Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.

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Chapter 37

Dr Summer arrived with an ambulance about an hour later, cursing the weather and glowering, but that changed as soon as she saw Bella and little Ella.

"Well, well," she said as she took the baby from it's mother to examine it. "You did a really good job. Her skin has a beautiful and healthy color. I'm going to examine her now and make sure that the little princess is perfectly healthy."

Bella nodded and she and Edward watched the doctor with eagle eyes while she measured and weighted the little baby. Luckily they had a baby scale at home which Dr Summer could use. After all her reflexes were checked and everything was documented, she handed Ella back to her father.

"Ella is perfect. Everything is as it should be and now I'll take a look at mommy here."

Bella grimaced. "Okay, but I'm glad when these frequent exams are over. I so hate them."

Dr Summer laughed. "I'm happy that giving birth hasn't changed you, but I hope you remember that I'll still have to see you for a few ones. Just to be sure that everything is healing nicely."

That wasn't something Bella wanted to think about but she knew there was no way around them, and so she just sighed and let Dr Summer do her job. To the immense relief of Edward and the other people in the room, Dr Summer was very satisfied with the way things were and after she'd made sure that Bella and Edward knew what to expect from the next few weeks and after she'd shown Bella how to breast feed little Ella, she congratulated them once again and left.

Bella and Edward stayed awake long enough to feed their daughter and to put her to bed before Edward carried Bella to bed and collapsed next to her.

MaoC

The storm lasted for nearly 36 hours and after it was over, the inhabitants of the two houses were shocked by the state of their gardens. Kate was near tears when she saw her destroyed flower beds and Edward and Garrett knew that they would have to clean-up soon. But other than a few fallen branches and some loose clapboards, nothing was damaged. They counted themselves lucky, because they knew that others had lost their houses. It was a good thing that the surrounding trees had protected the property from the worst and that the houses were solidly built.

Bell wasn't really faced by any of this. All she could think about was her daughter and how perfect she was...and how much her fucking abdomen hurt. Walking the stairs was nearly impossible and often she was carried by Edward. Luckily she could still take her beloved ibuprofen or she would have been unhappy.

Predictably, the family and their friends arrived as soon as they could. Which was a soon as the streets were cleared. Kate had foreseen such an invasion and had prepared enough food to feed a small army.

The first to arrive were Jane and Felix, who arrived two days after Ella had been born. It was just before lunchtime when Garrett announced their guests.

"Edward, Bella, the first wave of guests are rolling in," he said and both Edward and Bella had to smile at that. It was kind of fitting.

Jane didn't wait to be let in and just opened the door herself. She ignored her husband's rebuke that she was being rude. Pff, this was her best friends house and she'd just birthed her godchild.

There was no doubt in Jane's mind that she would be the girl's godmother.

The happy parents and Ella were awaiting their guests in the living room and Bella didn't even try to keep Jane from Ella.

"Oh my God," Jane squealed after she'd positioned Ella comfortably in her arms. "She's so beautiful. You'll have to beat the boys back with a bat when she hits puberty, Edward."

Said man growled. "Don't even joke about that Jane. As far as I'm concerned, she'll stay my little girl for at least twenty years."

Jane and Bella laughed at that. Both new that Ella was a looker. Her skin was pale but with a lovely pink touch. For a baby she had a lot of hair already. It was no surprise though that she had curls. Both Edward and Bella had had curls as babies but no one could predict the color of the eyes or hair. For now though, her eyes were the usual baby blue and the hair was of a light chocolate brown.

Yes, she was indeed a beautiful baby.

"So all joking aside, I'm Ella's godmother, right?"

Edward and Bella shared amused smiles. Of course, Bella had wanted to name her oldest friend godmother, but it was just so Jane that she didn't ask and just assumed.

"Well, just for your impertinence, I should say that we've chosen someone else," Edward threatened. "But that would be a lie."

"Hah!" Jane crowed and turned to Felix. "See? Didn't I tell you that I would be the little princess' godmother?"

"I never doubted that," Felix admitted and smiled as he watched his wife with a baby. Maybe it was time to have the baby-talk.

Edward could just shake his head. Jane was really something else and that made her so special. Bella was also amused but thought it was best to talk to Ella's other godparent.

"Edward," Bella whispered to get Edward's attention. "Shouldn't we speak to someone else now that Jane knows that she's Ella's godmother?"

First he looked confused but then he nodded and helped Bella to her feet. They asked Jane and Felix to entertain their baby while they went to have a quick talk with someone. They knew where they would find the other two who were in the house and quickly, or as quickly as Bella could, walked to the kitchen.

Kate stood at the stove and was humming under her breath while she heated some vegetable soup. Garrett was watching her with a contend smile on his face, but he, like the ex-soldier that he was, noticed the couple's entrance immediately and asked if they needed something.

"In a way, yes," Edward said. "Bella and I wanted to ask you something, Garrett."

Garrett and Kate shared a confused look. "Well, ask away."

"You see, when we talked about Ella's godparents it was clear that Jane would be godmother because of her close relation to Bella and because she is just plain scary, but then we had to choose a godfather. That choice was more difficult and even though I love Jasper like a brother, I'm pretty sure that he'll be her uncle soon enough and I wanted someone that could protect her from anything and anyone. There's only one that fits that description."

Apparently, Edward had said enough to give Garrett and Kate a clue about what he and Bella wanted to ask and their faces showed their surprise.

"Garrett, Bella and I would love if you would become Ella's godfather."

"Really?"

Bella giggled a little at Garrett's shell shocked expression. It wasn't every day that you managed to shock Garrett. "Of course, we're sure. You stopped being just a bodyguard long ago and both Edward and I consider you and Kate part of our family. Well?"

Garrett needed a few tries before he managed to say, "Yes, I would love to be Ella's godfather. Wow! That was surprising."

Kate was happy that they would have a big part in little Ella's life and Bella thought that now was the perfect opportunity to take some pictures of Ella with her new godparents and their spouses.

The moment that was done they heard the approaching cars of the Cullens and Bella decided it would be stupid to put the camera away when she would need document the first meeting of Ella with her family.

MaoC

As expected Esme and the other women had spent the rest of the afternoon cooing over little Ella and Carlisle had shed a few tears when Edward had put his granddaughter in his shaking arms. Not that Carlisle had been the only one to cry. Esme and Elizabeth were on cloud nine and were certain that there had never been a more beautiful baby in the Cullen family. Alice had pouted a little at that but not even she could deny that Ella was a true beauty.

As much as Bella and Edward had enjoyed their family's visit they were happy when they finally departed so that they could rest. It was half past seven when the new parents decided it was the perfect time to retire, because Ella, no matter how cute she was, was one demanding baby. Bella had to feed her every three to four hours and she didn't care to be patient when she was hungry. Edward tried to help as much as possible but he simply wasn't able to feed her. He didn't have breasts and secondly, Ella didn't want the bottle. And no matter what they tried, the little demon wouldn't let herself be persuaded. Therefore Bella had to get up at all hours to feed the monster but she loved her anyway.

Well, maybe she loved her a little less at four o'clock in the morning, but only a little bit.

The first weeks with Ella were wonderful and both Edward and Bella enjoyed their time together but soon it was time for Edward to go back to work and that meant that Bella would be on her own with Ella. Well not entirely on her own as Kate would help Bella as much as she wanted but that didn't change that Ella couldn't be fed by anyone but Bella and the little princess still demanded milk every three or four hours.

At first Bella had no problem with getting little sleep but after a month she was exhausted. Dr Summer had promised her that Ella would soon sleep longer and not demand milk so often, but until then she would have to deal with it somehow.

Ella was five weeks old when Bella started to feel pain in her right breast. At first it was only a little uncomfortable but soon she dreaded letting her daughter near them. It was Wednesday and Edward was at work when Kate, who knew about the problem, had enough.

"Okay, put on some shoes, Bella, we're going to see Dr Summer," Kate ordered and snatched Ella from her confused mother to get her ready for the little trip.

"What?"

Bella didn't really know what was happening but decided to heed Kate's orders. Ten minutes later everyone was ready and Kate had even managed to get hold of Dr Summer, who was awaiting them at the practice. Luckily it was a slow day at the practice and Bella needed to wait only fifteen minutes before she was called in.

Dr Summer was already at the exam room and asked them, Bella had asked Kate to come in with her, what the problem was.

"Um my right breast hurts. Especially when I'm feeding Ella. I'm sure it's nothing but Kate thought it would be best if you would take a look at it." As usual Bella tried to downplay her pain but Kate wouldn't let her.

"That's an understatement," Kate contradicted her and ignored Bella's betrayed look. "She cringes when Ella starts crying and I think Ella feels that Bella is in pain. She hasn't been drinking as much as she normally does."

Dr Summer nodded and made some notes before she looked at Bella. "Is that right, Bella? I need to know how it is?"

Bella fidgeted under the doctor's stern gaze and nodded meekly. "Yes, it is that bad. It hurts so much and if Ella would let me, I would just give her the bottle but she hates that."

"Well, it's secondary if Ella hates that. Now, please, take off your shirt and bra so that I can examine the breast."

Bella did just that and, although Dr Summer was very gentle, she flinched often and grimaced when the doctor touched a very painful part.

"Hm," Dr Summer said. "Okay, I'm pretty sure about the reason behind your pain but I still need some blood from you to make sure."

Bella bit her lip uncertainly but decided to ask. "Is it bad?"

"Oh no, you have a mastitis. A breast infection. That isn't too bad but uncomfortable. Your temperature is a little high and there is a little lump but you can continue to breastfeed if it isn't too uncomfortable." Seeing Bella's grimace, she quickly offered another option. "Or you stop until you feel better but to relieve engorgement or to prevent loss of your milk supply, you'll have to use a breast pump."

"Both options don't sound good, but will it be safe to continue breastfeeding while I'm taking medication?"

Dr Summer nodded resolutely. "Of course and it's the best option. The antibiotics should make you feel better in two days. At the latest."

That didn't sound too bad in Bella's opinion and after Dr Summer had handed her the prescription, she thanked her and they left the practice. Kate quickly drove to the next drugstore to get Bella her antibiotics and then they were on the way back.

By the time they arrived home, Edward was already there and quite worried about why there wasn't anyone home. As soon as the two women and one baby entered the house, Edward nearly ran to them and asked where they'd been. Bella calmly explained and assured her worried husband that no, it wasn't something bad and no, she didn't have to stop breastfeeding if she didn't want to.

As promised the antibiotics did help and soon Bella was again looking forward to her bonding time while feeding her daughter and Edward did have his own bonding time. He had claimed bathing duties and enjoyed every minute of it. And he loved to take his daughter outside for longs walks every day.

MaoC

Edward knew that Bella knew that he was acting strange but that didn't matter. It was high time that he took his wife out for a nice dinner. Since Ella's birth they hadn't left her alone. Not even once and Edward wanted to change that. Kate and Garrett had promised to watch the little girl for a few hours so that they could eat dinner at Bella's favorite Chinese. That was only possible because Ella was now sleeping much longer at night and only needed to be fed around midnight and that left them enough time for a little date.

It was a Friday and Edward came home early to tell Bella of his plans.

He'd just put his shoes away when Bella came to greet him.

"Hey, Edward. What are you doing home already?"

Edward smiled when he saw that Bella was carrying his daughter. "Well, we have plans tonight. Plans that don't involve this little bundle of joy," he said teasingly and tickled Ella's stomach lightly which made her giggle.

"Edward, I can't leave Ella at home. I need to feed her," Bella commented.

"I'm not a fool but if you feed her at seven then we have enough time to eat at China Wu before she needs to be fed again." He'd foreseen that Bella would be reluctant to leave her baby. Emmett and his parents had warned him that young mothers were sometimes clingy.

"But who would watch her? We can't just leave her with anybody," Bella said and pressed Ella's body closer to her chest.

Edward rolled his eyes at her feeble objection. "Kate and Garrett offered to watch. I wouldn't call them unfit or unprepared. Would you?"

Knowing that Edward was right and that Ella would perfectly safe with one set of godparents, she sighed in defeat. "You're right but don't be cross with me if I call to check on her. Often."

"I wouldn't dream of it," he answered and reached for his little girl. "And now give me Ella so that we can have some father-daughter time and you can get yourself ready."

At first Bella appeared to be reluctant but then an excited smile made it's appearance and she quickly walked upstairs to make herself pretty for her husband. While he went to his daily walk with his daughter, Bella showered and shaved. After she was clean, she put on some light makeup and selected some on her black maternity pants, yes, she still wore them because they were comfortable and fit, and a dark blue tunic with silver ornaments on it. Edward loved it and always complemented her when she wore it. Instead of wearing some high heels she chose her favorite ballerina flats. When she was done, she examined her reflection in the mirror and was satisfied. She did look good, especially for someone who'd given birth to a baby 9 weeks ago.

When she descended the stairs Kate and Garrett were already there and both told her how fantastic she looked but nothing they said compared to her husband's smoldering eyes as they racked over her body.

"Mrs Cullen, you look entirely too sexy for a mom," he growled teasingly when he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. There was no mistaking that Edward still desired his wife very much.

"Stop teasing me and hand me my baby so that I can feed her or we won't be able to go to China Wu after all," Bella said laughingly.

Predictably, Bella had some trouble leaving Ella with Kate and Garrett but after several promises to call should something be wrong and some reassurances that Ella would be absolutely fine, Edward managed to get Bella into the car and soon they were driving to China Wu.

The drive took a little over twenty minutes and their favorite table was waiting for them when they arrived. Bella loved the restaurant because it didn't only have Chinese dishes but also several Thai ones. She especially loved the curries and as always they took the buffet. The waiters knew the Cullens by now and didn't bring the the menus any longer. They just asked about their drinks.

At first Bella took a dish of mini spring rolls. She absolutely loved them, especially with Sambal Olek. Edward could only wonder how she could eat so hot stuff, but he didn't comment on it. He also didn't comment on the amount Bella ate. He knew that women who were breastfeeding needed the calories and more importantly, he wouldn't dare say anything that could be seen as criticizing her figure. Bella hated that she still looked about four months pregnant but she knew that it took time to loose the weight. Well, unless she wanted to start working out like crazy. Which she didn't.

They spent nearly three hours at the restaurant and talked about everything and nothing. Edward encouraged her to take Ella to Phoenix, so that the staff would see her and so that Bella could see how things were running. She immediately agreed and Edward could see how much she'd missed going to Phoenix.

On the way home they shared few innocent and not so innocent touches and as soon as they'd arrived home, they thanked Kate and Garrett for baby sitting and complimented them outside. After they'd locked the door, they went upstairs and Bella fed Ella while Edward sat at her feet and watched her with burning eyes. Until now Bella's libido had been asleep but now it was back and she hoped that Ella would sleep long enough for mommy and daddy to have some sex. Her desire must have been visible because Edward smirked at her and left a few minutes before Bella.

When she stepped into their bedroom, she noticed that Edward had used his time wisely. He'd lit a a few candles and already turned down the bed, but most importantly he'd already lost most of his clothes. Only his boxers were still on and they did little to conceal Edward's desire.

At the sight of this Bella felt suddenly a little shy, which was irrational because Edward saw her naked every day, but that had been in a nonsexual way.

Edward must have sensed this because he wrapped his arms around her and pressed her to is chest. "I'm not going to tell you that it's silly to feel shy all of a sudden. You know that already but let me tell you that I still find you very sexy and I've waited as patiently as I could for you to be ready. And should you still have any doubts about my feelings then my very hard dick should be enough to convince you that I'm ready to explore your body and to bring us both pleasure. And lots of it." While he'd spoken he'd let his hands wander and by now Bella felt the familiar tingle in her lower regions and it didn't matter anymore that she still needed to loose about 12 pounds or that the skin on her stomach was rather flappy.

She wanted her husband. And he wanted her.

Their first union since the birth of Ella was gentle and Edward took his time to pleasure Bella in every way before he sank into her warm depths. It was different but the same. And after they'd come down from their high, they fell asleep with happy smiles on their faces.

Until Ella once again demanded their attention.

MaoC

The next day they spent at home and both did a little work while Ella played in her playpen. It was just after three when the door bell rang. Confused as they weren't expecting anyone Edward got up and opened the door. Outside stood an old man in his late seventies with light silver hair and friendly brown eyes.

"Uncle Harold," Edward greeted the man with a friendly hug and invited him inside. "Uncle" Harold wasn't related to the Cullens but he was an old friend of Edward senior.

Bella, who knew Uncle Harold only fleetingly, offered him some tea before they sat down. Harold Martins watched the little family and had to hide a smile. Edward senior had been smarter than anyone had known.

After a few minutes of smalltalk Edward decided to ask about the reason for his visit. Harold didn't spent much time around Boston anymore and for him to come there meant that he had something to do. "Not that I'm not happy about your visit but I'm surprised. You spent most of your time in England now. So why are you here?"

Bella tried to admonish him but Harold just laughed.

"You're one smart man, Edward, very much like you grandfather. You're right though. I came here for a reason. As you know I was Ed's lawyer."

Edward nodded. "I know that he sometimes worked with you. Mostly personal matters."

"Yes, that's right. I was also the one who wrote the will and the contract between him and Mr Swan."

Now Edward and Bella were all ears. Until now no one had been able to tell them why he'd chosen Bella and to arrange the marriage. Harold noticed their interest and pulled put an envelope put of the inside pocket of his jacket. "Your grandfather knew that he didn't have much time left and made sure that everything was taken care of. Shortly before his death he handed me a letter to you and asked me to give it to you. But only after some time had passed. He told me I would know when the time was right." With these words he handed the letter to Edward who stared at it with shocked but also curious eyes. "Read it or don't, but remember that he loved you dearly and only wanted the best for you."

Harold than stood up and left them alone. Bella was also shocked but brought Harold to the door before she returned to Edward who was still staring at the letter.

"Edward? Do you want to read it alone?"

Startled, Edward looked up and shook his head. "No, Bella, please stay here. You've got as much right to read it than I do."

"Of course," Bella said and set next to her busband and put a calming hand on his back.

Edward took a deep shaking breath before the opened the envelope and pulled out his grandfather's letter. He recognized his writing immediately, and it even still smelled like him. tI took some courage but he did read it.

My beloved Edward,

I'm sure that you're surprised to get this letter but I thought it best to leave some kind of explanation behind. I can only imagine your face but it must look interesting.

Well, I guess you were very angry when you heard the stipulations of my will, but I did it for you. I loathed that woman that tried to ensnare you. She wanted your money and your connections but didn't really care for you. Not that you did. I knew you good enough to know that you used her as a way to let go and to sow your oats. If you remember, I told you that you would to that eventually, but I regress.

She wasn't right for you and I wanted her gone and you to be happy, but it seemed that you hadn't met the right woman yet. And that's when I remembered a certain party.

You were ten, I think, we were at one if those horrible parties with too many people who thought they deserved only the best. You were bored and decided to explore the wast gardens of the mansion. It had a maze. There you met a girl about your age. She wore an expensive pale blue dress. It had some stains on it. She was a beautiful girl and she seemed to be in her own world where there were fairies and other creatures. At first you only stood there and stared at her. It was endearing to watch you. But then you straightened your posture and approached her. I didn't hear what you were saying but she wasn't impressed. The look on your face was hilarious. Most people, even children, knew who you were and tried to be nice to you for one reason or another. This girl though was different. At some point she even stuck out her tongue! You were shocked by her actions and about ready to give up but then she offered her hand and dragged you into the maze.

I didn't see you for the rest of the party but when it was time to leave you were smiling because you had had such a great time. I asked after her name and guess what she was called? Bella!

Edward and Bella stared at each other in shock.

"Do you remember this day?" Bella asked. "I was sure that we never really had sent time together."

Edward shook his head and both continued to read the letter that proved to be very interesting.

You were completely enamored with her and when it was time to go to bed you told me this was the girl you would marry someday. I have to admit that I was shocked but pleasantly so. The next day you tried to find her but were unable to. You were sad but easily distracted.

I didn't think of this day for a few years but then Tanya Denali entered our lives and you began your affair. I started looking for Bella and imagine my surprise when I found out that she was Isabella Swan. I never liked the Swans, social climbers and the most conceited people I'd ever met. I couldn't believe that such a family should have managed to create the lovely creature that you'd found so charming.

Well, after I'd found out her name, I arranged a meeting between her and myself at a park. I was incognito, it was very exciting! Bella was still lovely and very down-to-earth. Smart and caring. She was your perfect match.

The problem was that you wouldn't see it that way and I knew just how stubborn you could be. That's when I remembered my own father's scheme. I never told your grandmother any of this as she wouldn't have agreed with me. I decided to make it a stipulation of my will for you to marry. Of course I gathered some intelligence and what I found was not good. The Swans were even worse than I'd expected. They didn't acre for Bella and were ready to use them. She needed to be freed of them. I talked to Geoffrey Swan and he was all too pleased to about my plan and promised to speak to his daughter. It was disgusting how easy it was to arrange this marriage.

Everything was arranged but I also made sure that neither of you would be caught in a loveless marriage. Harold was to keep taps on you and if it seemed that my plan didn't work then he should reveal my second will. Well, it's mostly a time delayed addition to my will. Should neither of you been happy or really unwilling to make a marriage work than you would have still been able to become my successor and Bella would have been free of her family.

I know you're most likely very angry with me but I did this to make you happy. I never wanted to hurt you and maybe I take things a little too far but I truly believe that you and Bella can be as happy as I was with your grandmother.

I love you, Edward, shall pray for your happiness.

Pops

For a few minutes Bella and Edward remained silent and stared at the letter with unseeing eyes. It was Edward though who broke the silence first.

"It was still wrong of him to do play with out lives like this."

"Yes, but I think that somehow he knew that. From what you've told me, he was an intelligent man. I wouldn't be surprised if he left Mr Martins more instructions than he admitted in this letter," Bella said. She was still shocked about the revelations but somehow she couldn't be really angry with the manipulative old man.

"Maybe, but I doubt Uncle Harold would admit it. Not if my grandfather had asked him to stay silent," he wondered. Restless he stood up and paced through the living room. "I can't believe this. This old bastard!"

Bella watched him for a few moments before she got up and wrapped her arms around him. Edward immediately relaxed and buried his face in her hair to inhale her familiar perfume.

"I know you're angry but you have to admit that the man was right. Even if it took us a while, we're very happy now. And I wouldn't change a thing."

"Yes, we are and neither would I." And I'm pretty sure the old man is watching us and looking smug.

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Okay, this was the last chapter. Next will be the epilogue and then I'm done. WOW!

Well, how did you like it? I hope the letter was a surprise. Edward Senior had good intentions but we all the saying. What he did was manipulative and way out of line.

I hope you liked it.

Love, Nini

P.S. Okay, so Fanfiction won't let me use this wonderful script for Pop's letter. Sorry!