Twenty-Nine

For all intents and purposes, I felt like coming to California and telling Edward everything was a great idea. Now as I sat in the back of a black SUV with Hudson navigating his way through the bustling streets of sunny LA, I thought otherwise. Melancholic and nauseated is what I actually felt this morning. We were close to the west coast branch of Carlisle's legacy and inharmonious thoughts plagued me. I kept questioning and rationalizing on whether Edward would except me and the babies or if he wouldn't ever want to see me again. I wish Alice was with me but I had to do this task on my own, regardless of how afraid I was. My hand immediately went to my belly and I immediately felt at peace. I decided at that moment that if everything went to shit, I still would have my babies. I loved them so much already and I couldn't wait to find out more about them.

The SUV stopped in front of a high rise building and Hudson got out and came around the passenger side to let me out of the backseat. I thanked him, asking to please stay close and I would call whenever I was ready. Hudson nodded in agreement and I silently said a quick prayer before entering the building.

I walked up to the reception desk in the lobby where a young woman with jet black hair was typing away on her computer. She stopped typing when I approached the desk and she looked up, giving me her full attention. She was visually stunning and looked like she could model in high fashion editorials. Her fair skin was flawless and her eyes were a sapphire blue. I was as straight as they come and even I was a little into her. That's how attractive she was.

"Good afternoon and welcome to the Hauser building. My name is Karen. How may I helped you today?" Her smile was even gorgeous and I wondered how many people tripped over themselves just to give a a second glance. I actually felt a twinge of jealousy because I knew that Edward seen her everyday and maybe he even fucked her. I knew if I were a man or if I was into to women, I would try to get in her pants too.

I couldn't dwell on the what ifs. I put my irrational insecurities to the side and focused on the reason I was here in the first place. "My name is Bella Swan and I was sent here by Carlisle Cullen from the east cost division of Cullen Multimedia Industries."

Karen quickly typed into her computer, clicking away at whatever was on her screen until she gave me her attention once more. "You're all set Ms. Swan. Here's your visitors badge and you may head over to the elevators. Cullen Multimedia Industries will be on 77th floor."

"Thank you." I took the badge and pressed the up button on the elevator closest to the reception desk. It dinged and opened up automatically, so I stepped on and hit seventy-seven on the elevator key. As the elevator ascended, I braced myself against the wall while taking deep breaths. You can do this. I chanted those four simple words repetitiously until the elevator stopped and the ominous ding filled the enclosed box. When the doors finally opened and I stepped out, I wasn't prepared to see familiar green eyes along with a unfamiliar pair of hazel ones.

There he stood shell shocked with a beautifully striking and statuesque strawberry blonde woman, who at the moment had her hand lovingly placed on her protruding stomach. I immediately knew who she was. The woman was Tanya Denali. She looked between Edward and I, assessing us, trying to figure us out and what was going on. The tension was so thick, even the sharpest knife couldn't cut you can barely cut through it. I wanted to turn around and get back on the elevator but I was frozen in place, shocked to my core. Why was she here?

"Bella. . ." was the only word that managed to pass his lips and in that moment, realization dawned on Tanya's face.

Tanya directed her attention to Edward. "This is the woman you told me about, Bella Swan." She didn't ask it as a question, she clearly knew who I was as well and that shocked me even more.

"Edward told you about me?" I interjected, finally breaking through the shock and silence that once gripped me.

She laughed and it had a playful lilt to it. "Of course he did. He told me all about you."

"Tanya." He growled her name in warning.

"What? It's true." Tanya just smiled, ignoring him altogether. "You're in love her and she's clearly still very much in love with you, too."

Edward growled again. "Tanya you're not making things better. She knows about our—

"I know it's not true," I interrupted him. They both looked at me stunned at my confession.

"What do you mean you know it's not true?" Edward looked like his brain was working overtime to figure out what I was trying to say.

"Carlisle told me everything. That's why I'm here."

Silence befell us again and it was supremely awkward. I never felt so out of place and Edward looked just as uncomfortable as I did.

"So. . .you both have a lot to talk about. Edward, I'll call you later. This little boy is making me extremely tired and I'm in dire need of a nap." Tanya kissed Edward on the cheek and inclined her head towards me. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Bella. I hope to see you again soon." She smiled and it was purely pleasant.

"Likewise," I managed to reply. Neither one of us watched her go. The sound of the elevator doors shutting was the only indication that she was gone.

Edward rubbed the back of his neck and gave me an awkward smile. "Let's go to my office so we can speak privately."

I nodded and followed him to a office tucked into the back of the main area. Everyone was busy around us and the floor plan was similar to ours in New York except for the positioning of the private offices. Edward let me walk in ahead of him before he closed the door, closing us in.

I went over to the floor to ceiling windows, taking in Los Angeles. I wasn't ready to face him just yet and he didn't pry. He was silent for a few moments before he spoke. "Bella. . .I'm so sorry. I swear I was going to tell you about Tanya. I never meant to hurt you. "

I turned away from the windows and faced him. I held my hand up, silencing him before he spoke another word. "I know Edward. I should've given you the chance to explain everything. I saw you and Jacob speaking the last day in Forks and I knew something had transpired between you two but I didn't want to pressure you. I never expected everything to spiral out of control the way it did. All of this could've been avoided if I just listened."

"Bella, what happened wasn't your fault. I don't blame you for breaking things off with us, you thought I betrayed you and me not coming forward right away made me look guilty. I just want you to know that I never stopped loving you."

Tears spilled down my face on own volition and I didn't do anything to stop them. "I never stopped loving you either. Even though we were broken, I never stopped."

Edward rose from his seat and came over to me, pulling me into his arms. "I'm so sorry, Bella. I love you so much, these last few months were hell without you. I hope you can forgive me for everything."

I cried harder, my body wracking with my sobs and he held me throughout it all, never letting me go. He gently rubbed my back, letting me purge everything I held inside for months. I felt complete and safe again inside his arms. His heartbeat was staccato and soothed me as I breathed him in. I missed his scent so much and it warmed my heart even more.

The tears finally stopped and his shirt was soaked but he still held onto me. Now was the time to tell him the most important reason why I was here. I took a deep breath, once again nervous. "There's something else I need to tell you."

"You can tell me anything, Bella. No matter what it is, I'll still love you."

"I'm pregnant."

He was quiet for a moment before he pulled back, enough to look me in the eyes. "You're pregnant?"

"Yes and you're their father."

His eyes widened. "Their? As in more than one?"

I laughed. "Yes more than one. Twins to be exact. Are you upset?"

"Bella, how can I be upset? You're pregnant with my children. I'm fucking ecstatic!" His face beamed with pure joy and excitement. My heart soared and relief washed over me. Edward kissed me and I soared even higher, never wanting to come down.