Author's Note: The last chapter covered most of Bella's pregnancy from Edward's perspective, but it wouldn't be fair if we didn't also get some of Bella's. They are overlapping times, but you will notice that they each picked different important events to tell us about during the timeline. Edward was entirely absent for some of my favorite parts of this chapter. Enjoy!
BPOV
That I was pregnant with Edward's baby was something I never thought would be able to say. It was an indescribable joy, having a growing part of him, of us, inside of me. We had overcome so much to get here and it felt amazing to experience something mostly normal together for a change.
Alice knew before anyone else, but it was a fitting way for our family to find out. It was much better than taking a pregnancy test while seven anxious vampires listened to me pee, waiting for the result. No, I much preferred Alice's way. I was glad that I did not have to do that.
Carlisle was teaching pregnancy and baby care classes to all of us, although Edward was usually happily daydreaming rather than paying attention. It made me so happy that he was just as excited as I was.
"Ew, that's disgusting!" Emmett shouted, pulling my thoughts back to the present moment. I thought I must have missed Carlisle explaining some nasty medical terminology, or at least, how to change a diaper. Instead, he was talking about how pregnant women normally have weird food cravings, the most famous example being pickles and ice cream.
"That's disgusting? Just wait until you have to change a diaper, godfather." I said, laughing.
"At least I would expect that to be gross! Human food is already bad, I can't imagine deliberately making it worse!"
"What's the nastiest human food to you?" I asked.
"Broccoli. It smells awful!"
"OK, I'll give you that one. It does smell pretty bad. What else?"
"That powdery cheese the kids always eat on stuff when the school serves pizza. Blech!" he wretched and I laughed even harder.
"I guess you didn't see me making her a cheese and crackers plate last night?" Esme asked with a laugh. "It smelled rancid."
"Hey, it was delicious!"
"I'm glad it was, sweetheart." she said with a laugh. "But things will smell a lot different to you once you're changed."
"What tastes bad to you, Bella?" Emmett asked.
"Well, I don't like burnt food, which is Charlie's specialty. I also don't like things with too much vinegar, like olives." Involuntarily, just thinking about it made me sick and I ran to the bathroom to throw up.
"She's definitely pregnant!" Emmett shouted, laughing. I heard the distinct sound of someone smacking him. Edward followed me to hold my hair and tend to me.
"You shouldn't be in here. It's gross."
"Nonsense. You needed me."
"I'm alright."
"You sure?" he asked, handing me a damp washrag to clean my face with.
"Yeah, just thinking about gross things got me. Make him change the subject."
"OK…boobs it is then!" Emmett shouted.
"Much better!" I called, shaking my head, and laughing as I washed my hands. Edward didn't leave my side, walking me back to the couch and helping me get comfortable. Carlisle changed the subject to which of my vitals they would need to monitor, like my heart rate.
The worst part of being pregnant wasn't the occasional sickness, but the nightmares that I had nearly every night. There was always something coming for my baby, like shapeless animals or cloaked figures. Carlisle assured us that it was likely just hormonal and a normal thing during pregnancy, but I wasn't convinced. Edward always woke me up as soon as they started and helped me calm down, sometimes sharing thoughts with me and showing his love, other times giving me gentle massages and singing to me. He almost never left my side, so it was hard to stay scared for long.
A week into my pregnancy, Edward needed to hunt. Although he protested, I forced him to go for a full day with Emmett, assuring him that we would call if anything happened. Carlisle promised to not leave the house until his return, and likewise, I made Edward and Emmett promise never to be apart since Victoria was still out there somewhere.
Even though I was the one who made him go, I couldn't help the sudden emotional instability I felt as I cried in Esme's arms. "It's alright honey, he will be back tonight."
"I know."
"What's the matter?"
"I miss him already." I cried and Esme patted my hair. "I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You're pregnant." Jasper laughed. "Not that anything is wrong with you, but it's affecting your emotions."
Suddenly, I was laughing so hard that I almost couldn't breathe. I sat up and Jasper was smiling at me, but him and Esme were both confused. Somehow, that made me laugh even harder.
"So – so…." I couldn't talk for laughing. "Ugh. So, what you're saying Jasper is that I make you feel like you're pregnant too?"
He laughed, understanding. "Sometimes."
I smiled, but then was crying again as soon as I remembered Edward. It was going to be a long day.
Alice came to me an hour or so later, after I had mostly calmed down. "Bella, let's have a spa day."
"I don't know if I feel up to that."
"You're going to love it. Trust me. I've seen it."
There was no arguing with her when she was so insistent, so I followed her. She led me upstairs and into a warm bath filled with bubbles and bath oil. My skin felt incredibly soft and the water felt wonderful on my sore muscles.
"I told you so." she said, perching herself on the side of the tub. I had long gotten over my worries about being unclothed in front of Alice since she saw so much in her visions anyhow. "You relax. I'm going to put you in a mud mask and do your nails and then we'll trim your hair."
The bath felt so good that I just closed my eyes and laid back. She started some soft music for us. "Thank you, Alice. For everything, not just this."
"You know you're welcome. I'm so happy you're finally officially part of the family! And this little one is going to be a ton of fun!"
"Are you talking about the baby, or just buying it things?"
"Both!" she exclaimed. I laughed and relaxed into her pampering. She was right. I loved it.
After my bath, Alice trimmed my hair just a little and painted my toenails. Then, she helped me dress in some soft, loose pajamas. She insisted that I wear nice, but comfortable, lingerie underneath, having seen something in her visions. I tried to not dwell on exactly what, or how much of who, she had seen.
After I was dressed, we joined Esme who was painting a mural in the nursery. It featured major landmarks like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower. "Wow!"
"Do you like it?"
"I love it! It's so detailed."
"Would you like to help me with it?"
"I'm no good at painting."
"Nonsense. It just takes a little practice, but all I need for now are a few solid colors filled in if you're up to it."
"I'd love that." I knew that it was a tactic to keep me distracted so I wouldn't miss Edward as much, but I joined Esme, happy to be useful and loving my family and the efforts they were going through to take care of me.
"Bella, will you come let me run a few tests in my office?" Carlisle asked, peeking into the room an hour or two later.
"Alright." I followed him down the hallway and he closed the door once we were in his office.
"With your permission, I would like to draw a little of your blood to work on desensitizing some of the family to it like Edward has done by being around you."
"What will you do with it?"
"Make us smell it or sit in the room with it. I think if we were a little more used to it, perhaps one or two more of us can assist more with the birth and the initial care of the baby if needed."
"Carlisle, you've never been tempted by my blood."
"True. But the others have." I knew he meant Jasper mostly, but I also remembered how quickly Alice had backed away when James had injured me too.
"OK. Let's do it." Needles still weren't my strong point though, especially without Edward here to distract me as he usually did. As soon as I saw the needle in his hand, though it was small, I flinched and hesitated.
"I'm not going to try to distract you like Edward does." he chuckled. "But look away from the needle. Do you see the third painting on the top row over there?"
I looked and nodded. He continued, "That is one of my favorites. I bought it shortly after I turned Edward, actually. Most of the paintings in here depict some event in my life. It's called 'A Father's Love' and it's based on the concept of an adopted son honoring his father and caring for him more than his biological sons did." The painting looked old, and most of them were. It was a strange mix between detailed, such as people's clothing, but abstract as far as their backgrounds and their faces. It showed the father with his arm around the son, and two other sons facing away from them, almost walking off.
"He loves you as his father. He respects you more than anyone."
"I know." he smiled. "And I love him like a son. All done." he showed me my now bandaged arm.
I returned his smile. "I like your distraction method too."
"Do you see anything else that catches your interest?" he gestured to the wall behind him and we spent a few minutes talking through some of the paintings that Edward hadn't told me about my first time in Carlisle's office.
Rosalie came and collected me for dinner. "Esme was busy painting, so I made you some baked chicken and broccoli, mostly to tease Emmett with later. I hope you don't mind."
"Sounds delicious, actually. Thank you." She led me downstairs and made me a plate.
"Oh, and chocolate pudding. I hear pregnant women like chocolate."
"Definitely." I smiled. "You put a lot of effort into this."
"It was nothing." she looked away. "How are you feeling?"
"Good. I miss Edward, but the baby and I are happy and loved."
"Have you thought about baby names yet?"
"A little. It's a tough decision though. I thought about naming it after my parents, since I likely won't see them again, but I would also like to honor the family. I love so many people that it's hard to pick!"
"You could make up something unique." she suggested.
"I might. I don't want anything too difficult for it to use though. I guess I'll decide once we know the gender."
"Alice has been going nuts trying to force her visions to show her." she smiled mischievously. "It's hilarious, honestly. Sometimes she will sit there for hours trying to force her visions to change if she imagines modifying one tiny detail. She hates not knowing everything."
Alice came in the room then and stuck her tongue out at Rosalie. "I love the baby no matter what. But it would help to know what colors to shop for!"
"What's wrong with neutral colors?"
"Neutral colors, hah!" she scoffed. I shook my head and concentrated on eating my dinner, which was delicious, while they joked around.
After I ate, Jasper escorted me into the living room. "I wanted to talk to you before Edward gets back to steal all of your attention." he grinned; his eyes gentle. "I know you're scared, but you don't have to be. This entire family will do what it takes to see that you and the baby are safe."
"Thanks Jasper, I know that."
"There won't be a repeat of the events of your birthday party, no matter what happens."
"I know. I trust you with us."
"I know you're scared about Victoria and that the Volturi haven't caught up with her yet."
"Yes."
"Don't be. She'll make a mistake eventually, especially with all of them on her tail. Trust me, I know a lot about battle."
"Edward has told me a little about your time in the war, and with Maria. I try to not pry though when we share thoughts, at least, not into anyone's personal life but his." I giggled. "I don't really let him keep secrets."
Jasper laughed and started telling me about some of his human memories. We had never really gotten to sit down properly like this before. He was a great storyteller.
Carlisle came to check my vitals at about nine in the evening, and he recommended that I get some rest. He escorted me upstairs and I stretched out on mine and Edward's bed, grateful for the family keeping me busy. The day had passed so quickly, and I knew that Edward would be home soon.
I wanted to text him, but I didn't want to distract him or make him miss me more, so I just laid back against the pillows and reflected on the time I had enjoyed with everyone. I fell asleep a few minutes later.
I was in the woods rubbing my belly with my hands trying to stay calm, still pregnant. It was cold and dark. There was a faint smell of smoke in the air. A woman was laughing, and it was chilling. There was a loud ripping sound in the distance. Footsteps approached me and Victoria stepped out of the clearing, handing me Edward's arm, still wearing his wedding band on his hand. I awoke with a scream.
Alice was holding me.
"It's alright Bella, I'm here. It was just a nightmare. You're OK."
"Edward?"
"They're on their way home. They're alright."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Just relax, I spoke with them a few minutes ago. My visions haven't changed. He'll be here soon."
"Alice…" I held her tightly. She rubbed my hair and laid me back against the pillows.
"I'll stay with you until he gets here. Want to talk about it?"
"No. I can't." My heart was racing. I needed to see him.
"Jasper?" she called softly. He appeared at the foot of the bed in an instant, looking me in the eyes before touching my foot. His gift worked better if he touched people. I felt him calming me down.
"Just rest, Bella. I'll stay with you too if you want." he said. "Did we ever tell you about the time Edward got mad enough at Emmett to prank him with me?"
"No."
"You will enjoy this." he smiled, and it was impossible to not smile back at him, the scary visions in my dream being pushed away for the moment. "Emmett messed with one of Edward's cars. Everyone knows you do not do that. Not with Edward. They are like his babies, well, except now his real baby." he laughed. "So, one day, while Emmett and Rosalie were out for a hunt, we replaced all of the clothes in his closet with large women's clothing instead and hid his."
"Was he mad?"
"At first, yes. But then he decided that it was fun and came downstairs wearing the shortest one of the dresses with no underwear. Edward was so embarrassed!"
I was laughing all of a sudden, picturing Emmett in a dress Mrs. Doubtfire style, but especially imaging exactly how embarrassed that would have made Edward. "Please tell me he chased Edward around a bit."
"You know he did." Jasper answered.
"When was this?"
"Nineteen seventy-two."
"Was Edward mad?"
"Very, although disturbed was probably a better term. Man, if vampires could blush!"
"When did you give Emmett his clothes back?"
"One glimpse at him in a skirt was enough to do it." Jasper's face cracked me up.
"Thank you, Jasper. Although that wasn't exactly the mental image of Emmett I wanted to come home to." Edward said, stepping into the room with a grin. I stared at him, mesmerized by his freshly light gold eyes. He suddenly had all of my attention. I was no longer laughing. My heart was racing, and I admired him, more handsome than I would ever remember.
"Any time. Goodnight Bella." Jasper said, grabbing Alice's hand. "Goodnight, Bella!" she added as they left the room.
"Thanks, you two." I said, reaching my hand for Edward as I sat up.
"Relax." he whispered in my ear, appearing beside me in an instant. "I'm here." He took me in his arms and all of the tension melted away from my body.
Unable to talk, I touched his face to show him what had happened. He kissed me softly and then held my face as well.
I showed him the nightmare and a shiver ran down my spine remembering it. I kissed him desperately after recalling the image of him hurt, or possibly dead. He kissed me back and caressed my face.
I'm here. He repeated. I'm alright. No one is going to hurt me. Or you. Or our precious little one. He moved one of his hands down to rub my belly.
I was so scared. I can't let that happen to you.
It won't. It was only a dream. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you.
Don't be. You have to hunt sometimes.
Words were pointless as I kissed him, letting myself just feel him. I ran my free hand down his arm, reassuring myself that it was intact and whole. He showed me how much he had missed me while he was away and how much he loved me. I showed him how much I loved him and how well the family had taken care of me.
I removed his shirt, wanting to see for myself that he was unharmed. I need you. I need to see you and feel you. I thought.
Let me lock the door. he thought, locking our bedroom door in a second and reappearing beside me. He was naked and he helped me remove my shirt and then took my hands in his, kissing them each before placing them on his shoulders. I slid one back up to his face. See? All in one piece. His tone was gentle and understanding. His thoughts were loving but awed as he took in the soft lace trimmed cotton bralette Alice had dressed me in earlier.
I showed him with my thoughts how much I wanted and needed him. No further words were necessary. He helped me carefully remove the bralette and laid me back against the pillows, kissing my chest and each of my breasts softly. I had to bite my lip to hold back quiet noises of relief that I felt with each kiss.
He took his time kissing and rubbing my stomach and showing me the love he felt for us before he returned to kiss my lips.
One of his hands gently removed my underwear and started touching me intimately, where I really wanted him. I moaned softly into our kiss as he caressed my clit, trying to stay quiet, but so completely relieved and aroused.
I used my free hand to stroke his erection and he smiled into our kiss when I wished I could reach him better in our position. Not necessary, love. You're ready for me.
I nodded and he positioned himself on top of me, careful that none of his weight touched my stomach. Vampire strength definitely came in handy sometimes. He laughed softly and caressed my cheek, looking in my eyes and dazzling me as he slid inside me. All of my worry and anxiety was gone. We were together. He captured all of my senses and my only thoughts were on him.
Edward loved me slowly, carefully thrusting until we were both close to our release, then he sped up only slightly, using his memories along with his touch to push us over the edge, showing me just how overwhelmingly whole he felt when we were together like this and some of his favorite memories of us making love together. He was constantly mindful of not hurting me or the baby.
I was so relaxed that as soon as I came down from our climax, my eyes closed of their own will.
Goodnight, my loves. his thoughts whispered as he slid out of me, cleaned me up and covered us with the blanket, rubbing my stomach until I fell back asleep in his embrace.
Two weeks in, I tried to avoid being naked in front of Edward as much as possible. He always reassured me how much he loved me and found me beautiful, but I could see the sadness in his eyes when he noticed a new bruise from the baby moving around or how much weight I was starting to lose. Rosalie was a constant companion when I needed her, volunteering to help me in the bath, wash and braid my hair for me, or whatever I needed.
I was nervous the first time that I had to drink blood, but it tasted delicious. I thought Edward would be disgusted, but honestly, he was relieved. Carlisle had been testing the family by leaving a bag or two of the donated blood open in the house for short periods of time, sometimes even deliberately spilling some in his office or on the kitchen counter, not a lot, but just enough to drive them a little wild with the scent.
When he was sure that they were alright with that, he escalated to leaving small amounts of my blood lying around after he tested whatever he needed to, sometimes asking people to smell the vials and not drink, only when Edward had me safely away, like in the yard sunbathing with him. They said that it was difficult for them, but with their dedication, I knew that no one would slip up. No one did.
Three weeks into my pregnancy, I was huge. Moving was definitely hard, not that Edward and Carlisle let me out of bed much anyways. It was sometime during the three-week mark when we heard our baby's thoughts, more like vague emotions, for the first time. It was beautiful beyond words. The baby was happy and loved, something I hoped that it would always feel. Edward was euphoric. I couldn't decide whose happiness made me happier among the three of us, but it was a great feeling.
Four weeks into my pregnancy, my water broke as Rosalie was helping me up from the bed to bathe. I was in an indescribable amount of pain all over my body and I knew that the baby was on its way. I hadn't needed to say a word before Edward appeared at my side, reading Rosalie's thoughts. "Carlisle!" he called and the whole family rushed into the room.
"Is it time?" he asked. I nodded and sat back down. Edward helped me get as comfortable as possible, not that it helped much. It was hard to stand.
"We have another problem." Alice said flatly, unlike the excitement I expected her to feel at the baby's impending arrival. I felt for sure she would know the gender by now, but she hadn't said anything.
Edward turned paler than his usual pale and growled. "Not now, Alice!"
"It's not like I have any control over it!"
"Sorry." he said halfheartedly before launching into a string of expletives. I had never heard him so mad.
"What is it?" Carlisle asked.
"Victoria."
Author's Note: Here comes baby! This chapter wanted to end on a cliffhanger, no matter how much I tried to think otherwise, however, I don't like to leave my favorites hanging! I'm posting the next chapter at the exact same time, so you don't have to wait in anxiety like I do when my favorite stories are left like this.
