Chapter Twenty-eight: Busted

Bella's Point of View

"Oh, Grace. No."

I look up from the sink, where I'm washing a few of Grace's bottles, and see Edward holding the baby at arms length with his face all scrunched up.

"Bella, she pooped."

"Babies do that," I say with a laugh as I dry my hands and follow him into the living room. "Want me to do it?"

Edward lays Grace on her blanket on the floor and kneels down in front of her, face still askew. "I can do this. I'm sure it's not that bad..." The look on his face tells me he thinks otherwise.

I laugh again. "I haven't realized you never changed a poopy diaper. I would have saved some good ones for you. She's two and a half months old! Lucky you, getting out of all the dirty diapers."

"Just good luck, I guess. But it's clearly run out now," he says as he starts to undo the clasps of her onesie. He hands her a little toy to keep her hands busy and out of the mess. She squeals a little and chews on it. Edward takes off her diaper and wipes her clean, and I sweat I can see his eyes start to water.

"Crying?" I ask him with a raised brow.

"It's the fumes," he says, and we both burst into laughter. He finishes putting on a clean diaper and onesie and then picks her up and looks at her. God, they're practically twins. The older she gets the more noticeable it's becoming. "All clean now, baby girl. I bet that feels much better."

She nuzzles into Edward's chest and I go back into the kitchen to finish the dishes and start dinner for Renee and Charlie, who will be home for supper in about an hour. Edward follows right behind me and takes a seat on a kitchen chair, still holding Grace. He doesn't like to put her down and I'm afraid he's going to spoil her. But he doesn't get to see her as much as I do, so I understand why he wants as much time cuddling with her as possible. It's actually pretty sweet. He talks to her as I wash and dry each dish.

"Daddy has a bit football game coming up," he says to her, tickling her stomach. "I'm so excited that you and Mommy are gonna go and watch me play. You're my very own personal cheerleaders."

I smile to myself at his use of the plural cheerleaders as I put a mug in the cupboard. He means me, too.

"And then, after graduation, hopefully Daddy's gonna go to college on a football scholarship and become a doctor, like Grandpa," he says to her as she stares at him intently, like she understands what he's saying.

I turn around, shocked at what I heard. "You wanna become a doctor?" I ask. I don't mean for the question to sound incredulous, but it does. I try to hide the shock from my face. "I thought you wanted to play football."

"I do wanna play football, to get me through college. Football was my first love until Grace came around. But I've always wanted to follow in my Dad's footsteps. I want to help people."

"You want to help people?" I ask. I instantly regret my tone. In my head I'm counting all the years of college it's going to take for him to achieve this dream. Six years. Six years of college means six years away from Grace... and me. I try not to let him see the panic on my face as I calculate the time and distance that would be between us.

"Try not to sound so surprised," Edward says. "It was only the dream until she came along." He runs his fingers through Grace's hair, stopping at the curl at the nape of her neck.

"I'm sorry," I say quickly, turning so he can't see me blush. I grab a pack of ground beef and plop it in the pan. "I just always thought you were on track for the NFL."

Edward chuckles. "Yeah, right. That would be awesome. I'm good at football, Bella, but I'm not that good. At least I don't think so. Besides, it's changed now."

I turn and take a couple steps forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looks up at me and for a moment I'm too stunned to talk, captivated by his emerald green eyes. "You can't give up on your dream," I tell him seriously.

"I'm not," Edward tells me matter-of-factually. "I'm just... I'm trying to figure it all out so I can have the best of both worlds. We still have another year left of high school. That's plenty of time."

"It's going to come faster than you think," I tell him. I can hear the panic in my voice.

Edward stands and puts his hand on my waist, sending a shiver up my spine as his fingers press into my back. He chuckles to lighten the mood and pulls me closer to him; I'm as stiff as a board. "Relax, Bella. We should take everything a day at a time. I'm not going anywhere."

Yet, I think to myself as I lean my head on his chest and grab Grace's hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. I look up at Edward and then at Grace in his arms and wonder how different everything would be with him not around all the time. Grace will miss him for sure, but I think I'll miss him more. He's worked so hard to get where he is today, and he's come a long way in just a little over two months. I'm... proud of him. He's given up the life he knew for this scary new role of a father, which is what I've always wanted from him. It's selfish of me to want him to give up his career choice, too.

"Um, I think your waters boiled," Edward says as he steps back. I'm suddenly aware of how close I was to him, and I wonder if I made him uncomfortable. There's just something so comforting about being close to him. I feel safe. I hadn't realized the pot of water was overflowing.

I grab the pot of boiling water and move it to another burner. "Shit," I say as I grab a cloth and start to wipe up what I can of the water that boiled over. Edward is right behind me, and puts his right hand on my lower back as he holds our daughter with his left. I hold my breath when I feel his hip touch mine.

Edward laughs at me. "Well done, Bella. Well done. You've officially burned water. I didn't even think that was possible."

I glare at him and smack his arm playfully, then pick up the wooden spoon and stir the sauce which is, thankfully, not burnt. Edward goes back into the living room to sit on the couch with Grace just as the phone rings.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Hey, Bells." It's Dad.

"Hey, Dad," I say. "How's work?"

Charlie lets out a long, deep breath. "Work is work. Really busy today... your mom and I are both caught up at work and won't be off for another couple hours, so we're just gonna meet up at the Cavern when we get off and grab a late supper. Sorry I didn't call sooner. I hope you haven't gone out of your way to cook something already."

"It's fine, Dad," I tell him, putting the sauce on simmer. "I'm starving anyways."

"How's Grace?"

I look into the living room. Edward has Grace in his arms and he's blowing raspberries on her cheek. She reaches over and grabs a fistful of his hair and tries to put it in her mouth, but he pulls her away and grabs her hand, pretending to nibble on her fingers. I smile to myself when he plants one, two, three kisses on her cheek before letting her sit on his lap.

"Bella?" Charlie says, bringing me out of my daydream. "How's Grace?"

"Sorry," I say. "She's good. She's just playing now."

"Give her a kiss from me and Mom, cause she'll probably be in bed by the time we get home. Did you do anything exciting today, Bella?" I can hear Charlie as he sips his coffee. Must be break time.

"Nothing, really," I lie. Charlie and Renee can't know that Edward is here. "Just some school work and taking care of Grace. Nothing exciting."

I hate having to lie to my parents, but I know they would definitely not allow Edward here when they aren't home. They've both been pretty good about letting me make my own decisions regarding my life, especially since I became a mother, but I know this is one rule they wouldn't bend for me.

"Well, we'll be home around eight o'clock or so," Charlie announces. "I'll talk to you later, Bells."

"Talk to you later," I say, and then hang up the phone.

I put the phone away and turn around, only to knock directly into Edward's chest. I didn't realize he was behind me, and he wasn't thinking I was going to come barrelling towards him. He lets out a huff, like I knocked the wind out of him, and then he grabs my arms to keep me from toppling the both of us over.

"You, Ms. Swan, have got to be the clumsiest girl I have ever met in my life," Edward laughs when we steady. He keeps his hands on my arms, probably to keep me from falling over on top of him. I look down, obviously blushing, until he does that thing with his hand to make me look up at him. I bite my lip, hard, and he chuckles in response.

"I'm sorry," I say. "I've really got to work on my balance."

Edward runs his thumb across my shoulder, leaving a trail of goosebumps on my skin. We were going to have to stop touching each other, because every time we do it confuses me. I want him to touch me more, but we aren't a couple. I don't even know what kind of feelings he has for me. But the way he touches me... a hand on my back, on my knee, on my cheek... it makes me think he wants me just as much as I want him.

I wonder why he hasn't made a move yet. Is he afraid to mess up the system we have going now? Maybe he thinks it's better that we just stay friends, for the sake of keeping a healthy relationship. I'm sure he wouldn't want a bad ending between him and I that could jeopardize his relationship with Grace. And I like Edward; I want him to stay around. I'd probably scare him off if I tried anything...although, he had kissed me once...

What if we could work? What if this could be the best thing for Grace, to have her Mom and her Dad care about each other and want to spend time together? What if everything worked out the way they did for a reason, starting from the night Grace was conceived? Sure, it was unconventional and definitely a surprise, but the universe works in mysterious ways; maybe this was one of them. Not all fairy-tales are the same; maybe this is suppose to be our story.

It's worth a shot.

I reach up and cup Edward's face with my hand. His skin is so soft. We stare at each other for a moment, and I'm tempted to just back away now instead of risk the rejection, but I can't resist the urge. Then I see Edward's lip quiver and he ducks his head down to meet mine, capturing my lips in his. As we kiss he runs his fingers through my hair, stopping to caress the spot behind my ear. I reach my hand around his torso and pull him closer to me. We back up and he pushes me against the fridge, magnets and pictures falling onto the floor. By the time we part, we're both panting.

He rests his forehead on mine, eyes closed. "Bella," he whispers, then kisses me again. His tongue grazes across my upper lip and I quiver. I reach my hand up and skim his abs with the tips of my fingers, feeling him tense up underneath my touch. His hands snakes around my waist and down to my ass, pulling me tight against his body. My breath gets caught in my throat.

It doesn't feel awkward, like I was worried it would. In fact, it feels... right. I could keep kissing him all night long, loving the way his breath quickens as I run my hands down his back, using my nails to lightly scratch him. I can almost envision the night Grace was conceived. I wish I had felt like this that night.

When we finally part, Edward chuckles as he runs his fingers through his hair. I can't help but lick my lips when I see his defined abs from under his T-shirt. I want to kiss him again so I can keep touching them. "Well, that was... that was..." He struggles to find the word to describe it and my face drops.

Crap, maybe I should have kept to myself after all...

"Amazing," he finishes. He glances down at his watch. "But I've got to go. Your parents are going to be home any minute." He steps closer to me and grabs my waist again, pulling me close. "I don't want to leave, but you know you're parents will kill me if I'm caught here with you. Charlie has a gun and I'm sure he's not afraid to use it."

I shake my head. "That was my Dad who called a few minutes ago, him and my Mom are both going to be working late, then they're going out to eat. You should... you should stay and eat supper with me. It would be a shame to have this food go to waste."

Edward grins. "Okay," he says. "Let's eat. I... I think we have some talking to do."

AS YOU WISH

"You never did tell me how you found out you were pregnant," Edward says suddenly as he lays his fork down and wipes his mouth with his napkin. We had ate supper earlier, and I was giving Grace a bottle as Edward had seconds.

"You've never asked before," I tell him. I clear my throat. "It was... Do you really want to know?"

He nods. "Unless it... brings up really bad memories. I don't want to upset you. But... ever since you told me you were having my baby, I wondered how that day went for you. I know it must have been scary. I wondered what I was doing that day... going around not even knowing that my whole life was going to change for the better."

"It was a couple weeks before we started school," I begin. "I was just really sick every day... like, throwing up sick. I thought I had a stomach bug at first, but I knew it was different. I felt fine... just nauseous and then sometimes I'd throw up. I didn't think anything of it at first... until it didn't go away. I was talking to my friend one day, complaining about always being sick, and she joked to me that maybe I was pregnant. I laughed at first... and then I did the math."

I remember that day so clearly, sitting on my bed with Angela as we sorted out some school supplies we had bought earlier that day. I had complained the entire time in the store that I wasn't feeling well, and even when we got back to my house to hang out I was still complaining. I had been for over a week at that point. Angela didn't even know I had lost my virginity that night at the party, so I knew she made the comment as a joke. But it made me think.

"I thought there was no way I could be pregnant, but I knew. Deep inside I already knew, even before I took the test. The dates added up perfectly. I had wanted to forget that night between me and you ever happened, but there was the proof staring right at me."

"Were you alone?"

I nod, willing the tears not to come to my eyes. It had been a while since I thought back on the day I thought my world was ending. Really, it was just beginning. "I was at some convenience store in Port Angelas. I drove all the way there because I didn't want to risk anyone seeing me a buying a test, and I took it in the bathroom by myself. The drive home was the longest of my life. I literally watched my life flash before my eyes."

Edward frowns. "I'm really sorry things couldn't have been different," he says. "It's helped me to change. I just hate myself for letting you down. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for the hell I put you through."

"I've forgiven you. I should have understood more, but I was thinking about her not having a Dad and my heart just broke. I knew you could do it. I wouldn't have wanted you around if I hadn't."

"I'm glad you kept pushing me," Edward says. "You saw things in me I didn't see in myself. I was so caught up in the fact that in thinking I'd be a shit dad that I didn't think about how I could be a good one. I... I really just wanted her to have a good life. I thought what I was doing was the best thing for her back then, but I'm glad I changed my mind. She's so freakin' cute."

"And you really are a great dad to her, Edward. She loves you."

Edward sighs. "I'm upset I missed your pregnancy. I got to see from a far I guess, which is better than nothing. And you did let me feel her kick a few times...but I should have been there when she was born."

"I'm sorry for not calling you, but could you blame me?"

Edward shakes his head. "Not at all, not after how I acted. But I shouldn't have treated you so badly that you didn't want me there. That kills me, knowing I made you feel that way."

"Like I said, I've forgiven you. I'm just glad your here now." I reach over and squeeze his forearm.

"Me, too."

As if on cue, Grace finishes her bottle and burps. Edward takes her from me and rocks her in his arms as he spins around the kitchen. I can't help but laugh as I watch them, and I laugh even harder when Grace spits up all over Edward's shirt. That what he gets for spinning a baby that just ate.

"Damn, girl," Edward says to Grace, who is squirming in his arms. "Was that necessary?"

I laugh some more. "Here, let me help," I tell him as I go to the counter and grab some paper towel. I go back over and dab it on the stain on the chest of Edward's shirt, still giggling. He talks to Grace some more to keep her from losing it, complaining that his shirt is going to smell like stale milk. His face lights up when he talks to the baby and she responds to him by cocking her head to the side and kicking her feet.

I'm too busy laughing at Edward and dabbing out the stain that I don't hear the front door open until Renee and Charlie step inside. I glance up at the clock. Crap, it was almost eight thirty. We had lost track of the time, and I'm suddenly aware of how close we are. I immediately take a step back, which will probably incriminate me even more. Double crap.

"Bella... Hello there, Mr. Cullen," Charlie says. He looks at me with a cocked eyebrow before turning back to Edward, who turns around and then is frozen, eyes wide.

"Mr and Mrs. Cullen," he says politely, his voice squeaky. "How, um...how was work?"

"It was fine," Charlie says as he takes off his jacket and hangs it over the kitchen chair. He eyes the two plates on the table before looking at me. "I didn't realize you had company over until we saw Edward's car. It's getting late, and doesn't Edward have school in the morning?"

I can hardly look at Charlie because I can tell he's mad. He won't get mad in front of Edward, though.

"Edward was just getting ready to leave," I tell him. Edward comes over to me and hands me the baby, who fusses a little in my arms. I put her up on my shoulder so one hand is on her bum and the other on her head, bouncing her slightly. "He came to see the baby."

Edward nods at me, and then leans down to kiss Grace on the top of her head. "Bye, Gracie." She opens her eyes for a moment and looks at him, and he smiles at her before looking at me. "I'll talk to you later, okay?" he says, and I nod. Edward stands up straight and runs his finger through his hair before turning back to my parents. "I'll see myself out."

Charlie just nods at him as he walks pass to go into the porch to get his coat. Charlie, Renee and I stand silent in the kitchen until we hear the front door close. A few seconds later we hear the roar of his car engine, and I can see his headlights disappear up the road.

"Do you want to explain to us what is going on?" Renee asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Edward stopped by to see the baby," I tell them. "When you called and said you weren't coming home for supper, I asked him to stay and eat with me. We were just hanging out with Grace."

"'Hanging out' in our home when we weren't present," Charlie says with a disapproving tone. "We've talked about this before, Bells. Your mother and I are trying our hardest to let you be in control of your life now, and your decisions, but this is one rule you cannot and will not break. Do you understand? No boys in this house unsupervised."

Renee sighs and runs her hand over her face, shaking her head. "I don't like this," she admits. "You and him here, alone, together. For hours."

"How else do you expect him to see Grace?" I ask her. "I don't always want to go over there, and he wants to see her. What else am I supposed to do?"

Renee looks at Charlie, who nods. I look between the both of them, knowing they have something they want to tell me, and instantly wonder what it is with panic.

"What?" I ask.

"Maybe you should have me write up an agreement," Renee says finally as she pulls out a chair to sit on. Charlie sits across from her, so I take a seat as well. "You know, a custody agreement. Before he gets too... attached."

"And attached is a bad thing?" I ask incredulously. I look down at Grace in my arms and run my finger across her cheek. Her little lip twitches in her sleep, and it makes it look like she's smiling. How could you not get attached to something so perfect?

Renee shakes her head. "Well...no. But without anything on paper, Grace is fair game in the eyes of the law. I know Edward's really stepped up his game when it comes to this whole parenting thing, but the more he grows attached to her the more likely he won't want to live without her. And with college coming up in a little over a year... I just wouldn't want him to hurt you. This is why I don't want you to leave the baby with him overnight alone. He could... He wouldn't have to give her back to you, you know?"

"So you're trying to tell me you think Edward would kidnap her?"

Renee looks at Grace and shakes her head. Charlie clears his throat and says, "That's not what your mother is trying to say, Bella. But we see how close Edward is getting with her. We've talked about this, and we think it's best for everyone involved. Your mother and I have both seen nasty things come from something that should have been settled by a custody arrangement."

"I just think it's safer to have something on paper," Renee says. "Something that clearly outlines what is acceptable and what is not. The potential is there for Edward to go to college in a different state, and we wouldn't want him to take her with him."

I hadn't even thought of that. The thought gives me chills, and not the good kind, obviously. She has a point, not that I think Edward would do that. But if he loves Grace and much as I do (and I don't have a doubt in my mind that he doesn't) then he will do anything to make sure she is with him. The thought kind of scares me, to be honest, especially because I didn't really know where Edward and I stand. Sure, we had kissed, and we had both seemed to enjoy it... but that was it. We hardly discussed it after, but I know he felt what I felt. Why else would he touch me the way he did? And it felt so... right, albeit very, very confusing.

"Just think about it, Bella," Renee says as he stands up and comes over to kiss my forehead. She leans down and plants a kiss on Grace's cheek. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight. Get that baby to bed."

I nod and stand up, starting to follow her to the stairs before I hear Charlie calling out to me, making me walk back into the kitchen.

"Yeah, Dad?" I ask when Charlie is in sight again. He's in the same spot at the kitchen table.

"We didn't mean to ambush you when we got home," he says somewhat apologetically.

"I know," I say to him. "I understand where you guys are coming from. I'll think about it., and discuss it with Edward."

Charlie nods, then picks up the newspaper and fans it open in front of him. He grabs his glasses from his pocket and perches them at the end of his nose. He doesn't look up at me when he says, "And no boys in this house."

I stifle a laugh. "Yes, Dad."

A/N: Here is chapter twenty-eight! I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think in the reviews!