Chapter 38 – Surrounded by Love
EDWARD
The look Bella gave me when entered the ER room one of frustration, but I could see love shining in it. She reached out for me, dropping her hand back to the bed when alarms went off. My question was one she had probably heard a thousand times before I arrived, but it was in the first thing out of my mouth. Stupid, and not at all what I wanted to say. Before I even got out what I had planned, someone from CT came and got her.
While she was gone, I sent a text to Alice, letting her know what the doctor said. I also sent a joint text to Charlie and my parents, telling them not only what the doctor said but what little I knew about the attack. Tossing my phone on the counter near the sink, I was up pacing and pulling at my hair again. I been thinking the worst as my secretary drove me to the hospital. When I saw Bella, all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. I barely had time to kiss her cheek before she was taken from the room, still laying in bed.
It was when I was alone, my thoughts caught up with me and tears slipped down my cheeks. Had it not been for others, she could be in worst shape. From what Alice told me, Jacob only manage a few kicks before two guys were chasing him. Why in the hell was he still after Bella? Didn't he get the message when he ran into us three months, she was my wife. Yes, the child she carried was his, but that didn't mean she had to contact with him during her pregnancy. He denied the kid was his, in front of Charlie. In my book, that's the same as signing away his rights, unfortunately that wasn't how the law worked.
I jumped when my phone buzzed. Glancing at it were in lay on the counter, I saw it was a text from Charlie. Walking over, I picked it up and opened the message.
Thanks for letting me know. On my way. Given the traffic, I should be there in an hour, maybe longer. If the doctor sends her home before I get there, call me. Though, given what you told us, the doctor would be an idiot if he didn't keep her overnight.
Another text came through, from Mom, as I was reading Charlie's message. I was glad he was coming.
Oh dear, Edward. Do you need anything, Edward? Does Bella? We are almost to Seattle and can be at the hospital in no time. We both love you. And we agree with Charlie, the doctor would be crazy not to monitor her overnight.
Both messages were a comfort, I was hitting reply when Bella was wheeled back in. My reply was a simple heart as I wanted to focus on my wife not my phone.
"Edward, I'm sorry for my reaction," she said, as I slipped my phone in my pocket.
I pulled the chair close to the bed, sitting and taking hold of her hand. "Thank nothing of it, love." Lifting my free hand, I ran caressed the back of my knuckles down her cheek, and the bruise forming. "I hate that you had face him alone, Bella. Grateful to those who came to your rescue. I know your tried of the question, but how are you?"
She sighed, giving me a slight smile. "Better not that you're here. But I have a splitting headache."
I stood and leaning over, kissing her forehead. "I'll see if they can give you something."
EMMETT
Bursting through the emergency room doors, I scanned the room for scans of someone I knew. Alice shouted my name, motioning me over to were she and Rosalie sat waiting. I rushed over and asked the one question I needed answered. "Has Edward arrived? Bella shouldn't be alone."
"Yes, a fifteen minutes ago. He was frantic, pacing and pulling at his hair, as he waited for the registrar to call him over. He was taken straight back after he got Bella checked in," Alice supplied.
Bella was like a sister to all of us. If anything happened to her or the baby, it would hit us all hard. I was about to ask another question when Alice's phone buzzed. "It's Edward. He says while Bella is shaken and seems fine. She's been taken for a head CT and blood work is pending. That's all he provides."
Some of my brotherly fear diminished with the news, I was still worried about Bella and the baby. "What of Jacob?" I asked, sitting down.
"Arrested. Jasper is filing for a restraining order," Alice answered. "He's not sure if he'll get to the courts before they close today, but he's going to try."
Nodding, I sat back and brought my foot up to the opposite knee. I wanted to be here for both Edward and Bella, however long it took. While waiting for more news, I imagined all the ways I could destroy Jacob and a few of them would require him from my Navy Seal brothers. I was still a Seal even though I was honorably discharged after a career-ending injury when my femur was shattered. It was a long recovery, but I healed but was no longer able to fulfill my duty. So, now I was in private security and one of the top rated "techies" in the biz.
Going after Jacob wasn't the solution, letting the law deal with him was the only way. Bella needed a damn bodyguard, and I hoped I could convince Edward to hire someone.
It was two hours later, Edward came out. He sat heavily beside me with his head in his hands. "When Jacob slapped her, she reeled back and fell, hitting the ground hard enough to cause a fucking concussion. So, the doctor wants to monitor overnight."
"That's good," Rosalie remarked. "And baby?"
Edward raised his head, it was then I noticed how worn out and worried he was. "Being monitored too. Everything looks good. Although, Bella has two fairly large purple contusion on her stomach from where he kicked her."
"Fuck," I said. "I want to hunt down the bastard and let my fists do the talking."
Edward turned his head, taking me in. "And what good would that do. It would put us both in jail for the night."
There was that. "Good thing I came to the same conclusion when I was thinking about calling some of my Seal friends. Alice tells me Jacobs is behind bars."
"I know. Detective Hedley took Bella's statement. Assault charges are being filed."
"And the paperwork has been filed for a restraining order," Jasper said, joining us.
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
The gang had moved to the waiting room after Bella was settled on the third floor of the hospital. Carlisle and Esme had arrived, despite Edward's lack of asking them, and left with his keys, after a half hour, to retrieve a few things for Bella's overnight stay.
When he came into the waiting room, I indicated the seat next to me. I wanted to talk to him about something.
"Edward, a restraining order is a good start. But, I feel there's more that can be done. I know it's not my placed to…" he cut me off.
"Emmett, I'm fucking exhausted, and I highly doubted I'll get much sleep tonight. So, just say what's on your mind."
"I take it that if Bella tells you to go home, you're staying regardless."
He glared at me.
"That's a definite yes." I paused a moment. "Bella needs protection, more than a restraining order. She needs a bodyguard."
"You volunteering?"
"Uh, no. While I could do the job, I'm more a techie. You know that."
He chuckled somberly. "It's not like I haven't thought about suggesting a bodyguard, especially now. I just don't think Bella would go for it."
I scrubbed a hand along my jaw. "How about a GPS device?"
Edward was silent a long time. "I would want the best one with the longest battery life possible."
"Like I recommend anything but the best to you," I remarked. "I have one in mind, not sure of the of the monitoring fees, though. Not that that's a problem for you."
He nodded, saying nothing. I took it to mean let me know.
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
Edward dropped his head protectively over Bella's after he settled down next to her in their bed. The doctor released her with strict instructions to take it easy for the next few weeks. If it wasn't obvious to me he loved her, this intimate display would have changed my mind. It felt like I was intruding and moved toward the door.
Edward caught my eye, shaking his head. "Bella, would you consider allowing me to hire someone, perhaps Emmett, to protect you when I'm at work."
Not moving her head away from Edward's shoulder, Bella nodded. "I would appreciate that. Thank you for suggesting it," she said.
Relief washed through me, hearing her agree without arguing. Even Edward's shoulders relaxed.
When he kissed the top of her head, I again felt like I was intruding but remained where I stood.
"I have a list of names," I said, patting my shirt pocket. The piece of paper was sticking out but no one would know what was written. Some of my friends wouldn't like it if some everyday Joe called them. They only worked with select clientele, and Edward fell into that category.
Bella turned to look at me. There were tears shining in her eyes again. "I don't want some stranger, Emmett. I want someone I know."
Edward and I shared a looked. There was humor dancing in his eyes.
Damnit! He had been right. "It would be an honor, Bella. However, my accepting comes with a conditions."
Edward and I had discussed the possibility of Bella wanting me as her bodyguard while she was in the shower. So, the conditions were really his, not mine.
She bit her lip a moment. "Let's hear them."
"First, no more working. I know you want to, but your safety and that of the baby is primary."
Her eyes moved to Edward. I didn't have to wonder long what that was all about. "Edward has been trying to talk me into step down since we returned from Paris. I didn't see the sense in it, but things have changed. So, Edward, consider this my resignation unless you want it in writing."
"Verbal is good enough for me," he remarked, kissing her.
When her attention was back on me, I went on. "Second, I will escort you when you wish to go out and Edward is at work. It doesn't matter where, with the exception of the restroom."
"No objection there."
Now, this was were I had to be careful. Pulling a keychain out of my pocket, with a decorative key attached. "Finally, I want you to carry this GPS device. Whether it's Edward or me with you, it is to be on you, physically." I emphasized "physically."
"And that means?" she asked.
"In a pocket, attached to your bra, anywhere on you just not in your purse," Edward supplied.
Her lip disappeared into her mouth. "SOS feature? Geofencing?"
"Yes, to both," I answered. Again, I shared a look with Edward. "Why do you ask?"
She shook her head.
"Bella?" I said as Edward said, "Sweetheart?"
For a second time, she shook her head.
Edward readjusted himself until he was on his knees, facing Bella. "Sweetheart, whatever the reason is for your questions, it doesn't matter. But, we need to know why you are asking."
Her shoulders slumped forward. "Because my dad gave me one when I started dating," she admitted. "I didn't think anything of it until I charged it a few days ago, thinking it would be a good idea. It broke when fell."
My eyes widened as Edward looked over his shoulder at me, seeming at a lost as to what to say.
"I hate to ask this, Bella, but was it charged when Jacob approached you the first time after you married Edward?"
"Fortunately, it was not. I don't think Jacob knew I had one."
"And the SOS was set to who?" Edward asked.
"My dad. I'm not even sure if the account is still active, and it was set up by him."
Without even glancing at Edward, I knew what he was thinking because I was too. "Even if Jacob knew about it, there was no way he would be able to use it without Charlie's password and pin."
Edward nodded. "Want another?" he queried.
"On one condition," she replied.
Edward and I both laughed.
"What would that be, love?"
A smile lit her face. "That the SOS alert go to three people."
I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Emmett, your dad, and me," Edward guessed.
She shook her head. "Jasper, my dad, and your dad."
I started laughing, she was quick in seeing the error in Edward's guess.
"What's funny, Emmett?"
I was glad when Bella answered. "Why would I send an SOS to you or Emmett when one of you will be with me?"
It took a minute for Edward to understand, and when he did, he starting laughing. "I guess we won't need the message."
"All right. Edward, I'll need you to log in, then you better call your dad. That was one person I didn't think of adding when we set it up."
"Who did you add?" Bella asked.
"Jasper and your dad only."
EDWARD
After kissing Bella's cheek and telling her to rest, I left the bedroom with Emmett in tow. Quickly logging in and inputting the security code I received via text, I left him to do his "techie" thing.
Dad answered on the second ring. "How's Bella?" he asked, instead of his standard greeting of Hello, son.
"Doing better than I expected, she in bed resting."
"Rest is good for her. Your mother and I will be in town until Sunday. Even if we weren't were here for you and Bella. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
"Would it surprise you to hear that's why I'm calling?"
"Do you need us to come over?" Mom asked.
I blew out a breath. "No, Mom. But I have a request from Bella."
"And what's the request?" Mom probed.
Glancing out the window, I noticed a flower truck stopping in front of the house and a delivery person coming up the walk. "I'll explain in a second, Mom. Emmett," I yelled over my shoulder. "Get the door will you."
"Sure, bro."
"I get Bella a GPS tracking with an SOS feature," I started.
"That's a good idea," Dad said.
"Either Emmett or I will be with her at all times. When she wants to get out of the house."
"Another good idea," Dad remarked. "Who'd you destinate for the SOS email?"
"Bella knows about three only. Charlie, Jasper, and you, Dad."
"Your father? Why?"
I hadn't even thought to find out why Bella suggested Dad. "If I had to guess, it would because Bella wants ensure I have one less phone call to make and get the support I need until she's found."
I could hear the smile in his voice as he asked, "What the message?"
Emmett and I debated back in forth in text messages last night until we finally agreed on a message. Of course, I had made him call Alice and Rosalie to make sure they were game. They were on board. "I'm not sure of the exactly wording, but it says something like call Alice Brandon or Rosalie Hale. Their numbers are included. There is a different rally point depending on which Geofence perimeter is crossed first."
"And those really points are?"
"My office, Bella's childhood home, and our house."
I heard Dad's deep sigh and knew he was going to ask something I didn't like. "And if Bella doesn't get the chance to hit the SOS, what then?"
That was something Charlie brought up, and Emmett's answer seemed apt. "I'm paying good money for real-time tracking. The app updates her location every minute. The battery life diminishes some but it's worse at every three seconds. If something happens, both Emmett and I will be able to locate her. Either way, Alice and Rosalie will get both the SOS and Geofencing messages, along with me and Emmett."
"Let's hope there is never a need for her to send out an SOS," Mom said. "And no matter her reason for including your father, I happy she thought of us and of what you would go through. Wait you said, Alice and Rosalie will get the SOS, too, and Bella doesn't know that. Why?"
I smiled. "It was Charlie's idea. Since Rosalie and Alice will get a text when crosses a virtual boundary, like returning home, they won't know until someone calls that an SOS was sent."
"Ah, I think I understand," Dad said. "By them getting the SOS, they will know to be on alert and be able to call you and Emmett to check her location."
"Exactly. Charlie called it a stress-inducing safety net," I said with a laugh.
The called ended a minute later.
Emmett joined me with two vases of flowers. "They're for Bella with more in the entry. I've already checked the cards, none are from the asshole."
"From who and how many?"
"Twenty or so vases and a couple of planters. The boutique she went to yesterday, a dozen or more of your clients, and several of your employees."
"How the hell did my clients find out? My secretary and staff no better than to give out the information."
He passed me his phone after pulling up something. "I think this is how."
Local woman attacked in parking lot, I read. Underneath the headline was a picture of Bella being loaded into the ambulance. I skimmed the article, not mention of a name, just saying a number of Good Samaritans came to her aid.
Shit! When Bella and I agreed to let Hedley release the story to the press, I didn't think there was a picture. It was supposed to be our way of thanking those who came to her rescue. There was nothing I could do about it now.
"Put the flowers and whatnot in the dining room. I'm sure my parents will be over at some point this afternoon. Mom can figure out spots for them."
He nodded as I grabbed one of the vases, walking out of the home office to check on Bella.
