Chapter 25

BELLA POV

"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits."-Thomas Jefferson

All things Twilight related belong to Stephanie Meyer.

"So since you're having a boy and girl, of course, everything has to be in blue and pink." Alice jotted down some notes.

"We could have hydrangeas. They're the most beautiful shade of blue and I love the smell," I said, excited to be planning a baby shower.

"Okay, so hydrangeas. And we need games. Lots of games," Alice ratted off.

"What about a guest list?" Rose asked. "Your mother has to be invited. Anyone from home?"

"Home, as in Forks?"

She nodded.

"No. Probably not. From what Charlie says, no one would even want to come." I immediately and unintentionally brought down the mood of our lunch date.

"Bella, don't say that. He didn't mean any of that nonsense. I'm sure of it," Rose assured me. "No father would say that about his daughter."

"Charlie would." I took a large bite of my spaghetti. "Once he thinks he's right, he's right."

"Well, then he's a jackass, and we don't need him," Alice said. "I won't invite his ass to the baby shower of the century. Next on the list, cake. You have to have an amazing cake."

"Cheesecake!" I exclaimed so loudly that everyone in the restaurant turned to look at us. "Oh, sorry." I blushed. Sometimes food just made me a little crazy. Especially now that I was almost seven months along. I ate everything in sight.

"So the invitations will go out tomorrow, and we'll have it next week at the house. I'm so excited." Alice clapped her hands. "This will make news. I'm sure of it."

"Just make sure it's not too much, Alice," I begged.

"By now, I know your style. Small and intimate. It'll be perfect," she assured me.

We continued to eat and talk about everything going on in our lives. With everyone being so busy, we sometimes went a full week without talking. It was made worse when I started maternity leave and didn't get to see Alice at work.

"Are you feeling okay?" Rose asked me.

"Yeah, just uncomfortable."

"That's to be expected, I guess."

I sighed, rubbing my large stomach.

It was getting so strange to wake up every morning and see my rounded belly. It poked out beyond a point that was natural. I was a fucking whale and didn't even try to stop my waddling now. I even want to get into the disgusting details that came along with being seven months pregnant, but it wasn't pretty.

The house was filled with baby stuff. Edward had been researching cribs, car seats, highchairs; anything baby related. One of the rooms upstairs was still in the process of being transformed into a nursery. Everything was happening so fast, and I was very thankful to have Edward's cool head. He was a blessing, and I would probably go crazy without him, but underneath I knew he was driving himself crazy.

"Have you picked out names?" Rose asked, her eyes glossing over. They always did that when we talked about babies.

"Um, I have a couple."

"Awww, that's sweet," Alice cooed. "Tell us."

"No. It's a secret."

"They'll be here in a few weeks." Rose exclaimed.

"Are you ready?"

"Not even close." I shook my head. "But I'll have help."

By the time we were finished with lunch, I was exhausted. I only had enough energy for about half a day now. These babies were so heavy it became a chore to just walk down the stairs, but at least they were healthy. The doctor said that all was well. That's what I cared about. Unfortunately, everything hurt. My feet, my boobs, my back. It was all sore and tired.

I got home and immediately changed into sweats.

"Mrs. Bella, you look lovely today," Katy Nana praised when I waddled into the kitchen.

"No need to lie," I scoffed.

"I'm not. There's just something about a healthy pregnant woman. You should see yourself, all ripe and beautiful."

"Ripe like a melon?" I laughed.

"Yes, exactly." She handed me a steaming cup of tea.

She was the most amazing woman I had ever met and helped out with everything around the house. The laundry was always done, meals were cooked, and there was never a speck of dust anywhere. Even the plants were thriving due to her meticulous watering. Katy Nana was not only a registered nurse, but had training in child care and was teaching me a lot about what I should do when the babies came.

"I pressed your dress for tonight's benefit," she told me, busying herself with dishes. "It's hanging in your closet."

"I don't think I can go. I'm so tired," I groaned.

"You have to go. This is an important night for Mr. Edward. He would be crushed if you stayed home."

"I know, I know. I was just thinking out loud."

Tonight was that party for Cullen, Inc. They had a better than expected second quarter, and Edward wanted to celebrate in a big way. He had rented out a fancy hotel ballroom and invited almost everyone in the city who mattered.

"It should be fun." She nodded.

"Would you like to come?"

"Oh, heavens no. With everyone out of the house, I can finally catch up on my knitting. I'm making the babies the cutest things."

"I'm sure they will appreciate them."

Alec arrived home from school, agitated and pissed for some reason.

"I hate this fucking class!" He punched a wall as he came into the kitchen.

"Whoa, stop it before you break your hand," I yelled. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I don't know what else to do. In all my other classes, I ace 'em. This professor is just always riding my ass about something. Look at this paper. It's perfect." He dug around in his backpack and pulled out an essay he wrote.

There was a big red 'D' on the front and marks everywhere. I didn't even k now where to begin.

"And last week I actually failed." He sat next to me on a bar stool. "I can't ever win with this guy."

"What class is it for?" I flipped through the paper.

"Modern American Crime. I know my shit, obviously, and I even do the extra credit, but I keep coming up short." He pulled out a cigarette from his bag and lit it, taking puffs.

Before I could even react, Katy Nana had snatched it form his mouth and smacked the back of his head, all in one swoop. "First of all, these are not healthy under any circumstances, especially with a pregnant woman around. If I ever see you with these things again, I'll break your jaw." It was kind of funny to hear her reprimand him in her high toned, English accent, but she got her point across.

"Um, okay," he replied, stunned. "Sorry."

She glared at him again before going back to the dishes.

"Yeah, what she said." I hit his shoulder. "No smoking. You're too young."

"Edward smokes."

"Edward is a grown man, but I don't like him smoking either. Let's get back to your paper. Why are you failing?"

"I don't know. The guy hates me. We had a whole fucking section on Carlisle fucking Cullen, and I even failed that test. How can I fail a test about my own father?"

"Okay, calm down. He obviously has an issue with you being in his class. We'll just have to have a talk with him."

"What the devil…?" Katy Nana looked behind us, out of the windows.

"What?" I turned around.

"Those damn lawn people are running over my rose bushes again." She grabbed the broom and raced for the back door, shouting a string of inappropriate things.

"That woman is insane." Alec's eyes were wide.

"I like her."

My cellphone started to ring on the counter next to us and I picked it up to see a text message from Edward.

Meet me outside.-E

"Okay then." I struggled to get off of the stool. Alec eventually had to just lift me up and place me on the floor. I didn't know how he did it. I was sure I weighed a ton.

We went out onto the front steps just in time to see Edward pull into the driveway, driving a massive burgundy red Escalade. He honked the horn and waved.

"Holy shit!" Alec was almost giddy with excitement. "I get to drive first."

"So, what do you think?" Edward hopped out of the SUV and circled it.

"Did you buy another car?" I walked down the stairs.

"Well, we certainly can't drive the babies around in my Saleen. There's no room. And they're not getting in the Aston until they're potty trained."

"But this is massive." I stood on my tiptoes so that I could see into one of the windows.

"You'll be a master at driving it in no time." He opened the back door. "I already installed car seats and the dealer said this was equipped with side airbags for optimum safety."

"Impressive." I felt the leather seats.

"I want one." Alec was already behind the wheel.

"No," Edward answered firmly, "this cost more than a full year of tuition."

"By the way, he's failing a class," I said.

"You're what?" Edward shouted so loud, birds flew out of the trees across the street.

"It's not my fault," Alec complained. "I swear."

"To be fair, the professor does sound like he's being biased."

"I don't care! You work to prove him wrong." Edward dragged Alec out of the car. "Don't you bring home a fucked up report card or I'll kill you."

"That's the second time today I've been threatened. Sheesh." Alec stomped into the house.

"You didn't have to be so mean." I put my hands on Edward's chest, trying to calm him down.

"I can't help it." Edward tried to wrap his arms around me, but we were separated by my growing belly. "As his surrogate father, I demand perfection."

"You need to try a couple different tactics. He doesn't respond to shouting like that from you."

"I know. I'm trying." Edward hung his head. "He's going to turn into a major mess, just like me."

"You're not a mess. Well, you are, but I like you that way," I joked.

"You think that's funny?" He kissed my neck.

I started to laugh, but stopped abruptly.

"What?" he asked.

"I have to pee." I scurried inside, but could hear his laughter from behind me.

Another function, another dress. It was getting harder and harder to actually find something that covered my body nowadays. I already didn't want to go to Edward's party tonight, and it only got worse when I realized the dress I was planning on wearing wouldn't zip. I cried in the bathroom for half an hour, and then got mad when Edward tried to rush me.

I ended up throwing a hair brush at him, and then cried again after I apologized. It wasn't pretty and I'm sure very annoying.

Finally, I found something to wear; a floor length, dark blue dress with lots of draped fabric that didn't make me seem too big.

"My boobs are huge," I said to myself in the mirror, trying to adjust myself. I never had big breasts, a fact that I hated in high school. They were always on the small side, but pregnancy had certainly changed that. I was too afraid to check the tag on my bra to see what size I was now.

I grabbed my clutch and didn't even bother with heels. My feet were too swollen, so I was happy in flats for tonight.

I walked downstairs to see Katy Nana brushing Edward off with a lint brush.

"Stop squirming," she scolded.

"Stop touching my butt."

"Please. I used to bathe your small little bottom." She chased him with the brush. "I have to get the specks off."

"I'm fine, Katy Nana."

"No, you have to look perfect."

"You are insufferable, woman." He relented and stood still.

She grumbled and continued to brush him off. When she was finally satisfied, Katy Nana pushed the two of us together. "Okay, let me get a photo."

"Come on, I hate pictures," Edward groaned.

"No, I must have a picture. This was just like when you were going to prom. Do you remember, Edward? What was the luck lady's name?" She held up her camera, snapping away.

"I'm not sure. I ditched her two minutes in to go fuck my music teacher in the bathroom."

Katy Nana gasped, but didn't seem surprised. I wasn't.

"Can we go?" Edward complained.

"Yes, yes, please." She shooed us off.

"Katy Nana is one intense lady," I said.

"You'll be thanking her once the babies get here. She'll be a lifesaver. I promise you."

William was waiting outside with a car and held the door open for me to get in. It was extremely difficult to duck down with my big belly and took way too long for me to finally get situated.

"This is getting to be cumbersome." I encircled my stomach.

"Just two more months, Mrs. Cullen." He took my hand. "I can't wait until it's gone as well. I won't have to be so careful during our more… intimate times."

"Is that all you care about?"

"At the moment, yes. I'm horny," he said truthfully and unashamed.

The rest of the ride into the city was silent, the car filled with sexual tension. I'm sure William could even feel it up front. My libido had gone into overdrive because of the pregnancy, and my hormones were outrageous. I was crying one minute, laughing the next, and wanting to fuck the minute after that. The only problem was: it wasn't so easy to have sex when you were seven months pregnant with twins. Edward was always worried about "poking one of the babies", and then by the time we finally found a good position, I was sleepy.

Then the doctor warned me that things wouldn't get any easier after the babies were born. I had to wait an additional six weeks for everything to heal… down there before we could even attempt anything sexual. It was going to be impossible to keep myself contained. Renee said that it would be completely different when the babies arrived. I wouldn't give a shit about sex. I don't think would ever be possible, but it will be interesting to see how these kids change my libido.

By the time we reached the hotel, I was sweating.

"Bella, are you alright?" Edward asked me when the car came to a stop.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I fanned myself. "Just having more sexual thoughts. You know me."

"What are we going to do about you?" He chuckled.

I shrugged and dabbed my forehead with a cloth. "Okay, I'm ready to go."

Edward took my hand, and I had to scoot myself out of the car ungracefully. It always took an effort to move anywhere nowadays. Edward helped as much as he could, but just ended up making things more difficult.

"Stop it. I know how to walk by myself." I wiggled out of his grasp.

"If I had things my way, you'd be rolled around in a wheelchair until you gave birth. Or have Amun carry you," he huffed.

"I would be more than happy to." Amun was suddenly at my side with his arms outstretched as if Edward's thought was a possibility.

"That's why you don't get to have things your way. I would look ridiculous."

He didn't say anything else and just let me walk by myself into the hotel. The ballroom was massive, but not yet filled. Edward made sure we came at least an hour early so he could oversee the final preparations. Wait staff was running round, laying out fine silverware on at least fifty, white-linen clothed covered tables. Caterers were setting up dishes of shrimp cocktail, caviar, sushi, and champagne. I was angry about the fact that I couldn't have any of it.

There was not only a live band, but also a DJ. I don't know why Edward needed both, but they were there. Photographers were testing their cameras, and I saw a reporter trying to chase Edward down for some kind of interview. He waved him off.

It was a very nice space with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers that sparkled brightly. There was an area in front of the band for dancing and a small stage with a podium. I wasn't sure what the itinerary for the night was, but I would be shocked if Edward made some sort of speech. He never spoke in public.

He came to sit next to me about half an hour before people were scheduled to arrive.

"Why are we here so early?" I asked him.

"I had to make sure everything was right. Some very important people are going to be here tonight, Bella."

"I'm very proud of you." I rested my hand on his thigh under the table. "This is kind of a big deal, isn't it?"

"Very big. I've surpassed Carlisle in raw wealth."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I have more assets than he does. He will always have more money; there's no getting around that, but I have more wealth. It's all tied up in my business and real estate, but it's there."

"That's an ominous way of saying you're a criminal mob boss who uses force to get his way," I said truthfully.

"Is that a joke? I don't get it." His brow furrowed.

"It wasn't a joke. Just an observation."

"My whole career isn't just based off how much blood I spill in the streets. I don't think you believe me when I say that I'm going to work."

"I do believe you, but you can't tell me that you bought our house off of money you made in an office. People don't make that kind of money behind a desk, especially after being out of the country for four years."

"You're smarter than most, I'll give you that. Are you working for the police?" He squinted teasingly.

"You have millions…" I was interrupted by a stern look, "Oh, excuse me, billions."

He nodded for me to continue.

" People just assume you make it all in an office? I don't get how everyone can't see it," I whispered.

"They see what I tell them to see. I live my life by a very strict code when it comes to my more questionable work. I don't play around."

"I know that."

"The Cullens are the best at what we do, and Chicago is our town. I could piss in the commissioner's mouth, and he would ask me to Sunday brunch."

"I don't like it when you talk like that. You're too cocky."

"Because it's true. My philosophy is a simple one: If everyone's scared of me I can do whatever I want."

I didn't say anything in reply.

"My enemies won't ever cross me because they know me. He pulls a knife; you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital; you send one of his to the grave. It's the way I work."

"You're starting to scare me."

"Everything will be fine."

"I have no idea what that means. Please stop speaking in riddles all the time."

He kissed my forehead. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, I'm okay."

"I'll be back shortly."

Edward left the table to do whatever the hell he was doing before. I tried not to let his words affect me, but that was impossible. The way he talked sometimes made me antsy. He thought he ruled the world, and I guess he did from the way everyone doted on him, but it scared me to death. What if he got too cocky and everything blew up in his face? I would be the one standing over his grave and crying my eyes out until I was blue in the face. He wouldn't have to deal with the consequences.

"Hey, Bella, what's got you blue in the face?" Alice twirled into the seat next to me, dressed in the most beautiful green creation I had ever seen.

"I'm just thinking."

"About?"

"Family business."

"You're just as secretive as your husband."

"Imagine that. I guess we're from the same tree."

"Bella, you make no sense sometimes."

I had to agree with her there.

Like a whirlwind, the party began to pick up speed. People filled the ballroom, and I, being the wife of Edward Cullen, had to perform my duties. I walked around, thanked everyone for coming, had a great time talking to the mayor—who was already drunk—and didn't mind shaking hands with the hundreds of folks who came out for support. Alice followed me around like a dog. She was afraid I might go into labor at any minute. I had to explain to her several times that I had two more months to go. She wouldn't leave me alone and I was about to snap her head off. I eventually escaped her clutches.

"So, where are you from again?" the mayor's wife asked me. She was an older lady who had taken a keen interest in me since she realized that we now ran in the same social circles. Her name was Sharon, and she was nice… when she wanted to be.

"Northern Washington, originally," I told her.

"Oh, how wonderful. I bet it's cold up there."

"It's actually colder here." I laughed, just to fill an awkward gap in conversation.

"Hello, sweetheart." Edward wrapped his arm around me. "I see you've found someone to talk to."

"Mr. Cullen, this is a fabulous party," she said. "I love everything."

"Why thank you. It's all for a good cause. You remember the auction I talked to your husband about?"

"Oh, yes. We plan on donating a fair penny tonight. Don't you worry."

Sharon took a sip of her wine and quickly walked off.

"Come on, let's sit down." Edward guided me towards the tables where the rest of the family was sitting.

"This is a very nice party," I told him. "Everyone's here."

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

I nodded. "And you even have food that I can eat."

"Yes, I did think of you." He chuckled.

He pulled out the chair for me, and I sat.

"Bella, this is amazing. We should have a party every month," Alice said. "Edward, you did such a good job. Congratulations."

"Thank you." He sat next to me.

"To Edward." Emmett raised his glass. "May his rich ass never touch the ground."

"What the hell does that mean?" Jasper asked.

"I don't know. I'm already a little drunk." Emmett laughed boisterously.

"To Edward," Jasper said.

"To Edward!"

My hormones got the better of me and I couldn't take the sexual frustration anymore. Edward nearly carried me up the stairs when we got home and gently placed me on the bed, making sure to "accidentally" rip my dress in the process.

"Edward, slow down." I giggled as he attacked me with kisses.

He gave me a wicked smirk and then dove again. I moaned as his lips began sucking on my neck while his hands grabbed my breasts and began palming them hard.

His lips began to descend on towards my chest. He unhooked my bra, freeing my breasts to the world. He continued to kiss me fiercely while playing with my sore boobs. I didn't mind, though. It felt good.

God, yes… this felt so good. Please don't stop, Edward!

"Bella… your breasts are amazing, especially now that you're pregnant."

I gasped as he covered my nipple with his mouth and flicked it with his tongue making it stand at attention.

I weaved my fingers through his hair as I arched my back to push my breast into his mouth. "Edward… that feels so good… don't stop." I panted. I was so beyond comprehension.

I felt his smile grow as he continued to lick, suck and nip at my hard nipple. He repeated the same on my other breast, showing it equal attention. Edward's hand traveled down my body, from my neck, down to my stomach and finally rested on my left thigh. He was teasing me and I hated him for it. His soft touches were about to drive me insane.

Just a little higher…I'm in need of a release so badly. Please, Edward.

He ran his index finger in between my wet folds and brought it up to his mouth. "Bella, you are dripping wet, can I taste you?"

I nodded my head up and down lifelessly, dumbfounded.

He moved so that he was further down the bed and pulled me until I was on the edge. Edward dove in between my legs and I nearly came undone as his lips and tongue made quick work for my sopping wet place.

I felt the soft bristles of his unshaven face on my sensitive areas and there was mixture of pleasure and pain that sent incredible shock waves through my body. I didn't know if it was the hormones or Edward was just that good but I think I saw Jesus and the twelve apostles.

He slid two fingers into my waiting entrance slowly. I gasped at the amazing feeling that was coursing through my body. Edward's fingers were magical; they were long and strong allowing him to hit places I needed them to. I was pretty much putty in his hands at this point.

"That's right baby… cum for me, soak my fingers." He said sternly.

His dirty talk sent me over the edge and I came all over his fingers. He had a smug look on his face as I came down from my intense orgasm. He began licking his fingers clean and I felt myself get wet all over again.

"The night's just getting started, Mrs. Cullen." Edward crawled back up my body. I was ready.

The next morning, I rolled out of bed at five because I had a full balder. It was too painful to just lie there, so I waddled to the bathroom. Edward stayed asleep, thankfully. He was exhausted from last night's festivities. I, unfortunately, couldn't get back to sleep. I stared at the ceiling and rubbed Francis behind the ears for five more hours.

"Bella, what are you doing up?" Edward asked, stretching his legs.

"I couldn't sleep." I kissed his shoulder. "What about you?"

"My body only allows me three hours a night."

I didn't tell him that he had been sleeping for well over eight.

"You should be resting," he told me.

"I'm too hungry to rest."

Edward scooted over to me and ran his hand over my stomach. "Babies, stop eating so much. Your mother can't take it anymore."

This was the first time Edward had addressed our children. It kind of made me choked up.

"I want you two to listen to me. I'm your father and you must do as I say," Edward continued. "The eating needs to stop. You'll hurt her poor stomach."

"It's not that bad."

"Non più. No more, babies." He looked up to me. "I wonder if they can hear us."

"The books say they can."

"Bambini, calcio per me," he whispered. "Kick for me, babies."

He placed his ear on my stomach. I prayed that they would respond to him. He hadn't even felt them kick yet, and I didn't think he really felt connected to the kids. He was trying so hard, though.

Nothing happened.

Edward frowned. "Bambini, per favore."

Nothing.

He sighed, "Maybe next time."

I nodded and ran my fingers through his hair. "They can hear you."

The phone rang next to me. Edward reached over and picked up. "Ciao... No, Emmett... Because I said so... We don't want you here... I said no!"

I heard the dial tone.

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"Emmett is bringing everyone over for brunch." Edward hung up the phone.

"Good. I invited them last night." I threw the blankets off of me.

"Bella," he groaned, "I don't want them in my house every day."

"They're family, and we don't see enough of them."

"Famiglia..." Edward rolled his eyes. "Fine."

"Just go wake up Jane and Alec."

"I still don't like that she spent the night." He got out of bed.

"Would you rather him have stayed in the city at her place?"

He thought for a second. "That's even worse."

"Exactly."

Half an hour later, I opened the door for Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, and Alice. They were all dressed in pajamas, which was ideal since Edward and I hadn't even bothered to change into anything appropriate.

"How fun was last night?" Alice bounced into the house.

"It was perfect," I said.

"Your baby shower will be that times ten. Believe me." Rose hugged me.

"Are we invited to that?" Emmett asked.

"To the baby shower? God, no. You'd ruin it." Alice shook her head.

"We are their uncles. I think we should be included," Jasper added.

"Well, if we can't go, then neither can Edward."

"I"m going." Edward strolled into the foyer. "I'm not having a bunch of strange women in my house at a party and not be there to keep watch."

"It'll be boring, though," Alice said. "You wouldn't enjoy it."

"I'll stay in the kitchen, but no one's kicking me out of my house."

"He won't be there," I assured her.

We all argued for a couple of minutes on the proper etiquette for baby showers. Rose stated that she went to a shower where the men were there as well, so it wasn't that strange. I didn't want Edward there. He would just be anxious and go crazy over everyone in the house. It was best if he just stayed away. Besides, he didn't like any of the women coming anyway.

"Where's the food?" Alec groaned as we stood around the kitchen.

"Brunch comes later than usual on Saturdays," I said.

"We could just cook ourselves," Alice suggested.

"No," Edward shook his head, "the last time you all cooked in there, it took Katy Nana two days to get sauce off the tile."

"That was Bella's fault." Rose pointed at me.

"She didn't put the cover on."

"We're not getting into this fight again." I sipped my orange juice.

"No matter who it was, you ladies have lost all kitchen privileges." Katy Nana sauntered into the kitchen. "Food will be here shortly."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." I jumped off my stool and rushed to the door before anyone else. Well, I waddled quickly.

I opened the door where a tall deliveryman was standing on the front steps, but instead of carrying food, he had a beautiful vase of flowers. They were pink with long stems and striking yellow accents. The guy was really large, and looked like a bodyguard. It was almost funny to see him carrying such delicate flowers.

"Mrs. Cullen?" he asked.

"Yes. What are those?"

"Flowers." He held out a clipboard for me to sign. "They've been specially ordered."

"From who?" I signed.

"Not sure, ma'am. I just deliver."

"Oh, well thank you." I took them from him.

"Have a good day." He tipped the cap on his head and trotted down the stairs.

I shut the door with my butt and walked slowly back into the kitchen, sniffing my flowers.

"Those are so pretty." Alice plucked one from the vase. "Who sent them?"

"Edward, I guess. Thank you so much."

"I didn't order flowers," he said, confused. "Is there a card?"

I looked. "No, I don't think so."

Alec walked into the kitchen., "Katy Nana, we need more toilet tissue. I was going to go shopping later..." He stopped in his tracks when he saw me. "Holy shit!"

"What?" I asked.

"Nobody move!" he shouted. "Bella, do not move a muscle."

"What's going on?" I stayed still.

"Those aren't flowers. Where did you get that?" He came closer.

"The deliveryman."

"Alec, what the hell are you talking about?" Emmett scoffed.

"That's a bomb," he said firmly. "Motion detected. I used to make them back in Russia. We would send them all over the city. Has anyone taken a flower from the vase?"

We all looked at Alice. She hid the flower behind her back.

"It's been activated."

"Oh, my..." Katy Nana gasped.

"Okay, listen to me very carefully, Bella. That thing will blow if you so much as breathe too deeply. It's all based on water displacement."

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about, but I don't like what I'm seeing." Edward stared at the clear vase. A small black box was attached to the stems and a red blinking light flashed annoyingly.

"Someone please just get this thing away from me," I said through my teeth.

"Bella, I'm going to take it." Edward held his hands out.

"No!" Alec pushed him. "Don't touch it. You don't understand how temperamental these things are.

"What do you expect me to do, let her hold the thing?" Edward yelled.

"She'll blow us all up if you fucking touch it."

"Okay, everyone calm down," Jasper said calmly, always the voice of reason. "We need to think logically about this."

"I know who made that." Alec circled me. "That's Victor's work. Or his people. Not just anyone can make this kind of bomb."

"Fucking bastard." Emmett sat down in a chair.

"Everyone, get out of the house," I whispered. "Just get out."

"We're not leaving you here, Bella," Jane replied.

Edward was about to have a heart attack. His face had turned an odd shade of purple that was only rarely seen. His breathing was short, and he was trying hard not to say anything.

"What do we do, Alec?" Jasper asked him.

Alec was at a loss of what to say. His mouth opened a couple of times. "I… I don't know."

I couldn't let myself cry. I could barely even talk without fear of moving this thing. My arms were getting tired, but I wasn't budging an inch.

"Why is this always happening to us?" Emmett sighed.

"If we can just transfer it to someone else, that would make me feel a hell of a lot better." Edward bit his lip.

"How are we supposed to do that without shaking the water?" Rose looked as if she was about to cry.

"I could dismantle it if the thing wasn't so sensitive." Alec threaded his hands in his hair. "I'm sorry, Bella."

"This is no one's fault. We're going to fix this," Jasper reasoned.

"Aha," Katy Nana smiled brightly and scurried around the kitchen, "I've got it."

"Got what? What's going on?" I asked. She was behind me, so I couldn't see, but I didn't like the noises of closing cabinets.

She came over to me slowly, holding up a package of instant pudding mix. "This should work."

"Now is not the time to think about food, Katy Nana," Edward snarled.

"Of course not." She ripped the package open. "Do you boys remember when you were little and always requested my chocolate bars?"

"With the candy in it? God, that stuff was good." Emmett licked his chops. "But Edward's right. We can't think about food at a time like this."

"No, no. I always had a devil of a time, trying to figure out how to keep the candy from moving when it was in the batter. I found out that if you add a package of pudding, everything stays in the proper place."

We all watched with baited breath as she poured the pudding mix into the clear vase. I was so scared I think I peed a little.

"It should take ten minutes to set. It won't stop the motion detector completely, but it should give you enough time to run away." Katy Nana looked so sad. "I hope it works."

"I want everyone out now!" Edward shouted.

"But…" Alec began but was cut off by my venom-spewing husband.

"Out!"

There was a flurry of feet, everyone keeping a clear distance from me. I saw Alec grab Francis out of the corner of my eye, and then the kitchen was empty.

Edward paced in front of me. "Bella, I'm so sorry for this. I don't… I can't even really talk right now."

"Are you scared?"

"Yes," he admitted.

"What are we going to do, Edward?" I felt the single tear that I allowed myself to shed.

"It's already hardening. I'm going to take it, and I want you to run. Don't argue with me. I don't want to hear your theories or your suggestions or your fucking thoughts on the subject. I want you to run. Is that understood?"

I nodded. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to get rid of the thing. You have to get outside and go down the street to Emmett's house. Don't stop. Don't turn around and don't you dare think about coming back over here until I say."

"How will I know it's safe?"

"You'll probably be able to see the explosion from his place."

"Edward, no." I gulped. "You're going to drop it, aren't you?"

"We can't dismantle it. It's the only way, Bella."

"Edward…"

"Stop, talking," he said forcefully. "Just do as I say."

I cried a little more as we waited for the pudding to set. I could see it working, but that still didn't make me feel better.

"Alright, Bella." Edward popped his neck. "Give it to me."

I wanted to protest. I wanted to keep it for myself so that he could run. If I wasn't pregnant with two kids, I probably would have and argued that he run away. He would never allow that, but I would fight. I couldn't do that now. I had to let him take this bomb from me. It was the only way.

Edward reached out, but then pulled back. He was nervous. He cracked his knuckles and tried again.

This time, he went all the way. His large hands cradled the vase gently. He almost wasn't touching it. "Bella, let go."

"I don't want to," I cried.

"Bella, let go," he commanded.

I slid my hands away slowly, and was finally free.

I broke down against the counter and couldn't stop crying. My arms were sore and seeing my husband holding a bomb was a little too much for me to handle right now.

"Just get out of here." Edward's voice cracked.

I tried to make my feet move, but they wouldn't. If there was anything I could do, I wanted to try it.

"What's going to happen to you?" I wiped my face.

"I'm going to wait five minutes. That should give you enough time to get out."

"And you?"

"I'll… drop the thing and run like hell. And pray."

"I can't leave you here."

"Bella, this isn't up for discussion. Just leave."

"How bad is the damage going to be?"

Edward inspected the bomb. "Pretty bad. It looks powerful. I'd expect this half of the house will be destroyed. Probably more."

I was trying to prolong this as much as I could. I didn't want to leave.

"Go." Edward shut his eyes.

I wanted to kiss him so badly. "I can't."

"Bella, run… and please, for the love of God, don't trip."

"Was that supposed to be a joke?"

"I thought it was kind of funny." He chuckled humorlessly.

"I love you, Edward."

"I love you too, Bella. I promise that I'll be fine."

"You can't promise me that. You said it yourself, that bomb is powerful. You can't outrun it."

He didn't say anything.

I didn't know what I should do. I had to leave at some point—I knew that—but this felt like a last goodbye type of thing.

"Bella, it's time for you to go," Edward said calmly, lovingly.

"I wish I could kiss you right now."

"I know." He smiled and tipped his head towards the door. "I'll see you soon."

I nodded.

"Ciao, Bella."

I turned my back and walked as fast as I could out of the house, down the driveway, and across the street. Emmett and Amun were waiting. I crumbled into Emmett's waiting arms.

"He's going to be aright, Bella."

"Go get him," I pleaded.

"I can't. I have to get you out of here."

I couldn't protest. I was nearly shoved into the back of a car and we took off. I was crying so badly that it was hard see, but I certainly heard the explosion. It was monstrous, and a plume cloud of fire erupted into the air over the trees.

I was too shocked to scream, too shocked to move; too shocked to breathe.

The car kept moving. I wanted it to go in the opposite direction. I had to check on Edward.

"Go back!" I pounded into Emmett. "Go back! We have to see if he's alright."

"I can't do that, Bella." He didn't slow the car down. "I'll go back when I drop you off. You have to stay calm. This isn't good for the babies."

"My house just fucking blew up with my husband inside of it! There is no calming down."

Amun, who was in the front seat, turned around quickly. "I'm sorry about this, Mrs. Cullen, but I can't have you acting like this."

He pulled out what looked like a pen and grabbed my arm, clicking it. A sharp sting shot through my arm, and I was out like a light a second later.

HOLY EXPLOSION BATMAN

What did I tell ya? A bang, right? I know. I know. Hate me. As you should.

That's all I shall say for now.

As always, thanks to Jenny!

I might update Saturday. I moving on Friday and probably won't be able to.

Until then, Adios, Ciao, and Arevadercci.