Chapter 47 – Relief and a Son

EDWARD

I watched as Emmett climbed into the back on the Forks sheriff's car. My heart clenched painfully at the reason. Bella had been gone nearly five hours and it was "game over" if she wasn't where her tacker indicated. I would have to wait for a phone call, whether from Bella or from Jacob, demanding some gigantic ransom. I prayed it would be Bella who called. If it was Jacob, I would pay any amount to have Bella and the baby safely returned.

On the flight from Seattle to Forks, I finally saw the note Emmett was given. It was brief. I didn't believe for a minute Jacob would not harm Bella or the baby. The fact he was working with the Seattle police didn't escape my notice. Detective Hedley was mute on how exactly Jacob was helping.

I still couldn't believe Jacob took her. Him signing over his rights to the baby was a good thing, or so I thought. But now, I could see another side of him doing so… giving Bella and me a false sense of security. And nothing the FBI agents or Hedley said could convince me Jacob was a confidential informant. Mom, Dad, and Charlie didn't believe them either.

Pacing the living room of my parent's home, I waited for news. Any news. Hedley had stayed behind with me, allowing the FBI handle things. The Forks sheriff was also here and his deputies were assisting the FBI. Emmett had been allowed to go with the team, given him being a retired SEAL.

I glanced at my phone and the Find My app. Emmett's dot clear on the map. They were about 7 miles outside of Forks, about half-way to La Push. I wanted to be there, but like Emmett said before leaving, I would only be in the way. Their focus had to be on getting Bella out alive and the baby, if born.

My free hand moved to me hair, tugging at the strands. I needed a haircut. That was a funny thought, no matter how true. I had planned to get one on my way home this evening.

My eyes were still on Emmett's dot. It hadn't moved in ten minutes. I didn't know much about the app, though I did know the dot moved only if the person moved a significant change in position. It wouldn't pick up my pacing.

"Edward, sit down. Emmett said he would call once he knew something," Dad and Charlie said five minutes later.

How anyone could sit and do nothing was lost to me? I turned and glared at him. "I know, I know."

Fifteen more minutes passed and the dot finally moved. I dialed Emmett and it went straight to voicemail. A frustrated cry left me as I tossed my phone on the coffee table and sat on the footstool, my head in my hands.

"They are searching the property. Two of the suspects were killed," Hedley informed us. "I can tell you there were young children found in the house and some of the outbuildings. There are three more buildings to check."

"Oh dear!" Mom exclaimed, coming out of the kitchen. When she was stressed or worried, she would cook. Delicious smells followed her.

I didn't care about the children. Bella and her baby was the only thing on my mind.

Another twenty minutes went by before my phone rang. Emmett the display read.

"Bella?" I asked, after noting it was Emmett.

"Edward, she's okay. Jacob was with her in one of the out buildings. He told an agent she might be in labor. I'm in the ambulance with her and we're on the way to Forks hospital."

Relief washed through me. "I'm on my way."

"I'll drive," Dad said. "The hospital?"

I nodded.

~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~

Emmett was in the waiting room of the ER we I rushed into the hospital. "I'll take you back," he said, motioning for me follow. "Registration has already been through. Luckily, you gave me a copy of the insurance card."

"Why isn't she up in maternity?"

"They are working on getting her a room. A OB and nurse were with her when I came out to wait for you." He motioned to a room.

"If possible, bring Charlie back," I said, before walking into the room.

The moment Bella saw me, she lifted her hand. I took her in as I moved to take hold of it. There was a oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. She was hooked up to several other monitors. Leaning over, I kissed her forehead.

There were no need for words. I lowered one of the bed rails and sat down next to Bella, keeping hold of her hand.

~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~

Five and a half hours later, I was holding an angelic baby boy, who looked a lot like his mother. There were glimpses of Jacob, but mostly Bella. He nestled against my chest as he sucked the liquid out of the small bottle.

Bella was asleep and despite the nurse wanting to take my son – yes my son, the judge had signed off on my adopting him a week ago – to the nursery so I could rest too. I wasn't ready to let anyone take him from my sight or my arms.

Mom, Dad, and Charlie were eager to meet their grandson, but understood Bella and I need time. I did send pictures to them, close friends, and the office. Congratulations messages were still coming in.

A knock came at the door and a nurse walked in as I turned. "I wanted to check on Bella and your son," she said. A bag was in her hand. "This was also delivered a few minutes ago."

I smiled. "Thank you," I said, settling the baby on my shoulder and lightly tapping his back. "Just set the bag on the chair."

The nurse returned my smile. And after checking Bella, she held out her hands for the baby. "I know you don't want him to leave your arms, Edward, but I do need to a few checks."

Reluctantly, I placed him in the nurse's arms. While the nurse did her thing, I opened the bag. A card was on top. Opening it, I found the gift was from Juniper Lawrence. Inside and under a shit ton of tissue paper were matching pajamas for Bella and me and a onesie for our son, that also matched.

By the time Bella woke, flowers and other gifts were dotted throughout the room. I was sure more gifts had been delivered to our Seattle home.

"Wow," she croaked, as I sat on the edge of the bed.

"A few sets of pajamas were delivered for the both of us."

I kissed her temple as she took our son.

~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~

It was the next morning when Bella and I decided to introduce our son to his grandparents. Besides the few pictures I sent, they had only seen him through the nursery window.

Mom was first through the door, a gift bag in hand. Dad and Charlie chuckling as they followed.

"Allow me to introduce you to William Bradley Cullen."