Author's Note: Here is the next chapter, a day early, surprise! thank you so much for all of those who have added me to their alert lists and who have reviewed. It really means a lot. Enjoy!

-Lisa


Chapter Forty Five

"Thank you for coming Bella. I wanted to talk to you about developments in your case." Jasper told her very professionally.

Bella smiled before letting out a light laugh. "Jazz, we've known each other for years. You are a part of my family. You are like a brother to me for crying out loud, so tell me what is going on with this thing." Bella said annoyed.

Jasper took a deep breath and grabbed the document from his desk. He leaned against the oak desk and looked at Bella. "They want to settle."

"What?" Bella asked shocked.

Nodding his head, Jasper continued. "It seems that Aro would personally like to contact you to apologize. He would then offer a pretty large settlement on behalf of the magazine. There is even an indication that he would give you your old job back." Jasper paused for a moment and studied Bella's face. He was unable to read her. "Do you need time to think?"

Shaking her head Bella answered him. "You know I don't need the money. I know that Aro has mistreated other woman who had families or women in general. My intern, Lauren was amazing. She was a good college kid with a good head on her shoulders. I believe she will go far in the field. Anyway, she confided in me after I left to have Charlotte that he made advances towards her. I asked her why she didn't say anything. Her reply was Aro told her that he knew a lot of people in the business and if she opened her mouth she would never work in the field again. That isn't right. No, I don't want to settle. I know Lauren's story will never be heard as well as all of the other women who were taken advantage of, but they can hear my case. I can stand up to the magazine owners and I can tell the judge my story in hopes some changes will happen."

Jasper looked at Bella and smiled shyly. "Wow, I never realized you had the good fight in you."

"Neither did I," Bella laughed.

"Well, I totally agree with your decision so I'll draw up the paper work later. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

Bella again shook her head in agreement. "There have been so many wrongs that one of them has to turn into a right." Bella stopped and looked at Jasper. His eyes went back to the paper in his hands, however, he wasn't reading it. Bella looked closer and saw that his hands were shaking and he looked like he was sweating. "Jazz, what's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" He asked looking at her. "We're talking about your case that I believe you will win."

"No, it isn't about the case. You're shaking. Come and sit next to me," she said holding out her hand. His hands were cool but clammy. He looked even more pale than usual. Once he was seated next to Bella, she squeezed his hand. "What is wrong? Talk to me."

Jasper was silent. He didn't know how to tactfully say what he was thinking. He blurted out his thoughts Bella. "I'm worried about Alice. Have you talked to her lately?" Jasper blurted out.

"No I haven't talked to her since we made plans for her and the girls to come over on Friday night. What's going on?"

Jasper shrugged his shoulders. "Well, she has been really tired and cranky. She has been throwing up in the morning and goes to bed really early. She doesn't have a lot of patients for the kids." The look on Bella's face must have shown Jasper that she was thinking that what he was. "I thought she was pregnant," he blankly stated before he paused. "She wasn't sick like this with the girls. Those pregnancies mirrored each other and this one, if she is pregnant, this one doesn't seem anything like them."

"Maybe she is just sick," Bella suggested knowing that Jasper's first suspicion was probably right.

"I don't think so Izzy," Jasper told Bella sounding defeated.

Bella squeezed his hand before offering a friendly smile. "Hey, talk to me. It's me remember?"

"It's just," Jasper paused as he took his hand back. He held his head in his hands before continued to explain his feelings. "I don't have the time right now for the children we have and it kills me. It kills me that I'm here more than I am at home. I am able to provide my wife and our children with a decent life. We are very lucky and fortunate with the life style we lead. I am trying to now to juggle my job and my wife and my girls. I don't know what will happen if Alice is pregnant and has a difficult pregnancy. I mean, she is all ready sick."

Bella put an arm around her friend. "Jazz, you know there are people all around her who will help her. Her parents, me, Edward, my dad, Rose. We all love you guys and will do what we can to help you guys out. You know that."

"I do and it isn't that I'm not appreciative, it's just I wouldn't be the one to help her and it will kill me."

"That's what family does. We step up to help the ones we love and lend a helping hand. I'm sure if she is there are things that you will be able to do." Bella stated.

"I know. I just feel like I am missing the more important time in their lives. Especially Abby. I look at her and wonder how she is almost three all ready," Jasper told Bella with sadness in his eyes. "I feel like I have missed so much and I can't get that back again."

"Hey, don't do this to yourself until Alice comes out and tells you she is pregnant. She might just be sick."

"I know, but what if she isn't?"

"Then you'll have to find a way to deal with it. I know this is a good job, but maybe you could work for a more flexible firm. I mean, look for that job after you win my case and all."

A smile appeared on Jasper's face. "Right. After your case is won. That's what I am going to concentrate on."

"See, think positively. Plus, if there are two people who can work through any situation, it has to be you and Alice. You guys were made for each other."

"God Bella, where did you get all of your mature words of wisdom?" Jasper laughed smiling.

"From experience. Keep me updated and call me if you need me to snap you back into reality."

Jasper gave Bella a hug after their conversation. As he watched her leave his office, he felt better. She had set his mind at ease.


"So explain this to me again. If you don't want to know the sex of your child then why are we shopping?" Bella asked as she pushed Charlotte's carriage through the Natick Collections. They walked towards Nordstrom when Rose smiled.

"Emmett and I have decided that there are so few good surprises in life that we want to wait until the delivery to find out if we are going to have a boy or a girl."

Bella smiled back and giggled. "That sounds familiar!" After the break up with Edward Bella looked at her pregnancy as something positive and said the same words that had just left Rose's mouth. "So we are buying generic greens, yellows and whites for now?"

"You've got it. I also wanted to get some more clothes for Bree. I know she has a ton, but I'd like to get her some things too. I'd like to send her to the spa for the day. Oh, maybe that one on Newberry Street. What was the name of it? We went there a few weeks before Emmett and I got married."

"Bella Sante."

Rose let out a laugh again. "Funny how you remember that."

"Well, geez Rose it is named after me and all!" Bella joked as they stepped off of the elevator and entered the infant department. Rose stocked up on some bibs, onsies and looked at some gender specific clothes. "There are so many things to choose from. I don't know if I can wait another four months to find out if I will have a daughter or son."

Bella looked down at Charlotte who had dozed off. She smiled at her sleeping angel. "It's worth the wait. I didn't know and I was still able to have everything I needed ready to go."

"Bree knows what the baby is. She found out at her last ultrasound. She told me if I really want to know she would tell me. I think it's a girl. That's what my gut tells me, but who knows."

"You'll find out in September."

Rose couldn't help but smile as she looked through the items in her hand. They weren't anything special, just the necessities. "I am so happy Bella. I feel like I am achieving something I always wanted to do. I'm going to be a mother! I never thought that would happen. Bree is making it happen," Rose said as tears left her eyes.

"I am so happy for you guys. I can't wait to meet him or her. Bree really is a saint. I couldn't imagine carrying a baby and giving it up. It must be so difficult. On the other hand, she is helping to complete a family. I can't think of anyone else besides you and my brother who are more deserving of becoming parents." Bella told Rose.

"Thanks Bella," Rose paused to dry her eyes. "Okay, you know your brother is the emotional one, I don't do that stuff, however, since we are being emotional and wishy washy here, I have to ask you something."

"Sure," Bella said as she stopped and looked Rose.

"I know how you feel about the Catholic religion, but I was wondering if you would want to be the godmother of new baby Cullen?" Rose asked unsure of Bella's reaction.

"I'd be thrilled! I'm so excited, thank you!" Bella said as she hugged Rose in the middle of the baby department.

"We couldn't think of anyone else we'd want to leave our child to in the event that something happened to us."

"Nothing is going to happen to you guys, but I am honored."

Rose nodded and smiled. She then asked Bella something that surprised her. "Emmett and I talked about the godfather and well, we came to a reasonable thought. Do you think Edward would want to be the godfather?"

"I think he'd be honored too. That's really sweet that you guys would include him."

"Well, he is your better half and I know you guys will make it as a couple. It only seemed right. Don't say anything to him. Emmett wants to ask him."

"My lips are sealed."

"Good, now that is settled, I'm hungry. Want to go over to P.F. Chang's for lunch before we continue shopping?" Rose asked.

Bella agreed. After purchasing the items, the two women walked to the restaurant and enjoyed lunch.


When Bella had returned home, she followed the sounds of ruffled paper to her office. Once she entered she saw her desk messy and filled with paper littering the top. Piles of papers were stacked all over the floor as Edward wrote like a mad man.

"Hey, we're back," Bella said as she carefully walked over to Edward. "You've been busy. How's the writing going?"

"Hey, it's my beautiful girls," he looked up and smiled. Edward threw his pencil onto the desk before standing up to kiss Bella. He took Charlotte from her arms and kissed her too. "I have been busy. How was the mall?"

"It was good. I think Rose is the happiest she has ever been with the pregnancy. She was so happy. She bought a bunch of baby stuff and clothes for Bree. I'm excited for her." Bella explained as she sat down.

"And did you spoil our princess?" Edward asked.

Bella smiled. "I was a good girl. I only bought her two dresses at the Gap and a stuffed animal she wouldn't let go of. I did better than your last trip to the mall."

"Hey, she is only going to be this little for so long. I don't want to regret anything."

"Edward, she didn't need the life size Mickey Mouse stuffed animal. You don't even like Disney." Bella laughed.

"No, but that thing is huge! She'll enjoy it. What did you buy for yourself?" Edward inquired as he bounced Charlotte on his knee.

"Nothing. I don't need anything.
"You should have bought yourself something babe. You always deserve a treat."

"I'm good. I did buy you a treat. We stopped at Finale and I bought you a red velvet cupcake. I knew you'd be working hard so here it is," she smiled as she handed him the bag that contained the cupcake.

"Thank you. You always think of everyone else but yourself. Start thinking about you," Edward said as he snuggled with his daughter. He looked back up at Bella. "Rose was all right though? She didn't say anything that made you uncomfortable did she?"

Bella shook her head. "No, I think we have worked past that. She actually asked me something that surprised me. She asked me to be the baby's godmother."

"That's great, but not overly surprising. You are Emmett's sister and you two are close. I think it is almost expected."

"That wasn't what surprised me. Do you want to know what else she asked or do you want to be surprised?" Bella asked.

"Well, since you brought it up, my as well tell me."

Bella beamed as she spoke. "She asked if I thought if you would want to be the godfather."

"Really?" Edward asked shocked. "I didn't even think she liked me."

Bella nodded. "Really. She and Emmett talked about it and decided they wanted you as the godfather. Emmett is going to ask you when you guys go out on Friday night. I wasn't supposed to tell you. Do you think you could act surprised?"

Edward laughed. "I think I can manage that. I'll try my best though."

Bella chuckled as she looked around at all of his papers in random piles. "I love what you have done to the office. Is this a la messy chic?"

"Laugh all you want to. I was working. I was writing."

"I see that. Did you finish anything?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders as he began to bounce Charlotte again on his knees. He gave her a foam stress ball Bella left on the desk to play with. "I rearranged a few songs. I also started writing you a song."

"You did?" Bella asked. Edward nodded his head and smiled. "Can I hear it?"

"Not until it's done. It's getting there, I just don't like where it is. I want it to be perfect for you." Edward explained. He gathered a few pieces of paper and placed them in his folder. "You know, it's beautiful outside. I think I should take a break and we should go for a walk."

"That sounds good. Let me just change my shoes. Oh Edward, about Friday night, you have to do me a favor."

"Of course, anything, you know that," Edward said following her out of the room while holding Charlotte. She was pulling at his wild hair and giggling.

"Remember my one rule when you hang out with my brother. Don't listen to any dumb advice he might offer."

Edward shook his head. "Isn't this getting a little old?"

Bella stopped at the stair case as she smiled and simply said, "Nope. You two screwed up so I get to tease you a little while longer about it." She began to climb the stairs when she turned back around. Edward was standing at the bottom of the stairs and getting his sneakers on. She walked down and placed her arms around his neck. His back was towards her. She leaned over the staircase and squeezed him. "Hey, no worries. I love you."

He smiled as he leaned back into railing. Charlotte reached for her mother's long hair. Edward kissed her check as he replied, "I know. I love you too."


After bidding their men goodbye, Alice and Bella settled into their pajamas with their girls. Rose was supposed to stay overnight, however she decided to take Bree out for dinner and spend time with her. Charlotte was the first to fall asleep followed closely by Abby. Bella carried the toddler upstairs to Charlotte's room where an air mattress was set up.

Elizabeth was excited that she got to sate up until nine o'clock because Auntie Bella said she could. She snuggled on the couch with her favorite aunt while watching Annie. Alice sat on the other side of the couch and read a book. She was happy when the movie ended and it was bed time for young Elizabeth. For one thing she had seen both the Carol Burnett and the new Disney versions of the movie so often she could repeat both movies word for word. If she had never heard the song "Tomorrow" again she'd be nothing but too happy. Elizabeth gave her mom a kiss goodnight before Bella took her hand and led her up the stairs so she could get ready for bed. She tucked the child safely into the guest room bed and headed back downstairs.

"Do you want anything to drink? We have wine, apple juice, milk, tea, coffee, water." Bella asked. "Oh, there might be some ginger ale in there too."

"Water is fine, thank you," Alice answered as she followed Bella into the kitchen. Bella took the filtered water from the fridge and poured two glasses. Alice drank her first glass in one gulp and asked for some more. Bella took the pitcher out of the fridge and placed it on the table. Alice looked troubled.

"Allie, what's wrong?" Bella asked.

"You can't say anything to anyone, promise?"

"Do you even have to ask me that? What's going on?"

Alice took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

"Okay, congratulations." Bella said slowly.

Alice shook her head. "No! This is terrible! Jasper told me he didn't want any more children. It's hard having two when you are basically the only one around. Bella he works over sixty hours a week. He is exhausted on the weekend, and sometimes he has to work then. He is going to kill me."

"I don't think you could ever do anything to make him kill you."

"Well he isn't going to be happy. I'm so scared to tell him. I know he all ready has a lot of guilt because he can't help out more. I know it killed him when he couldn't go to the girls' recital because he had to work. He's going to be so pissed at me."

Bella shook her head. "First of all, I'm pretty sure it wasn't just you who made a baby. I'm almost positive it takes two to do that. I know you would never cheat on him so I think he had something to do with this, right?"

"Isabella Cullen, this is no time for your sarcasm. I'm seriously nervous and scared about this and you are making fun of me." Alice said almost in tears.

"Hey, I'm not making fun of you. I'm trying to make light of this so you will stay calm but obviously I am failing miserably at this. Look, I think you need to talk to Jasper before you are too hard on yourself."

"I can't do that! He's going to be so angry and then stress out. You have met my husband, haven't you? I think he changed his middle name to stress!"

"Alice, Jasper is one of the mellowest people I know. He is kind and he loves you. I think before you freak out you need to talk to him. He might surprise you."

Alice shook her head. "No, he's going to be so pissed. We've had the conversation Bella over and over."

Bella hugged her friend. "Have I ever lied to you?"

"No."

"No, I haven't and I am not about to start now. Trust me. Just talk to him." Alice nodded her head before Bella continued. "After you talk to him you'll have to call me and tell me I was right, promise?"

Alice chuckled and shook her head. "You're so sure of yourself, aren't you?"

Bella reflected on the conversation she had earlier in the week with Jasper and nodded her head. "I am, after all I've known Jasper longer than I have known you. I doubt there is anything you can do that would make him hate you."

"I guess you're right." Alice said as she wiped her eyes. "What are the odds that I might have over exaggerated?"

Bella laughed. "I think they are pretty high. Don't worry though. We all have those moments."

Alice dried her eyes with a paper towel and looked at Bella. She began to laugh. "Quick, let's change the subject. Tell me something about you, please."

After thinking for a minute, Bella looked up at her best friend. "Well, I think I have some news."

"Okay, spill it." Alice told her.

Beginning to explain her news, Bella looked at Alice with a grin. "I overheard Edward and Jane talking before she left."

"Bella, they left like two weeks ago. This isn't news."

"If you stop interrupting me I'd tell you my news! Anyway, I was coming downstairs the day after we got back from LA and I overheard them talking about a ring. Edward said he had to ask my father for his blessing before he could ask me. Fast forward to the night of the dinner party, my dad had this cryptic conversation about loving the person you are with and marriage is give and take and blah blah blah. He looked like he was going to cry. Alice, I think Edward is planning to propose to me!"

Alice shot up quickly and ran over to Bella. "Oh my god! I'm so excited for you! When do you think he'll do it?"

"I have no idea but he was going to do it in LA but you know, the whole spending night in jail kind of put a damper on the whole thing. Alice, I'm going to marry Edward!"

"Does he know that you know?"

"I don't think so. He hasn't asked about it or hinted around it. I just wish I knew when and where so I could be prepared." Bella rationalized.

Alice shook her head. "I disagree with you. Something like that you want to be a surprise. You don't know want to know when or how he wants to do it. I wonder how he'll do it."

"Me too," Bella echoed.

"Isabella Cullen. You have to make me a promise."

Looking at her best friend with a raised eyebrow, Bella replied to her friend. "Alice, it really depends on what you are trying to talk me into."

"You have to promise to let me help you plan the wedding!"

"I'll see what can be done about that. You have to do me a favor in return, no matter how hard it is."

"Well, that depends. I'm pregnant so I can't do manual labor."

"Who's the one being the comedian now?" Bella asked.

Alice smiled. "What can I say, I learn from the best. What is this promise you want me to make."

"Well, since Edward has come back almost a year ago," Bella paused. "Oh my god. He really wasn't here with me a year ago. I didn't have him or Charlotte yet."

"Well, technically you did have Charlotte, but she was inside and not out here." Alice corrected her friend.

"You are hysterical Alice, really. Anyway, let's get back to the topic at hand. Ever since Edward came back it seems like he has developed a strong bond with Jasper and Emmett."

Shaking her head in agreement, Alice responded. "I've noticed that too."

"Well, you are the only one I have told about the conversation I overheard."

Slowly, Alice answered her friend. "Okay. Bella just spit it out. Tell me what you are trying to say."

"You can't open your mouth and blab about this. I don't want Edward to know that I know. Understand? You can not tell anyone, Jasper included."

Alice pretended to zip her lips. She then she pretended to unzipped them. "I promise." She paused and looked at her friend. "You will make a beautiful bride Bella."

Bella began to giggle. "I'm going to get married Alice. I'm really going to get married. I'll be Bella Swan." Alice made a face and shook her head. "What?" Bella asked.

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Honey, maybe you should keep your last name. It sounds better than some bird."

"Just get used to it. I am taking his last name. At least his last name is the name of a beautiful animal and not like Dodo. Swan isn't so bad."

Alice just nodded her head. "Whatever you say my friend. Hey maybe you can convince Edward to change his last name to his stage name. Masen isn't bad."

"Alice, I love everything about him. Who cares about his name?"

Again, Alice shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay, I still have time to convince you to keep your name."

Bella laughed as she shook her head. "Not a chance. I don't care if Edward's last name was thirty six letters long and I couldn't pronounce it, I'd still keep it."

"Like I've said since you started dating him, you have it bad."

Bella let out a giggle. "Yes, I have it real bad! I am head over heels in love with him."

"And it's thanks to me because I made you go to that bar where he was singing."

"And for that Alice, I will be eternally grateful."