Peter shadows me as we exit the hospital. Jasper had to leave thirty minutes ago, apparently there is an issue with the family business. They are still trying to figure out who was behind the shooting and hijacking the truck. Personally, I think unfortunately we are behind on this. The only way we are going to get ahead is if they slip or attack again. I would rather a slip because with the quads in the hospital our hands are tied. They are currently the highest security priority. I am thankful that Benny is still at my father's that way we don't have to have double detail.
"Are we taking you home," Peter asks.
I think about that. Do I want to go back to the estate with Esme? She hasn't been that bad but I feel as though she doesn't know how to handle me. Carlisle and she have been observing me when Jay is not around as if I am glass. I don't want to make them think that I will break at a moment's notice. Yes, I miss my children and sometimes I wake up in the middle of night in tears. But I know that I have a duty to protect them and my family and I won't forget about that.
I know where I need to go and I am torn about it. I am not sure how it is going to go and I know that I probably shouldn't go. But to be honest this has gone on longer than it should. It may not be my place to say anything but I am not going to stand by and watch everything go up in flames.
"Take me to Rose, " I state and climb into the car leaving a shocked Peter closing the door.
I can tell Peter wants to deny my request but he literally has no reason. Rose's house is safe because it is being watched, she is still a Cullen after all. She is family. Jay has not outright said I cannot go over there...it's just understood. But this is literally crazy. Emmett has a kid that he has not been able to see. A son! I get things did not go the way that they should have for them but if Emmett is willing to step up and get to know the kid then he should be able to. They did technically adopt him.
We arrive at Rose's house in record time. Peter catches my eye in the mirror and shakes his head. I know this is a bad idea but if no one reaches out to her Rose will not speak to us. All that is going to happen is that a child will grow up without a family and that is not going to happen anytime under my watch.
"I'll stay out here. I already had someone check the house and give the guards a heads up," Peter explains.
I nod, "Thank you, Peter. I don't say it a lot but thank you. Truly. I don't know where we would be without you."
"You don't need to thank me." Peter states.
"Yes, I do."
He nods accepting the gratitude. He does more for us then he realizes. I walk up to the door of the house and pause. It seemed like a good idea on my way over here but now that I am here I am not so sure this is a good idea. Rose literally dislikes me. For ditching? Probably. But this seems way deeper than that. I swallow once and knock.
It takes a minute but she eventually comes to the door. She looks great. Very great. It's like this time apart has been good for her. She sizes me up silently while I stand there waiting. Its weird being on the outs with Rose. We were so close at one point. Basically sisters and now I don't know what you would categorize us as. Hell, I have not seen her child.
"What do you want?" Rose finally asks.
"Are you going to let me come in," I retort.
She snickers and seriously contemplates it. I sigh, she is in one of those moods. I look over my shoulder at a nonchalant Peter. If I ask, I know he will force her to let me in. But I have never needed anyone to fight my battles.
"Don't get loud. I just put my kid down for a nap," She warns and turns.
She leads me to the casual living room. Not waiting for an offer I take a seat in a loveseat by the window. I feel exhausted. I barely sleep when I am home, I don't sleep when at the hospital, and I don't sleep when I go see Benny. It is all catching up with me.
"Wow. I thought my house was erased from everyone's minds." Rose bites out.
I roll my eyes, "Really? That's how you want to open this? Okay. I will bite. What did you expect when you kicked your husband out?"
"I don't know maybe for them to fall over themselves to please me like they did when you turned tail and left."
"First of all, your husband was the only one that came to see me. He didn't even come to see me but to drag me back to see about his brother. He also didn't forget to mention I was acting like a self centered bitch. Which I wasn't by the way. Other than that I heard from no one. So this narrative you are creating in your head isn't doing you any good."
Rose sucks her teeth, "All they talked about was you. Bella this, Bella that, oh I can't believe Bella."
"Rose, I'm sorry I didn't reach out to you. I am fucking sorry okay. I fucked that up. But that is where my wrong ends regarding that. My relationship was shit, absolute shit. My pregnancy was draining me. I did not leave Jasper, I took space. How the family reacted to that is not my fault."
"You left, Isabella." Rose seethes.
"Fine! Yes, I left. But guess the fuck what? You did the same fucking thing. Not only that but you are denying him access to the kid. What the fuck is wrong with you?" I snap at her.
"He doesn't care about Wyatt. If he did he would have tried more."
I stand up, "I thought Alice was the self absorbed one but I was wrong. Rose, you literally ignored his feelings for years and kept trying to get pregnant. You tricked him into getting you pregnant because you wanted it. If the shoe was on the other foot that would be grounds for a lawsuit or charges. Your husband was broken and begging you to pause for a fucking second and you kept going. Has it ever crossed your fucking mind that maybe just fucking maybe he is grieving?"
"Bell-"
I cut her off, "No you don't get to talk. Aidan shattered him, Rose. Shattered him. Aidan shattered you too. But the difference is everyone was there for you despite their feelings on the situation. No one bothered to check to see how Em was doing besides Jay. How many times did Emmett hold you while you cried? How many times did he wait outside the bathroom while you stayed in th shower crying so you wouldn't cry alone. How many times did he send you daisies to make you smile. Now, ask yourself what you do for him during that time. I'll answer. Nothing. Which, I can't have any feeling towards. I don't know what it's like to lose a child. But I know you snapped out of it. But you never thought to be there for him after you got over it."
Rose is fully sobbing now.
"Rose, he could have done way more in the beginning. I am not going to deny that. He was in shock. He didn't think you guys would have a baby so soon. Rose, you still have Aiden nursery. Can you blame him for being hesitant?" I end.
"You make me sound like an awful person. I just wanted to show him I could give him a child." Rose sniffles.
"I don't think you are a bad person. But I can't sit here and allow you to lay all the blame on Emmett. I am not getting in the middle of your relationship. I don't want to be. But Wyatt deserves to know his father. You shouldn't rob them of that."
"What about me, Bella?" Rose asks with soulful eyes. "He hasn't even tried to see me."
"Are you in love with Emmett or are you just used to him?"
"I don't know. I should talk to him, right?"
I shake my head, "As someone who cares about you, you should focus on healing. You both have too much hurt inside that it leaks out. Try counseling."
"I would talk about Wyatt all the time. He had nothing to say. I should have seen the signs then. But, whenever you were brought up, boy could he talk. I guess I projected my feelings about him onto you. I needed you and you left. I was finally becoming a mother and you -my best friend- was gone. I felt betrayed."
"I know. Rose, I was not in a good space. I didn't even know who I was becoming for a while. I would look into the mirror and not know who I was looking at. It scared me. My fiance was in a different country while I was scared shitless carrying four babies. I was so lost. To not hate him. To not hate you guys, I needed to leave."
Rose looks at me, "You hid it so well."
"Sometimes those that smile the most are the saddest." I whisper.
"I heard via the internet about the quads. Despite how our relationship has been I was rooting for you guys." She states.
"That was scary. It still is. They are in the NICU. Everyday I wake up with a weight on my chest. I never know if it's the last day I will see them. I used to be scared to be a mother because of Renee but when I look at the quads and Benny I couldn't imagine hurting them. They are literally my walking heartbeats."
"You're going to be great." Rose admits.
"Let's hold judgement till they are home. The real challenge was keeping it out of the press. But thank god, the nursing staff hasn't leaked any information. How is Wyatt?"
"He is not our biological child but he reminds me so much of Emmett. It hurts sometimes. He loves playing with balls and has way more energy than any child I know."
I chuckle. "He sounds amazing."
"Are you seeing Emmett today?" She randomly asks.
"Most likely."
"If I let you take Wyatt to meet him. Will you promise to bring my baby back tomorrow?"Rose demands.
"Rose, do you think they would steal Wyatt? Is that why you don't bring him around?" I ask concerned.
" I know they don't like me. I wouldn't put it past them. The Cullen's can do some pretty nasty things."
"Rose, unless you are harming Wyatt I would not dream of taking your child. Are you sure you don't want to introduce them to each other though?"
Rose shakes her head. "I don't want to taint that experience. He deserves to be happy during that time."
Rose has me wait for Wyatt to wake up which strangely doesn't take long. He is shy when he meets me but after a few minutes we are on the ground playing. My heart tightens with the thought of not experiencing this with the quads. I hope Benny mom played with him like this. I probably will be spending the night at my dads.
Rose helps me get him in the car. Peter stays silent but I know he is itching to ask me questions. Rose kisses Wyatt on the forehead before closing the door.
"I will text you when we make it. I will make sure Em FaceTimes you before he goes to bed and in the morning. He will be safe." I vow.
"Thank you, Bella. I needed this push." She smiles and heads into the house.
I climb into the car and Peter closes the door behind me. Wyatt is babbling and playing with his toy. He really is a very handsome child. Peter pulls off. He waits till we are on the highway to clear his throat.
" Yes, Peter," I look up at him.
"Does anyone know about this," He asks.
I shake my head, "Nope. Spur of the moment."
"Bella, you cannot be spur of the moment when it comes to the little ones. Not in this climate. Understand?"
"Yes, sorry," I say.
"You made the right move by bringing the kid. We need Emmett fully invested. This family shit needs to get sorted. Also, he is at the house waiting to do yoga with you. I didn't tell him where you were just that we were on the way. Jasper knows though."
We lapse into a healthy silence. Well, Wyatt doesn't get the memo and keeps babbling the whole way to the house. I don't know if Emmett and Rose should be together but I know they will make great parents. That is no one business but theirs. This family loves giving their thoughts on things that do not concern them.
We pull into the estate and I sigh in relief. I still feel a little panicky when I am in the car. Jay has updated all of our cars to be bulletproof. They are basically tanks but I still feel unsafe. I know I shouldn't allow one event to change my outlook on something so mundane but I can't help it. When I am in the car for more than thirty minutes my palms start to sweat and my heartbeats faster. Sometimes I feel as though I may faint. Wyatt throws his toy ball to the ground and looks over at me expectantly.
"Ready to meet your daddy," I say softly as the car rolls to a stop.
By the time Peter is at my door, I already have Wyatt in my arms. I love Emmett. We couldn't be any closer if we were biologically related. I know he may have his reservations about my part in this but he truly needs to stop beating around the bush where it concerns Wyatt. I know that he wants to know him, he has mentioned it plenty of times.
Wyatt is a very curious child. He looks around constantly as we walk up to the door. Peter walks past me to open the door to the mansion. I know once we are on the other side this child will not be able to go back to whatever normal life Rose may have attempted.
My shoes click on the clean floor. Wyatt looks around absolutely memorized by what he is seeing. I nuzzle his cheek in an attempt to calm my nerves. This has to go smoothly.
"Yo, B, is that you," Emmett booms from what I believe to be the living room.
"Yeah, coming," I call back.
Emmett is bent over fixing the yoga mats. It is something we have taken up since I have been released from the hospital. He just knew I was going crazy, biting people's heads off and not eating. It has worked. I actually look forward to our yoga days.
He finally turns to face me. I watch as his huge grin slowly morphs into a confused frown. His mouth opens and shuts constantly trying to find words. He never has met Wyatt in person and Rose explains he has only seen dated pictures. Wyatt pulls his head out of my neck and looks around. I can't describe it but it's like the room gets brighter. Wyatt squeals in excitement and starts wiggling around in my arms. His excited baby talk fills the recently quiet room. I place him on the ground and watch as he takes off for Emmett. My mouth falls open in shock. He knows. Wyatt doesn't stop till he has tackled his father's legs.
"Bella," His voice breaks.
Emmett crumples to the ground and pulls his son into his chest. This is the second time I have witnessed Emmett cry. But his face is pure happiness. I lean against the door watching them get acquainted. Wyatt plants a sloppy kiss on Emmett cheeks and giggles. This is absolutely beautiful. I have yet been able to hold my children, I can only imagine what Emmett feels.
Warm arms encircle my waist and pull me flush against their body. Jay scent floods all my senses and I feel at peace. Home. Jay leans his chin on my shoulder to whisper in my ear.
"I haven't seen him this happy in a while," Jay admits.
"I know," I agree.
"This was-no-is risky. I can't control how Rose acts," Jay tells me.
I nod, "He is his dad, babe. We can't act like Rose does not exist. Wyatt needs his dad."
"We got too much shit going on for a family feud," Jay lets the statement hang in the air. "But, let's hope for the best."
"You smell like gun powder and spearmint," I giggle turning around to face him.
He still takes my breath away. He is too handsome to be human. Sometimes I think I am dreaming when I wake up to him in my bed. I stroke the side of his face and watch as his eyes glaze over with an emotion I know very well. Since the quads have been born it's like Jasper thinks I am an angel. His personal salvation in hell.
"Does that turn you on," He ask.
I grip his dick through his designer slacks. It hardens under my touch immediately. My body flush with desire as I stroke him softly but firmly. He needs to fill the passion build and build till he feels like he is going to explore. Jay hands tighten on my waist and I hear his breathing picking up. We are now out of the view of the living room and hidden slightly behind a grandfather clock. Feeling bold I slip my hand into his slacks and grip his dick with nothing between us. He isn't wearing boxers...commando.
"Fuck," he mutters tossing his head back.
"Don't you dare cum," I order with a new sense of authority.
"Baby…" He whisper.
I lean up and nibble his ear. His dick jerks in response to the action. I can feel him practically vibrating in my hand. He better not. I begin sucking behind his ear as he hoists me against the wall fully supporting my weight. My tongue licks a trail of passion down his neck while keeping him going a little faster now.
"I'm going to cum baby," He warns.
I bite him firm and suck. He gasps and jerks in my hand. Fuck. He better not.
"I am going to kneel and swallow your cock. Do you understand," I breathe into his ear.
This is very risky but I let this go way too far. He is either going to cum in his pants or my mouth. The mouth is the less messy option. My strokes go faster as I bring him closer and closer to the cliff.
"As soon as you're in my mouth, you cum."
I kiss him passionately and his moans in my mouth. His moans are so sexy. I love when he is vocal. It makes me feel twenty times sexier. I sink to my knees and pull out his rock hard cock. I lick my lips in anticipation, feeling the warmth in my lower belly as the thought. I lick around the head to make sure to savor the taste of him. I make sure to keep eye contact at this moment. I want him to see this. To feel this. I engulf him in my mouth apply the perfect amount of suction at the same time. Jay eyes roll in the back of his head. He makes muted choking noise as he fist my hair tight and forces me down further. Then he explodes. I swallow greedily as he spasms in my mouth and I keep sucking even after he finishes. Enjoying the feeling of him. Finally, I release him and sink to the floor. Jay lamely tucks his cock back into his pants.
"What the fuck," He breathes.
"You shouldn't smell so good," I murrur back.
Jay barks out a laugh and I can't but help to join in. I cannot believe I gave him a hand/blow job in his parents hallway.
"I can't believe we just did that," He finally admits after laughing.
I chuckle, "I can't believe you were able to stay that quiet."
"You fucking minx. Just wait until you're cleared you're all mines," He threatens.
"Can't wait, old man." I joke. "We should probably get up before someone finds us. I can't believe your mother hasn't wandered in here yet."
"They are out buying shit for the quads again," Jay pulls us against the wall so we can relax against it.
"I don't think I would see the day your dad would be so whipped. He is worse than she is," I laugh.
Jay nods, "I think he forgets he is granddad and not the actual dad. Out of everyone he has went crazy about the namesake thing."
He has I remember when we told everyone their names.
We had called everyone up the following day after we met the quads. It was either that or let them tear the hospital apart. Jay settled himself next to me in the bed. I literally need to be near him to breathe easily. Our parents are the first to arrive. I'll admit I don't think I would ever see the day my dad would be amicable to the Cullen's. But here I am.
They actually came through the door together. Each of them carried an arm full of balloons, gifts, and stuffed animals. I laughed at the absurdity of it all. The quads wouldn't even know what half this shit is.
"The grandparents are here. Let the party begin,"Charile announcee with a glimmer in his eye.
I was glad to see him doing better. He was a wreck the previous night. I know this experience had been rough on him. He should be happy, he gets to spend the rest of his life spoiling his grandchildren.
"We have a surprise for you guys but we have to wait for everyone else," Jasper said with a hint of a smile.
He was eager to relay the names. Everyone is under the impression they will be meeting the quads via video. We are going to surprise them with being able to go down there. We are just waiting on Emmett, Peter, and Alice. We agreed that Edward didn't need to be here for this anyways.
"I can wait to see their little faces on the screen," Esme gushes.
Jay and I shared a look. She was in for a lot more than that. The moment is shattered with the door flying open. Emmett comes barreling into the room with Peter and Alice on his tail.
"Sorry. Alice was taking forever," Peter explains.
"I would like to see you two put together a nursery so quickly," She huffs before beaming at me. "You look radiant, Bella."
"Thanks." I say.
Jay squeezes my hand. I have been very upfront about feeling yucky. Esme helped me bathe last night and I am eternally grateful. I feel a little closer to her. I never had the mother experience. My body doesn't feel like mine anymore. I turn on a smile not wanting to alarm my family.
"We have a surprise for you guys," I say.
"I knew there was a fifth baby," Emmett yells randomly.
"I- I seriously wonder about you," Jasper voices. He rolls his eyes taking his attention off his brother. "You get to see the quads today."
"Yes, I knew it," Esme states. "Where is the video?"
"That's it…" I trail off looking at Jay.
"You are going to see them in person," The room erupts in cheers. Jay calms them down, "Well through the glass but you get the gist of it."
We arranged to have the quads moved to the front temporarily. Thankfully all of the machines were on wheels so it wasn't a hassle. We also had them block off the unit for 15 minutes saved for emergencies so we can have some privacy. The family walks in front of us animatedly. I smile as Jasper wheels me behind them at a leisure pace. I am video taping them on my cellphone to get the reaction. It's amazing. Our parents, saved for Carlisle, are crying. Well, Carlisle is misty eyed. Jasper and I come to a stop.
"I still can't believe they are real." I whisper.
"They are so tiny," Emmett whispers.
"I know," Jay says solemnly.
"Okay, spill. What's their name?" Alice demands.
"You do it babe," I tell Jay.
Jay breathes and nods, "Little on left is named Ocean Emmett Cullen."
Emmett whips his head around stunned. He looks between the two of us stunned. "If this is a joke, this is not funny."
"It's not Emmett. I wouldn't have been able to step up to the plate and do this if it wasn't for you."
"You guys are forreal," He gasp turning around to look at Ocean. He turns back to us smiling, "He got his looks from me."
"Anyways, the next little guy is River Peter Cullen."
Peter snaps his head back from the window. He looks shocked. I smile at him and nod. He turns and looks at River. I am not sure if he is mad or not.
"Thank you. I will do my best to protect them."
"We know," I tell him, pushing all my emotions out to him.
"The princess is next. Her name is Autumn Carli Cullen."
"What?" Carlisle demands shocked. Esme is full on sobbing now.
"You shaped the man I love. It's only right we honor that. We may have our differences but I can never thank you enough for Jasper." I tell him.
Jasper clears his throat. " The other princess is Winter Charlie Cullen."
"Bet, you fought about that one." My dad jokes.
I shake my head. "Actually, that was all Jasper."
"Huh?" My dad is dumbfounded.
"Charlie, you may never like and you may never think I am good enough for your daughter. But you trust me with her. That means more to me than you know. I will protect them with everything in me."
"You are in for a hell of a ride. Don't be shy with asking for advice," My dad admits.
"So, can we call Ocean, Junior?" Emmett asks giddy.
"But he isn't named Jasper," I say confused.
"Yeah, but he is the second Emmett." Emmett explains.
Alice rolls her eyes, "That is not how it works, idiot."
"Yes, huh," Emmett pouts.
"No, it doesn't son," Esme states.
"You guys suck," Emmett declares. Then looks abash and turns to the quads, "Not you guys. You rock!"
Jay nuzzles my neck, "What are you thinking about?"
"Wondering why we name our first born after your crazy ass brother," I say.
"Don't remind me. You know he reminds me of that every fucking day." Jasper groans knocking his head against the wall.
"Your idea babe. I just followed," I say back.
"YO! WYATT SHITTED HIS PANTS AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!" Emmett yells.
Jay and I just look at each other and laugh.