A/N: Well, this is my longest chapter to date. Hope you can follow along okay. There were a lot of things I wanted in here and it just grew in size and I felt like I was all over the place with it. The past and present sort of mix together for awhile.
Thanks to TeamLoca for helping me with the whole birth part. I'm not a mother, so I hope I did that okay! More A/N to follow below….
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Past and Present
BPOV
Feeling restless and uncomfortable I wandered through the quiet house, trailing my fingers over the newly cleaned counter tops in the kitchen, over the top of the couch, where I stopped to pick up Jake's t-shirt that was hanging over the arm. I lifted it to my nose and breathed in deeply. He still smelled like pine even after the years went by.
With a small smile, I headed back through the kitchen to the window overlooking the patio. A small chuckle escaped as I looked out at the completed, smoothly sanded wooden swing set in the yard. There was already a baby swing hanging, ready and waiting. I smiled over the memory. Jake and I had been married for two years already when we had decided to try for a baby. We hadn't planned obsessively for it; we just stopped all forms of birth control and let nature take its course.
A couple months later I had been feeling nauseous pretty frequently, and I noticed my breasts felt a little tender. I kept it quiet until I got out and bought a home pregnancy test. Nervously I had crept into the bathroom – even though Jake wasn't even home yet – and read the instructions and peed on the stick. My breath had come short, my cheeks flushed, and a barrage of butterflies attacked my stomach in nervous excitement.
A deep breath or two – and a few minutes later – I had glanced down at the stick. I had stood frozen, staring at it in disbelief. When I finally managed to look away from it, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. A huge smile was plastered on my face and it made me giggle. I was pregnant.
I didn't know what to do with myself. There were still a few hours until Jake got home from the garage; I knew he was closing tonight and he always took a shower before coming home. Concentrating on anything else was not working, so I just wandered around the house and stopping to stare down at my stomach in amazement. I couldn't believe there was a baby growing in there. Qahla followed me as if she knew something was happening and licked my hand.
I had finally managed to settle down and flip through a magazine. When I heard Jake pull up outside, my heart began pounding and I jumped up and tried to look like I was doing something in the kitchen. I tried to swallow some water as Jake came in.
"Hey honey," he had said coming into the kitchen and wrapping his arms around me.
I had snuggled into his warmth for a moment, just basking in the feel of him around me. When he had pulled back, I tilted my face up to his.
His brow had wrinkled. "You okay, Bells? You look a little flushed and beside yourself. Come on, maybe you should lie down."
I just grinned at him as I had stared at his dark eyes, his beautiful lips, and soft dark hair. "I'm okay, Jake. Guess what?" I had asked him with a giggle.
He had looked at me suspiciously. "What?"
"Jake, I'm pregnant," I said softly.
He had frozen on the spot, and I was worried for a moment. Was he not as ready as he had said he was? Doubts crept up on me until I saw his sunny smile bloom on his face. I had barely gotten a chance to see his face light up before he had me wrapped in his arms and was spinning me around in a dizzy hug.
Finally he perched me on the counter and moved in to kiss me softly, pressing his lips against mine over and over until I giggled. "I take it you're happy?" I teased.
"I couldn't be any happier," he had whispered in my ear.
I brushed my fingers through his hair, smiling as he knelt in front of me, his height putting his face in line with my stomach. His fingers had brushed over my stomach first and then he kissed my stomach. I had felt such a pang of love for him in that moment. I looped my arms around his neck and he stood, lifting me up and carrying me to bed.
We had just laid there kissing and touching each other. We brought food back to bed to eat, not wanting to leave our little cocoon. We had dozed off a little later, Jake's hand resting over mine on my stomach.
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I was staring at the swing set when I finally managed to shake free of the memory of telling Jake the news. I smiled slightly, reaching down to rub my hand over the restless baby in my stomach. I could feel her doing her little gymnastics in there; it was a feeling that always awed me. It was hard to believe I only had a little less than two months left until she was due.
The moon poked out from behind the clouds and lit up the baby swing. I smiled as I imagined our daughter in it, laughing, as we pushed her. I felt Jake's arms wrap around me from behind, his hands cupping the roundness of my stomach.
"Why aren't you in bed asleep? You should be off your feet."
"She was kicking," I said turning and resting my head on his chest. "It woke me up."
He kissed the top of my head as his hand rested on my stomach. I felt that little tell-tale flutter when he laid his hand on me, and I laughed. "She knows you're here; she's fluttering away in there."
He laughed and the look of wonder that occasionally lit his eyes came out in full-force. It never got old. He held me and hummed softly against my hair; it seemed to relax her, and I began to get sleepy again. I felt sort of droopy from the lack of sleep the past couple nights, and I felt Jake lift me and carry me back to bed. He positioned me carefully on my side until I felt comfortable enough, and I felt his warmth press into me as he curled around me.
Our hands interlaced over my stomach. He nuzzled into my hair. "I love you," I murmured.
"I love you, too."
The next morning when Jake finally deemed me okay to leave the bed, I got dressed and ate a little breakfast. Jake was going to drive me into Forks for a baby shower my mom, Sue, and Esme – and Alice because she couldn't not be involved – were throwing for me. He was going to spend some time with his friends while I was at the shower. Feeling huge and awkward, I waddled my way into the kitchen. As I finished eating some fruit, I wondered where Jake had gotten to.
I made my way back into the bedroom and my eyes widened in surprise. Jake was sitting on the bed, his head in his hand, his other hand working the length of himself. I felt a stab of lust and sadness; my hormones had been out of whack and I hadn't wanted sex for the past couple weeks or so. I felt so guilty, but he assured me it was fine.
"Oh Jake…" I said.
He glanced up, a little embarrassed, but I could see the need in his eyes. Actually feeling the urge, I went with it. Moving in front of Jake, I put my hand over his and smoothed my fingers over his length. He made a small noise in the back of his throat.
"Honey, you don't have to do this…" he started, so I just leaned down and pressed my lips against his as I continued stroking.
His hips jerked, and I could see how much he was enjoying it. It made me warmer; I needed to take advantage of this for both our sakes' so I leaned over and nibbled on his ear. "Make love to me," I whispered.
Carlisle had told me at one of my appointments that it was okay to have sex as long as I was comfortable. After I got over the bright red blush at that conversation, I had been relieved. My hormones were driving me nuts, but at least when I was in the mood it was nice to know I could.
Jake looked surprised and hesitantly pleased. "Are you sure, Bells?"
"Very," I whispered trailing kisses along his jaw.
He helped me to lie down on my side after tugging my clothes off. I kept wiggling around as best I could and feeling frustrated. "Jake. I want to see you," I whined.
He laughed from behind me and got up to move our floor-length mirror in front of me. "There, now you can see me," he teased. He lifted my leg back over his and I bit my lip and moaned as he pressed himself against me.
He cupped my chin in one hand, gently turning my face so he could press his lips against mine as he dragged his hard length against me. I shivered at the intensity of it as his hand coasted down to tease my hardened nipples. Everything was so sensitive that I couldn't help crying out as he slowly slid himself into me.
"You okay?" he gasped as he tried to hold himself still.
"Yeah," I whispered adjusting to the feel.
With that he started thrusting into me; I knew he was trying to go slow, but I could feel his need building, I could see the tense expression on his face. His hands were so gentle, though, and I just watched the way they moved over my breasts, my distended stomach, as he continued to thrust into me. It was erotic watching him move against me, and it didn't take long for me to succumb to a massive orgasm. It caught me off guard, and I gasped, panted, and nearly cried my way through it.
"You okay, baby?" he gasped after my clenching milked him dry.
"I-I think so," I uttered weakly. Everything was so sensitive that I still felt the tremors pulsing through me.
He held me a few minutes, his lips nuzzling my shoulder, my throat, everywhere he could. I really wished I didn't have to go to the shower; staying here with Jake was what I wanted more.
"You need to get dressed, Bells. We should've been on the road fifteen minutes ago."
He helped me up and to get dressed and we left for Forks.
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JPOV:
It was still so hard to believe at times that Bella and I were going to be parents. When I had found out about her being pregnant I had been feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and above all I was thrilled. I had been determined to be involved in every single aspect. She had chosen to have Carlisle be her gynecologist and he would deliver our baby.
We both agreed it was probably best. She trusted Carlisle implicitly, and I knew without a doubt that he would go above and beyond for Bella. He could be here in a moment's notice as well if we needed him. Bella and I were going to stay at Charlie's a couple weeks before she was due to give birth because we didn't want everyone having to drive all the way to Port Angeles when it was time and we certainly weren't going to drive to Forks when she went into labor. It was the best option. Sue had moved in with Charlie as well so we wouldn't have much privacy, but Sue offered Renee her place on the reservation. Bella's mom was taking a small sabbatical from her job to be here for the birth and to help Bella.
I knew Bella felt bad that I went to every appointment because I dropped everything for her. That was the perks of owning my own shop, though, which I kept telling her. She didn't tell me this, but I knew she felt better having me sit by her through her exams. Carlisle was always calm, always professional, and he of course loved her like a daughter so I knew at first it was a little awkward for her. Our first visit to get blood tests and have everything confirmed I had been over the moon. We peppered him with questions, got lots of pamphlets from him, and I dragged her immediately to the bookstore that she mostly owned now. Her boss Melanie drew up contracts when she had to move with her husband to be with her own daughter who was dealing with a lot. She had asked Bella to be co-owner with her.
We had searched through the pregnancy books finding tons of new parents' books. I then dragged her right to the pharmacy where I stocked up on all the pre-natal vitamins Carlisle had suggested. She just laughed at me. I had started the swing outside pretty quickly, too. We went back to Forks that weekend to break the news to our families and friends.
We were having dinner with Charlie, Billy, and Sue. Bella had stood up right when everyone finished and cleared her throat. Her fingers found mine and I squeezed them. "Dad, Billy, Sue… um, I have some news," she had said softly.
When they turned expectantly toward us, Bella couldn't fight the smile that broke free. "I'm pregnant! We're going to have a baby."
Bella was immediately wrapped up in Charlie's arms as they all erupted. I could see him fighting his emotions as he just held on to her. I was being hugged by my own father, but I heard Charlie's voice shaking. "Oh honey, I'm so happy for you."
Bella was already crying. She knelt down and embraced Billy when they finally managed to let go of each other. Sue threw her arms around Bella in her excitement. We had been happy that Charlie and Sue had found each other and their relationship had progressed. Bella called Renee to give her the news and she cried, too, while congratulating us.
We had an impromptu party with the guys and Bella's friends from school. So much had changed. Emily and Sam were married and had their son Eli. Leah and James were still together. Paul and my sister had just tied the knot and so had Jared and Kim. Seth was dating. Bella's friend Mike had started walking again, though he had a bit of a limp. He wasn't dating her friend Jessica, but according to Bella they were still friends, and she had high hopes they would end up back together. It was nice seeing everyone so happy for once and they were beyond thrilled for me and Bella.
The months were going so fast and Bella's stomach was expanding. It had been so amazing feeling our baby kick for the first time. I couldn't keep my hands off her stomach. We would lie in bed together, kissing, when I would feel the little flutter against me if her stomach was pressed against mine. It was an indescribable feeling. She told me it was a little girl, and I believed her. She had been having sporadic dreams, and I knew she tended to have dreams that were prophetic. There was never a question.
It had been five months into the pregnancy that we had gotten our first scare. She was going up the steps to the house, and I was beyond grateful I had been behind her. She managed to grab the rail, but she had stumbled and went down on her knees.
"Bella!" I managed to choke, my arms going around her so she wouldn't fall down the steps.
Her eyes were glassy, and she was sweating a little. Her hands were shaking and her breathing was shallow. "Baby, are you okay?" I gasped.
She had turned to me and her eyes began to tear up. I grabbed my cell phone and frantically punched in Carlisle's number. He wasn't at work at the time, so he was there in moments. In the meantime I carried Bella into the house and laid her on the bed.
She was still breathing fast, but I knew she was panicking now. I tried to rein in my own and pressed my lips against hers. "Honey, you need to settle down. Just take a deep breath. Carlisle will be here any minute."
Carlisle had gotten there a minute later and he checked her over and asked questions. After he took her blood pressure, he had frowned a little.
"What is it?" I had whispered, panic nipping at my ankles now, ready to overtake me.
"Her blood pressure is low. That would explain the blurry vision, the fatigue and feeling dizzy."
Bella's chin was shaking, and I kissed her temple softly. "Is it serious?" My heart had begun beating faster. I would carry her everywhere if I had to.
"It could be for a few different reasons, but it's not threatening. You need to be careful, Bella. You could have been dehydrated, you could need more salt in your diet, and you might need a little more bed rest. It should be fine as long as you can correct these things. Exercise would be good sometimes as long as you don't overdo it."
He gave us a list of things for Bella to do and warned her to be careful when she was out. He had told us the most dangerous thing in regards to it was failing to do these things; that she could fall and hurt herself or the baby.
When he had left, she began crying. I held her on our bed, stroking her hair, and telling her she and the baby would be fine. I was trying to convince myself, too; this had scared me and made me realize even more how precious she and our baby were to me.
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BPOV:
After that short – but amazing – sex I had gotten dressed and Jake drove me back to Forks for my shower. I was so excited to see my mom when she flew in yesterday. She stayed over with us and then went to Charlie's house to begin to prepare for the shower. She had oohed and ahhed over the nursery – we had kept it simple by painting the upper portion of the walls a soft yellow color with the lower half being a forest green and we stenciled trees and wolves as a border between the colors. There were soft yellow curtains and a white oak crib, changing table and dresser. We had also started a collection of stuffed wolves. While Renee was there she talked to me about her pregnancy with me, trying to alleviate my fears. Some of her answers weren't entirely reassuring, but it all boiled down to the fact that in the end it was all worth it.
It was still so hard to believe we would be parents. We had been together for nearly two and a half years when he proposed to me. We had gotten married a year later and a few more years and here I was – pregnant with our first child. It seemed so fast, but at the same time it wasn't. I was twenty-five years old and this just felt so right. There had been struggles over the years; it wasn't perfect, but our love for each other never waned. Before we had gotten married, Jake wanted to go to college for business so he could manage his own shop.
I had started college already and was majoring in Literature and minored in business myself. I had dipped into my college fund and used it toward what I could afford and Charlie and Renee insisted on helping me. Jake had earned a scholarship, but he had needed more money for school. It had been difficult because Jake had proposed to me and we had a wedding to plan. Money had been tight, but we had been making do well enough.
The one night it just kind of hit him really hard. "Why the hell do I think I can afford to go to school?" he had snapped. His brow was furrowed in anger.
"Jake…" I had started to say soothingly. "The Cullen's told me they would help us out and we could take our time paying them back."
"Shit!" he had yelled punching his fist into the wall. I jumped in surprise. "Why you even agreed to marry me when I can't even take care of the both of us is beyond me! And now I'm being offered charity."
He had left the kitchen, leaving me sitting there in surprise.
In the bedroom I found him staring out the window. "Jake, I love you," I had said quietly.
"Why?" he had muttered. "I have been working to take care of you, but I just can't afford more than that. I want to marry you so badly, but I can't afford to give you a decent wedding."
He had sat down on the bed, dropping his head into his hands. "You would probably be better off with Edward. At least he can take care of you. I would be a failure as a husband."
Angrily I shoved his hands away from his face. "Look at me!" I yelled at him. "Does it look like I want to marry Edward? Does it look like I need a lot of money? I do not need some huge wedding to be happy. I meant it when I said yes to your proposal and don't you fucking dare say you would be a failure, Jacob Ephraim Black!"
I was livid, and I had caught him completely off guard. The anger dissipated as fast as it had come, and I sat on his lap looping my arms around his neck. "I love you," I murmured. "Jake, I know it's going to be hard, but I wasn't expecting a perfect life with no troubles. I don't need gifts, I don't need a big wedding, and I don't need someone with a lot of money… I need you. We are in this together; I work as well and we will get you into school. Your dad offered to do what he could and the Cullen's aren't trying to insult you. That's entirely up to you, though."
He had nodded reluctantly. "You could never be a failure. Hell, we can get married on the beach if we have to and keep it simple. I think I would prefer that anyway."
"Thank you," he had whispered, kissing me until our frustrations were a distant memory.
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They had decorated Charlie's living room with my theme of green and yellow and I could see Alice's touch with the fairy lights decorating the big tree outside of my old bedroom window and the touches of live greenery in the house with some more twinkle lights. After lots of stomach touching and eating, I sat down to open my gifts.
There were so many baby clothes; dresses and shorts, skirts and t-shirts for when she was older and plenty of onesies and diapers and baby necessities. There were a few gifts for me mixed in as well. Sue presented me with a big box; when I opened it there was a beautiful quilt that had a different picture or scene on some of the squares.
"We all contributed a square that we made and stitched it into a quilt," Sue explained.
Tears immediately gathered in my eyes. Leah, Sue, Rachel, Emily, Kim, Alice, Rosalie, Esme, and even my mom had made their own square. There were plain colored squares mixed in with each one they did. One was a wolf, one was of me holding a baby in my arms, one was of the forest with the sun shining, and one was a little cottage with flowers around the edges. The one in the middle just said Mommy in soft white felt and when I glanced up I saw my mom had tears in her eyes which made more tears fall.
I could barely thank them without my voice shaking.
There were gifts there from Billy and Charlie, too. Billy had made a beautiful dream catcher for me, complete with dangling ribbons and beads in green and white to hang on our crib. Charlie and bought me a silver necklace that spelled out mommy which made me cry again because that was so unlike him. Renee told me he consulted her, but he had went out himself and picked it out. She had bought me some necessities and bought me a collage frame already decorated with baby items and had room for a number of photos of our daughter.
Alice, of course, bought me maternity lingerie which as always made me blush and everyone laugh. All the gifts were what I needed and the others were so thoughtful. After cake and chatting, I began to get tired and was ready for Jake to come and get me.
Once goodbyes were said and hugs were given, Jake took me home. Edward was waiting for me on the front porch. "I'll just leave you to talk with him," Jake said and after waving hello to Edward he disappeared into the house.
"Edward!" I exclaimed attempting to hug him, though my stomach got in the way. He chuckled.
"Hi Bella," he said in his melodic voice. "I heard you had your baby shower today and I wanted to stop by and bring you something."
I shook my head. "You didn't have to get me anything."
We sat down on the porch side by side. "Same old Bella," he teased. "So how are you, Jacob and the baby doing?"
"We're doing really well. We'll be leaving to stay at Charlie's soon; so I'm there when I go into labor. How are things going in Denali?" I asked leaning my head against his shoulder.
"Pretty well," he said. "I have been spending a lot of time with Tanya lately."
I guessed at what he was hinting at and squeezed his hand. "I'm happy for you," I said softly and kissed his cheek.
"I will always love you, though, Bella." I knew what he meant because I loved him, too, we had just moved to a different level of love.
He handed me two wrapped gifts. With a little smile, I opened the one. Nestled inside the box was a silver and mother-of-pearl baby rattle. It was gorgeous.
Edward laughed at my gape-mouthed look. "It was mine, Bella. I have no idea how Carlisle acquired it, but I wanted you to have it."
Tears burned my eyes and I curled myself against him. "It's beautiful," I whispered. "I don't even know what to say."
He kissed the top of my head. "Open the other one," he urged.
It was a mobile to hang above the baby's bed. It was decorated with miniaturized items that related to each member of the Cullen family. I laughed at the little outfit; there was also a car, a piano, a little medical bag, and a pair of weights, cooking utensils, and a little soldier.
I thanked him again and made a mental note to call the rest of the family. I winced and held onto my stomach.
"Bella? Are you okay?" Edward asked in a worried voice.
"Yeah," I said. "Just got a kidney shot from the little one."
He looked perplexed and I laughed. "It happens; just depends on the way she moves."
We stood and I hugged him again. "Thank you so much, Edward. I love the gifts, they are absolutely perfect."
"You're welcome," he said and then he gave a little start when my baby kicked and he felt it. "Did she just…?" he asked in amazement.
I giggled. "Yes, apparently she wants your attention."
Hesitantly he reached his hand out. I smiled and lay his hand on my stomach. She gave another little kick and he chuckled in amazement. "I will see you soon, Bella. I wouldn't miss the birth for anything," he said with a soft smile.
One last hug and I watched him leave. I went inside and eagerly went into the bedroom, Qahla on my heels. She had become more protective of me lately, too, it seemed. She followed me everywhere in the house. While I was getting ready for bed, Jake came into the bathroom and wrapped his arms around me.
"I made you something," he whispered as he placed soft kisses over my neck. I finished brushing my teeth and let him lead me to the nursery.
"You didn't have to do anything, Jake. You give me more than enough."
He kissed me and led me to a covered lump in the corner of the nursery. I pulled the cloth off and my mouth dropped open. I stared down at the rocking chair that was obviously made by him. It was a slight reddish-color, smooth and unblemished. On the headrest and arms of the rocking chair he had carved beautiful pictures of the forest, of a little girl, of me and him, and he had carved Mommy as well. I felt tears blur my vision as I gazed at it in amazement.
I turned and threw my arms around his neck. "It's beautiful," I mumbled into his chest. "Thank you."
He held me as close as he could. "You're welcome, sweetheart." He brushed the tears off my cheeks gently.
He carried me back to bed – he had been a little obsessive about carrying me more often since my stumble. I finished getting ready for bed and we curled around each other, just touching and kissing until I fell asleep.
The next few weeks flew by and Jake and I were leaving for Forks for the next couple weeks until I gave birth. We packed and we drove to Charlie's house. Qahla bounced around excitedly when she saw Charlie and I smiled as he wrestled with her affectionately. Sue had made up my old room for our visit, upgrading to a double bed for us. There was also a crib and a slew of baby items for our return from the hospital and when we were visiting. That night I was standing in front of the mirror in the bedroom, sniffling at my odd profile.
"Honey, what is it?" Jake asked nervously when he came into the room.
"I just look so distorted," I mumbled. "I know we went over this before, but I feel so gross. And my back hurts and my ankles are swollen."
"Oh Bella," he sighed. He moved up behind me, sliding my pants down until I was naked and facing the mirror. I tried to wiggle away, but he held on to me. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. It's so natural; you carrying our little girl in there."
"I love your breasts," he whispered against my neck as his hands coasted over them. "I love your thighs," he added as he skimmed two fingers up the inside of them. I shivered despite my cranky mood.
He turned my face toward him and kissed me. "Bells, just remember how much I love you. I love seeing you pregnant; seeing you carrying our child that we created together."
He helped me ease into bed, stroking his fingers over my sore back. I sighed feeling my back ease a bit. "Jake, what if I'm a bad mother? What if I don't do anything right? I don't know what I'm doing. And I'm scared of our relationship changing, too. Does that make me selfish?" Tears rose to my eyes yet again; I was so sick of my hormones being so screwy.
He smoothed my hair back. "Honey, this is normal. I'm nervous, too, but there is no way you would be a terrible mother, Bells. You are loving, protective, mostly patient…" I couldn't help but giggle at that last one. He grinned and continued. "And honey, you aren't selfish. It won't always be easy, our relationship might change a little, but I'm always going to love you. We will make time for each other. As long as we work on it together, it will be just fine."
"Promise? I know it won't be perfect, but I want to keep what we have. I will always be willing to work on it and I will make time for us."
"I promise."
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A few nights later I was standing in the living room around midnight, unable to sleep. Qahla was lying on the sofa watching me. I had left Jake sleeping in my old room and Charlie was working a night shift at the station. Sue was visiting Renee and apparently they must have been having a good time since she still wasn't back.
I wandered into the kitchen and sipped some orange juice. I was leaning against the counter when a cramp rolled through my back and my abdomen. I gasped, doubling over and holding my stomach. I panted my way through it and whimpered as my back ached, and my legs felt weak. The pain was radiating over my body and it wasn't too long before another one came.
There was something wet on my leg, and I realized my water broke. "J-Jake," I tried to call out but it was a whisper. I whimpered again, holding on the counter. I tried to call out to him again, but I couldn't get my voice to rise.
Qahla was in the kitchen with me now, and she was whining, bumping her head against my hand. She sat right down, raised her head, and let out an unearthly howl that raised the hairs on my arms. She knew something was going on. I heard a thump upstairs.
"Bella?" I heard Jake yell.
I didn't even have time to answer because he was down the stairs and our eyes met immediately. "Jake, my water broke," I gasped.
He looked confused for a moment and then fearful. Then he seemed to snap out of it. "Honey, can you call your dad? I'll get your bag and we can go." He was up the stairs in a flash and I grabbed the phone, speed-dialing my dad at the station.
When he answered unexpected tears gathered in my eyes. "Daddy?" I whispered.
There was a slight pause. "Bells? Baby, are you…"
I cut him off. "I'm having the baby. Jake's taking me to the hospital," I managed to say.
"I'm on my way, sweetheart. I'll let everyone know." Then he was gone.
Jake flew back down the steps, I gave Qahla a soothing stroke, and he helped me out to the car just as another contraction hit. "Breathe Bella," he whispered softly. I breathed the way I had been taught as he carefully loaded me into the car. I already knew Carlisle would be aware of my arrival; Alice's visions came in handy.
Everything was happening so fast; the contractions, the car ride, and being pushed in a wheelchair to the delivery room. Jake was right there with me and I caught sight of my family who had just arrived as I was wheeled in and loaded onto the bed.
"Bella," Carlisle said calmly as I was gripped with another contraction. "How far apart are the contractions?"
I gave him all the information he needed as Jake perched on the bed with me, holding me gently, and smoothing my hair back. It took too long to reach 4 cm so that I could get the epidural. As each contraction came, faster and faster, I got more and more tired. Finally they rolled me over and had me arch my back. Jake was in front of me and twining his fingers with mine as they gave me the shot. I whimpered and Jake feathered soft kisses over my face.
"I love you," he whispered against my lips.
They got me into position as the numbness and warmth spread over my lower half. I felt half-buzzed and barely realized Jake's hands were rubbing over my back. Carlisle's hands were gentle and his voice was low and encouraging. I struggled to push, but was having trouble knowing if I was doing it right because I couldn't feel anything.
"Carlisle, is anything happening?" I managed to ask through gritted teeth.
"Yes, Bella, you're doing great. Push again for me, okay?"
I bore down feeling only pressure and no pain. "Jake…" I gasped.
His hands smoothed my hair, helping me stay in position though I wasn't comfortable. "I'm right here, sweetheart. Soon we'll have our baby girl," he said softly.
It went so slowly, but suddenly I bore down again when Carlisle instructed me and I heard our baby crying. Carlisle turned away and handed my baby to the nurse. Exhausted beyond belief, I felt tears sliding down my cheeks as I reached out for my daughter. As soon as I saw her, as soon as I touched her, everything was right again. I loved her so much. Jake cradled me as I cradled our daughter. We were in our own personal bubble.
"Jacob. Look what we made," I whispered. She was perfect. Beautiful.
"She's beautiful," Jake whispered back awe in his voice.
She had dark hair already and beautiful dark eyes. Her soft skin was a shade lighter than Jacob's and a shade darker than mine. Her lips formed a little rosebud and we both touched her tiny fingers, stroked those tiny cheeks.
"Sarah Marie Black," I mumbled. "For your mom." Marie was both mine and my mother's middle name.
I felt his smile against my temple as his body shook. I knew he was thinking about her.
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JPOV:
I didn't want to leave Bella, to leave that utter contentment, but Sarah needed to eat and the nurse was going to help Bella get the hang of breast-feeding. I also needed to go out to our families.
"Thank you, Carlisle," I whispered thickly before I went out. He smiled, and to my surprise, gave me a one-armed hug.
Waiting outside Charlie leapt to his feet when I opened the door. Renee was clutching his hand as Phil and Sue stood by them. Billy turned to face me expectantly.
"Sarah Marie Black," I managed to say. "She's perfectly healthy and Bella is doing fine."
Renee and Sue threw their arms around me; Billy had a tight grip on my hand, Charlie the other as we formed a lopsided circle. "She's feeding her right now. You can go in soon."
They peppered me with questions as I got a cup of coffee from the vending machine. I told them what I could, but I barely understood what had just happened. It wasn't long before we all went into the room. Bella looked tired, but enthralled by our daughter. I perched next to her and she handed me the little bundle. Nervously I lifted her, holding her against my chest. Her little mouth opened in a yawn and then she was fast asleep. I couldn't stop staring at her.
Bella handed her to Charlie then. "No puppies," he murmured to my confusion, but Bella gave a snort of laughter as she and Charlie looked at each other in amusement. I could see the amazement in his face as he held his granddaughter.
I saved my dad for last. Billy was right next to me and I knelt down. I placed her gently is his arms. "Your granddaughter, Sarah," I said thickly. I was struggling with tears because I couldn't stop thinking of my mom.
For the first time that I remembered seeing, tears slid down Billy's face. "Named after her," he murmured. "Thank you, Jacob. Thank you, Bella. She's stunning." Getting control of his tears as he stared down at her he reluctantly handed her back to me. He kissed Bella's cheek and gripped my hand tightly.
Bella stayed over that night, but was released the next day. We were back at Charlie and Sue's house shortly after where we had a slew of visitors. All the guys came over together along with Leah, Emily, Kim, Rachel and Rebecca who had come in for the occasion and took turns carefully holding her. When the Cullen's came, Edward came over to me.
He grasped my hand. "Congratulations, Jacob. Sarah is beautiful."
I smiled. "Thank you, Edward."
I watched as Edward sat next to Bella on our bed and saw the look of wonder on his face as Bella gently placed Sarah in his arms with an extra blanket to keep her comfortable.
I noticed Rose standing in the background. "Rosalie?" Bella questioned softly. When Rose looked at her, Bella smiled. "Would you like to hold her?"
I knew of Rosalie's background and what she had wanted out of life from what Bella told me. Her eyes were a little guarded, but they had lit up with hope at the offer. She took Sarah and cradled her, and I knew if she could cry that's what she would be doing. I felt a pang of sympathy for the first time for a vampire – for a girl who lost her life so young and horribly – who never got to have a child.
Bella's chin was shaking with emotion. "You know we'll need plenty of baby-sitters."
When Rose finally managed to let go of our daughter, she embraced Bella. I knew things would be even better than they had been between them.
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Bella and I were ready to be home with Sarah after a couple days so after our goodbye's and promises to be back soon, we left for home. Once there we just lay on the bed with our baby girl between us. Qahla who hadn't had much of a chance to get to know her had her nose resting on the bed in curiosity.
I smoothed Bella's hair back and kissed her. "I can't believe we have a baby," I marveled.
She giggled and for what was probably the hundredth time she stroked her finger over the tiny hands and cheeks of our daughter who lay blinking up at us. Qahla jumped up on the bottom of the bed.
"Stay," I ordered her.
She lowered her head and whined. "Hold her, Jake? She wants to see her, but we need to be careful."
Qahla inched slowly up the bed on her belly, and I couldn't but laugh at her. I scooped her up, holding her firmly, and let her sniff at Sarah's foot. She stared down at our baby. Her head cocked, and then she turned and licked my face.
Bella giggled again. "I think she likes her."
Sarah started to cry; Bella sat up, unfastening her shirt. She picked her up, and I gently moved Bella between my legs so she was propped against me. Freeing her breast, she guided her nipple to our daughter's mouth. I had been waiting to see Bella feed her and it was as beautiful as I had thought.
I kissed Bella's temple and stroked my fingers over Sarah's head, gently cupping it. Bella snuggled comfortably against me. We had brought the crib in our room for the time being and Bella got her situated after she ate. Her shirt was still unbuttoned when she turned and I caught her wrist in my hand. I leaned over and lightly kissed her nipple.
I just smiled at her surprise. "Sorry, I just had to."
She laughed softly and snuggled against me in our bed. We both woke up twice in the night, once for Bella to feed Sarah again, the second because she was a little fussy. I told Bella to sleep the second time – she was exhausted – and I lifted my daughter out of the crib and went to sit in the rocking chair with her.
She fussed a little and then fell asleep on my shoulder, my hand rubbing circles on her back. When I carried her back to the bedroom, Bella woke up. I stretched out on the bed, Sarah between us again. Bella and I lay facing each other with Qahla stretched out at our feet. My little family was all together and I was the happiest I had ever been.
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The Future
BPOV:
I was half lying on the bench, propped up against Jake, as we watched Sarah play at the little park in Forks. We were there for a couple days to stay with Charlie and Sue and help them plan their wedding. Charlie was at work so Jake and I took Sarah to the park to play. She insisted on swinging first, then she was up and down on the sliding board, and now she was sitting in the sand box playing with a little boy.
Through half-slitted eyes, I saw a few of the mothers that were there glancing over at me. I smiled politely, but I knew they were seeing Jake and were envious. He was as beautiful as ever.
I still couldn't believe how great things were. I mean, they weren't always great, but overall we had an amazing life together. We had fought over the years, gotten frustrated, but in the end we always made things right and were secure in our love for each other. With our daughter in the mix it had made things different as I had worried about, but it also made our bond stronger after we got through the tough years of raising a child. Time had flown and in a few months we would be celebrating Sarah's fourth birthday.
Suddenly we both sat up, sensing the crisis, as Sarah fell and skinned her knee. A big wail arose from her and she ran to us, crying. I lifted her onto my lap as she cried into my neck.
"It's okay, baby," I soothed. I kissed her forehead.
"Mommy, it hurts," she cried.
I handed Jake the antiseptic wipes out of my bag, dug out my handy band-aids and Neosporin on-the-go. He gently wiped her knee as her cries increased.
"Shhh," I murmured. "I know it hurts, honey, but daddy will fix it."
I squirted a dollop of the medication on it and he stuck a band-aid on it. "There you go, pumpkin," he said scooping her up and blowing a raspberry on her neck.
She giggled, the tears drying on her smooth cheeks. She was the perfect replica of the both of us in looks; all smooth skin, brown eyes like mine, and black silky hair like Jake's. Her smile was all Jake, though, as was her sunny demeanor. She snuggled into him, reaching out for me so we were all squished together.
She was getting tired, so we decided to head for the tide pools on First Beach, which we had promised her we would go to. It would give her a chance to have her nap while we drove there. Jake carried her to the car and buckled her in smoothly without waking her. When we got to First Beach, Jake carried her into the forest to the tide pools while I took the blanket and our picnic basket.
I spread the blanket out so Jake could lay her down on it. I snuggled into Jake's warm chest as we sat in the forest with the weak sun filtering through the trees. Qahla lay by Sarah, ever the protector.
"Being here brings back so many memories," I said with a contented sigh.
He smiled. "Yeah, it does, doesn't it? I remember having to hold on to you so you didn't fall in the tide pool."
I rolled my eyes and smacked his arm. "Sure, sure," I muttered.
We just basked in the quiet until Sarah woke up. She wanted to sit by the tide pools. "Don't get too close," I warned. Qahla followed after her seemingly keeping an eye on her. Jake read her some of the books his mom had read to him and then left her engrossed in the book and trying to find the things in the pictures.
With one eye on Sarah, I turned to Jake with a grin as he settled back into his spot. "You know, there's something I want to tell you."
"Hmmm? What's that?" he asked as he played with my hair.
I leaned up and pressed my lips to his ear. "I'm pregnant."
His eyes widened, and I gave a gasp of laughter as he gave a happy cry, pulling me onto his lap and engulfing me in a hug. "Oh Bells…" he murmured.
"Me too! Me too!" Sarah cried. "I wanna hug too!"
She climbed onto Jake's lap as well. I laughed and wrapped my arms around her as Jake's went around the both of us. "Sarah, mommy's going to have a baby," Jake told her.
Her eyes widened comically causing us both to laugh. She knew what a baby was. "Wike Colin's brufer?" she asked giving the name of her friend in pre-school who had a baby brother.
"Yes honey. You're going to have a baby brother or sister."
"Yay! My baby?"
"Our baby," I whispered. I reached up to kiss Jacob deeply, the touch of his tongue always exciting, as it dipped into my mouth. We sat there together in our little huddle, holding our daughter to us. It was another happy moment in our very happy life together, and I knew there would be more to come.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the baby chapter. I will be doing one more since a few asked about the other three choices. I'll combine into one and give you a small glimpse into each.
Lastly, I've been nominated three times in The Underdogs contest for Best Panty Soaker. If you would like to vote, you can do so until the 12th. The link to vote is: http:/community[dot]livejournal[dot]com/theair[underscore]thesun/67707[dot]html. Two noms are for this story and one is for Wedding Sex and it's only scenes that are listed for you to read, not a whole chapter or fic or anything so it shouldn't take too long to read through any others you might want to check out. Good categories and good stories!
Now review, review, review. The more the better… might make me do the last chapter faster. haha