AN: Thank you all for your reviews and story follows! It really warmed my heart! We were in one of the areas hit by the hurricane and all of your support for this story was a great incentive to write in a notebook by candlelight, so I could get you this next chapter. (I felt like I was in Colonial Williamsburg!) I hope you love it (and Edward) as much as I do. Swoon level on high, dear readers!

A gigantic thank you to the amazing, Sunflower3759! She makes everything flow on my stories and is just an incredible person.

If you get a chance, let me know what you think. Also, please feel free to let others know about this story. 'Annie' has been telling her friends and their mommies have been giving me funny looks. Uh oh!

Chapter 25

Edward tossed his lab coat in his locker. He had just finished showering in hospital locker room and put on a comfortable pair of sweats. He was tired, his eyes hurt, and he just wanted to get home. He could already feel his arms wrapped around Bella and feel the heat of her body radiate through him. She had a tough day today. Her little girl started Kindergarten today, an important milestone of her life, and he felt horrible he couldn't be there to support her.

He ran his fingers through his damp hair and thought about the surgery he had just finished. Edward was happy to say that it went well without any complications. The operation itself was long and arduous. He was grateful that he could help diminish the scars that ravished the poor little girl's body. She was a little older than Annie, and as he worked, Edward couldn't help thinking to himself what he would do if anything happened to his new family. They truly were his family now, and his heart beat for them. All he wanted to do was engulf Bella and the children and shower them with affection.

Before could grab his duffel bag off the floor, Lauren Malloy-Scott rushed into the Doctors' Lounge. Edward groaned. Lauren was nice enough and not a bad nurse, but she had an uncanny need to show pictures of her cats. Cats that she liked to dress up in Renaissance garb. Edward had to sit through images of Sir Meow's A Lot in his soft armor. Princess Kitty Sparkles wearing a re-creation of Queen Elizabeth's coronation dress. He felt sorry for the cats and even sorrier for her husband. It wasn't hard to imagine that the decorative costumes and touring the Renaissance Fair circuit would cost a pretty penny.

"Doctor Cullen, thank goodness I caught you!" Lauren huffed out, feeling winded. She kept promising herself that she was going to drop another ten pounds, but darn Gladys kept bringing donut holes to the Nurse's Desk. Unfortunately, donut holes and Weight Watchers just don't mix.

"Oh hey Lauren, listen I need to get home to Bella. It's been a rough day with Annie starting..." Edward began, as he placed his bag over his shoulder.

Lauren shook her head and said, "She's here!"

He looked at her in confusion, because Annie should have been sound asleep at this time. Edward felt his body tighten in panic. "Annie? What happened?"

"Not little Annie, Dr. Cullen. It's Bella. You need to come with me!" Lauren grabbed Edward's arm and dragged him towards the door. "She was admitted to the E.R."

Lauren had gone to high school with Bella, and she knew her to be kind and shy, but always a nice girl. And it seemed like Dr. Cullen was in love. Lauren, being a hopeless romantic, loved a good single doctor and young mother story on her soaps, so she was pleased to see it develop in real life. She was sad, but somewhat giddy over the drama. It was just like General Hospital.

Edward gasped, "Is she all right?"

"Dr. Cullen, your father is waiting for you downstairs."

They rushed out the door. Edward's heart beating a million beats a minute. If he lost Bella, he would lose everything.

XXXXXX

It first occurred to Bella that the sky was neon yellow. She would have named the color 'Highlighter' if it was up to her. Sure the sky was odd, but the wispy trees had a brightly colored assortment of cotton candy tops that were almost whimsical in nature. Annie and Matt would have a ball with a place like this. Bella wanted to stop and stare, but her legs were propelling her forward.

A man wearing a brightly colored jacket that looked like a quilt, and a top hat placed on his head was before her. He was turned towards a giant table filled with a variety of sweets, so that Bella couldn't see his face.

"Excuse me sir, do you know the way out of here? I have to fix my kid's lunch for school." Bella tapped the man's shoulder.

The man turned slowly, ever so slowly, with a sickening smile. It was James.

"Come enjoy my sweets, Sweet! For I am the Mad Hatter and I want to devour you!"

She backed up slowly. "I'll be leaving now. Lunch doesn't pack itself. You just act all crazy here by yourself, I am going to get the hell out of OZ."

"This is Wonderland, Queen Isabella. I hope you don't think your prince is going to save you. There are monsters everywhere." James removed his hat to reveal a large gaping wound on the top of his head. Blood began to slowly drip from it, moving down his face, over his nose, and on to his lips. "I might be out of commission, but that ex-husband of yours isn't."

"This is just a dream," Bella said in an attempt to sound strong. The shaking of her hands proved that was she felt was anything but the truth.

James shrugged, blood continuing to gush. "You never can be too sure about these things. I should have you tell my Alice I will see her soon. I have my table all set up for my pretty, Pretty."

"You'll never see her again!" she yelled at the psychopath. Eyes widening, Bella took in the human sized platter surrounded by restraints. "You're dead!"

"I guess you'll have to wait and see!" He gave a bone chilling laugh. "Care to try out my table? I would love your thoughts. I want it perfect for my Alice."

"Stay away!"

Bella kept backing away, as James pulled out a large butcher knife. Holding it up lovingly, he smiled at it and then at Bella. "Run."

She rushed in a sprint away from the bloody man, as the skies turned gray. The wispy trees morphed into sharp daggers. Bella felt hot breath on her neck. Around her ankles, the twisted roots cemented her into place. Struggling hard from the restraints that were slowly working their way up her body, Bella froze when Alec approached her with gardening shears.

"Chop, chop," he sneered.

Bella woke up screaming. Alice was sitting next to her and grabbed her into a tight hug. She said soothingly, "You're okay! I promise it's safe here!"

"I'm okay! I'm good!" Bella gasped, her voice raspy. The room was bright, too bright and she has trouble adjusting her eyes to the glare. It wasn't real and Alice was safe. Bella took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I...I...where am I?"

"You're in the hospital. The E.R. at the moment," Alice stated. "You are going to be just fine."

Bella felt like her head was floating in the clouds. There was something off, though. There were twinges of pain that that felt like mosquito bites. "I hurt a little."

"You are going to be fine!""

"Alice, you already said that." Bella tried to sit up. "Mother clucker! That hurts."

The area where James had plunged the knife into her leg felt like it burst into fire. Her hands clutched the sheets tightly. Bella's face twisted in pain.

"Not...a...dream..." Bella gasped. "Where are the kids? Are my babies alright?"

"They're safe! Emmett brought Sam over to your house and all the little ones are sound asleep." Alice gently helped her to sit up. "Let me help you. You are always taking care of everyone else. Dad will bring you some more pain medication when he gets back.

Bella gave Alice a thin smile. "Is he dead?"

Alice looked at her sadly. She wasn't sure how much she should admit to Bella when the pain medication was wearing off. Tonight had been hell for her friend who had protected them both so bravely. And now Alice wanted to protect Bella. Unfortunately, Bella would find out the truth sooner or later, but for now she would do whatever it took.

"He's still alive, but in a coma." Alice looked down her hands twisting into knots. "We aren't in trouble."

"We better not be!" Bella moved the leg that wasn't punctured with a knife and cried out. "Why does this leg hurt?"

"You broke your ankle."

"Oh fuck me!" Bella sighed with a frown. "Has anyone told Edward?"

Alice chuckled, "Interesting choice of statements to tie together."

"Are you mocking me, Alice Cullen?" Her words started as a statement and became a groan from a piercing pain in her leg.

"Driving a garden tool in the face of you nightmares is a bit freeing." Alice gave a shrug. "Edward is on his way. Dad paged him."

Bella started to swing her legs off the bed with a yelp.

"What are you doing?" Alice exclaimed trying to push the insistent Bella back down.

Bella let out a grunt as she pushed ineffectually against Alice. "He's going to be crazed enough with me being in here after all that happened tonight, so I need to look at least somewhat okay."

"Bella Swan, get down! He's probably already talked to Charlie and read your chart!" Alice tried to gently push her back towards the bed.

"Get off, Al!" Bella groaned. She attempted get back up. "Ouch, ouch...mother fudger ouch!"

Edward rushed in, just in time to see his sister and the love of his life tussling. He looked at them like they were nuts.

"Alice, what's going on?" Edward exclaimed, as he rushed to Bella and flung his body tightly against hers. Alice moved away and started looking at her toes. Bella winced in discomfort.

"Edward, I'm just fine! I just need you to stop crushing me," Bella complained. As soon as she saw Edward's pout, she rubbed his head sweetly. "I love you, and I need more meds."

"What if I lost you?" Edward asked, his heart beating quickly. Both of his hands went up to cup her face.

"Dude, you didn't!" She leaned into him, putting all her love into the kiss she gave him. Pulling back she looked into his frightened eyes and saw just how much he was suffering. "You can't get rid of me that easily."

Bella wanted to smother him with kisses, but looking at Alice she knew that there was something Edward needed to do first. "Your sister needs her big brother. She saved me, Edward. Alice is amazingly brave."

Edward got up. Bella was crazy and impulsive, but she was completely aware of what those around her needed. He was in awe of her strength. As he approached his timid sister, he took in the way she held herself a little bit taller. The slouch that had been her companion for so many years was gone. Edward Cullen could honestly and happily say that he was so proud of his baby sister. That monster of his ex-friend deserved whatever was coming to him, and he was so happy that Alice was able to deliver some of it.

"Alice, I am so proud of you. You did something so brave that most people wouldn't be able to do." He pulled her tightly to him and stroked Alice's hair. Edward whispered in her ear, "Thank you for saving her."

"I love Bella too, you know." Alice said with a tiny grin. "I would never let James hurt her. Does Jasper know what happened?"

"Mr. Cool and Collected is outside having an emotional meltdown on Mom. She isn't much better with the weeping. Jane is trying to convince Dad to give her James's room number."

Bella groaned, looking at the siblings. "Jane will try to kill him."

"Dad's tempted to give it to her," Edward admitted. "Charlie is trying to uphold the law, but I think he's pretty tempted himself."

"How is my dad?" Bella asked. The last time she saw him and his worried eyes it was heartbreaking. All they had when she was growing up was each other. She could imagine her father's pain if anything happened to her.

"He's acting tough, but he loves you and is worried sick." Edward gave Bella a reassuring smile. "He's just happy you're safe."

"I don't want anyone to get in trouble. I will give you and Bella some alone time then, and hold back the others with a pitchfork. If James wakes up, I want to be the one to finish this the right way. I want him in prison." Alice looked at the door. "Is Jasper mad?"

"Only that he wasn't there to protect you." Edward gave Alice a kiss on her forehead. "That man loves you, kid. Don't keep him waiting."

Alice looked at Bella. "I...I...can stay...and..."

"Please kiss Jasper hard, Alice Cullen. You deserve kissing, my heroine." Bella waved her off.

Alice's face turned bright red and she scurried out of the room.

The door shut and Edward went quickly to Bella's side and climbed into the small hospital bed with her. His hands roamed every inch of her body, followed by soothing kisses after them. A touch to the crown of her head was followed by a caress from his mouth. The bruise on her cheek was inspected with his lips. When he got to the bandage on Bella's chest, tears filled Edward's eyes as he nuzzled her softly. There was nothing sexual about the way he touched her. It was an expression of Edwards's love.

Bella pushed Edwards's head up softly. She took in the wetness on his face, her fingers traced them softly. "No tears now, Dr. Cullen. What would your colleagues say?"

"They would say that Dr. Cullen was diagnosed as being extremely in love with a beautiful woman. A beautiful queen would be a more accurate description." He moved up from her stomach, so his face was close to hers. A kiss was placed upon her nose.

Bella ran her fingers through Edward's hair. He whimpered happily in response. "What would the other doctors say about you making out with an injured patient in her bed? You are so getting fired. I am going to have to support you. Can you string beads? I can put you to work as Alice's apprentice."

"Even after a traumatic night you are still joking," he affectionately stated.

"You love my jokes!"

Edward smiled into her lips. "I really do, you crazy woman. Technically, we haven't been making out."

"Kiss me then, Edward Cullen." Bella gripped the back of his head and pulled it forward. "I refuse to let Alice be the only one to get any action in this joint."

Edward mashed his face to hers, the heat of the kiss coursing searing heat through both of them. Bella felt numb to the pain, as she kissed and stroked the man who left an undeniable mark on her life. Their arms anchored each other tightly. They both knew that they never wanted to let go.

Pulling back suddenly, Edward gazed into Bella's brown eyes. He couldn't ever be without her and the children.

He looked her in the eyes and said in a voice filled with truth and honesty, "Marry me."

"What?"

"Marry me," Edward repeated. He kissed her quickly.

Bella looked at him in shock. "You don't think this is too soon?"

"Not in the slightest. I never felt the way I feel about you for anyone else." Edward grinned. "Plus we are already living together."

"I really didn't get a choice did I, my protector?" Bella kissed Edward quickly. "This is the oddest proposal ever. You realize this, right?"

"We are the oddest couple."

Bella laughed. "You called me a bad mother when we met."

"You put me in timeout." Edward shook his head. "I think that might have been when I decided you were the most amazing woman I ever met. Marry me."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Cullen." Bella rubbed his leg. He quickly grabbed her hands and gripped them tightly. "This is still a nutty idea. People don't just get hitched this quickly."

"Say yes." He wanted forever with this woman.

Bella mind tried to grip what he was proposing. Marriage was huge. She already had one of those and it crashed and burned in epic proportions. Could she imagine a marriage to Edward? Of course she could, but why tonight and why the rush? She knew in her head that Edward's marriage idea was due to fear after what happened with James tonight. Bella's heart really wanted this. Well, maybe not just her heart, Carlisle's questionable pain reliever didn't work on her actual injuries, but it sure was making her emotions spin out of control.

"Is this about James attacking me?" Bella pulled her hands away.

"Yes, partly this is due to what happened tonight. I also find Alec creeping around a strong reason." Edward wrapped his arms around Bella tightly. "Honestly, lovely lady, there are millions of reasons. I have been thinking about being married to you constantly before this and I am absolutely not afraid of this milestone. The most important reason for my proposal is that I love you. I have never felt this way. This is even though you drive me insane, woman."

"You are always such a charmer." Bella looked at him and stroked his face. "Are you sure? I'm a packaged deal."

"You are all my family and my loves. I want to be your husband, Annie and Matt's father." Edward grabbed her hands. "Say yes."

"Yes, you crazy man, yes," Bella smiled brightly. Her brain was screaming that she had lost her mind, but she would deal with that later.

Their mouths met and the kiss was an illustration of a true happiness.