BPOV

My baby was on the way, and so was Victoria. Frightened wasn't a strong enough word, terrified would be more like it. There were no doubts that the family would protect us. The odds of seven friendly vampires against one hostile one were pretty good, but I still didn't like risk.

"Where the hell are the Volturi? They're useless!" Edward exclaimed, taking his anger out on Carlisle.

Carlisle's gentle expression never faltered. "I'm going to call Aro." He disappeared from his spot beside us in a flash. Alice was frantically searching her visions, trying to figure out how things would turn out, but they were all in a tangle. I could tell by her face.

"Where is she?! Let's kick some ass!" Emmett shouted.

Jasper sat beside me, taking my hand, and trying to force me to calm down. "Everyone out of here but Edward. Don't scare the baby."

"I want to know what's going on." I said, insistent.

"You will." Jasper replied, "But the stress isn't good for the little one. I promise Edward or I will keep you updated, but you just relax, alright? You've got a long day ahead of you."

I nodded and readjusted myself more comfortably. He squeezed my hand. "I'm going to go help the family strategize. Yell if you need me. Either of you." he looked at Edward pointedly and then went downstairs.

Edward was pacing frantically, clearly terrified. "Edward." I whispered. He was on the bed beside me in an instant, rubbing my belly and kissing my face.

"I'm sorry. I'm not being a very good husband, am I?"

I reached for his face. You're the best husband.

I'm your only husband.

Exactly. Let's trust the family to take care of us. They always have. I need your attention today. We need your attention.

You're right. I'm sorry.

Don't apologize. You're trying to take care of us just like you always have, only now, we have to trust someone else a lot more than we have before. Scary, isn't it?

Terrifying.

Our baby is coming today no matter what happens. Are you excited?

Very. But so very worried.

I know. Me too. But you will do great. And I'll be fine. You'll see.

Are you in pain? he asked, but I knew he felt how much in my thoughts, though I tried to downplay it, I knew he heard that too. I wish there were more I could do for you.

Distract me. I thought. He was happy that my request was something he could do. He kissed me gently and continued to rub my belly. The baby kicked and he pulled away just long enough to whisper to it. "Be still, little one. We will make your acquaintance soon."

The baby seemed to understand, as weird as that seemed, and it settled down. Although it still moved some, it tried to be more careful about it, if that were possible.

Every day with Edward I fell in love with him a little more. The way he would sometimes talk from a century past always made my heart flutter. It was adorable. And now, he could talk to our smart baby and it could understand him. It was beyond incredible.

He kissed my lips again and recited beautiful love poetry with his thoughts, calming me until the pain was just an afterthought, at least, until the contractions started an hour or so later.

Carlisle came in to give me some medicine, although he had warned me that his medical options would be severely limited when it came to a home setting and a hybrid baby with the accelerated pregnancy. "The guard is on their way here."

"Everything's alright?" I asked.

He hesitated. "Tell her." Edward said.

"The guard is on their way, but Alice sees Victoria arriving a couple of hours before them. She isn't alone. She has a couple of vampires with her, likely newborns. We're preparing to hold her off until they arrive."

Tears came to my eyes. While I would be having the joyous experience of having our baby, the family would be fighting for our lives outside. They could get injured or worse. Suddenly, my nightmares seemed more real, and more possible. I held Edward's hand as tightly as I dared as I cried.

"It'll be alright, Bella. I promise." Carlisle said. He patted my arm and I tried to focus on Edward instead as he started an IV.

Edward was sad as he wiped my tears away. "Don't worry. No one is going to get anywhere near the house. I promise."

"But what about the others?"

"They know how to take care of themselves. They want you to only worry about you."

"What if someone gets hurt because of me?"

"It's a risk we're willing to take." Carlisle said with a sad smile. "But you have to focus on you and the baby. If Emmett loses his arm for the tenth time, we can fix that. But you and the baby can't be repaired so easily."

"Tenth time?"

"Yeah, because he didn't learn after the first nine times." Jasper said, walking in the room with a smile and sitting at the foot of the bed. I accepted his calming influence without complaint.

"The same arm?!"

"Yep!" Emmett said, walking in the room with a big grin. I could see the fear in his eyes, but they were trying to distract me so that I wouldn't worry, and I was grateful. "The first time was actually Rosie's fault. She got really mad at me. I deserved it!" he said proudly. "The second time, I wrestled a bear and let it get a little too aggressive before I bit it. The third time was a little sexual…" he grinned, and Jasper punched him, making me laugh and the baby kick like crazy.

"Easy." Edward whispered, rubbing my belly. The baby settled down.

"Freaky that it can understand you." Emmett said. Edward started to fuss at him, but I interrupted.

"I know. It shouldn't even understand simple things like mom and dad yet should it?"

"No. I don't think so. But of course, Edward's baby would be a know it all like him." He stuck his tongue out at Edward, who looked a little angry until he noticed me laughing, then his expression softened. He knew that Emmett was only trying to make me feel better. "We love you, kid. All of us. It will be alright." he said seriously before he left the room. Jasper followed him now that I had calmed down some.

"Wow. You even got Emmett to be serious." Edward smiled gently at me, but I could see the worry there. I put my hand on his face to make him talk to me about his fears. I saw so many trains of thought that it was hard to keep up with them, but mostly, his thoughts were on mine and the baby's safety, and seeing me safely through the birth and my change, which terrified him more than anything.

You won't hurt me.

You don't know that. You have no idea how much your blood tempts me.

I have some idea.

I'm afraid that I won't be able to stop.

So, share thoughts with me while you do it. You were once afraid that we couldn't make love without hurting me and look at us now. Let me help you control your thoughts.

I couldn't ask that of you. You shouldn't be worried about me then.

Edward, we're mates. We're always worried about each other for some reason.

He was hesitant, but relented, and the thought of being able to hear if he were hurting me too much or that it could be my voice in his mind telling him to stop brought him some comfort.

Alice stepped in the room then, but we didn't break our contact. "Go ahead, you two." she said, showing us her flurry of visions about how the evening might unfold. "But I still can't tell if it's a girl or a boy! Ugh!"

"That's your biggest worry?" I asked, incredulous.

"I just want to know!"

"You'll know soon enough." Edward said. "Seven o'clock, looks like, to be exact."

"Yep." she added, showing us more of what she had seen. Victoria would arrive soon and the family most likely could hold her off until the Volturi got there. A few of them might be injured, but they wouldn't die, and no one would make it inside the house that shouldn't be there.

The baby would be born likely a few minutes after seven and the biggest chance was of everything going fine, although there was a risk of my heart stopping if the birth was too traumatic. I heard Edward making a series of mental notes about how best to prevent that possibility while Alice also showed us the moment of Edward turning me and my pained scream. It would attract the Volturi's attention from where they stood in the yard, but they would know for sure that I was changed and go inform their masters. That was as far ahead as she could see, other than the practically unchanged vision of us smiling and holding a yellow bundle of blankets.

It will be alright, Edward.

There's still a chance that you might die!

I won't. I'm strong enough. I'll hold on until you can change me.

I can't live without you.

I know, but you will have our baby, and you're not going to lose me. Do what you need to in order to prepare and increase my chance of surviving this, but do not let yourself suffer over something that's just a possibility, OK?

I'll try.

"There, that's a little better! Whatever you two just decided increases the chance of Bella's survival by five percent." Alice said, leaving the room.

"Carlisle?" Edward called, and Carlisle was in front of us again in an instant. "There's a risk that Bella's heart might stop. What can we do to prepare that we haven't done already?"

"Keep her as relaxed as possible. Be prepared to change her the second the baby arrives if needed. See that she gets extra fluids and blood until she's ready to give birth and I'll remind everyone on the basics of CPR, although there's a chance that you may have to handle this alone." he finished sadly.

"I know." Edward wasn't any happier, despite mine and Alice's attempts at pep talk. Edward and Carlisle's talk switched over to medical jargon that didn't make sense to me, and I was grateful when Esme brought me some blood to drink and helped me brush and braid my hair, to keep it out of the way.

"Everything will be fine. Carlisle and I can't wait to be grandparents. We are so proud of you." she said, kissing my forehead before she went downstairs.

"We have to go now!" Alice yelled, and all of the vampires except for Edward were gone in a flash. He held me close to him, kissing my face and head repeatedly, grounding himself.

I reached for his face. "You don't want to hear this, love."

"Yes, I do."

"We want you two to stay calm. Watching every move the family makes won't help."

"Worrying about them will be worse than just knowing."

He looked deep into my eyes for a minute before he kissed me gently, slowly. We kissed and the baby was happy. We could feel it. But we could also feel that it was anxious to stretch out properly and to meet us. "Soon, little one." he whispered, putting his hand on my face so we could watch the family through their thoughts. He knew that I wasn't going to let him leave me out of the loop that easily.


We decided to try to focus on Alice, so that we could watch the future as well as the present, and so that everyone's thoughts wouldn't overwhelm us. Edward was also listening closely for any signs of someone getting too close to the house and to us.

Alice saw three vampires approaching the large clearing near the house, Victoria and two men. Seeing her gave me chills and Edward held me more tightly, careful to not put any pressure on my stomach. I had a brief flashback of some of my nightmares and he took his free hand out from around me, took my free hand in it, kissed it, and put both of his hands on my face. See, I'm whole. I'm here. It's alright. he reminded me, just like he had the night I had the nightmare.

"Where's the youngest Cullen and his human pet?" Victoria asked our assembled family with a sneer. The two men on her sides looked ready for a fight. Emmett growled.

"They aren't here, and the Volturi have been alerted to your presence. I suggest that you all go now, in peace." Carlisle said.

Victoria growled. "That bastard killed my mate. I won't rest until his human is dead as well."

"Then prepare to die." Emmett said, launching himself at her. He missed her, but one of her companions got in the way. Emmett snapped the guy's neck in an instant. "Newborns." he scowled, tossing the head to Rosalie who quickly lit it on fire. "Two to go."

Victoria was out of sight, but Alice knew she wasn't far. Her other companion foolishly tried to attack Jasper, and while they fought for a few minutes, Jasper was able to toss him to a waiting Alice, who snapped his neck and threw him to Emmett and Rosalie, adding him to the flaming pile. Esme and Carlisle had strict instructions from Jasper to listen and watch carefully to make sure no one headed towards the house. Everyone was only half a mile away.

At this point, only Victoria remained. Edward and I were incredibly relieved that the family was unharmed so far. My contractions pulled us out of Alice's thoughts, and I removed my hand from Edward's face so that he wouldn't have to share my pain. It was impossible to stay quiet as much as they hurt. I cried and buried my face in a pillow.

He rubbed my stomach and tried to keep the baby calm, but it was getting impatient. It kicked me hard and there was a cracking sound, followed by a sharp pain in my chest. "Stop, baby. You're hurting her." he whispered. "One of your ribs." he added to me, sadly. "I'm so sorry."

"We wanted this." I reminded him. "I'll live."

"You better."

"I will. I promise."

He kissed me sadly and stood up. "I'll be right back."

I was terrified without him in my sight, but I focused my attention on rubbing my belly and trying to stay calm. I did the best I could to not think about the pain.

He returned only a minute or two later with a cup of blood for me to drink. "You're going to need all of your strength." he said, handing it to me. I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the ridiculous twirly bendy straws Emmett had bought for me, but I drank it and the baby seemed to like that.

"Did they get her yet?"

"No." he answered. "She keeps evading them somehow at the last second. There's a chase now. But they are trying. Esme and Carlisle moved a little closer to the house to guard us and Carlisle called the Denalis earlier. They are on their way. They will arrive before the Volturi."

I wanted to question why so many vampires were needed against just one opponent, but truthfully, I was glad to have the extra protection. My thoughts couldn't dwell on the situation outside long because the baby kicked again, and I was consumed by pain. It wouldn't, or perhaps couldn't, listen to Edward's requests that it be still or settle down.

"It wants out. You have to get it out."

"It's nowhere near seven yet."

"I know. Trust me, I know. But it hurts so much. It's too big. It's not comfortable in there anymore. I think it's only going to get worse." To prove the point, the baby kicked again and there was another cracking sound. I cried. Edward winced as if he was the one hurt. And then another contraction hit me. I nearly blacked out from the pain.

"I can't give you any more medicine yet without hurting you."

"I know. Just please, get them out safely. It can't wait."

He looked frightened, and deathly pale even for a vampire, but he didn't question me. "I'm sorry for all of the pain you're about to experience. Please remember how much I love you."

"It's worth it, just hurry!" I shouted. He picked me up in his arms and carefully carried me to the makeshift hospital set up in Carlisle's office. I couldn't stop crying and trembling with each wave of fresh pain, coming before the last one let up.

"Keep breathing. Focus on my voice. You have to stay strong for this. I need you to keep your heart beating so the venom will spread. Please don't die on me."

"I won't." I answered, but another of my screams pierced the air. It felt as if I were being ripped in two.

He quickly tore my clothing off of me and I jumped when his cold hand touched my inner thigh. "It's just me, love. It's alright. I won't hurt you more than I have to."

There was a flurry of movement and the office door opened. I jumped, terrified. "Shh, it's just Esme." he added, and she was at my side in an instant, holding my hand. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise. Either of you." He looked at Esme. "Her heart is beating way too fast."

"That's why I'm here. Bella, dear, we need to get you to calm down. I know it's hard. We're all scared for what's about to happen, but it's all going to work out. I know it will. We have to have faith."

"It hurts so much!"

"I know. Edward is going to start getting you ready to give birth, but I need you to focus on me, alright? We need to keep your heart steady and not scare the baby too much until it's out."

"OK."

"I spoke to your father while you were asleep last night. He called to check on you. He's doing well and he's officially dating Sue Clearwater. He said he's been spending a lot of time on the reservation and that she loves it when he goes fishing and brings home a big one for her to prepare. It sounds so disgusting, but he was very happy to have someone that loves and supports him. He misses you, but he's happy."

I was unable to talk through the pain. I was vaguely aware that Edward was preparing a bunch of medical instruments at vampire speed, but the baby was moving so much that all I could do was cry. I focused as much of my attention on Esme's voice as I possibly could.

"You are going to be a fantastic mother. I know you're terrified. I was. I was even terrified to get new children that I didn't give birth to. I always wondered what I would do if they didn't like me, but everything worked out. The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to be perfect. If the baby knows that you really and truly love it, everything will always be alright. One look in your baby's eyes, and your life is going to change. Everything is going to make so much more sense."

"Esme, there's about to be blood." Edward warned. She nodded. "I'm sorry, my Bella." he whispered. I screamed again as he cut an incision across my abdomen with a scalpel and then lowered his head quickly to bite the baby out. We had discussed this well in advance, but it didn't make it any less terrifying, or uncomfortable.

"You're doing great, sweetheart." Esme said. "Hang in there. You're about to meet your baby soon. I know you're excited. We all already love it so much."

Edward continued what he was doing, and I squeezed Esme's hand so hard that it would have hurt her, were she human. There was so much pain that I nearly lost consciousness, but I focused on the most beautiful sound I had ever heard, a baby crying and Edward's joyous laughter.

Carlisle appeared in the doorway and started to stitch me up. "Victoria is dead. Everyone is safe. This will help the venom work faster." he announced, but I barely heard him.

I was focused on Edward's handsome smile as he quickly finished what he was doing and then approached me and Esme with our baby in his arms.

"It's a boy." he announced, absolutely beaming with pride as he carefully sat him on my naked chest. He was tiny and I was instantly overcome with love for him. I admired his green eyes, how I imagined Edward's must have looked as a human. He had a little bit of messy bronze hair, just like his father. He had my nose and lips. He was looking around the room, incredibly alert for someone just a few minutes old.

"All done. What a handsome fellow!" Carlisle exclaimed.

"He's gorgeous." Esme said. "What's his name?"

"We never did get around to discussing that part." Edward laughed, stroking the baby's cheek. He was still covered in blood, but no one in the room minded. We were so in love with him.

"There's one obvious choice, isn't there?" I asked, smiling up at Edward for a short second before turning my attention back to our little angel in my arms. I didn't think that Edward's smile could get any bigger, but he was happier than I ever imagined. He helped me hold the baby as he put one of his hands on my face. I did the same.

Bella…there are no words. He's amazing. I love you so much. You're sure?

Positive. I smiled at him. Edward Anthony Masen, or Cullen, III.

Edward's answering smile was handsome beyond words. I caressed his face just once more before I felt him grab the baby and hand him to Esme at his side. I lost consciousness.


Author's Note: Oh man, that was a wild ride of a chapter! We have 2 chapters and an epilogue to go. I debated making the baby a girl at first, but the more I wrote, the more this fit. Edward is filled with intense joy to have his own namesake and I am thrilled for them!

Sorry for the mild cliffhanger, but I promise to update soon!