Hello, hope everyone is doing well. It was a slow day today so I cranked out a short chapter..hope you all enjoy.

As always I own nothing the great SM does.

Bella POV

After finishing my chores and getting dinner ready I was tired. I knew part of that was due to my pregnancy. Carlisle had told me what to expect but I just didn't think it would be so soon.

I sat on the porch taking a moment to myself, trying to gain some energy to finish my days work when I saw my brother riding down the lane. As he approached I noticed he didn't seem himself, something had changed.

Yes, my brother was always a happy fellow but this man moving in my direction was different. So different that tears began to prick my eyes. I knew…. I knew that James had achieved total bliss. He looked as if he swallowed the sun. His face glowed and his smiled beamed forth.

I stood and waved which he of course returned with enthusiasm. I ran down the steps as he neared. James jumped from his horse, grabbing the reins as he tugged the horse forward. I ran to my brother whose free arm wrapped around me.

"She said yes." He cried. I hugged him tighter.

"Oh James, I'm so happy for you. I know that you will be happy in marriage. Angela will be a wonderful wife and mother, she loves you so, that is plain to see."

James released me to tie the horse to the hitching post, chatting gaily about his proposal.

"Oh Bella, to know that my sweet Angela will be my wife soon….I just can't describe how I feel. I feel as if I could burst with happiness." He laughed.

"James I understand, believe me. I still pinch myself from time to time to make sure I'm not dreaming. Life is so good, for all of us."

An unwanted thought of dread entered my mind. Fear of this happiness not lasting forever niggled at my conscious.

I shook my head slightly to chase the negative thoughts away. Today was a joyous day and that was all that mattered.

James and I went inside to have supper with everyone. James excitedly announced his betrothal, to which everyone whooped and cheered. I watched the men congratulate my brother and his answering smile warmed me through.

I sensed my husband's presence before I felt his hand on my shoulder. Edward leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"Your brother looks so happy. I remember feeling the same way when you accepted me. " He kissed my ear lobe, causing me to shudder.

I turned to look into those glorious green eyes, watching as they sparkled in amusement.

"Ah yes, I do remember how happy you were, but who wouldn't be when such a wife was to be had." I smiled saucily.

Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me into the hallway.

"Oh you minx, you are such a teasing temptress." He laughed taking me in his arms, kissing me with pent up passion.

I reciprocated in kind, matching his passion equally.

Edward's kisses slowed; he trailed warm soft kisses down my throat causing me to tip my head back.

"How are you feeling my love?" He murmured against my skin.

"I am well my husband, a tad tired, but it's to be expected."

Edward abruptly pulled away. I needed to grab hold of his arms so I wouldn't fall.

"You're tired? You should be resting then not working in the kitchen." He swept me up in his arms preparing to carry me upstairs.

"Put me down Edward, I'm not so tired that I need to go to bed. I'm just a bit fatigued, its quite normal. " I protested.

Of course my stubborn, pig-headed husband did not listen and he promptly carried me to our room.

He gently put me down on the bed trying to lay me down.

"Edward, stop. I don't need to go to bed. I'm not sleepy just a tiny bit weary. It is nothing really."

"Nothing!" he bellowed. "How can it be nothing? You are carrying our babe, you need to rest." He narrowed his eyes trying to get me to comply.

Oh I've had enough of this. I understand that men don't know much the first time, heck I don't know much either, only what Carlisle had told me, but his fears were only going to suffocate me.

I rose slowly, preparing for the argument that would most likely ensue. I took a calming breath, trying to lessen my agitation. I know he didn't mean to get angry but he needed to relax.

As I slowly took some breaths, I came up with a plan. Yes this will help. I hoped.

"Edward, I know you want to protect me and our child but believe me when I tell you, I'm not sleepy." He opened his mouth to interrupt but I quickly placed my fingers to his lips, silencing him. His eyes widened as mine narrowed, showing him that I was serious.

"Having a baby is new to us, there are many things we don't know and we will learn along the way. Your uncle gave me a lot of advice and told me of things I should be prepared for. You have not had any information on what is to happen so I think that it would be wise if you talked to Demetri. He has experience with Jane's recent pregnancy and he can possibly put your mind at ease."

I lifted my fingers to let him know I was finished. I looked up into his brooding face hoping to see his features relaxed and some understanding at what I had said. But no, not my husband, his face became more taught, but his eyes betrayed his thoughts. He looked….hurt. He turned away from me.

"Edward…talk to me." I whispered. He stood stone still saying nothing and my heart sank.

"I need to go downstairs." He muttered and with that he left me in the room without another glance in my direction.

I wanted to weep, scream and laugh all at the same time. This man made me crazy, but I still loved him so. Determined not to wallow, I went downstairs and saw Jane and Alice playing with Marcus in the front room.

Since we haven't told the family yet of our news, I was reluctant to seek advice but I needed help.

"Evening Alice, Jane. Ohhh, look at how sweet this angel is tonight." I tickled Marcus' chubby cheek, which garnered a giggle from the sweet boy.

We quietly played with the baby while I worked up my courage to ask for Jane's advice. Resolved and determined I finally asked.

"Jane, do you think we could go outside for a moment? I have to ask you something?" Alice smiled that knowing smile of hers, as if she could see my future already and knew what I wanted.

"Of course. Alice would you sit with Marcus for awhile?'

"Sure, me and this little man are quite happy at present." She smiled down at the baby who was currently blowing tiny bubbles.

Jane and I went outside but I was too restless to sit on the porch.

"Can we walk for a bit?" I asked.

"Sure, it's a lovely night to do just that." Jane replied.

We walked in silence for a minute, my mind swimming with questions.

"Bella, I see something is troubling you, please let me help you if I can."

"Thank you Jane. I know you can, I just don't know where to start. You see, Edward and I just found out we are having a baby."

Jane squealed in delight. " Oh my, I'm so happy for you both."

"Thank you, we are going to tell the family soon but first I need your advice. Edward, as you know, tends to worry exceedingly…"

Jane tried to suppress a giggle but failed miserably. "Sorry, its just….a bit of an understatement for your husband, especially if it concerns you."

I smiled at her. "Yes I know and I love him for that but now…."

"Ah, I see, it's even worse."

"Yes! Was Demetri like that with you?" I wondered.

Jane smiled, her mind going through her memories of the first few days of her pregnancy.

"The first few days, yes. He wouldn't let me do anything. He thought I should lie abed all day. I told him over and over that I was fine and whenever I did any work he would get upset and go pout in the kitchen. Finally Dr. and Mrs. Cullen came for Sunday dinner and I had them explain to Demetri what I could and couldn't do. It helped Demetri relax and even though he was still watching over me he wasn't stopping me from doing my work."

"That's exactly how Edward is behaving, I told him to go speak with your husband because he has experienced living with a pregnant wife. He left the room, upset. I don't know where he is right now but I do hope he talks to your husband."

Jane gave me a quick hug. "Don't worry Bella. I'm sure everything will be fine."

That creepy dreadful feeling was back causing me to shudder.

"I hope so Jane." I sighed

Edward POV

I left our bedroom angry, hurt and confused. Wasn't it my job to protect Bella and our children? I needed to know that she was safe, healthy and happy.

Unfortunately she didn't seem happy with me. I was so conflicted. I wanted Bella to be free from any harm or hurt but she didn't seem to want my protection, it irritated her. Did she not think I would care for her properly?

She said she was tired; she should have welcomed my attention, wanting to make sure she rested as needed. Was that so bad?

I ran my hand through my hair, my frustration mounting. Women! A total mystery.

Would I ever understand….probably not, I sighed.

I thought it might be best if I did talk with Demetri, he was a recent father. Did he have these issues with his wife?

I found him in the kitchen preparing for tomorrow. He saw me when I walked in and immediately offered me a quick hello.

"Hey Boss, you want some coffee?"

" Sure Demetri that would be great." I sat down at the small table as Demetri put down a cup for me.

"Thanks."

Demetri turned around, as he went back to his task.

I sat there contemplating how to broach the subject with him, but Demetri was always a perceptive man and beat me to the punch.

"You ok Edward? You don't seem yourself tonight." He asked sincerely.

"No, truth is I'm not. I need to ask you something. Could you sit for a minute?'

"Sure, what's on your mind?"

"Well you see Bella and I just found out that we are going to parents."

"Boss that's great. What could be upsetting you then, you should be happy as a lark." His brows furrowed with worry.

"I am over the moon about the baby. Bella and I are thrilled but….the truth is Bella isn't taking it serious enough." I explained.

"Well that doesn't sound like Bella. What is she doing?"

"Honestly everything. She's still working; lifting, not resting…doesn't she understand the dangers? She should be sitting comfortably with her feet up." I blew out an exasperated breath.

What happened next shocked me. Demetri began to laugh. Laugh! What the hell could be funny about that! I scowled.

"Now Edward don't go getting in a twist. I'm not laughing at you. It was just a memory I had of the first days after Jane found out she was pregnant with Marcus."

"What happened? Was she as stubborn as my wife? What did you do?" I peppered him with questions.

"Well truth is Boss, it was what she did to me." He chuckled. "You see I reacted the same way you did. I wanted her to stay in bed but she insisted she had to work. I would make her lie down and then come down here to work. When I'd go and check on her I would find her doing her chores around the house. We would argue, she would get mad and walk away from me and I would stomp back into the kitchen. That lasted for 3 days."

"Three days? What happened?"

"That Sunday your aunt and uncle came for dinner and after the meal my wife made them explain to me what she could handle while she was with child. I realized I had made a mistake, Jane was fine, she could work but she knew when she needed to rest or ask for help."

"Yeah Bella had said something like that but isn't it our jobs to protect them?"

"Yes it is and it's their job to protect the baby, but our women know how much is too much and if they need us they will ask because they know we are always there for them.

I do understand how you feel Ed, it's hard feeling like you can't control the situation but you have to understand that your wife is a smart, loving woman. She knows she needs to rest and she will when there is a need. As the baby grows she will have to slow down and she will. Bella would never do anything to jeopardize your baby."

"I know, I'm just scared. If anything were to happen to them…" My throat tightened with fear.

"I get it, my family is my life but I can't hover over them either, as much as I want to it's not what they need me to do. I really don't think they would like that much anyway." He chuckled.

"Thanks Demetri, I appreciate you talking to me. If I have any more questions would you mind if I asked you?'

"Nah, you can talk to me anytime."

"Oh and if you can keep this news to yourself for awhile, we haven't told the family yet."

"Sure Edward. Now go talk to your wife, I'm sure she is worried about you."

"I will, have a good night."

"Night Boss."

I left the kitchen feeling better knowing that I wasn't the only one who had felt this way. I was still a bit unsettled, my mind warring with itself. I knew my need for Bella's safety had caused us some grief, yet I continued to let it get the better of me.

I decided to walk to the stables to clear my mind before I saw Bella. I had to apologize again and I wanted my thoughts clear.

I reached the stables and I could hear one of the hands bedding down the horses.

I went in and found James brushing down the black mare. He looked up and smiled. He was still riding high from his proposal and I was so happy for him.

"Hi James, you need some help?" I asked.

"Hey E, help is always appreciated but I'm surprised to see you here this time of night."

"I know, I was just taking a walk and I heard you in here."

"Well it was good timing, I need to drop some bales of hay from the loft and it will go much smoother with two of us doing it."

"Ok, I'll head up and start shifting bales." I climbed the loft ladder, almost reaching the top when the rung I was on let go.

I felt myself falling, I tried to grab onto the ladder but my grip wasn't tight enough. I fall, landing on the barn floor. Pain shot through my arm and my head slapped the ground, bouncing off the floor.

I hurt, my body felt heavy, and the light from the barn grew dimmer.

"Edward!"

I heard my name being called in the distance but I couldn't respond.

Darkness invaded…everything went silent.

End Note: Oh no...what do you think will happen next? I know :) the next chapter is outlined I just need to find time to write it among all of the holiday craziness..dont know when that will be but Im hoping 2 weeks. Thank you all for your support and kind words.