To say that I was relieved when we finally received Carlisle's telegram from Eugene would be a gross understatement. Bella's excitement stemmed from the knowledge that she would see her beloved new parents soon and share what she believed was happy news. My anticipation was a result of my intense need for my father's help.
I wired back immediately asking that Carlisle and Esme come to Madras as soon as possible. I did not wait for the reply; I knew they would read the urgency in my terse words and would respond to my appeal unquestioningly.
Carlisle did send a second telegraph, assuring me that he and Esme were leaving at that moment and would be with us in a few hours' time. I realized that for pragmatic reasons they would need to drive. Arriving at our house without any form of transportation could raise questions. It was better to err on the side of caution, particularly since I was becoming well-known in the area. Still, I wished they had been able to run; it would have been faster.
I closed the office early so that we could get home before my parents arrived. Bella wanted to tidy up the house, too. She was feeling energetic at the moment—quickly rebounding from a bout of nausea and vomiting after her mid-morning snack—and she bustled about arranging flowers from the garden, putting away the books and straightening the pillows in the parlor.
I heard the rumble of the motorcar's engine just after three o'clock.
"They're coming," I called to Bella from my position at the window.
"Oh! I can't wait to see them!" she exclaimed, hurrying from the parlor. She took my hand. "How do you want to tell them?"
I looked down at her eager face. I had not really considered the best way to break the news to them. They must already know that something was the matter; the subtext of my telegram had implied that much. They would surely be anxious.
"I think we should tell them first thing," I replied.
Bella nodded. "Of course." She was beaming.
We watched as the automobile drove up the road. The day was sunny, so Carlisle had put the top up. I could see his and Esme's pale faces through the windscreen. Both wore anxious expressions.
Bella and I stepped outside to wave from the porch. I kept my arm around her waist; I felt very protective of her.
"Hello!" she cried as soon as the vehicle had come to a stop.
Carlisle and Esme climbed out quickly and hurried toward us. I gave each a nod of greeting.
"Edward, Bella," Carlisle said, his eyes moving over each of us in turn. His gaze upon me was as professionally critical as it was upon Bella. Did he think I was in danger? Perhaps he feared that I had suffered a relapse…
"Darling," Esme murmured, drawing me into a firm embrace before hugging my wife more gently.
Carlisle and I hugged, too, but briefly. He drew back to look at me questioningly. I glanced at Bella.
He waited until Esme pulled back, then he took Bella's hands, lifting one to kiss it. I could hear his slow inhale. She was smiling, and in a moment she pressed forward to wrap her arms around him. He kissed her crown softly as he reciprocated the embrace.
Esme gave me a questioning look but refrained from asking me for an explanation. She seemed to understand that I would share my concerns soon.
Carlisle stepped back slightly and placed his hand against Bella's cheek. I knew he was assessing her temperature.
"Are you well, dear?" he asked with concern. Clearly he could tell that something was amiss with her.
Her smile widened, but she blushed. "Yes."
"Come inside, please," I said. "We have something to tell you."
We entered the house and moved to the parlor, where Bella and I sat upon the sofa, her hand in mine. Carlisle and Esme perched on the edges of the wingback chairs, their postures rigid in their anxiety.
Bella looked up at me. She wished for me to share the news.
I took a breath to calm myself. "Something has happened," I began, "something entirely unexpected and unprecedented."
"Sweetheart," Esme interjected, leaning toward Bella, "what's wrong? Are you ill?"
Bella shook her head, a small smile remaining upon her lips. Her expression perplexed my parents. Both looked to me for further explanation.
Concisely, I informed them, "Bella is pregnant."
Esme gasped audibly, and Carlisle's hand shot to his mouth. Both blinked at us in absolute surprise. Carlisle seemed completely at a loss for words, a first for him.
Esme, however, conveyed her thoughts easily. With wide eyes, she exclaimed, "Oh! This is… miraculous."
Bella laughed lightly. "It is!"
Esme's hand was in Carlisle's now. She seemed to intuit his thoughts as she asked, "But how? How is it possible?"
I shook my head; I was still not entirely sure. "Some vestige of my physical humanity apparently remained."
Esme glanced at her husband. His gaze was fixed upon Bella, but he squeezed his wife's hand. "I had no idea that such a thing was possible," he said, finally finding his voice, although it was uncharacteristically tremulous.
"I imagine that most people would think marriage between a human and a vampire impossible, too," Bella said softly, "but it seems that Edward and I are able to do the most unlikely things."
Esme shot forward to take Bella's hands. "Darling, I am so happy for you!"
Carlisle gave me a nod. "Congratulations." His tone remained heavy, however.
"I need to talk to you," I responded, careful to ensure that Bella could not hear my entreaty.
He replied simply, "Yes."
He stood, moving forward to lift Bella's chin gently and kiss her forehead. I got to my feet, and Esme sat down beside Bella, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Do you know when the baby will be born?" my mother asked my wife.
"In early January, we think," Bella said.
Carlisle caught my distressed look and took my arm. We left our wives talking as we hurried outside. I sank down on the porch step, my head falling into my hands. Carlisle gripped my shoulder supportively.
"Tell me, son," he said without preamble.
"I'm afraid the fetus is developing too quickly—that it's not fully human and will harm Bella."
"Do you know when she conceived?"
"I'm not certain. She had some bleeding and cramping at the end of our honeymoon, and we both assumed she was menstruating. If that was the case, then she is only at six weeks' gestation, but the fetus's heart began beating two weeks ago."
He nodded thoughtfully. "It could have been implantation bleeding."
"Possibly. I don't have any way to determine that definitively. But even if she conceived during our honeymoon, she would only be at nine weeks, yet her symptoms seem more typical of early second trimester."
"Give me details," he urged.
I related all of Bella's symptoms thoroughly, providing specific dates and times for each incident of nausea, vomiting, syncope, and fatigue. I told him what I knew about her physical condition, too.
He listened intently, and when I had finally finished speaking, he said, "I understand your concerns, Edward. However, there is nothing that indicates specifically that the pregnancy is progressing in an atypical manner."
"But there are signs that it may be. Bella was able to hear the heartbeat through the stethoscope two days ago. Even if she's nine weeks pregnant, it's much too early for that."
His brows drew together. "Are you certain that she was able to hear it?"
"I think she could. She was entirely convinced of it."
He permitted himself a small smile. "Expectant mothers can sometimes have rather vivid imaginations."
"Bella isn't like that," I protested.
"Pregnancy can change a woman, son. You know that."
"I do. But I feel as though I cannot be objective in this case. I am constantly second-guessing myself and questioning my professional judgments." I exhaled heavily. "I need your help, Carlisle."
"Of course, son, anything."
"I want you to examine Bella."
He nodded; most likely he had been anticipating this request. His professional curiosity was piqued, too.
"But Carlisle," I persisted, although it pained me terribly, "I need you to be completely impartial. You must be honest with me, whatever you find."
"I will."
I clutched his forearm tightly. "And if there is any reason to believe that this pregnancy is harming her, I will need your help even more."
"Edward, please, you mustn't think like that," he began, his innate compassion suffusing his pragmatism.
Steeling myself, I replied, "Actually, I must. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure Bella's well-being."
He pulled his arm from my grasp and slid it around my shoulders. I leaned heavily against him, and we sat without moving for some time as I tried to draw strength from my father.
Eventually Carlisle and I returned to the parlor. Esme had obviously overheard much of our conversation; while she kept a pleasant expression on her face, I could see that it was forced. Her voice was a little too cheerful, as well. She gave me a sympathetic look when I entered the room.
I nodded in response then sat down beside Bella. I took her hands in mine. "Darling," I said as calmly as I could, "I'd like Carlisle to have a look at you. He has a great deal more professional experience with pregnancy than I do, and I would appreciate his opinion."
Her joyful expression fell. "You're still worried, aren't you?"
"Yes," I admitted, kissing her cheek.
She sighed. "If this is what you need to know that everything is all right, then fine." She looked up at Carlisle. "When do you want to do this?"
"Whenever you're ready, dear," he replied gently.
She shrugged. "No time like the present, I suppose." Her tone was entirely devoid of humor.
Carlisle slipped from the parlor, murmuring that he would get his bag from the car. Bella and Esme exchanged a look, my wonderful mother offering Bella a soft smile that spoke volumes.
"Why don't we go upstairs," I suggested, standing and extending my hand to my wife.
She rose, momentarily unsteady on her feet. Her heartbeat accelerated, and I worried for a few moments that she was faint. My arm was around her immediately.
"I'm all right," she said quietly.
Esme's pale brow furrowed in concern. We both noted that the color had left Bella's face. I wished Carlisle had witnessed this little incident. It might give him useful diagnostic information.
I kept my arm around Bella as we climbed the stairs then walked along the hall to our room. She sank down on the bed, her hands clasped in her lap. I sat next to her and placed my hand over the back of her neck, massaging gently in the hopes of easing some of her tension.
Carlisle joined us shortly. He set his bag at the foot of the bed. He could hear Bella's rapid heartbeat, just as I could.
"Please don't feel anxious, dear," he said kindly.
She swallowed and took a slow breath, trying to calm herself.
"Edward," Carlisle murmured, "perhaps you should wait downstairs."
I did not intend to scowl at him; it was an innate response. Still, he understood my feelings and attempted to allay them.
"Son, I need to be completely objective. Having you here only makes that harder," he explained too softly for Bella to hear.
I had requested full impartiality; I knew it would be difficult for him to be dispassionate in the face of my emotions. I sighed in resignation, replying, "Only if she's comfortable with that."
He nodded subtly, and I took her hands in mind.
"Darling," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady, "I'm going to wait downstairs with Esme. Is that all right?"
"Oh…" Her gaze flicked to Carlisle then back to me. His expression was gentle and affectionate. "Yes, I suppose so…"
I lifted her hand to kiss it. "I'll be back shortly," I promised.
Carlisle smiled warmly at her. Bella gave me a nod, and I stood, walking slowly toward the door. I glanced back once to whisper, "I love you," then I shuffled down the hallway and descended the stairs.
Esme enveloped me in her arms the moment I stepped into the parlor. She held me for several minutes, both of us listening to the soft conversation upstairs. Carlisle asked Bella many questions, to which she replied honestly. His tone remained professional yet infinitely kind, which I knew calmed her.
Esme gestured to the sofa, and we sat anxiously as their words diminished to a few sporadic comments. I knew that Carlisle was examining Bella now. I did not realize that my hand was gripping Esme's with considerable force until she shifted slightly beside me, a look of pain fllickering on her beautiful face.
"Sorry," I muttered, releasing her hand.
She took my hands between hers immediately, holding them gently. She offered me a sympathetic smile. "It's all right."
Finally Carlisle called me. I was up the stairs in an instant. Bella lay back against the pillows. He sat beside her, moving a fetoscope slowly over her womb.
I moved to my wife's side and clasped her hand. She appeared anxious. With minutely controlled motions, I ran my thumb over her wrist in the hopes of soothing her both her nerves and mine.
After a few long moments, Carlisle looked up at us and smiled, saying, "Everything seems fine,"
"Are you certain?" I asked.
He nodded as Bella sat up. He took her free hand, saying, "You are at nine or ten weeks' gestation. I feel certain that you conceived within a few days of your wedding. You should expect the baby in early January."
Bella's eyes filled with tears as she leaned forward to hug my father. "Thank you, Carlisle!"
"My pleasure," he replied with a pleased grin. "Now, I believe your mother-in-law is anxiously awaiting any further news you can offer her. She's preparing some tea for you…"
Bella got up but paused to kiss my cheek. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," I responded. I was still slightly shocked by Carlisle's words, so I remained motionless.
She left, and I fixed my gaze pointedly upon my father. "Is it really true? Is she really all right?"
He nodded. "Yes, son, she is."
"Thank God," I breathed, gratefully accepting his embrace.
My elation diminished slightly as my need for objective evidence surfaced anew. I drew back and asked him how he had reached his diagnostic conclusions.
Patiently he explained, "There were three primary goals to my examination: first, determining if the fetus was abnormal in any way. If it were not entirely human, it would not be compatible with Bella's body, and I believe in such a case we would see clear evidence of her system's reaction to a foreign body within her. However, I found no signs of unusual immune response. Additionally, I feel certain that she would not have been able to conceive if your sperm cells were not compatible with her genetic make-up. So, both clinically and logically, we can be assured that the baby is fully human."
I sighed in relief. He gave me a nod then continued speaking.
"The second goal was to assess Bella's overall physical condition, as I know you are concerned about her general health. I see no indications of anemia, hypothyroidism, hypotension, or other possible effects caused by the strain of pregnancy, but of course you will want to monitor her closely as she progresses. At this point, she is healthy, although I have some minor concerns about her weight. It's common for slender women to lose weight during the first trimester if they experience repeated nausea, and I imagine that Bella will begin to gain weight over the next few weeks as she enters the second trimester. Regarding the apparent inconsistency of her nausea, fatigue, and dizziness." He paused to smile gently. "Well, you've based your concerns primarily upon textbook information. However, in my years of practice I've found that every pregnancy is unique in its own way. Some women experience nausea and lightheadedness throughout the entire nine months, while others have little or none at all, even during the first trimester. And we mustn't forget Bella's reaction to blood; surely that has been a factor in some of the instances of both syncope and emesis."
I felt slightly foolish, but Carlisle's expression showed nothing but affection. He continued.
"The third goal of the examination, of course, was to determine if the pregnancy is advancing normally. It is." He gave a nod of satisfaction. "I based this conclusion upon a number of points. First, I recalled that Bella's scent was slightly altered when you returned from your honeymoon. At the time I gave it little thought, assuming that her altered hormone levels were an effect of both menstruation and your intimate activities. I did not associate the scent with that of pregnancy simply because I thought such a thing impossible. I'm certain that if I noted that scent on any other woman I would know that she was with child… and I regret that I dismissed the notion then without a second thought."
"You didn't know," I said.
"No. Still, I should have used my professional instincts better."
"I noticed the changes in her scent, too," I admitted. "And she smelled of me…"
He nodded. "Yes. Esme and I both caught your unique scent from her, too. It is even stronger now. Again we assumed it was due to your prolonged intimate contact. I suppose in part it is, but I believe it is also due to the fact that she is carrying a physical part of you inside her. And, scent aside—although you know what a powerful diagnostic tool our enhanced olfactory system provides—the small changes in her body are perfectly in line with nine to ten weeks of pregnancy, as is the fetus's heartbeat and movement."
"Is her uterus palpable at the suprapubic area?" I asked, curious to know if I had imagined this several days previously.
"Yes."
"But isn't it too early for that?" I knew that I was still being overly cautious, but I needed to hear Carlisle's rational and objective words.
He shook his head. "Not necessarily. Bella is very slim and small-boned; those two factors make it easier to feel even the smallest changes beneath the abdominal wall. And again, you're basing your criteria upon information shared by human physicians. Our senses permit us to note the most subtle changes in our patients, usually before our colleagues can."
"Yes…"
He placed his hand upon my shoulder. "She's fine, son. The fact that she conceived with you seems miraculous to me, but aside from that everything about her pregnancy appears within normal parameters. I know you'll monitor her carefully, and of course I will gladly consult with you any time you have concerns."
"Thank you, Carlisle."
"My pleasure." He gave my shoulder a tender squeeze. "Now, tell me how you're doing, Edward. You mentioned several instances of Bella becoming ill while she was assisting you with patients, but you haven't told me how you're faring."
"I've been fine," I replied. "As long as she's touching me—her skin to mine—I feel nothing from my patients. I'm able to treat them without experiencing any mental discomfort."
"I'm so glad," he responded. "I have to admit that I was worried… Bella's effect upon you seemed so extraordinary; I could scarcely believe it was true."
"But it is. We've proven it time and again."
"Truly, there is something about you and Bella together that is utterly phenomenal."
"It's her, Carlisle; it's all her."
He offered me a significant smile. "I doubt that, son."
We could hear Bella and Esme talking downstairs. Esme's tone had become much more natural as Carlisle spoke with me; she had heard his reassurances that her beloved daughter-in-law was well. Now her warm, soft laugh floated up the stairs.
"I'm sorry that I dragged you away from Eugene just as you arrived," I said as Carlisle replaced items in his bag. "When do they expect you at the hospital?"
"When I received your telegram, I wired them that I'd been delayed in my journey and would not arrive for several more days. I wasn't certain how long you might need Esme and me…"
I nodded. "Thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Can you stay for a day or two, then?"
"We'd love to," he replied. "We've missed you both."
"We feel the same."
We joined our wives in the breakfast room, where I was pleased to see Bella eating peach slices drizzled with honey and cream. Her cheeks were rosy, and her expression was happy and relaxed. Her slow, steady heartbeat and the whispered flutter of my child's heart were the most beautiful sounds I had ever heard.
It seemed that my parents appreciated this soft, natural music, too. For a few moments everyone was silent while Bella took another bite of the fruit. As she swallowed, she looked up at our reverent faces.
"What?" she asked.
She was met with three delighted smiles. Esme reached out to take her hand.
"We can hear the baby's heartbeat," she said. "It's wonderful."
Bella smiled, too, but I could see a hint of disappointment in her face. "I wish I could hear it as easily as you can. I'm not even sure I was able to hear it with the stethoscope…I wanted to, so very much. But it may have just been wishful thinking." Her hand moved to rest over her flat belly.
"It will still be another two months or so before you'll be able to hear it," Carlisle informed her gently.
"But as soon as it's feasible, we'll try," I added.
She nodded agreeably. "I'd like that."
"Soon dear," Carlisle said, "you'll be able to feel some movement. I'm already able to detect some, and Edward should be able to, as well."
A smile of anticipation spread across my face. I had not thought to try this…
Bella's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You could feel the baby moving?"
"Not exactly," he answered with a small grin, "but I could hear subtle movements through the fetoscope. That's a very good sign."
Bella's eyes flooded with tears. "Thank you," she said, standing to hug Carlisle.
He held her for several long moments, his expression one of both wonder and joy. Esme was beaming, her hands clasped over her still heart. I wrapped my arm around my mother's shoulders, and she leaned into me.
"Darling," she whispered, "we are overjoyed."
I kissed her cheek. "We are too, Esme."
With my family gathered around me—my parents, my wife, and my unborn child—I believed I was the happiest I had ever been in either of my lives.
Note: A kind reader informed me that a fetal heartbeat is not audible to human ears through a stethoscope until 18-20 weeks. In the previous chapter, Edward indicated that Bella would not be able to hear the heart beating until she was approximately 10-12 weeks pregnant, which is incorrect. With modern technology, such as a Doppler, this is possible, but it would not have been in the early 20th Century. I apologize for the misinformation.
