
I motioned to Jasper and Cauis who were watching me and pointed toward Emmett, telling them silently to keep him from attacking his father.
"Seth... He is my son."
"Your son?" Her eyes widening. "How is that possible?" She asked in a whisper.
"Leah... the woman who came to the house once. She came to tell you she was pregnant till I stopped her. I wasn't even sure the baby was mine. She was a stripper at the club, I had no idea who else she had been screwing back then."
"Fuck you!" Seth rushed at him.
"Settle." I said with a low voice in his ear, stopping him with my arms.
"I didn't find out till months ago. He came to me, informing me Leah had died and that I was his father. We did a DNA test and it came back proving he is from my blood. I'm so sorry." He almost whimpered.
"He's your son." Emmett growled. "Well, he can have it all. I'm fucking done. Edward, I'm working under you for now on."
"Emmett, you can't do that. You are going to take over next year whether you like it or not!" Carlo bellowed.
"You have another son now, give it to him."
Rosalie was staring with shocked eyes, Lucca on her hip with a quivering lip while looking at his father fearfully.
"Rose!" He called to them. "We're leaving."
She hurried to his side, allowing him to take Lucca. I watched as the three of them dissappeared into his Jeep, peeling down the drive in Emmett's haste to escape.
"Look at what you have done! You destroyed me, cheating on me for all those years. I forgave you, and now you are hurting our son! You have ruined our family!"
Seth let out a howl and stomped into the house. I knew he wouldn't leave, he was told to watch over Bella and he would never disobey me. We had a long talk when he first arrived, he knew I respected him and that I didn't blame him for any of this. He was an innocent victim of life. As long as Bella didn't demand I make him leave, he would have a place in our family. Renata and Carlo be damned.
"You need to leave my home. I don't want this taking place around my wife. She needs her rest."
"You are demanding I stay away from my daughter?" Carlo asked in outrage.
"How about I demand it?" Nonno Masini said darkly from behind me. "You have disrespected your own family, in turn harming mine."
I felt a pain in my gut as Isabella's grandparents left in silence, giving me a sad smile and hug. Her Nonno Abello looking ready to kill his son in-law.
I sighed heavily and walked back into the house.
"You want that boy here?" Nonno Masini asked me.
"He has done nothing wrong." I shrugged. "Who is father is was no choice of his, and he watches over my wife faithfully. I trust him to protect her and my sons."
"If you feel that is true, I respect your decision."
"Didn't you already give me the power to overrule you anyway?" I smirked at him.
He threw his head back and let out a laugh, slapping my back.
"Let us go find your son's. I want a chance at them now that most of the women have left."
X
Mio figlio – my son
Mi dispiace il mio Amore – I'm sorry my love