Hello everyone,

So I guess my drama didn't go over as badly as I anticipated. I also realize it was a concise chapter, but considering I was having trouble even writing today, I count these mini-episodes as a win.

Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following.

By the way, shit is getting real between our audacious couple, but this turn had to be made. I will do my best to post two more updates tomorrow.

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Bella was shaken for numerous reasons. The last person she'd thought to come face to face with was Edward Cullen. Ever since that day in the courthouse, she did her best to move on without him. She didn't want to stare into those handsome eyes laced with confusion. The only way to accomplish her goal has been to cut him from her life completely. That meant ignoring his calls and shoving everything he'd bought her into a box except for Shercon.

Then there was the fact that she was pregnant with not just one child but two. Edward thought he'd been at a loss last month; how the hell was he going to digest having twins? At the point she'd advised him of her pregnancy, he barely wanted her, let alone a baby, and now he would have two.

Then there was James. James was Damon's cousin. On a lunch date with Damon a few weeks ago, he'd introduced her to his cousin who'd happened to pick him up. James hadn't even flinched at her swelling belly when he'd offered his number. Over the last couple of weeks, they'd become pretty good friends, and that was strictly it.

Right now, James's hand was resting on her belly, it was the first time he'd ever touched her, but she didn't move away. James's presence was a comfort and had been since they'd met. He didn't treat her any different because she was expecting. She didn't miss the worry in his eyes as his hand fell away, and she gave him a nod. "It'll be fine. This shouldn't take long. As soon as he finds out—."

Bella's confidence deflated as Edward paced a few feet closer; that dark gleam never left his eyes. She'd seen that look once before when he'd interrupted her date with Damon months ago. "Just make the hamburgers. I will be right back out."

Warning flashed from Edward's eyes to James's when Bella approached him. If it hadn't been for Bella's delicate condition, there would've been a fight in the yard. Reluctantly, he broke the intensity of his glare as Bella's hand landed on his elbow and all but dragged him into the house.

As the screen door smacked into place, Bella turned to face him. Just looking at his handsome face made keeping her resolve impossible. All she wanted to do was burrow into his broad chest and stay right there. To maintain some composure, she crossed her arms, and her chin lifted, refusing to feel guilty for trying to move on with her life. "What are you doing here, Edward?"

Edward didn't hear her question, his own tumbling from his lips before he could stop himself. Gesturing toward the backyard, he fought to control the frustration welling inside. "Is that why you haven't accepted my calls?"

Bella's brows flickered in surprise. "Who? James? He is—."

"Yeah, 'James.'" Who the fuck is James?" Edward ranted, whirling around the kitchen, feeling as if his head was about to explode. Pinning Bella with a skeptical look, the words were out before he could stop them. "Are we dating other people now? Is he … is he …"

Bella was very curious to hear where this was all leading. Her toe tapped the tile beneath her feet. "Is he what?"

Anger expanded in Edward's chest as he pointed at her belly. "Is he the father? Is that …"

Edward didn't get a chance to say anything before Bella slapped him hard across the face. She didn't even feel bad about the welt blossoming on his cheek. Seething, Bella clenched her teeth as her own anger climbed. "Despite how I carried on with you, I've never done anything like that before. And I would never, ever let another man touch me while I'm carrying these babies."

Edward's face turned red as he stalked toward Bella, backing her up against the counter. He was so absorbed about the man in the backyard, Bella's statement hadn't penetrated. "You two looked awfully affectionate for 'friends.' How long have you known James? Huh?"

"We just met," Bella explained, her head sinking; she backed away from the anger in his eyes. She'd never seen someone so furious in her life. "He doesn't have any family in the area, and we are friends. Not that I need to explain myself to you. You are the one who went AWOL right after saying you wanted an actual relationship. Remember? You."

Bella stabbed him in the chest with her pointer finger. "And you should've seen your face when I told you about being pregnant. I can't even get the image out of my head."

Edward's head dropped toward his chest as he processed what she said. He'd gone AWOL, and his obvious mortification about her pregnancy. He took a deep breath, his cheek stinging from her slap, desperately trying to calm the war raging inside. He didn't even look at her as he said, "I gave it all up. All of it. I came here to tell you that because you won't answer the fucking phone. And then, I get here, and I have already been replaced."

With each word, he spoke his anger intensified all over again. Each one increased in volume until he was pulled out of Bella's face by Jake.

"If you wanna talk to someone like that, meet me in the backyard," Jake fumed, his jaw going tight as he met Edward, ready to go head to head with him. "Otherwise, you will watch your tone and your distance to the woman carrying your babies."

If Bella hadn't been standing in the way, he would've taken Jake up on his offer. Right now, he was feeling the need to hit something or someone, and currently, he didn't care who or what. His entire body went still as he comprehended what Jake said.

For the first time, Edward ripped his eyes away from Bella to focus on what Jake was saying. "Babies?"

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