I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

CH 28: Hearts (EPOV)

Things were starting to calm down. My sweet Bella has been out of the hospital a little over a week. We all went back to school and I helped her catch up with her studies. We talked over many issues. Bella has forgiving me for my lies and for leaving her like I did. Sometimes I think she is still paranoid that I might leave her again, though she tries to hide it, every time I say 'good-bye' she flinches slightly. I have started saying 'I will see you later' or 'good night' instead.

The day she went back to Charlie's, Carlisle handed her a cell phone with all our family members' numbers in it, mainly so she can contact any of us when she needs to, specifically me while I am away hunting. That seemed to ease her mind and make her smile.

I know Bella has her reservations about being pregnant. I can tell she loves the baby and wants to have this baby with me, but she's scared to death of her parents' reactions. She feels the same with our marriage. At first I could not help but take it slightly personal.

Then, Alice convinced me it had nothing to do with me personally. She showed me a vision where Renée didn't disown her, though she did express her disappointment in Bella. Charlie's reaction would not be pretty at all. In fact, he would forbid her from seeing me; she ended up leaving his house. Seeing how her fears may come true, I wanted to protect her from being hurt like that. So for now, I was alright with waiting. However, I knew we couldn't wait forever. Bella would be showing in a few months, not too mention if she got morning sickness the cat would most likely be out of the bag. I would doubt that even Charlie wouldn't notice Bella getting sick every morning. Somehow I would have to get on his good side.

I knew if it was come to worse case scenario; we would leave sooner then later. That was a conversation I needed to have with Bella. That, and if she wanted to still be changed. I promised her that when she was better we would talk. I was waiting for her to bring it up again, so far she hadn't. I had come to the conclusion that maybe she was waiting for me.

"Pick something already, this aisle stinks," Emmett complained. We're standing in a drugstore looking at shelves and shelves of candy, most of them in heart shaped boxes. We're out shopping for Valentine's Day. Like my brothers, I had already picked up my main gift and flowers.

This was my first Valentine's Day with Bella and I wanted to do it right. Which meant candy too, mostly likely one of the heart shaped boxes. Just which kind? There are so many of them. I had it narrowed down to chocolate, but then there are nuts, nuggets, caramels, turtles and mixes? Bella was not a big junk food eater so I wasn't sure of her favorite type.

"Hey look at this? This gorilla is wearing boxers and it's dancing to the Macarena." Emmett pressed several of the buttons setting a bunch of dancing gorillas to start singing badly.

To make matter worse, Emmett started dancing and singing with them. A few girls about junior high age walked by and started giggling at his display.

"It is times like this I am glad I can say I was adopted." Jasper cringed.

"I LOVE YOU TOO, JASPER!" Emmett exclaimed loudly. Jasper became even more mortified. I beg of you, please hurry!

"Em, can you behave yourself, please." I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Alright, what about these?" He picked a box of the shelf and handed it to me. They were little hearts with sayings on them and rather cheap looking. Bella deserved better than a fifty cent box of candy.

"Fax me? Is that really supposed to be romantic?" Jasper raised an eyebrow at the candy.

"I wonder if they say anything dirty?" Emmett snickered. I cringed and put the box back on the shelf.

"Does Bella like cherries? Didn't you say something about her making you cherry pies?" Jasper asked. Emmett snorted as his thoughts were turning Bella's pies into something dirty. I groaned in frustration and Jasper shook his head too.

"I'm not sure. I was the one who enjoyed cherries when I was human. I think she did like them too. We had cherry pie instead of a cake at our wedding," I answered Jasper. Do not tell Alice that. She is already up in arms about your wedding. I nodded in agreement. So far Alice had not approached Bella about the new wedding. Hopefully it would stay that way for awhile.

"What about these chocolate covered cherries?" Jasper pointed to a heart on the top shelf.

"Those sound good." I pulled down the box. I turned around to go to the counter to pay. Jasper groaned.

"Was Emmett dropped on his head or something while he was changing?" He snickered and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. I got a glimpse of his mind and didn't even bother turning around. Emmett was wearing oversized heart glasses with a pink boa. On his head was a pink derby style hat that was covered in a tiny darker pink heart pattern that made it look like leopard print.

"Say cheese, Em." Jasper snickered.

"Huh?" Emmett looked up just as Jasper captured the photo. Jasper quickly clicked away sending the picture. "Who did you send that to?" Emmett stood frozen in the middle of the aisle.

"Question is: Who didn't I send that too?" Jasper shoved his phone back into his pocket. I will meet you at the car. He informed me before taking off. Emmett started to chase him. I managed to grab hold of his shoulder and stopped him.

"You need to take that stuff off, first." I smirked. He looked down at himself and grumbled.

I brought my purchase up to the counter. The girl at the checkout was in her young twenties and soon as she saw me her thoughts turned disgusting. She would make a better match for Newton.

"Can I help you with anything," she explicitly implied. I didn't meet her eyes as I pulled out my wallet.

"You could do your job. I like to be on my way. I have a beautiful lady waiting for me." I hand her a bill and she frowned as she took the cash. She was annoyed that I wasn't giving her any attention. She handed me my change and receipt.

I hurried out the door to see Emmett circling my Volvo.

"Do it and you will have to explain to Rose why she needs to fix my car," I threatened. He stopped and scowled at Jasper who was snickering inside the car.

I unlocked the door and got in after placing the candy in back with the roses. I was going to drop my brothers at the house before going to pick up Bella for our date.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. A quick glance told me it was Alice.

"Hello Alice," I greeted politely.

"Edward, you need to get to Bella's now. She disappeared again. I am pretty sure it is a wolf, but still…" Alice voice sounded frantic as Jasper grabbed my phone from me as I sped up. Jasper tried to calm Alice down.
"Just go straight there. If it's the dog we will scare him off." Emmett called from the back. His joking mood from earlier was gone. If that dog harms her I don't care if there is a treaty, he will be dead.

I was three miles out when I could hear Bella's heartbeat sounding steady, she wasn't scared at least. I could hear the minds inside the house, it was definitely Jacob. He was there trying to convince Bella to choose him over me. Charlie seemed to invite him and his father in the pretense to watch a game. He was also hoping that Bella would choose Jacob. My sweet Bella looked annoyed and was gently telling Jacob 'no'.

I growled when I pulled up close to the house. Jacob heard me and decided to try harder.

"Damn, it is the dog." Emmett growled. Jasper hung up with Alice and was trying to assess the moods. Bella is pissed and very annoyed. The pup is feeling very smug. Does he actually think he stands a chance?

"Yes, he does. And he knows we are out here and wants to give us a show," I said quietly enough that the mutt could not hear me.

"Want me to spike her irritation? Maybe she will tell him off?" Jasper smirked.

"Actually, just the opposite. I do not want her getting too upset. It wouldn't be good for her or the baby." Jasper nodded in recognition. I was still worried about Bella in her delicate situation. She still did not have all her strength back. We quieted down in the car to listen the mutt try to convince Bella that he was better.

"Come on, Bells, what is the harm in accepting this small present from me?"' He was leering at my Bella, looking at her chest. She was dressed, ready for our date. She was wearing a pretty red dress with straps and the neckline dipped low enough that he was getting a good view of her breasts. They were mine! I am her husband! Only I should able to look at her like that.

"First off, my eyes are up here," Bella snapped quietly. I assume she didn't want Charlie to overhear. Both Jasper and Emmett growled with me. Neither of them wanted their baby sister to be at ogled by anyone, no less than by the dog. "Second, I already told you. I am not accepting that, because what it means. I am not going to be your Valentine. I am Edward's. You need to accept that." Bella crossed her arms over her chest blocking his view. She looked like my angry tiger kitten as she glared at him. He was starting to rethink his game plan.

"He hurt you. He…" His argument was cut off by Bella.

"He left trying to protect me from who he was. While first chance you get, you tried to take advantage of my memory loss and tried to convince me that you were my boyfriend," she fired back.

"You could give me a chance, Bella. I can give you things that he can't. He is a bloodsucker for crying out loud. A killer… that is not normal." He hissed but Bella was holding her ground.

"And turning into a wolf is?" Bella asked.

"So that is it? We can no longer be friends? You're going to just leave me with no friends." He sniffed. My vision was starting to turn red with his manipulation. I could see Bella's face twist into guilt.

"Awww, come on. He's trying to guilt her." Emmett snarled. "Tell me it is not working?"

"Not any more," Jasper's eyes narrowed. He sent Bella some waves of skepticism.

"Jake, that's not playing fair. What happened to Embry? Now that you are both wolves aren't you still friends? Besides, we can be friends. That's up to you. But Edward is here to stay and you need to accept that." Bella's face was determined.

"He would never let you be friends with me." Jacob announced sadly, still trying to get her sympathy. At least that is one thing he is getting right.

"Well do you blame him with how you are acting?" Bella raised a brow. "I need to finish getting ready. Edward will be here soon." She started to turn.

"He's already here. He's been listening to our conversation," Jacob muttered. Bella had her back to him, so I couldn't see her face. She did stiffen a bit.

"I guess that's my queue," I muttered opening the door. Emmett handed up my flowers and box of candy for Bella. I was going to give her the presents later. Hopefully she was not upset with me.

I walked up to the door and knocked. Bella opened it right away. Her brown eyes melted into happiness and love when our eyes met. Her face lit into a breathtaking smile. She didn't seem mad at me. She looked beautiful in her red dress. The skirt flared out at the waist and ended just above the knees. Her hair was done in a style she wore back in 1918 that was very flattering on her.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Love." I picked up her hand and kissed it, blush colored her cheeks.

"Happy Valentine's Day, sweet knight" she answered back. "Are those for me?" she asked looking at the flowers and candy.

"Yes ma'am. Just the start of how I'm going to spoil you today. I hope I chose the right candy. There are so many of them, I didn't know what to chose," I told her as handed them over. She rolled her eyes slightly, but accepted them.

"You made a good choice. I like chocolate covered cherries. I'm going to have to hide them from Charlie, though. Thank you." She grinned, then stood on her tip-toes to kiss my cheek. I noticed her feet were still bare. She glanced down and blushed again. "I need a moment or two to finish getting ready and put these in water."

"I will put the flowers in water for you. You go finish getting ready." I took the roses back and she turned to the stairs and ran up them. I winced when I heard her trip on the top step but didn't fall.

"I'm fine," she yelled back down, earning a laugh from the older gentlemen, who were watching a game. I was beginning to hate the word, 'fine'.

"Good evening, Chief Swan and Chief Black." I greeted them on my way to the kitchen.

"Edward," Charlie answered me gruffly without looking up. Billy Black scowled at me then caught Jacob's eye. He wanted Jacob to warn me on behalf of the tribe.

I headed to the kitchen and pulled a vase off a top shelf in the cupboard. I heard the dog come in behind me. I continued to ignore him as I filled the vase with water and prepared the roses for the water. I had gotten long stems that had already been dethorned for her. No need for any more accidents. I placed the roses on the center of the table before turning.

"May I help you, Jacob," I asked him politely.

"I wanted to warn you on behalf on the pack to remember the treaty." He spoke like he had authority over me. I brushed it off because I didn't want to ruin tonight for Bella.

"I remember quite well since I was here when it was made." I went to pass him, but he blocked me.

"The treaty says bite, not kill." He glared.

"Again, I know. My I.Q. is relatively higher than yours. I have no problem understand the treaty." I smirked as his scowl deepened.

"Why be with her if you're not going to change her. You're ruining her shot at a real life."

"Bella knows she doesn't need to change for me. I'm not forcing her to be with me." I growled. "Now, if you will excuse me, we will be on our way." I walked past him and to the bottom of the stairs just as Bella was coming down. She had added red heels and the necklace I gave her in 1918. Alice had gotten it polished up for her. She had a black coat over her arm.

"You look beautiful, love." I complimented and her cheek turned as red as the dress. I took the coat from her and helped her into it.

"Thank you." She smiled shyly before taking arm like she would have back in my time. I don't know if it was a conscious decision or not. She seemed to keep some habits she had picked up during my time without realizing it.

"Ready to go?" I asked and she nodded. She turned slightly.

"I am leaving," she called to Charlie.

"Not too late," Charlie called back. Bella rolled her eyes and headed to the door. I opened it for her and then moved my arm around her waist instead of having her hold my arm. I was taking every precaution to not let her slip on the ice. I'm sure the heels were Alice's idea.

"What are Jasper and Emmett doing in your car?" she asked looking ahead.

"We were on our way back from an errand when Alice called and said you disappeared on her. We came right here since we were not sure what the cause was," I explained.

"So you heard everything?" she asked. It sounded more of a declarative then a question.

"We were not purposely trying to listen in. I just didn't think I should have interrupted your conversation," I continued. Hoping this wasn't when she would get mad. She just nodded.

"That's fine. I would have told you about it anyways." She shrugged as we got to the passenger door. Jasper stepped out and held it open as I helped Bella in. He then got in the back with Emmett.

"I hope I am not making the two of you late?" Bella frowned as she half turned in her seat.

"You're not. Don't worry about it." Jasper smiled at her. She turned back around and shivered slightly. I turned up the heat.

"Baby sister, do you think heels on ice are a smart idea for you?" Emmett snickered.

"It was either heels on ice while holding on to Edward or face the wrath of Alice. I thought I was making the best decision." Bella scowled, then reached for my hand, in which I happily laced my fingers with hers and held them over the console.

"Wise decision in deed," Jasper snickered.

"By the way, Em, I loved the hat," Bella started giggling. Emmett scowled in the back as Jasper cracked up laughing.

I pulled up to the front of the house, jumped out and rushed to Bella's side. I opened the door and helped her out. She tucked her small body into mine as I led her up the small walk then steps. We entered just as the girls came down the steps to greet the guys.

Alice looked over at Emmett and smirked.

"That boa did nothing for you," she snickered and Rose started to giggle. Emmett scowled as Rose grabbed his hand and started to drag him off to the kitchen.

"Emmett, I think you and I need to have a chat later," Carlisle said coming down the stairs.

"About what? He turned around.

"About your choice in clothing." Carlisle smirked; Esme was suppressing a giggle next to him.

"If you think that's bad, then you should have seen him dancing to the Macarena in the middle of the aisle." I snickered. Bella started giggling and pressed her face lightly into my chest to try and control it. The others weren't as nice.

"Alright, are you all done?" Emmett pouted and left the room.

"We will see you later. Enjoy the night." Esme floated over giving Bella a hug before leaving with Carlisle.

"Emmett isn't really mad, is he?" Bella looked concerned, biting her lips as she looked in the direction he went.

"No, he is just being a baby because the tables were turned and he was the one being teased." I reassured her as I kissed her nose. She sighed in relief. "May I take your coat?"

"We are staying here?" Her eyebrows rose as she looked around and spotted the table for two set up by the fire place.

"Yes. I am cooking dinner for you." I announced as I helped her off with her coat.

"That's so sweet." Bella turned and wrapped her arms around my waist; she tilted her head up to me, her eyes slightly teary. I do believe her hormones were being affected. I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her eager lips. When I pulled back she gave me an adorable pout that almost made me cave.

"I need to start dinner, if you want to eat." I kissed her forehead. She sighed but linked hands with me and started for the kitchen.

"Where do you think you are going?" I pulled her back slightly. "You're not allowed to help." I smiled at her. I wished for once she would let me take care of her rather then feel like she has to take care of herself.

"Am I allowed to watch," she asked leaning forward and played with my tie. She looked up at me through her lashes. With that look I was willing to give her the world.

"Yes," I led her into the kitchen and pulled out a stool at the counter out for her. Once she was seated I headed to the fridge and pulled out the containers of food that I started to prepare earlier today.

I paused and looked back at Bella.

"Have you had any food aversions yet?" I asked. I didn't want to make her anything that would make her sick. She shook her head.

"What are you making?' She asked looking at the container on the counter as I reached up for a couple of pots.

"I am making you homemade mushroom raviolis," I answered. She smiled more brightly, so I assumed I have made a good decision. I set the water to boil and added sauce into the other pan to start to heat on the burner.

I then went back to the fridge to pour a glass of milk for Bella. I placed it in front of her and she frowned slightly.

"I am not a big milk drinker," she told me. "Could I have some soda instead, please?"

"You need to drink more milk. It's good for the baby. You really should not drink soda anymore," I told her. She sighed and drank some of the milk.

The water came to a boil and I added the raviolis. Bella watched me as I flittered about the kitchen.

"This is a nice change. I don't remember the last time someone has cooked for me." She rested an elbow on the table as she cupped her chin with her hand.

"I hope you let me do this more often, then. Although, I may require your help every now and then." I leaned across the table to kiss her nose.

She moved at the last second and the kiss landed on her lips. I got lost in the kiss and jumped back when I heard the water boil over. Bella giggled as she watched me rectify the situation. I turned off the burners and then drained the water out of the pot. I placed the raviolis on a plate then covered it with sauce. I tried to make the presentation as nice as possible. I picked up the plate and walked over to Bella and offered her my arm. She slid off the stool and grabbed her glass in the other hand. I led her back into the living room where I had the table set up in front of the fireplace. The candle was already lit; I assumed Alice must have done it before leaving. Also, Debussy was playing in the background softly.

I placed the plate down first, then pulled out her chair for her. She sat and waited until I sat down opposite of her before picking up her fork. I watched as she speared her first bite. I held my breath as she bit into it. She closed eyes and moaned. The things this girl does to me without even realizing.

"This is very good. Better than at the Bella Italia," she complimented me. I let out my breath then reached for her free hand. When I pulled it towards me I noticed something glittered on her hand. I turned it and saw her rings sparkle in the candlelight.

I met her eyes and she smiled shyly.

We didn't speak as she ate slowly. I was pleased to see her eat everything. She placed the fork down and squeezed my hand lightly.

"That was delicious, thank you." Her eyes were sparkling with love.

"You are welcome, Love." I moved swiftly to my feet and helped her to hers, then led her to the couch.
"I have presents for you too." Her eyes widen as she looked at the coffee table.

"Edward, you are spoiling me," she pouted.

"I am your husband, it's allowed." I insisted, she sighed and walked away. Before I could ask her what she was doing she went to the end table and opened the drawer and pulled out a wrapped package. She turned and handed it to me.

"You didn't need to get me anything," I told her. She let out a giggle while rolling her eyes at me.

"If I have to accept yours, you need to accept mine." She teased as she sat on the couch and slipped her shoes off as she tucked her feet under her.

I sat next to her, then pulled her onto my lap. Her body felt warm and inviting as she snuggled into me. I could not help but to lean down and start kissing her again. Her hand automatically flew into my hair trying to tug my head closer to hers. I let my own hands slip up her sides and rest just under the swell of her breast. Her heart started to race as I moved my lips to her neck and collarbone gently licking her sweet skin. Her breathing was becoming heavier as I pulled back.

"Breathe, Love." I took a breath my self then adjusted her on my lap. She sighed then laid her head against my shoulder. I grabbed the first present off the table and handed it to her.

She took it, but then paused, holding it out to me. I started to frown; thinking that she was going to fight me on it; when she shyly asked, "Could you start it for me?" I realized she was being cautious about getting a paper cut. I tore a small hole then she took over from there. She pulled out the packet of papers and looked down at it.

"What are these?" she furrowed her brow.

"That is information on Mille and Thomas after they left Chicago," I told her, her eyes lit up with excitement. I knew she was worried about them. I had Jasper dig up information on them. He had found out that Jason Sutton was listed in the death toll from the epidemic in 1918.

"So they made it." Bella looked relieved. She flipped through the papers.

"They did." I kissed her temple. I showed her the last page. "I thought you might be interested in the family tree." She looked down at the papers.

"No way," She exclaimed starting to bounce a little in my lap.

"Way," I teased her. She scowled and stuck her tongue out at me, which only made me laugh harder.

"Mille and Thomas are my great great grandparents on Renée's side?" She was still looking at the paper in disbelief.

"Small world after all." I smirked and pulled on a loose curl from her hair. She placed the papers on the table.

"I will read the rest later." she told me. I handed her the next present. I already started the paper for her.

"What about you?" she asked.

"I will go next, ladies first." I insisted. She tore the paper away and opened the velvet box. Inside were two rings; a plain silver male ring for me and the other was a delicate band for Bella. Hers was silver as well, with a bit of a design to look like it was twisted. On the top where the twists alternated between a plain silver strand to one that was etched with diamond chips. It was modest and demur like my Bella.

"One band is for me and the other is for you. It's your replacement wedding band. You can get away with wearing it everyday. If someone asks, you can always tell them it is a promise ring," I told her shyly. She kissed me on the cheek before placing the male ring on my finger. She then handed me the box as she took off her original wedding band. She held out her hand as I slipped the new one on.

"Thank you, it is beautiful," She kissed me chastely on the lips before handing me my present. I opened it to reveal a book. Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad!: What's Ahead from A to Z for First-Time Fathers stared me in the face. I flipped through the book and then kissed my wife passionately. When I pulled back she looked dazed. I took my hand and rubbed it over her firm flat stomach. In a few months she would be showing.

"Thank you, sweetheart." I gazed into her eyes.

"This really makes you happy, doesn't it," she said softly placing her hand on top of mine.

"It's something I wanted to have with you that I never thought could happen. It's a miracle in my eyes. I want to shout it from the heavens." I wiped a tear from her cheek. "I know we can't, yet. But I can't but hope that will change soon." I kissed her again softly, but passionately. I pulled back and she pouted slightly like she always did when she thought I stopped too soon.

I stood and offered my hand to her.

"Would you dance with me?" I asked hesitantly. She put her delicate hand in mine and stood. I pulled her to an open spot, then into my arms. I held her close to me as we gently swayed to the music. Her head laid against my chest. I knew that I could never lose her again.

"Bella, do you still want to be changed?" I asked softly and I felt her body stiffen in my arms.

A/N: Edward's gift is a real book.

Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad!: What's Ahead from A to Z for First-Time Fathers by Paul Pettit , Pam Pettit.

A sweet Valentine's Day. This is when the story will take a real turn talking more about the baby and Bella's pregnancy. This is the last time both stories will be posted on the same night; from now one I will alternate postings on the different endings.

Thank You For All the Reviews!

Preview:

"I did? I don't know why I did that. Maybe the baby is a boy?" I shrugged thinking of a little green-eyed replica of Edward.

"Possible. I was kind of hoping for a little girl. A small Isabella." Edward smiled fondly.

"Poor girl," I teased as Edward's eyes narrowed on me. "Think of it Edward, you are already so over protective of me. Imagine what you would be like over a daughter. You will go crazy and kill some poor innocent boy when she comes dating age, because you hear something in his thoughts." Edward frowned at this.

"Easy solution. She will not be able to date until she is thirty." Edward gave a dismissive nod as if he had the problem solved.