Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Stephenie Meyer owns it all. I am merely having fun with her characters.

Author's Note: HUGE shout out & thank you to my beta dolphin62598 for getting these chapters back to me so quickly! And another big thanks to my pre-reader teacher1209 for reading over these and giving me her thoughts! Another BIG shout out and thank you to LunaEclipse17 for creating the kick ass banner for this story! You can check it out on my Facebook page. I also have other pics posted for this story in an album called A Lie Upon Your Lips on my Facebook page. Song Inspiration for this chapter: Two of the Lucky Ones by The Droge and Summers Blend

Chapter 18

EPOV

Two of the Lucky Ones

I was driving to the airport to pick up my parents. I decided since I was obviously not going anywhere for a while I was going to go ahead and rent a car to get around. I could not believe everything that had transpired over the last few days.

I was a dad.

I had a son and a daughter. The two most beautiful children I had ever laid eyes on. I couldn't help but get lost in my thoughts on the drive about the first time I met them.

Flashback

Alice, Rose, Emmett, and Jasper had all arrived at the hospital before the doctors gave us any updates on Bella and the babies. Both husbands were comforting their wives reassuring them Bella and our babies were going to be fine. I envied that they had each other to lean on.

Renee had stepped away to try to call Charlie and Leah to let them know what was happening.

While I had my head buried in my hands begging for everything to be okay, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.

I looked up through tear-stained eyes to see Emmett sitting beside me. "Look man, Bells is one tough ass woman. I have one-hundred percent faith that she and those babies are going to be just fine."

I nodded and was about to say thank you when several things happened at once. Renee returned to the waiting room and the doctor came in to speak with us. He explained that Bella's uterus had ruptured and they had to perform a hysterectomy on her to stop the bleeding and save her life. I felt as if I had been stabbed in the heart. This would devastate Bella when she found out she could never have children again.

Renee and the doctor kept talking and then I realized they were speaking to me. "Edward, did you hear Dr. Ross?" I shook my head no because I didn't think I had understood whatever they had said in the last couple of minutes.

"He said that Tony and Claire are perfect! One of us can go to them and one to Bella. I think you should go meet your children first since Bella is still in recovery. I'll go sit with my baby girl, will that be alright?"

What did she say? Tony…Claire?

"Tony and Claire?"

Renee pulled me into a hug and said, "Yes. Your son is named Anthony Charles and your daughter is Addison Claire. But we decided to call her Claire. Bella was pretty set on these names so I'm sorry if you're unhappy with them…" I stopped her right there.

"I love their names! I wouldn't change a thing." I couldn't contain the smile on my face.

Even though Bella wasn't honest with me about the twins' paternity…she still put my name in there. That meant everything to me. And it was fate that she chose Claire for our daughter and it was a little girl named Claire that lit a fire under my ass to get me to this moment.

Two nurses came in at that point and took Renee to where Bella was at in recovery and the other one led me to the NICU where they babies were for observation only. She assured me that it was protocol because they were early but we had amazing babies on our hands. She said Tony was born first and weighed four pounds eight ounces and was sixteen and a half inches in length. Claire came out right after at three pounds twelve ounces and was fifteen inches. The nurse said they would be kept until they were at least five pounds but other than that they were doing wonderful.

She had me put on the proper attire to enter the room and I was blown away when I saw them. I tried to stop the tears from coming but I couldn't help it. They were so tiny and perfect. Claire looked just like me, she could have been my twin. Tony, my little man, looked just like his mother.

The nurse asked me if I would like to hold them. "I can do that?"

"Yes," she said as she smiled softly. She had me sit in a chair next to their beds and she placed Tony into my arms first. I was so scared of hurting him. I instinctively rocked him back and forth ever so softly as I spoke to him, "Hi Tony. I'm your Dad. I've never been a dad before so you're going to have to bear with me on this. I'm going to do the very best that I can by you and your sister. Your mother and I both love you so so much." I was pleasantly surprised when he opened his eyes up at me and it was as if his mother was staring back at me. "I already love you both so much, my little man," I told him as I placed a gentle kiss upon his tiny forehead.

Shortly after, the nurse put Tony back in his bed and handed me my little Claire bear. I smiled at the thought of a nickname already. I rocked her gently as I had her brother and introduced myself. "You're going to be Daddy's little princess aren't you?" I chuckled internally at the thought of having a teenage daughter. Boy did I have my work cut out for me.

End Flashback

I was shaken from my memories by a horn honking at me from behind. The light I was at to turn into the airport had apparently turned green and I was taking too long. But nothing could spoil my mood right now.

Bella and I were two of the luckiest people in the world. To go through what we went through and have two perfectly healthy children out of the nightmare was such a blessing. I felt as if nothing could ever bring my mood down again.

If I was being honest with myself…I had always had a feeling those babies were mine but I pushed it deep within my sub conscious and didn't think about it.

My mother was over the moon about being a grandmother. When I called to tell her the news she was beside herself. She kept pulling away from the phone to mumble things to my dad that I could totally hear. Things like she knew all along Bella's babies were mine and she knew this was meant to be.

I wished she was right.

I knew with all of my being that I wanted to be with Bella AND our children. But if she would not allow me another chance in her heart, I would have to be happy with only being allowed to be a father to my children.

It broke my heart that Bella would never be able to have more children but she took it better than I expected.

I pulled through to the passenger pick up lane at the airport and saw my parents right away. My mother was practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

As soon as they were in the car, my mother was gushing, practically squealing like a teenager. "I can't wait to see them! Do you have pictures? No…never mind, I want to see them in person first! I'm so excited!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. One thing was for sure, our kids had amazing grandparents on both sides. Dad stepped in to try to calm her. "Esme, sweetheart, calm down. I'm sure Edward is quite overwhelmed right now with everything that has happened."

I nodded in silence.

The remaining ride to the hospital was filled with questions about what happened with Bella's delivery. How were she and the twins doing? Who did they favor? How big were they? How long would they be in the hospital?

I answered everything and found myself gushing a bit myself when describing how perfect our tiny little humans were.

When we arrived at the hospital, the first place I took them was to see Tony and Claire. Mom and Dad both shed some tears over their grandchildren. I was so happy in that moment, sharing this with my parents.

The next stop was Bella's room because they insisted on seeing her.

I knocked on the door.

"Come in," I heard Renee say.

I entered the room with my parents. "Hi Renee, I brought my parents by to see Bella," I whispered. It looked like Bella was resting.

Just then she turned to look at us and smiled brightly, "Carlisle! Esme! It's so nice to see you!"

That was all my mom needed. She rushed to Bella's bedside and started hugging her…gently of course…well gently for my over zealous mother.

Dad and I laughed as Renee came over and gave him a huge hug. "Hi! Dr. Cullen, I'm Renee, Bella's mom. Did Edward take you to see our beautiful grandson and granddaughter?"

"Yes he did and they are perfectly amazing. Renee, please call me Carlisle."

"You got it. Come see our girl."

With that, she pulled my dad over to Bella's other side. They were all conversating and I was still standing close to the door.

Renee came back over to me, "So…the nurse was telling me they would like to have someone stay with Bella tonight but it can only be one family member. I just had something come up with the house we are renting…a leak or something…and my husband is out of town right now…so…don't be surprised when I encourage Bella to ask you to stay."

She patted me on the arm and practically skipped back to Bella's bedside.

What just happened? Was Bella's mom trying to play matchmaker?

I was definitely not complaining if that was her plan. But I was not sure Bella was going to go for it.

My parents excused themselves to call an Uber to come get them. They wanted to get a hotel room close to the hospital and settle in for the night.

They said their goodbyes to Bella and Renee and gave me a hug before heading out.

Renee spoke up right after they were gone, "Okay…so Bells, Phil called me and he really needs me to be at the house tomorrow morning…early…because someone is supposed to come out to fix a leak. Remember? I told you about that yesterday. Anyway you know how horrible I am about getting up and moving around super early, so I'm just going to go ahead and go home and I'll be back tomorrow as soon as the plumber is done. Sound good, honey?"

Bella kept looking between Renee and me.

"I don't remember anything about a leak, Mom. Sorry a lot has happened. But, I thought you were going to stay with me tonight."

"I'm sorry sweetie, it slipped my mind. But hey, Edward is free, he can stay with you tonight, can't you Edward?"

Renee looked to me and Bella's eyes followed. "Yes, I can stay," I said quickly.

"Mom, can't Leah come back? Or Ali or Rose?" Bella asked.

Renee replied, "No honey remember, they all have plans. They are all taking out your sister and Charlie to show them around town and have a nice dinner. They are going to be out pretty late they said."

I interceded with, "I really don't mind Bella, I want to stay."

"It's okay Edward, I'm sure you have better things to do than stay here and babysit me."

"No actually, there is nowhere I would rather be." And I meant that with every fiber of my being.

Renee was beaming when she said, "Great! It's settled then!"

As she started gathering her things, Charlie entered the room. "Oh good, Edward, you're here! Just the man I was looking for," he said with a slight grin.

"Dad!" Bella chastised. "You do not need to speak to Edward."

"But I do, Bells. Edward, would you step out into the hallway with me?"

Uh-oh. I knew this was coming sooner or later. But I was going to take it like a man.

I nodded and followed him to the hallway.

"Edward, I am fully aware of how you and my daughter met and how your relationship started. She doesn't think I know that but I do.

"Now I'm not putting all the blame for the relationship going the way it did on you because my Bells is a grown woman. But what I do want to tell you is I will be keeping my eyes on you.

"You had better be the best damn father those kids could ever ask for. And if things do end up working in your favor between you and my Bells you better realize you will be the luckiest damn man on the planet to have her by your side and you better treat her right.

"Do you understand me?"

His voice was soft but stern and I heard him loud and clear.

I stuck my hand out to shake his and responded, "Yes sir. I love Bella and I love our children. I will be good to all of them and care for them as if my life depended on it…whether Bella and I end up together or not."

Charlie nodded.

We walked back into Bella's room and her mom had climbed into the bed with her and they were looking through pictures of Tony and Claire in Renee's phone. She had already snapped hundreds of photos of them.

Bella looked up from the phone first and said, "You boys have a nice talk?"

"I think we did. I just reminded Edward that I carry a gun and know how to hide bodies properly," Charlie said with a smirk.

"DAD!" Bella exclaimed.

Charlie put his hands up and we were both laughing at the horrified expression on Bella's face. "I'm kidding Bells, just kidding. We had a good talk and have come to an understanding, right Edward?" He patted my back…hard when he said that.

"Yes sir, we definitely have an understanding." I did not want to get on his bad side.

I couldn't even imagine how protective I would be over my children, especially my daughter…how protective I already felt towards them.

Bella's mom jumped off the bed and looked at Charlie, "Come on Charlie, let's get out of here and give these two some privacy. I'll take you to the hotel on my way home. We can discuss Tony and Claire some more! Besides, you need to get ready for that thing tonight."

"Thing, what thing?" Charlie questioned.

Renee was smiling brightly as she winked at Charlie, "You know…the thing…where everyone is taking you and Leah to show you around Phoenix tonight so Edward has to stay with Bella because I have to be at the house? Jeez, the thing Charlie. I swear your memory is horrible. We are going to get out of you kids' hair right now," she said jokingly. Charlie looked at Renee as if he was finally catching on and this was most definitely a set up. One that I was so grateful for and would have to thank them both later.

Charlie was laughing at his ex-wife as they said their goodbyes and left the room.

I was standing at the foot of Bella's bed with my hands in my pockets probably looking like a total dope.

"So…did you eat yet?" I asked her.

She nodded her head.

Okay…she wasn't going to make this easy. Could I blame her? Probably not.

I couldn't take my eyes off her, she was so beautiful even though she looked exhausted.

My brain would not function. I could not think of what to say. Words failed me as a million memories of us together flooded my head as we both stared each other down.

She was biting her lip.

Please don't fucking do that Bella. She knows what that does to me. It would not be appropriate to get an erection in her hospital room at a time like this. She just gave birth for Christ's sake.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and she giggled. "I see some things never change," she said.

I smiled at her, "I guess you're right."

"Look…Edward…I know that we really need to talk and figure out how we are going to do this with you living in Forks and me living in Phoenix and do things right by Tony and Claire…but just for tonight…can we just…be…and not talk? Would that be okay?"

I could not contain my smile, "I think that would be wonderful, Bella. I do just have one thing to ask first that I really need to get off my chest."

She nodded for me to continue.

"Everything happened so quickly when they took you to surgery and after the babies arrived they asked me names. I gave them the names Renee told me but I told them to put Swan for now because I didn't want to upset you. Can we please make them Cullens?"

Tears started falling down her beautiful cheeks and I was worried I had pushed too far too fast until she spoke softly, "Of course! Tony and Claire are Cullens, period. I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I'll never be able to make up for it, Edward. It was wrong of me to lie to you. Oh God, what have I done?" The tears turned into sobs and I was beside her in a heartbeat.

I sat on the edge of the bed as close as I could get without hurting her and held her in my arms as she sobbed. "Shhhh…it's okay, Bella. I don't like what you did but I understand why you did it. I'm just as much to blame for this whole fucked up situation we are in. I've hurt you so badly too. I don't want us to stay in the past. We need to move forward and be amazing parents to Tony and Claire now. Are you with me?" I kissed the top of her forehead when I finished speaking and felt her nod her head yes in agreement against my chest.

"Okay, so enough of the heavy stuff. I believe we have some crappy shows to find on the television, yes?"

She laughed and as much as I hated to, I let her go from my arms. I didn't want to but I didn't want to push my luck either. I had to tread carefully with her now.

I sat in the chair beside her bed as she started flipping through channels. We spent the night in mostly silence, watching trash television and just being there, as she requested. Thoughts were still lingering in my head and I wondered if they were in hers as well.

How would we make this work?

Would she ever see and feel how much I truly did love her?

Was it too much to hope for this life together with her and our children, the four of us as a family? Was all that within my grasp?

I prayed that it was, it was everything I wanted most. But one thing was for sure…Bella was calling the shots from here on out. I would make what I wanted known but I had hurt her enough for an entire lifetime and that was done. I would never hurt her again…that was a promise.

Author's Note: Thank you for all your support! You know what to do! We have three regular chapters left & then the Epilogue & then I will be hitting that lovely Complete button :).

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