This is the last chapter. The Epilogue comes on Saturday, then the outtakes.
It's been a long and interesting journey. I want to thank all of you who have stuck around and to the newcomers who've caught up with the story along the way. THANK YOU!
A huge shout-out to Gabby for all the help with pre-reading this story.
The following morning, Bella woke up first despite the fact that she'd fallen asleep long after Edward, sucked into the fictional world she was reading about.
Edward had his arms around her, snoring into her hair. Bella lay there, covering his hands, which were on her stomach.
The moment she'd entertained the thought of being pregnant, panic had hit her full force, but she had tried rationalizing. It couldn't be that, she took the pill religiously, never missing one. But, when the doctor had confirmed her suspicious, and Edward had cancelled their dinner plans, it had been the breaking point for her nerves.
Bella didn't have to tell Jake what she'd found out. He'd guessed it from the second she'd thrown up at the sight of his pizza choice.
"So loverboy knocked you up?" Jake had asked, amused.
Bella hadn't allowed the reality of it to consume her until that moment. She'd broken down into his arms, telling him how she wasn't ready for something like this, how both her and Edward didn't want kids, how it was too late to make any hasty decision. That last confession had made her sick at the thought of ending an innocent life, which had done nothing wrong.
Bella had just gotten a hold of herself when Edward had appeared into Jake's apartment. She still had no idea how he'd known where to find her, but she guessed that Felix had been behind it. He'd driven her over to Jake's several times in the past.
Edward's reaction at the news hadn't been any more excited or worrisome than hers. Of course, he'd pieced it together, with whatever Tanya had told him and his dad seeing Bella leaving the hospital. Bella hadn't been aware of Carlisle seeing her.
Tanya hadn't commented on Bella not being well, though, she always had a cup of mint tea ready for Bella whenever she emerged from the bathroom after Edward's departure, each morning.
Bella rolled on her other side, facing Edward. His arms tightened around her body, and his face pressed into her hair, breathing deeply. He was waking up, and Bella wasn't ready to see the concern in his eyes. She pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to his heart. The sound of it relaxed her, reminding her that he'd promised her he'd be there for her no matter what happened.
"You awake?" he asked in a sleepy voice.
"Not sure," she mumbled.
One of his hands sneaked under his t-shirt, which she was wearing as a nightgown. Bella gasped when he cupped one of her breasts.
"I missed waking up with you like this."
"It's not my fault you're a workaholic, or that I love my sleep," she teased.
"Mhmmm," he hummed, turning Bella until she was on her back. Edward rolled the shirt off her body, leaving it tangled in her hands above her head. "Keep them there."
"Okay." She stared into his eyes, waiting for him to berate her for the lack of respect, but it seemed Edward was in a playful mood.
He pulled her panties off her body, placing her legs over his shoulders, as he lowered his head to torment her in the best ways. Bella was thrashing and screaming his name in a matter of minutes. When she thought he'd had enough, he pushed inside her, covering her body with his.
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you, too!" Her tangled hands looped around his neck, momentarily blinding him when the t-shirt covered his eyes.
Edward chuckled, freeing her hands and throwing the offending cloth to the floor. He made love with her, clutching her hands tightly in his.
It was the best way to wake up, in her opinion.
By the time they made it to the kitchen, much later, Bella felt for the first time in weeks, that they were okay.
Tanya and Felix were at the island counter, talking quietly. Their heads snapped up when they heard them approaching.
"Morning," Edward greeted them cheerfully.
Bella wished she could reflect his happy mood, but the smell of fried bacon made her stomach roil. She dropped Edward's hand, running to the sink. It was the closest option. She knew she wouldn't have made it to any bathroom.
Edward was by her side in an instant, holding her hair. She noticed with the corner of her eye that Felix took the plate with the bacon from the cooling rack. Bella didn't want to know where he took it, as long as it was far away from her.
What felt like forever later, Bella slumped onto a stool, with Edward hovering by her shoulders.
"What would you eat?" Tanya asked softly, handing her a glass of water.
"Uh, just that mint tea you've been giving me," Bella answered, with a small smile. "I'm sorry." She nodded to the sink.
"Please, stop worrying. You should go lie down on the couch," Tanya instructed.
Edward followed as her shadow, sitting next to her, before wrapping her in his arms. "Anything I can help with?"
"No," she moaned, resting her head against his shoulder.
.
.
.
By the time, they arrived at Edward's parents' house, later that evening, Bella was feeling much better. Though, she had a meltdown about not fitting in her favorite jeans.
She ended up wearing a dress, which hid the hint of tummy she had. It was only visible because she was so thin, otherwise.
Edward was amused that he hadn't noticed it earlier.
As they climbed out of the Volvo, Emmett's Jeep pulled up.
"You're not allowed to drink," Bella demanded. "I won't be the designated driver!"
Edward lifted his hands, as if in surrender, chuckling.
"I'm warning you," she growled.
"Have I told you lately how scary you are when you're angry?"
"Bite me," she snapped, stalking to the front door. "Hey!" she called to Emmett and Rose, on the way.
Edward joined them at their car. "She's fine," he explained.
"Do we want to know what you did to upset her?" Rose asked quietly, arranging Elliott in her arms.
"You'll find out soon enough. Hey, little guy." Edward held his fist for Elliott to bump. "Did you drug him, or something?" he joked, knowing the little boy to be a lot more rambunctious than how quiet he was at the moment.
"He's still sleepy," Emmett said under his breath. "Let's hope he stays like that for a while."
They walked into the house. His dad was in the hallway with a solemn look on his face. "You better save Bella from your mother."
"Shit!" Edward had managed to forget that his mom was freaking out about his news from the previous day.
He hurried into the kitchen, where he found his mom hugging Bella and whispering urgently to her. Bella's wide eyes met his over his mom's shoulder.
"Hi, Mom! Think I can have my girl back? Try not to suffocate her."
His mother spun on her heel to face him. She eyed him warily, and Edward hated to think she was afraid to come closer. He had no idea how to explain that there was no difference from how she knew him to how he really was.
Bella came to his side, linking their fingers, pulling him to the living room. "It will be okay," she whispered.
"Have you seen the way she looked at me?"
"I just had to promise her that you don't hurt me, because that's what people associate with the lifestyle, I guess."
Edward nodded, slumping on the couch, next to Emmett. Bella went to sit on the floor with Rosalie and Elliott.
"Did you tell Bella about telling us?" Emmett asked.
"Yeah, though, she knew it was something I've been planning on doing." Edward kept his eyes on Bella playing with Elliott. Rosalie was watching her with a frown, and it dawned to Edward that Bella had never willingly gone to play with their son.
"Dinner will be in a few minutes," his dad said, coming into the room. "What wine do you ladies want with the fish?"
"White," Emmett laughed.
"He said ladies," Edward chuckled, elbowing Emmett in the ribs.
"Whatever you have, Dad," Rose said distracted.
He nodded, leaving the room. One bullet dodged.
Bella was staring at the teddy bear in her hands, chewing on her lip. She was probably worrying about the same thing as Edward. Would the fish give her away? Though, she wasn't a fan of fish, on a daily basis.
They didn't have to wait long to find out the answer.
As soon as they sat the table, and his mom brought out the dishes, Bella stiffened by his side.
Edward covered her thigh, leaning to whisper into her ear. "If you don't feel well, we'll find some excuse."
"No…it smells…good." She met his eyes, surprise evident on her face.
"Weirdo," he joked.
"Like…really good."
"I got it." He kissed her cheek, relaxing back in his chair.
Edward wasn't the only one to notice how eager Bella was to eat the fish. His mom always cooked some chicken for her, ever since she'd found out Bella wasn't a fan of fish. After Elliott had joined the family and started eating normal food, it was just them not eating the fish.
His mom caught Edward's eyes, and he shrugged. "Salmon's probably the only fish Bella likes," he said. It was true, though she ate it seldom if Tanya cooked it. Like, once or twice a year.
Bella's cheeks turned red. "I guess, it smells really good. I had to taste it."
"Oh, don't worry, sweetheart! I'm just surprised," his mom dismissed Bella's apology.
Bella was probably too embarrassed to decline the wine when Edward's dad poured some in her glass, so while no one was watching, Edward switched his water glass with hers.
Bella narrowed her eyes at him, daring him to drink it. He stuck his tongue out at her, taking a sip. She stepped on his foot, making him curse loudly.
That grabbed everyone's attention. Bella tucked her chin into her chest, but Edward could see her grinning.
"We're okay," he muttered, then leaned into Bella's side. "You're in heaps of trouble," he whispered into her ear.
"I'm so worried," she said sarcastically.
"You should be." Edward grabbed her thigh. "Very worried."
She gasped, turning to stare at him, incredulously. He grinned victoriously. She scowled. "You're the worst!"
Edward chuckled, straightening up. He noticed all the eyes on them. "What," he demanded.
"Was that some kinky fuckery prelude?" Emmett inquired, curiously.
Rose slapped his arm. "Emmett!"
His dad dropped his head in one of his hands, laughing quietly, while his mom kept her eyes on Bella, confused.
Edward cleared his throat. "I'm not sure what you understand by kinky fuckery, but if you think I'm going to throw Bella across the table and fuck her in front of you, forget it."
"Edward Cullen!" his mom shouted, making him jump, startled. "Watch that language at the table, especially with young ears around!"
"Sorry, Mom," he mumbled, glowering at Emmett, who started laughing.
Bella's hand touched his knee, relaxing Edward, grounding him. "Don't stoop to his immature preteen level," she whispered, though it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"How you wound me!" Emmett cried out.
"Well, stop upsetting Edward!"
Bella ate more fish than anyone at the table, combined, which didn't go unnoticed. The explanation for her odd newfound love for fish came when Edward's mom brought the dessert. It was Bella's favorite tiramisu.
"Excuse me!" Bella sprung to her feet, stumbling over her chair in her haste to leave the room.
Edward was a step behind her, aware of everyone watching the scene worried. He found her bent over the downstairs toilet. Holding her hair out of her face and rubbing her back, Edward dreaded the moment they'd return to the table.
When she was done, Bella closed the toilet lead, flushing, and sitting on it. Her hands shook, and Edward wasn't sure what was going on.
"I need some water," she whispered.
"Stay here." Edward went to get a glass. His mom intercepted him in the hallway, but he ignored her questions about how Bella was feeling. He returned as fast as possible to Bella's side. "What's wrong? You're shaking."
"Panic attack," she gasped out. "I'm not ready to tell them."
"I'm afraid we can't escape it. It will be fine." Edward crouched at her feet, rubbing her calf. "Drink that water."
A knock on the open door made them turn to find his mother. Of course, she'd followed him. Bella gulped her sip of water, handing Edward the glass, as their eyes met.
"We'll be right back," Edward promised. His mom, thankfully, left them, though concern was visible in her eyes. "Ready?" He took Bella's hand.
"Not in the least."
"Me neither." He placed the glass on the sink. "Come on. It's not worse than me telling them about our lifestyle."
"Wait!" Bella stalled in the hallway. "That tiramisu…if I see it again, I'll throw up on top of it."
Edward fought against a smile. "Go into the living room. I'll bring the others." He walked into the dining room, clearing his throat. "Could you join us in the living room?"
"Let me bring the dessert over," his mom offered.
"No, please," Edward said, wincing.
"Oh, my!" Rose gasped.
"Oh, dear," his mom echoed.
Of course, they'd figured it out. "Come on. Don't ambush her. We just found out yesterday," he added, hastily.
Bella was sitting on the couch, biting at her nails when Edward led the others into the room. He sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Bella looked at the others anxiously. "Uh, so…" She peeked at Edward, grimacing, before turning to face the family. "I'm pregnant."
Edward's dad grinned at his son, understanding what he'd seen the previous day at the hospital.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Rosalie rushed to them, hugging both of them at the same time.
"Thanks," Bella mumbled.
Edward pushed his sister away gently. He took Bella's hand, squeezing it. "We haven't seen the doctor yet, so don't ask what we're having."
"The next appointment is in two weeks," Bella added, before anyone could ask.
"You don't seem that happy," his mom noted, confusion marring her voice.
"It's still the shock," Bella explained. "I guess, it hasn't sunk in."
Of course, she couldn't tell the others how babies wasn't something at the top of her bucket list.
"Well, congrats!" Emmett exclaimed. "About time you joined in the madness."
Bella winced, pressing her face into Edward's arm.
"I'm sure you're scared, honey, but I'm here if you need anything," Edward's mom offered.
Bella turned to smile at her. "I appreciate it. Thank you, Esme."
I know most of you want to punch Edward, but his redemption of sorts will come while you're going to read the outtakes.
PS: I hadn't planned for them to have a baby, but sometimes you have the story and what the characters demand. I guess they've come to that point in time where they're ready for this.
See you all on Saturday!
