Twilight and its characters are owned by Stephenie Meyer and only Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended with the posting of this story. Again though… Stalker and Care Bear belong to me so please respect!

A/N: Settle in it's another long one. *wink*

Noisy Distractions

Chapter 36

~*Bella*~

My fists were still trembling at my sides when my friends finally caught up to me, their own faces torn over what to do next as they quickly realized something needed to be done before Edward came looking for me and found out we'd had a few wedding crashers.

I couldn't believe he'd actually come, that he had actually thought I would grant him access to my wedding reception. If he wasn't completed fucked in the head before, he was now. I thought he would surely let me have my day, understanding that there was nothing he could do to change the events that were taking place, but he was apparently still having a hard time accepting the fact that at this point in my life, I could die happy if I never saw his face again.

Seeing his miserable demeanor had of course left a mark, and I was more livid over that than anything else. In a split second he had managed to take away all my happiness, all my joy, with one solemn stare from a hundred feet away.

"Bella, are you okay?" Alice asked hastily while taking my hands into hers to pull me further away from the intruders at the entrance of the hotel. I could hear Jasper and Sam yelling at Paul from across the room. People were beginning to whisper and stare. I also noticed that more people were coming out from the banquet hall and knew it would be only seconds before Edward would also appear through the double oak doors.

"I'm fine. He stayed away. Paul was the one who approached me," I told her while sucking back the impending tears that would expose my distress. Why am I letting him get to me? Why can't I simply turn it off and be a cold hearted bitch who doesn't give a fuck?

Before Alice was able to get me safely through the doors I heard more commotion come from behind me, and by now the security team was rushing past us to get to the confrontation we had just left behind.

My heart fell further into my stomach as I saw Edward talking to Emmett, who was doing his best to hold him back. He knew, and he wanted to do something about it. That was frighteningly obvious. His best friend seemed to be doing a good job though at keeping him guarded, which relieved me, but didn't help make matters any better.

As soon as I was beside them I was pleading for Edward to calm down, insisting that I was okay and that everything was alright.

"It's not okay, Bella! He crossed the line for the last time. He knew better than to show his face here."

"And now he will most likely go to jail for it. Please don't go along with him," I begged while extending my arm out to run my hand across his shoulder. "He just wanted to know what the babies are. He didn't even come up to me, it was Paul. Jacob kept his distance," I assured him as Esme and Charlie joined us.

"The police have him now," Charlie informed us solemnly. He looked just as broken up about the situation as I felt, but I didn't dare show those feelings.

I hated Jake more than ever, but I didn't want him to go to jail.

"Why did he have to be so stupid?" I yelled feeling as though the walls in the room were started to close in on me all of the sudden.

"Because he's a fucking moron," Emmett announced, and Esme quickly sent a slap upside his head.

"Language," she warned with a caring scowl.

"Bella, Edward, let's sit down and enjoy the party. He's gone, it's over. There's nothing more that needs to be done by either of you except to forget about this and get back to having a good time. Don't give him the satisfaction of ruining this day for you," she advised us and squeezed my arm affectionately.

I looked up at Edward, knowing my mother in law was right. We had to forget about the hiccup that was brought on and get back to our guests who had noticed something was wrong.

"I'm going to talk to the police first," Edward replied with a kiss to my forehead as he rubbed his hands up and down my arms.

Charlie didn't seem thrilled with this idea. "And say what?" He asked while crossing his arms.

"I want to make sure they know the severity of the situation."

"He didn't hurt anyone Edward. He didn't even approach Bella," He pointed out. "Listen to your mother and let it go. Get back to having a good time. That's what matters."

Edward stood still, looking back and forth between all three of us and I quickly reminded myself that it was important to breathe during these situations.

"Let's eat some cake. Please?" I asked softly and went on to tug on his jacket towards our table, where Alice and Jasper were standing by watching as the situation calmed down.

Edward let out a grunt then nodded his head half heartedly. "Okay, fine. You're right." His words helped calm me almost instantly, but his kiss was what finally made it all go away.

"I'm sorry, baby. I really wish this hadn't happened," he whispered into my ear while we walked back to our table.

"What's done is done. Now it's time to forget about it. We still have two hours left, we can make them memorable for the right reasons." I smiled and kissed his cheek as I kept rubbing over my belly where one of our babies had just kicked. "Oh! See, even they agree!" I added with a laugh then took his hand to place it over the area where they were saying hello with their own little love taps.

"I can hardly believe in eleven week's time we could be meeting them," he replied with a contagious grin and rubbed the spot gently before pulling a chair out for me at our table.

"You guys okay? Is there anything we can do?" Jasper asked looking stressed beyond belief.

"All is well. We're moving on and letting the police deal with it," Edward answered him as he took his seat beside me. I offered a smile and shook my head in agreement while Alice looked on at us apologetically.

"No one died, Al. Sit and eat some cake with us," I suggested with a smirk. "Have some pink cake with me," I added. She smiled a forced grin and nodded her head before pulling her plate over towards her. "I'm fine, really. No meltdown. Nothing will keep us from enjoy the rest of the evening, okay?"

"Alright, deal. I just really wish I could have kicked him in the nuts before the police got here."

I snorted at her statement and pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you so much for everything, pixie. For making this day wonderful… for pushing me to open myself up to this wonderful man sitting beside me, for taking me to California, and for always being the best friend I need. You mean the world to me and without you I have a feeling my life would be unbelievably different, and not for the better," I insisted while hugging my arms around her from where we sat.

"Oh, Belly. Now you've gone and made me cry!" She stuttered and reached for a napkin from the table to dab under her eyes and wipe her nose. "Please don't make me smear my makeup, I've done so well today!"

I laughed effortlessly and kissed her cheek before dabbing some cake icing onto the tip her nose. "How's that for makeup smearing?" I teased between my giggles.

"Hey, I thought we were the ones who were supposed to have a cake fight!" Edward exclaimed and before I knew it I had my own nose covered in icing. Everyone around us laughed along as I returned the favor to my husband and covered both his cheeks with the sweet, white, sugary substance.

Like that, we had absentmindedly moved past the bullshit and towards better things. I'd never been more grateful for our skills in forgetting about my twisted history. Our lives had been joined and there was no reason to allow any outside forces control our destiny or our outlook on the future.

No reason at all.

The ride to the airport was long and quiet. I wasn't ready to say goodbye but I knew I could do it now that I had everything in the world I could've ever dreamed of having. Bree's head was resting against my belly while her tiny thumb bobbed back and forth in her mouth, her other arm hugging me tightly. She was fast asleep and so far our plan was working perfectly. It was eleven p.m. and we had just said all our farewells to our friends and family outside the venue of our reception. I'd somehow managed to not shed too many tears.

It had helped that Charlie told me he'd like to fly out and visit in a few weeks if we'd have him.

Saying goodbye to him had turned into the hardest part of it all. I'd once thought it was the city that kept me grounded and complete but it was clear to me that it had more to do with the people in the city than its actual existence. But I would have Alice on the West Coast. As long as I had her, I'd manage. Plus, Edward promised we would be back at least once before the babies arrived.

"We should land in L.A. at around eleven. I told Jane we'd drop off Bree tonight, then we can head home."

"M'kay. Sounds good. I think I'll probably sleep with Bree on the plane," I admitted with a yawn.

"I may have to join you. It's been quite a day."

"A wonderful day. I don't think it could have gone any better, all things considered."

Edward smiled warmly at me and nodded, then pulled my own head down to rest against his shoulder.

"You're probably right about that, Mrs. Cullen. It was a monumental day," he said with one more kiss before instructing the cab driver to drop us off outside of the American Airlines terminal.

Once we were in L.A. Edward called Jane to let her know we were on our way, but she didn't answer her phone, something that annoyed my husband beyond the usual.

When we pulled up in front of his ex's house there was an unfamiliar car parked out front. I heard Edward mumble something under his breath about house calls close to midnight along with what sounded like the word "cock," but figured I had to have heard him wrong because surely he wouldn't be insinuating that Jane was having a booty call… with a cock.

"You should stay here. I'll be right back." He kissed my lips deeply then walked around to the back of the car to lift Bree's sleeping body from the back seat so that he could carry her up to her mother's door.

I watched the exchange from a hundred feet away, messing with the radio dial every once in a while so I could try to make out some of what they were saying to each other. It had noticeably taken her quite a bit of time to answer the door and when she did she didn't seem to be wearing much more than a robe. I saw arms began flailing and considered getting out to see what the problem was. They were unmistakably arguing, but about what I had no idea. Unless my suspicions had been right, and I really had heard Edward correctly.

That's when I saw the curtain from her bedroom move and noticed the shadow of a figure also shift from behind it.

Tanya was in India, though.

Shit. She does have someone here with her.

I watched on in shock as Edward handed Bree over to his ex. They shared a few more heated words and a few seconds later he was heading back towards our car with an angry expression on his face.

"Everything okay?" I asked after he didn't say anything.

"Fine, just Jane being Jane. I wasn't going to leave Bree but she pulled the India card on me."

"There was someone there?" I asked, timid about my forwardness.

"Yeah. Garrett," he mumbled and peeled away from her house.

"What? As in, her attorney? Isn't he married?"

"That never stops, Jane." The car jerked abruptly at a red light and I instantly noticed his knuckles turned white over the steering wheel in front of him.

Why did he care so much? And what did he mean that never stops Jane?

Poor Tanya.

"I don't want to talk about it. Let's just get home. We get Bree back Saturday for the weekend, that will give us a week to get locked away with nothing but each other to entertain ourselves." He answered, quickly changing the subject.

I watched him questioningly and bit my lip, wishing that this would not be the mood he would stay in on our wedding night. I had purposely slept on the plane so I would be well rested for our first night together as husband and wife. Pregnant or not, I was determined to consummate our marriage, and with style.

I reached out and stroked his leg which brought his eyes to mine, softening them acutely.

Much better. There's my husband.

"I'm sorry. I know I'm being ridiculous, but it's because I don't want her to fuck up the family she's made for Bree with Tanya. They have a good thing, and Bree really loves her. Jane is being extremely selfish. I had hoped she'd grown up, but it's obvious now that she hasn't. Some things will never change."

I wasn't sure how to respond, so I said nothing. I redirected my eyes out towards the street lights, praying over and over again that he would be over it by the time we pulled into our driveway. It bothered me slightly to see him so worked up. A part of me wondered if there was some jealousy layered in his reaction but I didn't want to entertain that thought for too long so I quickly began reciting the alphabet backwards in my head as a distraction.

Something Bree had taught me.

The rest of the drive was silent aside from the slow rock music playing in the background from the cars stereo. Edward reached out to take my hand after a few minutes, giving it a few loving pulses that helped settle my nerves once we were a few blocks from the cottage.

Things would be okay. Bottom line, he was mine and I was his. I couldn't expect him to stop caring about the person who had given him his daughter. That would be like asking him to forget all about the person who had given him his own life.

He would get over the disappointment and we would still have our evening together.

When we arrived home he was fast to make his way around the front of the car so that he could help me out and I giggled when he shocked me by lifting me up to cradle me in his arms.

"I get to carry my bride through the threshold," he informed me smugly and followed it up by leaning in to kiss me. I moaned against his mouth and let my hands get tangled in his hair, bringing our kiss deeper.

"As long as I don't break your back in the process, I will allow it." I snickered when our lips parted.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm hardly breaking a sweat here," he teased then kicked the car door closed behind him and began the walk up to our entryway.

"Welcome to your home away from home, Mrs. Cullen." I smirked against his neck while we made our way further inside, goose bumps cascading across my body as he called me by my new name.

"You can put me down now," I insisted while kicking my legs in the air.

He obliged with a hesitant grin then smacked my ass playfully before shooting me a wink and suggested I go change while he brought all of our stuff in from the car. I agreed excitedly, anxious to slip out of my traveling clothes.

After walking over to my dresser I slowly pulled out the sexy black lingerie number Alice had persuaded me to buy the previous week and smiled at my reflection in the mirror as I held it up in front of me. I hadn't gotten dressed up for Edward in a while, I knew it would be a nice surprise for him. It didn't take my best friend long to convince me that the silky lace fabric would be a big hit on our special night.

I tossed my dress across the room onto the ottoman and kicked my boots off to slip the soft material over my head, then stepped into the matching lace bikini briefs before going into the bathroom to apply some fresh lipstick to my lips.

I pulled on my thin robe and made my way back out into the kitchen to get a glass of water because I could tell my body was needing it after the long flight. I dropped a few ice cubes into my mug and heard Edward come in from behind me, heading straight to the back of the house to drop our stuff off. After glancing out at the ocean I was suddenly feeling drawn to sit outside so that I could enjoy our beautiful backyard before doing anything else. It was calming to sit out there at night and we needed some calm before things got heated up in the best of ways.

I pulled my robe closed and glanced back one last time before making my way to the back door. Edward was nowhere in sight but I could hear him rummaging around in our bedroom so I decided he would be awhile and walked over to the hammock on the porch. I knew he still needed some cool down time so I was determined to not rush anything.

"Baby, it's cold out here. You should have a blanket," Edward's voice startled me a few minutes later from the back door.

"I'm okay, the air feels nice. Although, if you'd like to come sit beside me and warm me up, that would be welcomed too," I hinted and re-crossed my legs flirtatiously.

"I think that's doable. You look beautiful out here, under this light," he whispered into my ear the moment he was beside me. I kicked the hammock back with my feet and let my body relax against the back of it while we rocked forward and backward, his mouth reconnecting with mine. My hands were restlessly tugging at his messy hair with every touch of his hand on my needy body.

He was finally mine and I was finally his. Never in my life would I ever be more connected with anyone else. He was it for me, and in making me his wife he'd made me the happiest I knew I'd ever be. He'd loved me for me from the very beginning. Through it all, he'd never given up or made me feel bad for my mistakes. He'd accepted me for me, and loved me all the more for my many flaws. Edward had stepped into my life to show me how remarkable life could be and for the rest of my days I would love him for being my knight in shining armor.

"I love you so much," I whispered hastily into his ear while his teeth grazed my own earlobe and his hands massaged my breasts from the outside of my robe. Our lips met again and I was instantly craving, more than ever, to have all of him.

I smiled after breaking our kiss to untie the drawstring so I could kick my leg out further, revealing what I had put on for him. I was on a mission to not feel self-conscious over the jumbo belly I was also sporting. Edward had insisted from the beginning that he loved everything about my ever-growing robust midsection so I sucked back my nervousness and gave him a smirk before impulsively biting on my bottom lip.

"I love you, Care Bear. From the very first time I laid my eyes on you. I will love you every day for the rest of my existence. You are my entire life. Thank you for becoming my better half," he whispered softly in return and brushed my hair back from my face with his index finger.

"If you're done serving your cheese, I'll have you know that it is you who's my better half. Not the other way around," I mocked then poked his chest before grabbing a cushion to toss it on the ground in front of him. He eyed me suspiciously and cocked his brow while I scooted myself in front of him onto my knees. "Drop 'em, Mr. Cullen," I ordered with my own raised brow and snapped the elastic of his sleeping pants.

"Well when you put it that way, Mrs. Cullen."

He shifted the weight of his hips from side to side while I helped slide his pants and boxers down past his ankles, then set the articles of clothing on the seat beside him while my other hand began working the rock hard perfection which was already at full attention a few inches away from my insanely watery and hungry mouth.

"Jesus, fuck. You're good at what you do." Edward moaned as I positioned myself closer to him.

"I will always aim to please my husband," I promised trying to sound as submissive as possible. He stared down at me and grazed my bottom lip with his finger before sliding it between my lips suggestively. I slowly swiped my tongue around it and brought it further into my mouth before releasing it back to him with a lick of my lips.

"I think I'd like something bigger now, Mr. Cullen," I shared while my other hand gestured for him to scoot forward a little so I'd have better access to the meat I desired.

"You know I'm perfectly fine with skipping all this and getting right to the romantic love making, right?" He offered, not sounding convincing at all. I hushed him with a finger over his mouth and rashly brought the tip of his flawlessness to my lips before taking in all of him.

"Fuck, Mrs. Cullen. You spoil me," he moaned laughingly after I'd slid my mouth up and down his shaft a few times. My hand worked together with my mouth to bring moan after moan through his satisfied lips and I was already feeling pretty good about myself and my skills when he warned me he would be reaching his limit soon if I didn't slow down.

I removed my mouth from his throbbing cock and grinned up at him.

"I hope you're not expecting to see stars only once tonight. I have big plans for us," I teased and cupped his jewels in my hand to bring those into my mouth next.

"Fucking-A, Bella. We can do this for the next five days if you like. You will get no complaints from me. I fucking promise." He growled and tugged on my hair so I'd look back up into his eyes. I returned my attention to his firm dick, pulsing it several times in my hand before bringing it back to my lips as I raised my body up higher onto my knees so that my other hand could reach his nipple, giving it a playful tweak, which again caused him to pull at my hair. I smiled with my eyes while he panted down at me with an unbelievable look of gratification.

"Shit, baby. I'm going to cum now," he warned hoarsely. I nodded and brought him further into my mouth, closing my eyes and feeling the warm salty goodness slide down my throat while my hand continued to pump at his cock in rhythmic speed. After gazing up at him I shocked him one final time by licking the tip of his flawless mushroom before allowing him to unhook himself from my hair.

"How was that for a wifey?"

"Un-fucking-believable," he breathed out and let his body fall back into the hammock while I got myself up off the pillow on the ground.

"Good. First mission has been accomplished then." I giggled and laid back beside him to look up at the stars above us as my ears settled on the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach shore mixed with my husband's heavy breathing.

"How many missions will you be conquering this evening?" He asked, the sound of his voice making my lady parts drip and long to be touched by him.

"As many as you're willing to join me in," I told him with a gulp.

I had been meaning to take matters into my hands as much as possible, wanting to show what I was willing to provide him with from the now until forever, but my entire plan was destroyed when he spoke in that seductive, panty-shredding, I'm-going-to-make-you-forget-your-name tone.

Edward raised himself up and stood much to my surprise, signaling for me to get up with him as he extended out his hand. Sensing and more than willing to comply with what he had in mind, I did exactly that and allowed him to guide me inside. My body tingled and broke out into a sweat as we got closer to the bedroom, the anticipation becoming almost intolerable. Something about the fact that we were husband and wife intensified the feelings significantly. I felt like I would melt into a puddle of goo at any given minute.

Once we had both stepped in the room, Edward went on to close the door shut and locked it like he had earlier promised. My heart skipped and cart-wheeled at the thought of being locked away with him for hours upon hours; it seemed like the best way to spend eternity.

One minute I stood mesmerized, staring at his face in expectation, and the next I was being pressed against the wall, my face cradled by vigorous hands and my mouth kissed and licked by the softest lips I'd ever felt. Taking me by the hips, Edward moved us to the edge of the bed, not once separating himself from me. His hands did their familiar exploration over my body, his fingers tracing all inches as his teeth nibbled down on my lower lip.

He took his time in removing the little amount of fabric I had on, idolizing me with his eyes and expressing his appreciation with his tongue. I was a wreck before he had even managed to drop every article of clothing on the floor beneath us. I took his cue and scooted back on the bed, lying on my back as my chest heaved. I watched him on and practically salivated, rendered completely unconscious when he rid himself of all his clothes.

His body towered over mine as he joined me, his nose nuzzling into my hair and his lips kissing behind my ear. "God, I love you." He skimmed down to my neck and placed more open-mouthed pecks, causing every hair on my body to stand. "You have no idea how much."

I held him in place by holding onto his beautiful set of hair, whimpering and lifting myself up as his tongue tasted me.

"I think I do." His hands fondled my breasts with more need, quicker and with a lot more intensity. He was as ready to have me as I was him. "Please. I want you."

Always providing me with what I needed, Edward abided and sunk into me, not taking long before he started moving and sending me to another world. Everything he did, every kiss and every thrust, felt familiar yet foreign to me. Nothing yet everything had changed after our promises to each other of forever. All sensations were accentuated for him as well. I could feel it in his movements and hear it in the new sounds he was making, something that had me arching up and fingering the sheets for dear life as I fought not to scream. He was both fucking and making love to me, if that were even possible.

We went on for what I thought were hours, changing our position and me getting on top even if not long before he took over again, taking pleasure in what we each had to give more than any other time.

My body clenched and an all-consuming shudder ran through me as my heart pounded to life. I could see it wouldn't take him much more either. His pants were becoming deafening and his thrusts hurried. I fisted his neck and brought his lips to mine deliriously, aching to taste him as I came undone and in order to stifle our moans and groans.

Life as we knew it was over in that moment when our bodies exploded and surrendered as one.

Spending the rest of our lives together had never felt like more of a gift.

Almost a month had past in L.A. and it was the truth that the time had passed as quickly as a blink of the eye. I was surprised by how smoothly I could fall into a routine in my brand new surroundings, but I seemed to fit in here on the west coast and I was determined to not question that or admit that I could possibly be absolutely okay with the idea of making it our permanent residence. Maybe.

The baby nursery was just about complete thanks to Alice and Rose. They had done an amazing job at helping me pick out a new theme and find the perfect furniture pieces as well as wall decorations. Knowing that we were having a little boy and a little girl had even made it a bit more fun this time around.

We'd decided to do murals on the wall of the city skyline. Huge skyscrapers and important city foundations like Broadway, the Statue of Liberty and in the far left corner of the room, between the two cribs, Central Park. I'd loved the idea as soon as Alice had suggested it and ran with it before we could even consider anything else.

"Bring the city to you and the babies, Bells. It makes total sense. Perfect cure for your home sickness," had been her words. I had hugged her into unconsciousness for always knowing the right thing to say.

I could hardly believe I was really thirty-one weeks pregnant. Looking at me anyone would think I was ready to pop but I still needed to get at least six more weeks under my belt for them to be full term. I had high hopes of making it even though I already missed the sight of my toes. It was incredible to me the amount of belly growth I had gone through in a mere four weeks. When I looked through my sketch book and at the drawings of my ever growing midsection in sequence it truly amazed me that my body was capable of such a transformation.

Today was an exciting day. Charlie was coming for a long weekend visit. I was a bit shocked when he actually called to follow through with his request to come out. Charlie never left the bar. He didn't trust anyone enough to keep watch on things but times had certainly changed and he was about to become a grandfather, I suppose that was the motivation he needed to develop some trust in Sam so that he could hand over the keys for four days.

"Are you ready to head to the airport?" Edward asked as he leaned against the door. I looked up from the rocking chair in the corner of the nursery and smiled towards my husband.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied then took in a deep breath as he made his way into the room to help me up out of the chair. I could have handled it on my own, sure it wouldn't be graceful, but I didn't want him thinking I was already in need of assistance with still a month and a half to go so I brushed him away. "I've got this," I insisted with a determined glare and he backed away with a smirk, hands held up in the air.

After three counts I rocked the chair forward and got myself up onto my own two feet then smirked back at him feeling accomplished.

"Bravo. Nicely done," he toyed then kissed my forehead and rubbed my belly gently. "How are you feeling?"

And there it was. The question I must receive at least twenty times a day.

"I feel great aside from having several bowling balls in front of me." I took his hand as we made our way out to the car so we could head to the airport to pick up my newest family member.

"Nah, maybe two. Not several," He joked playfully and I gave his arm a swat.

"Be nice."

"I am! You look gorgeous. I can paint your toe nails for you later if you'd like."

"Har, har. You're just full of knee slappers today, aren't you?" I mocked back while his arm made its way behind my hip to pull me up against him.

"I just like seeing you smile," he replied honestly before opening the car door for me.

"Well, I appreciate the effort."

He grinned and kissed my lips before helping me get into the passenger side.

That I did need some help with, and I wasn't ashamed to still allow him some night in shining armor moments every once in awhile.

Charlie's stay with us had been far too short but Edward reminded me that in four more weeks we would be going back to the city and I would see him again. We had no choice but to put off our original trip back home after Jane decided that she would need us in town during the week we were scheduled to go back. I hadn't questioned her motives, but I knew there was something to her sudden request. Especially when it came the day after Edward had told her we would be going away.

I'd been feeling anxious the last few days with having Charlie around so I was looking forward to my meeting with James this afternoon. He wanted to come by and take a look at the new sketches I had finished, and since Edward was going to be home working from his office at our house, I was comfortable enough to have him over.

"B, I think James' is here. Can you let him in or should I get it?" Edward called from the other room. I was setting things up in the living room and told him I could handle such a mission as I walked to answer the door. I opened them right as James was making his way up the paved stepping stones past the white picket fence and smiled a hello.

"Bella, you look lovely."

"Thanks. I feel gi-nor-mous," I told him with an unsure smile.

"Nonsense. You look gorgeous, really."

Jesus, does this man have a preggo fetish or something? How his looks could still send a chill down my spine from time to time was beyond me, but there was definitely still something lingering in his eyes and he didn't seem too concerned about keeping it hidden.

"Well, come in. I have everything laid out already, Edward is working in his office but you can say hello," I informed him and started making my way back inside without waiting for him to follow.

"Hey, Cullen. Working hard or hardly working?"

Good, God. He did not just say that. There was no other phrase in the world that annoyed me more when it came to work related conversations. I'd never forget the day Charlie uttered it for the first time. I'd nearly bitten his head off for it.

"Same old, James. Working on getting Victoria a meeting with the new director of the next Spider Man flick."

"Nice. That would be a good role for her. I read the script last week and thought maybe your Irina would be good for that too."

I rolled my eyes at their discussion and continued to move myself into the living room to leave the boys with their shop talk while I finished setting my stuff out. A few minutes later I heard James clear his throat from behind and it almost made me jump out of my shoes.

"Jesus. You shouldn't sneak up on a pregnant woman like that!" I warned without meaning to sound so flustered.

"Sorry, Isabella."

"Bella."

"Right. Sorry, Bella."

What's with the increased level of creepiness? Christ.

"These are great. Really, really wonderful. Laurent is still raving about the few he's already seen, he said your meeting went well. Good job by the way. He was absolutely smitten with you. He actually has several collectors interested in your show already. No pressure, though."

"Oh, no. None at all." I smirked, feeling a bit proud of myself for having made such an impression on the gallery owner.

"So let's see. Wow, it really is amazing the transformation you've undergone. The human body is a wondrous thing."

I nodded in agreement and picked up my favorite so he could have a closer look. It was of me, Edward and Bree on our wedding day, dancing with each other on the dance floor. Her little hands in both mine and Edwards while we circled the room with smiles on our faces.

"It was a perfect ceremony, wasn't it? Phil showed me some pictures last week, you were a lovely bride."

"Er, thanks. It was a perfect day."

"Aside from your ex showing up, I'm assuming?"

"It was still a perfect day," I insisted, wanting to leave Jacob out of our conversation. I'd done a very good job at not thinking about him, and I wasn't about to start now.

"I really love this one of you at twenty-nine weeks." I smiled and nodded again. It was a random sketch, one I'd decided to do of myself sitting on the bed with my legs out in front of me. A Bella point of view drawing of nothing but my midsection and lower body.

"I was bored and lazy that day."

"Which you are entitled to be from time to time these days," he responded then handed the drawing back to me. "These are looking fantastic. It will be a wonderful collection. How many more are you planning on having finished before those two enter the world?" James asked poking at my belly.

I took a small step back, feeling some unease over his touch and shrugged. "I want to keep drawing until I'm too busy to draw," I answered. "It's a great distraction. The nursery is just about complete so really it's the only thing I have right now that's keeping my mind off the big life change that's a few weeks away."

"Sounds perfect to me. Laurent has promised to have enough room for fifty pieces, but you don't need to meet that quota. You truthfully have plenty now, though I think people who come to see your work would like to see it through, all the way to the birth of Baby A and Baby B. Do you have names chosen yet?"

"No. Well… I have a girl name I like, but we haven't really talked about names yet. At least not in a serious discussion," I told him as Edward came into the room grinning at me as though he were up to something.

"Ah, well take your time. Whatever you chose, it will stick with them for the rest of their lives," James replied.

"Yeah, that's usually how it works." I laughed and made my way over towards Edward to wrap my arm behind his back.

"So what do you think?" He asked his one-time boss.

"I think she continues to amaze me every time we get together. She's very talented. I can't wait for more people to see that," James answered smilingly.

"I'll have to agree with you one hundred and ten percent. Did Bella tell you we would be going back to the city in a few weeks?"

"Oh, that's right, you had to push back your original plans. I'm actually planning on heading out there myself for a week or two. Perhaps you would like to fly back with me on my private jet? I think you would be much more comfortable Bella, considering," he paused looking for the right words.

"My gigantic size?" I instead finished for him then rubbed my belly.

"Well yes, that and the fact that public airlines tend to get uneasy when they see a woman as… pregnant as you are getting on their flights."

He was right. Edward had already told me his first airline choice would not agree to let me fly with them because of my 'high risk pregnancy' and all. Chicken shits.

"That's very nice of you, James. If it works out I think we would love to take you up on that," Edward answered after I'd nodded a quick okay, signaling I was fine with the idea.

"Great, I will go ahead and arrange the flight for four weeks from now then. Will Bree be traveling with you?" He asked while taking out his Blackberry.

"Yes, she's moving in with us the day before that. Jane is heading out to India a little sooner than she had thought. She's having a difficult time getting by without her wife."

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing the little Princess again. Well then I guess I should be on my way. Bella, keep up the inspiring work. Edward, take care of her and yourself. See you at the office tomorrow."

I said goodbye and grimaced behind James as he gave me a light hug.

Creep factor was still blaring in the back of my head, even though he had promised us a luxury private flight back to the city in a few weeks.

Edward and I thanked him again for his offer and I stayed back while he walked his business partner back outside to his car that was waiting for him in front of our home.

I was itching to draw some more so I wasted no time, grabbing my pad and pencils so that I could head to the back porch to sit in my new favorite spot that looked out at the ocean instead of city sky scrapers.

Another two weeks passed and today we would get to see our little boy and little girl at their thirty third week check up. Dr. Clair had turned out to be a very nice OB/GYN but I was still missing the kindness and compassion that I'd felt during my visits with Dr. Young.

"I predict you will cry today," Edward randomly announced while we were sitting in the examination room waiting for the doctor to come in.

"I'm sorry, what?" I replied with a laugh then kicked him playfully from where I sat.

"You cried at the Hallmark commercial this morning. You are totally going to sob when you see our babies today," he told me with a chuckle.

"Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants. First off, that commercial was damn sweet, secondly I feel no emotions pecking to be released so you can take your prediction and store it away to be used at a later time," I defended myself and stuck my tongue out at him as Dr. Clair came in with a big smile on her own face.

"If it isn't my favorite twin pregnancy couple."

"You're only saying that because we're probably your only twin pregnancy couple right now, huh?" I asked grinning back at her.

"Well… yes. But you would still be my favorite anyways. Dr. Young has been keeping very close tabs on you. I almost feel like I've been your doctor from the very beginning even though this is only our third meeting," she confessed.

"We're going to get to see her in two weeks. We'll be going back to the city one last time before the arrival of these two."

"I see. We better check to make sure they're still sitting pretty inside there without any plans of making an early arrival then."

"Ah! Please don't even joke about that, I'm determined to make it to at least thirty six weeks," I informed her.

She laughed before asking me to lay back on the table.

Don't you laugh at me!

"I have a nice surprise for you today. We just got our new 3D ultrasound machine and you guys are the first to break it in."

"Um, 3D? You mean those crazy pictures where it looks like your actual baby?" I stuttered.

"Yep."

I heard Edward mumble a low Oh wow and immediately reached out to take his hand. I'd seen pictures on the internet but wasn't sure if we'd ever have them done so this was exciting, but also very nerve racking news.

"Yeah, I'm going to cry. Stupid psychic," I mumbled to him under my breath. He smiled and stood up to come stand beside me so he could kiss the top of my head.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. Lets meet Baby A in an almost life-like way."

I took a deep breath while she covered my belly in cold gel then squeezed Edward's hand again while she moved the wand over the massiveness that was resting on top of me.

"Here we are. He's sucking his thumb," she explained while my mouth dropped open over the image that was staring back at me.

"That… that's our son?" I whispered in bewilderment then reached out to touch the screen with my other hand. "He's perfect," I choked out just before the tears started streaming down my face. Edward was quick to hand me a tissue, knowing me as well as he did. I thanked him and dried the salty tears from my cheeks to look up at him smiling down at me.

"Of course he's perfect."

"He has your nose," I murmured and he smiled even wider.

"I think so too, but I wasn't going to say that out loud. I don't need you guys making fun of me," he joked.

"Look at his tiny fingers. My God. He'sso amazing," I added then dabbed under my eyes again while the doctor moved the wand around to show us all ten fingers and toes, with his tiny legs wiggling all over the place over the pressure of the ultrasound equipment moving over my belly. I giggled feeling him kick while watching it happen on the screen in real time. It was the most unbelievable experience, unlike anything I'd ever felt, and I was more than ready to see our stubborn little girl as well.

"And here is Princess number two, only after Bree of course."

Dr. Clair lifted the wand up to move it further down my stomach and I gasped at the sight of our baby girl. It almost looked like she was waving at us and a soft laugh escaped my lips before my hand could cover my mouth.

"She's saying hello," the doctor teased then reminded me to breath.

One thing struck me, something that I wished I hadn't noticed but it was too late to change it. I'd already seen it and now it would be something that would haunt me till the day she was born.

While our little boy's face reminded me of my husband, my baby girl could easily be compared to someone else.

"She's looking good. Great positioning, good growth since our last visit. They both still seem fairly comfortable in there."

I was thankful that the doctor was talking because I knew I couldn't be trusted with any of my own words at the moment.

Had Edward noticed too or was I being completely ridiculous and seeing things that weren't really there? As amazing as the 3d images were, it was still a bit disproportioned.

I'm being crazy. Stop trying to work yourself up over nothing.

I quickly asked the doctor to see our baby boy one more time, hoping it would water down the image of my baby girl and let out an exhale as soon as it did.

No matter what, both babies would be his, I reminded myself firmly.

Both.

Two more weeks had been crossed off on our calendar in the kitchen and reality was beginning to settle in. Edward had warned me that Jane would be by to drop off Bree around nine this morning so I'd gotten up at the crack of dawn in anticipation of my step daughter's arrival. We hadn't seen her in almost two weeks, which had been her mother's doing. She insisted that she should take Bree on a Road Trip to visit Jane's parents in Texas so there was no telling the kind of mood our little princess would be in when she got here after being away from anything and everything familiar for the last eleven days. Edward had foreshadowed that the first few days with Bree could be tough so I'd done my best to prepare myself for what might be heading our way.

I'd offered to cancel our trip back home, but Edward had insisted that it would still be okay to go, that it was probably our last week to get out there before the twins arrived and we either continued with our plans or we would have to wait for sometime after they were born. Once he'd brought that up I became fairly selfish and determined that we make the transition as easy as possible for Bree, but that I needed to visit my home, my security blanket, one more time before becoming a mother.

There was a light knock on the door, then I heard little giggles run in from the entry way towards the kitchen where I was currently making some chocolate chip pancakes on the stove in preparation.

"Mommmmma Bellaaaa! You got bigger! Yes you did!" Her squeaky voice exclaimed as soon as she'd latched herself around me. I smiled and smoothed the hair back on top of her head then did my best to hug her back in my fairly large state just as Jane entered the room clutching her daughter's suitcase to her chest. She looked like she was on the verge of tears over their impending goodbyes and for a moment my heart felt for her. This was the decision she and Tanya had made though, and I knew Edward and I would take good care of Bree. I also knew that Jane hadn't been the most honest or trustworthy person over the last few weeks so the entire situation seemed fairly fucked to me. Why she would agree to move to another country for someone when she'd been shacking up with someone else… of the opposite sex for the last month… it was beyond my understanding but it was her baggage. I'd decided I would stay out of it.

"Good morning, Jane. Did you have a nice trip?" I asked making conversation. She was too busy staring at my huge stomach which Bree was currently raining tiny kisses all over. I cleared my throat and waved my hand again trying to gain her attention. "Jane?"

"Sorry. I just can't believe how much bigger you've gotten in less than two weeks. It's pretty crazy," she answered flatly after finally looking up at me.

"Yeah, tell me about it. I can't remember what a good night's sleep feels like," I replied with a smile then flipped the pancake on the skillet beside me after Bree had released me to run and find her dad.

"Oh, I remember that. It was awful and I was only half your size."

I smiled at her again and nodded my head then asked once more how their trip had gone. I knew Jane didn't feel as fondly about me as she had during our first few meetings. She'd never expected me to become a permanent staple in Edward and Bree's life and I guess a part of me couldn't blame her for reevaluating her feelings about me. I was determined to be nothing but nice to her. I wouldn't give her a real reason to disapprove of me.

"It was great. My parents hadn't seen Bree since my wedding and that was such a short visit, it was a nice getaway, thank you for asking."

"That's good. I'm glad you had a nice time," I answered, then slid the pancakes onto a plate and picked up the whipped cream to make a happy face for Bree on top of her breakfast food, just the way she liked it.

"She hasn't eaten yet, right? Edward said you hadn't stopped because she was sleeping in the car."

"Yeah, I mean no, she hasn't eaten yet. She will love those," Jane replied quietly while watching me set the food down on the table with Bree's Disney Princess silverware set. "You're really good to her," I heard her add softly. It made me smile to hear her acknowledgment so I nodded my head in response and casually shrugged my shoulders.

"She means a lot to me," I admitted hesitantly, unsure of how she might react to that.

"I know, and that means a lot to me. I realize I haven't been very… friendly towards you, Bella."

"You haven't been a bitch either, just guarded, which is totally understandable." I went on to ask her if she was hungry for some breakfast, not wanting things to get more awkward.

"No, I have to get going. My flight leaves at noon and I still have a little packing to do. Can you get Edward for me?" She requested then took a seat at the kitchen counter, resting her chin in her hands while her elbows propped her upright.

I agreed then headed to the back of the house where I could hear Bree singing while Edward played the drums on the desk in his office.

He smiled at me and shot me a wink before bringing the song to a close by lifting Bree up into his arms to kiss her neck playfully.

"Jane has to get going. She wants to say goodbye," I told them after folding my arms over my belly. He set his little girl back down on the ground and got up as he rubbed his face.

"Bree, I made you your special pancakes. Go eat some funny faces!" I offered hoping it might be a good distraction from the goodbye that was on the horizon.

"Let's go, go, go! Face eat! Eat some funny faces!" She squealed then ran past me back towards the kitchen at full speed. I could hear her little feet skid across the wooden floors and let out my own laugh as Edward pulled me in to kiss my lips.

"And so it begins," he warned with a playful growl then brought my ear between his teeth to give it a nibble.

"I'm ready for the adventure to begin," I confirmed with another light laugh then let him guide me back out to where we would find Jane and Bree. She was already inhaling the pancakes on her plate at the table where she was sitting on her knees at the counter top.

"Morning, Jane. I hope the trip went well."

"It did. Very. My parents send their love. They said to let you know if things get chaotic once Bella has the twins not to hesitate to give them a call to take Bree off your hands for a few days. They're willing to fly into town, and I left them a key to my place," Jane told Edward and stood up looking nervous for some reason over the presence of her ex. My husband.

"I don't think that will be an issue but I will keep it in mind," he answered coolly while pouring himself some coffee.

"Okay, well… You have the number for my international phone. I'm not sure how well it will work once I get there, but Tanya's seems to work pretty good most of the time. There's always Skype too. Don't forget about that."

"Bree will have her Skype date with you every Saturday night," he assured her then shot her a wink to ease her worries. "She will be fine, I promise. We leave for the city tomorrow evening then we will be back the following Sunday."

I could see the nervousness creeping further in her expression and a part of me wanted to leave them alone for this farewell. For a moment I almost felt like an intruder in my own home and I secretly, slightly hated her for that.

"Okay then, I guess I'll be going. Bree honey, mommy loves you very much. Please be a good girl, and a great helper for Bella."

"I will mommy. I'm going to be a magical big sister," she retorted then brought another fork full of pancakes to her mouth. I giggled at the sight of her chewing her food, with her cheeks filled to the maximum then watched as Jane kissed the top of her head firmly and lifted her up from her seat to hug her tightly.

"Mommy, I'm eating the chocolate chips! The funny faces! Down!" Bree squealed adamantly while flailing her legs beneath her.

"Alright, okay. I'll see you Saturday on the computer okay?"

"Yes, okay. Saturday. Yes," Bree whispered sounding a bit bothered now over being kept away from her food.

"Good luck with everything, Bella. Child birth is no easy task, and I have no idea what pushing two out will be like, but I'm sure you'll do great having Edward as a coach. Take care of both your girls, Edward." I watched as she gave my husband a hug and saw him return the gesture feeling a twinge of jealousy sneak up on me. I looked away impulsively then hated myself for it.

What the hell Sw… er, Cullen? Get a grip. Hugs mean nothing. I reminded myself and forced the warmest smile I could conjure up.

She gave me one more wave then got into her jeep with a final glance at Edward and drove away leaving us behind.

"Alrighty, then. Let's get busy. We have a lot to do before we leave tomorrow," Edward spoke up after Jane's car was out of sight. I nodded and let him walk me back in with his hands at my hips from behind me.

I could hardly wait to be back in the city. I was itching to draw in Central Park while we were home, even though the ocean had provided plenty of inspiration, I was missing the familiarity of my city sounds and surroundings.

The flight back home had actually been wonderful. After flying on a private jet I wasn't sure how I would ever deal with flying commercial again but I didn't dare utter that out loud. Knowing Edward we would have a plane by this time next week, registered in his name.

What surprised me the most about our four hours in the air was how pleasant James had been, even towards Bree. They had shared tea time for almost an hour in the back of the jet while I'd napped and Edward worked on new proposals for Victoria's next few projects.

"Welcome home, Care Bear," Edward whispered in my ear as soon as the cab had pulled up to our building uptown.

"It's nice to be back," I admitted bashfully then turned my head to kiss his cheek.

"I think it's safe to say the city missed you as well," he replied as he grinned down at me.

"Cheese. I was missing it," I teased sending Bree into a musical number involving the words 'cheese' and 'in the city'.

Once upstairs Bree took off for her bedroom and announced to no one in particular that she would be dressing up in her Kingdom.

"Bree honey, it's nearly one in the morning. Play dress up tomorrow okay? It's time for bed," Edward spoke up which sent tiny cries from his little girl.

I quickly remembered that the hardest part of her transition when she came here was the time change. I let out a sigh knowing there was a nice loud tantrum on the horizon and did my best to mentally and emotionally prepare before the loud wails began.

"Go ahead and get comfortable, I'll meet you in bed as soon as I get her settled. This could take awhile," he warned me with a smile then kissed my forehead firmly. I nodded and followed his instructions, making my way up to the bedroom so I could change and wash my face, then apply some coco butter to my midsection and cleavage area.

My new nightly ritual these days.

I was determined to avoid any and all stretch marks though the doctor warned me it was near impossible with a multiple birth pregnancy. It was my mission and I would conquer it.

That or plastic surgery was in my future.

As I made my way to the bedroom I could hear Bree's frantic screams get louder and louder over her impending bedtime but for some reason it made me smile.

It was nice to hear her emotion filled voice here in the city with us. Perhaps I'm more okay with it because I'm not the one dealing with her tantrum though. I thought to myself with a smirk.

As soon as I was done in the bathroom I slipped into my oversized tee-shirt and got into bed, pulling the covers up over me and my babies then exhaled slowly. It really was good to be back. I couldn't wait to be out amongst my people again tomorrow morning. I was craving the feeling of chaos and hectic-ness. More than anything though I was craving the chance to draw from my tree again in the park.

Almost two days had passed since being back and I had nearly completed three new sketches already.

One of me now at thirty-five weeks, one of my belly with Bree's tiny hand reaching up to touch it while Edward stood behind me with his own hands over mine, and a new one of Edward kissing my belly where my belly button had finally popped.

That had been a humorous morning.

"Baby, does this mean the turkeys are ready to come out of the oven?" I groaned with a slightly embarrassed giggle while I tried my best to poke my belly button back in where it had come from.

"No, I'm afraid not. All it means is that your one step closer? I think? Maybe?" He laughed then rubbed my rounded midsection with his hand before kneeling down to kiss it between his fingers.

I smiled, reliving the memory in my head then tapped where one of my little ones had just jabbed me in the side with what felt like their foot. They had been very busy this morning. Almost nonstop movement since I'd gotten up to fix Bree her breakfast.

Edward had gotten up earlier to head into the office for a few hours. He had promised to be home by lunch time for my appointment with Dr. Young so Bree and I were planning on heading down to the park for a little while to play on the swings in order to kill some time.

While the princess was busy in her bedroom with Disney Sing-Along-Songs playing on her television I decided to check my email to see if Alice had sent me any new pictures of her on set in Amsterdam. I couldn't wait for her to get back even though she'd just left California right before we had. I missed her when she was away.

I signed in with my password and took a sip from my mug of warm milk.

Not a single new message. Bummer.

I signed off quickly then slowly stood up from the computer chair to go check on Bree in her bedroom. Things had gotten unusually quiet, so there was no telling what I might find when I peeked in through her door.

She was twirling around in her tinker bell outfit giggling over something going on in her head and the image made me smile after I noticed she was holding two baby dolls in her arms and singing something about twins and being a big sister.

"Bree, are you ready to go to the park to play on the swings?" I asked feeling hopeful that she would agree without much of a fight. I had after all used the magic word. Swings.

"Okay, yes. Can I bring my Baby A and Baby B?" She asked sweetly while shaking the dolls above her head.

"Yes, of course." I laughed and motioned for her to get her jacket and told her to meet me in the living room after she'd gotten her sneakers on.

I wouldn't dare request that she change out of her costume. That would without a doubt be met with some tug of war and I wasn't really up for that today.

Some might call that bad parenting, but I liked to think of it as simply staying sane at thirty five weeks preggers with twins.

Bree's tiny hand was grasping mine while we made our way down the busy sidewalk towards the park entrance a few blocks from our home. She was humming a tune I wasn't familiar with while the two dolls dangled from her other hand swinging back and forth at her side and every step we took I could feel my own smile brighten.

"Momma Bella, who is that man? I see him. Lots. Yes," Bree suddenly asked without looking up at me. I followed her gaze and stopped dead in my tracks, bringing her to a stop beside me as well.

"Jesus, this city is huge and I have to have the worst stupid luck ever," I mumbled just as Jacob's eyes looked up into mine from where he was standing about fifty feet away. I noticed right away that he was talking to someone I didn't recognize.

Because of the shock I was unable to move my own feet now, so I watched on waiting to see what his next move would be.

"Momma Bella? Swings," Bree's voice called up at me. I looked down and forced a smile, even though she wasn't looking in my direction, I needed to act this out correctly so that she wouldn't get worried or frightened. She didn't deal well with frantic behavior. Ever.

Jake looked down at her and back up at me then gave me a small wave with his own uncomfortable smile.

I impulsively waved back then turned myself around to head back home. Now that he knew I was here I wouldn't give him the opportunity to confront me once he'd gotten the nerve up to make the move I knew he wanted to make.

"I forgot something back home, baby. We need to run back real quick. Okay sweetie?" I informed my step daughter without looking back behind us.

"Okiedokie. Yes," Bree agreed then did a tiny spin under my arm with a giggle. I was thankful she had lost interest in both the stranger outside the park and the swings, but now my worries were that she'd bring it up in front of Edward and I didn't need him stressing over who I might run into whenever we came back to the city.

"Bella!" I heard someone call after me. I didn't recognize the voice so I decided to glance behind me to see who it was.

It was the same guy I had seen Jake talking to. I don't know him. Was Jacob sending him after me?

"Thanks for stopping. Hi, I'm Seth."

"Do I know you?" I asked wearily, wondering why I had decided to stop at all.

"No, I work with Jake. We were on break, just heading back to the office. He asked me to come talk to you."

"Did he tell you why he can't come talk to me himself?" I snapped back then remembered I had a little set of ears also listening to our exchange.

"Yeah, I know all about the um… situation. That's why he sent me after you. He'd been trying to get in touch with you but… yeah… it's been kind of hard," Seth informed me while looking a bit nervous. I said nothing and waited for him to continue. He shifted his weight back and forth then ran his hands through his dark black hair obviously trying to decide how to word his next sentence.

"He wants to know if you're okay. If things are going well with the pregnancy…" Seth finally stuttered while looking down at my belly.

"Things are fine, at least they were fine till I saw his face. Please tell him he is to still keep his distance. When they are born he will be notified of the paternity results of my little girl," I replied softly trying to keep my voice down so Bree wouldn't repeat back anything that I was saying.

"Right, okay. He means you no harm. Believe me. He's really cleaned up over the last few months. He's got his shit in line now. The band is back in the studio recording. He um… he wanted me to tell you there would be something special in the album when it comes out, for you, and the babies."

"I don't need anything from him. Please relay that message. He needs to stay away. Now, if you'll excuse me, we need to get going." I felt my legs begin to tremble underneath me.

"Okay, have a nice day. It was nice to finally have a face to go with all of Jacob's stories. You really did… I mean you do… he cares about you a lot. He only wants you to be happy now," Seth replied looking a little flustered.

"Then he needs to leave me and my family alone. As far as I'm concerned he's dead to me."

Those were my last words to Jacob's messenger boy. I wasn't going to talk about how good Jake was, or how much he had cleaned up and how well his life was going. It didn't make a difference to me. None of that mattered at all. Not even a tiny bit. He had ruined there ever being a chance for us to reconcile our friendship when he used Charlie as blackmail in his plot to become a part of my life again.

Nothing he could say or do would ever change that.

I was sketching out on the patio when I saw Bree's little body run past the window towards the front door, signaling that Edward must be home. With a smile on my face I closed my notebook and set it on the small table beside my lounge chair then made my way back inside.

"Hey you," I cooed at my husband who was lifting his princess up in the air to catch her.

There was something about his expression that alarmed me but I figured it was just work related so I waited till after he'd prompted Bree to go change for our doctor's appointment before asking him what was going on.

"Let's go sit in the living room," he suggested then took my hand gently into his. With that move, I was instantly fearing the worst. He lost his job, Victoria ruined her relationship with the director she was currently working with, he had found out about James' creepy advances, or that something had happened to Jane. Anything and everything was possible.

"You're worrying me," I admitted right away after he'd helped me down onto the sofa.

"Bella, I got a call. Jasper called me at the office and…"

"Oh,God. Is Alice okay?" I yelped trying to stand up almost instantly. He stopped me and held me in place, still sitting on the couch while my feet began tapping nervously on the ground below me.

"It's not Alice, Bella. It's Jake."

"Oh. We kind of saw him from afar this morning, when Bree and I were going to the park," I impulsively spat out, and for a moment he looked completely shocked.

"How long ago?" He finally asked smoothing some hair back behind my ear.

"Um… I don't know, about two hours ago I guess? Why? What's wrong?" I asked further while feeling my heart rate speed up. There was something about his expression that had set off an alarm inside of me.

"Jasper called to tell me that Jacob is in the hospital."

"What? What do you mean? Why? I just saw him, he was smiling, he was fine! Oh god, please don't tell me it's the pills again. His friend said he was all cleaned up! That he was doing good!" I replied frantically while the air in my lungs began to choke me.

"He was crossing the street, for whatever reason he didn't look before stepping out onto into the road. He was hit by car, Bella. Just a few blocks from here."

Edward's words danced around me while a mental picture of Jake laying on the cement in a pool of blood settled in the back of my head.

"No… no… that's not possible. I just saw him. He was fine. That's absolutely not possible," I stuttered, more to myself than to anyone else in the room.

"Bella, you have to calm down," Edward warned carefully while smoothing his hands over mine.

"Daddy, I'm ready. Let us go now. Time for pictures of the babies," Bree yelped after running back into the room at full speed.

"Come on. We need to get you to the doctor now," Edward whispered in my ear then stood to help me up from my seat where I was staring out of the window in front of us feeling entirely lost and confused.

It wasn't possible. I didn't even know if he was okay, or if he would be okay. The entire thing was too much for me to even fathom and I didn't think I'd be able to handle any more news without losing my emotions completely but I had to press for more information.

"Is he… will he be… he's not…"

"He's in ICU. Jasper didn't know much else. He knew we were in town, and that we would see it on the news. He thought you should know before that happened. I thought it would be alright to just be honest with you since we're going to see Dr. Young now anyways."

"This is all my fault. This is so messed up. It's all my damn fault."

"Don't be ridiculous," Edward quickly growled. He was upset that I was taking the blame, but the blame was mine to take. There was no doubt in my mind that the message I had sent with Seth was what had caused Jake to forget about his surroundings when he'd stepped out in front of that car.

"I told his friend to tell him he was dead to me, Edward. That was the last thing he heard from me." I sobbed into his shoulder. As soon as my crying started Bree began jumping around nervously, but I couldn't help it. I couldn't hold back the guilt that was taking over my entire body. It was too debilitating. As much as Jake had hurt me emotionally… wishing him dead was never something I'd really wanted. Not ever.

"Breathe baby, deep breath in and out. Please. Relax. He's going to be okay. Bree honey, I need you to be a big girl and go get Bella's coat from the closet upstairs," Edward asked his daughter with softness in his tone.

Thankfully she followed his cue and we were alone again just as I felt a sharp pain that would have sent me to my feet if Edward hadn't been holding me in his arms.

"Oh! Oh, my God. Oh God, not now. No, no, no!" I wailed while grabbing at my stomach. Like that all thoughts of my ex were gone from my head.

"What is it? Are you okay?" Edward's frantic voice was asking me but the room was already spinning.

"My water… I think my water just broke," I whispered feeling beyond overwhelmed.

"Fuck! Christ. Are you serious? Shit. Okay hold on… Shit!" He set me back down on the couch and for a moment I found humor in the fact that my first concern was over me possibly staining the upholstery but then my first contraction hit me and that quickly knocked my senses back into reality.

I could hear Edward in the other room talking to someone and tried my best to focus on his voice while I also concentrated on my breathing.

One week away from my goal of keeping the babies until they were full term. Go fucking figure.

A/N: The babies are coming, the babies are coming! Poor Jake. Come on... you know you feel a little something! Poor Bella...

A major special thanks to my beautiful beta CC for helping make this chapter extra special. Love you honey, so so much!

Lolypop82 made two new manips for this chapter. They're both from Stalker and Care Bear's wedding night, you can find those links on my profile. Love you Loly!

A few other things, I donated a TMT outtake to Fandom For Preemies. The outtake is from the beginning of the story when Edward, Bella, Bree, and Alice go to Disneyland if you're interested you can go to http:/fandomforpreemies(dot)blogspot(dot)com/p/how-to-help(dot)html to donate. It's for an amazing cause, I promise. =)

Also TMT has received several nominations in the Avant Garde Fanfiction Awards, one of which is for Bree as Best Kid, which is AMAZING. If you love Bree as much as I do please take a second to head over there and cast your vote Starting November 20th. You know it would make her smile. She'd probably even make up a song about it. You can find a link for that at the bottom of my profile as well. Or copy paste this link minus the (dot)'s http:/twilightfb-awards(dot)blogspot(dot)com/p/vote(dot)html *wink*

I'm thinking the next chapter may be it folks. And then the epi. Just wanted to give the heads up. *tear*

*Please Review because it makes me smile and I'm sad about saying goodbye to these two… er… three.*