Previously...
"Bella, look at me."
She met his eyes.
"I fall deeper in love with you every day and I hope it never stops."
She felt like her heart fell into her stomach as he kissed her tenderly. He then smiled stroking her cheek and leaning back. She felt like she was being stared at and turned. Alice was grinning ear to ear.
"That was so beautiful." Alice said crying.
She pounced on her hugging her tightly. Bella laughed. Edward caught them to keep them from falling. Alice wiped her face.
"Sorry, hormones. That was just the sweetest thing. My brother can be so sweet at times."
Bella chuckled.
"Thank you Bella, for staying until this all gets worked out."
Bella smiled.
"You helped me, now I'll help you."
The days past slowly, Jasper had been extubated and was doing well, but it was a long process. Alice stayed with Bella and Edward because she didn't need to be alone. They made sure she ate and was taking care of herself.
Alice and Bella were at home resting while Edward stayed with Jasper. He had just finished therapy and groaned tiredly.
"Is Alice eating ok? She looked kind of pale this morning." He watched Edward to see his reaction.
Edward smiled setting the book he held down and met his face. He looked much better, his blue and brown bruises were healing, but he still had a way to go. His chest tube was still in place. He was determined and that made all of the difference in the world. He was progressing well. He was now out of ICU and in a normal room which made it harder to get Alice to rest properly.
"As well as can be expected I guess. She is fighting morning sickness so she eats crackers a lot. Bella had it as well so she helps her. She eats when she can. I can't think of anyone better to have with her than Bella."
Jasper nodded looking worried. He trusted Bella but he still wanted to be with Alice, it would just make him feel better seeing with his own two eyes.
"Yes, I just...I worry about her being so small to begin with."
Edward chuckled understanding how he felt.
"Jasper, dad is watching her like a hawk. It's fine really. She is at my house and we will take good care of her."
Jasper shifted in the bed sighing. He was tired of this bed, this room, and this hospital in general.
"I wish they would remove this tube."
Edward stood lifting the covers to look at the entry site and tried to control his frown. It was a large tube and it looked like it hurt. He could only imagine the pain where it entered through his ribs. He smiled covering it back up.
"The doctor said soon, you still have a lot of fluid but your lung recovered well."
"Let him lay here with this hose in him a while." He shot back irritated.
Edward laughed leaning on the side rail.
"Yeah, I suppose that would give him a different opinion on things." He moved his chair closer and sat down.
"You look much better though, try and relax. It takes the body a while to recover from what you have been through. You are recovering quite well."
"You will definitely make a good doctor." He replied shaking his head. His brother in law was definitely made for this profession.
Edward chuckled flattered that he thought so.
"Why, thank you."
Jasper pushed the button making his the head of his bead go up and turned to him again.
"Hey Edward, I know with Tim it was different because it was kind of thrust on you all at once, but with the new baby are you scared?"
Edward smiled thinking a minute then nodding slightly.
"A little, I suppose I am. I never got to watch Bella grow with Timmy so this is a new experience. It's fascinating. I'm worried I won't hold her right or change her diaper right. I guess all of the things a new dad would be because I missed all of that."
He inhaled deeply looking off.
"I know I have Timmy and I have the emotional connection of a dad. I feel like a dad, but the instincts with a newborn aren't quite there yet. I don't know if they will just kick in naturally or what. I kind of hope so, I guess I'll find out when Lily gets here. In a way it sort of all feels natural to me... I guess that's what is confusing to me. When we are alone and Bella is sleeping... I touch her stomach. Lily moves under my hand and it just feels so natural."
He smiled turning to Jasper, his eyes full of emotion that Jasper did not miss.
"I can't explain how wonderful it is to be a father. It is a life changing experience. You will love it. I am so glad Alice is pregnant."
Jasper smiled at him.
"Me too, I've wanted this for a while. She completes me and this just makes us more perfect. I knew when I met her years ago that she was the one. She was always so perky and upbeat. I just couldn't imagine my life without her in it. She had this beautiful smile that blinded me and I always wanted to keep her smiling. Edward, I love her so much."
"I know." He patted his arm. "You don't have to convince me my friend."
They heard a small knock and Alice peeked in.
"Hey baby." She immediately ran to his side and leaned over brushing his hair from his face. He smiled as her face lit up.
"I missed you." He whispered stroking her cheek.
She blushed kissing his forehead.
"Bella made me rest. I needed it though I feel much better now."
He bit his lower lip and reached out with his hand gently rubbing his fingers across her nearby stomach.
"Yes, you did my love." His face held nothing but tenderness and undying devotion. She smiled pressing her head against his.
Edward stood.
"I'm going to give you two some time alone, where is Bella?" He asked as he turned.
"She's talking with one of the nurses." Alice said softly never taking her eyes off of Jasper.
Edward smiled kissing her head.
"Ok sis, I'll check in on you two later." He walked out shutting the door softly.
Bella was visiting with a nurse when she felt his hand slid up her back and closed her eyes.
"That feels wonderful." She said softly.
He laughed softly.
"Sounds like someone needs a massage."
She turned to face him placing a chaste kiss on his lips.
"I can always use a massage, but it's cold in here and your hands are warm."
His face looked amused and the he pulled her close looking into her caramel eyes.
"My beautiful wife who is always hot is complaining of being cold?"
She shrugged. He was right, she usually was hot, but today she was cold and it was even fairly warm outside. This was California after all.
"It happens. Maybe my hormones are all messed up today."
He kissed her nose and released her taking her hand.
"What do you say we give them some time, and let's go for a walk?"
"I'd say ok." She answered falling into step beside him.
They walked down the streets peacefully looking around. It was as usual, busy. People everywhere rushing as if there were no tomorrow. Limos, expensive cars, Bella was awestruck by it all. Edward led her to a little bistro and the sat outside to enjoy the weather.
"I do miss this sometimes, even though it looks horrible you get used to the pace." He said taking a drink of his tea.
Bella turned to him and smiled. She could see that about him, he seemed happy here. He wasn't in the limelight he was just being himself and with family, but he was happy.
He pulled her chair closer slipping his arm around her back. She enjoyed the fact that he always liked to be near her.
"I used to come here to relax. I didn't get bothered so much believe it or not. They'd take a few pictures but it wasn't so bad."
She smiled looking around. It was nice, there were a few trees and it seemed less busy than the other places. The people chatted softly and seemed to be more relaxed. She was finding she didn't actually hate L.A. as much as she thought. She just liked Forks better.
She felt his warm hand on her belly and Lily turning to respond and smiled. He was such a loving father. Lily was always receptive to him even in her stomach. She turned watching how his eyes lit up as he watched Lily kick as his hand. She couldn't wait to see their relationship grow as Lily got older.
"You know Bella, I don't know if we will be home before Lily is born. How do you feel about that? I know you wanted to be." He looked at her face to see her reaction. His face was unreadable. She had come to grips with this a long time ago, and it no longer mattered as long as they were together. That was the most important thing now.
She reached up stroking his stubbly chin. She liked that he hadn't shaven in two days, he looked incredibly sexy.
"It's ok. I think your family needs us now. Lily can be flexible and so can I, Timmy will be here next week and it will all be just fine. We will do what we have to."
He took her hand in his.
"If you want to go back to Forks, we will make it work somehow. I want to do this right."
She was elated that he loved her that much, but they were doing this right. His sister needed him. Jasper needed him and she would not leave them when they needed them most. Alice was depending on her more and more right now and she couldn't just up and leave. All that mattered was they were together.
She pulled his turned away face caressing it lightly.
"Baby, I want to be here. Lily will be fine here. The nursery is decorated, your sister had a blast with that and it will all work out. I think it helped give her ideas."
He smiled taking her hand from his face and kissing it. How did he get so lucky? She was such a wonderful woman. Not many woman would compromise the way Bella has for him and his lifestyle. She was one in a million and he loved her for it. He would do anything for her and he tried to take every opportunity to show her.
"I can't wait for Tim, I miss him."
Bella smiled resting her head on his shoulder. He gently ran his thumb on her palm in a circular pattern as they sat quietly. They didn't need to say anything it was perfect just like this. He kissed her head.
"You want to go shopping? There is a baby shop nearby." He questioned.
"You are tempting me Mr. Cullen." She teased.
He laughed as she lifted her head to look at him. She watched him a moment, the way the shadow's played on his features. How handsome he looked sitting here so relaxed. His green eyes dancing happily, she couldn't recall the last time she had seen him like this.
He winked at her and she smiled.
"Help me up daddy."
He grinned as he stood and slipped one hand behind her back, the other in hers to help her up. She sighed stretching and rubbing her back. He couldn't help but let his eyes fall over her beautiful pregnant body. She was so perfect. He wondered if she would object to him keeping her pregnant. She just looked so sensual to him that way. It was so natural. She was simply breathtaking. The way she glowed, the perfect little flush of her cheeks. The luster of her hair.
Shaking the thought from his mind he took her hand and led her out of the seclusion they shared. It didn't take long to find the shop he was telling her about. She was excitedly looking around at all the cute little girl things. He leaned on the counter smirking. He knew she would love it.
She wasn't one to splurge but he knew he could get her to bend just a little. He slipped off finding a cute little white dress with pale pink smocking. He turned finding her speaking to the sales woman.
"Bella?"
She turned.
"Love, look how tiny."
He showed her the dress and she gasped taking it from him.
"It's so beautiful Edward."
He smiled slipping his arm around her.
"It is pretty."
She ran her fingers over the delicate fabric and smiled.
"Couldn't you just see our Lily in it?"
He nodded.
"Only if you got the matching little booties."
"Booties?" She questioned.
He walked off and returned with some booties. She smiled wider and bit her lip as if she were thinking. Edward leaned closer.
"You know, it's a preemie so I'll bet she could wear it and she will need something to wear home from the hospital no?"
She looked up meeting his green eyes. He smiled kissing her nose and leaning to her ear.
"I'll bet she would look just beautiful in it. Can you see her baby? Our little angel in your arms and she looks just like you, soft brown hair, caramel eyes, and I bet she has the softest snow white skin. She will be the most beautiful baby girl. I can't wait to see her, our little Lily."
He leaned back seeing a tear slide from her cheek. He could see the emotion in her eyes and took the dress and booties handing them to the sales clerk.
"Could you give us a moment?"
"Yes, Mr. Cullen." She said as she scampered off.
Meeting her eyes again he wiped her tears with his thumbs.
"I'm sorry my love, I didn't mean to make you cry."
Bella smiled at him wiping her face and sniffing. He had such a way with words and he didn't even think about it. He just said what he thought. It was just how he always was. He spoke from the heart. It was why she fell in love with him in the first place.
"I love you Edward."
He closed his eyes as her warm lips pressed against his.
"I love you too." He whispered when she moved back.
She giggled wiping her face again.
"Sorry, you just always say what you are thinking and sometimes it's so sweet."
He reached up brushing her hair back over her shoulder.
"Hey I also found a cute little blanket to match, want to see?" He asked curious.
She raised an eyebrow looking at him oddly.
"What?" He asked confused.
"Most men don't take in interest in dressing their babies." She said matter of fact.
He pulled her close leading her to the blanket.
"Most men aren't me." He said back.
She laughed. He was right, most men weren't. It wasn't really surprising that he took an interest. She wouldn't be surprised if one day he was the one putting Lily's hair up in pig tails for her. He just seemed to be the type. He wasn't feminine by any means. He just didn't let the idea of doing something for his kids make him feel any less of a man. It made her love him even more.
He showed her the blanket and looked at the stuffed animals. She smiled as she watched him.
"Hey Edward, what would you do if Lily asked you to put her hair up?"
He looked at her oddly.
"What do you mean put her hair up? You mean like in a ponytail?" He questioned tossing down the giraffe he held and grabbing a bear.
"Yes."
He shrugged.
"I'd put it up I guess. I mean you'd have to teach me how. I'm not quite sure how to do it, but if you show me no problem. Why?"
She smiled knowingly and touched his arm.
"Let's get out of here."
He set the bear down.
"Want the blanket?" He asked taking it from her hands. She nodded yes as he took her hand and led her to the cashier. She saw him grab something else but didn't see what it was. When they finished they headed back to the hospital.
He knocked walking into the room where Jasper shushed him. He smiled seeing Alice asleep in a small space on the side on Jaspers bed, her head on his chest Edward sat in the chair.
"You should be careful man that tube is still in."
"I know, but I miss her." Jasper said quietly.
Edward knew he did but he didn't want him to do anything to delay his healing. He looked down at the chest tube. The suction was still the same, but there was less drainage. Maybe it would come out soon. Bella came in to stand beside him.
"You look better." She said softly.
He smiled softly taking her hand.
"I feel better. You've been taking good care of my Alice, thank you."
"It's no problem."
He looked down at her stomach imagining when Alice would be that big and smiled. She noticed where his eyes were and raised an eyebrow.
"She's moving, want to feel?"
He looked shocked. He couldn't believe she would let him.
"Really?" He asked nervously.
"Yes, it's ok." Bella nodded taking his hand and placing it on her stomach. He didn't feel anything but the hardness of her stomach for a moment then it came. It was an odd sensation like her skin being moved along his hands. It almost felt like something pressing directly against his hand.
"What is she doing?" He asked in wonder.
"Touching your hand." She said back.
He looked at her stomach in awe as he felt the pressure increase. She moved his hand around to the other side of her stomach.
"Feel this, this is her bottom."
He chuckled.
She moved his hand again and gently touched her lower abdomen.
"This is her head."
He smiled admiring the way she knew her body and the baby's positions so well. She moved his hand again and she winked at him.
"Watch this."
She pressed and he felt a hard kick and sat stunned.
"Doesn't that hurt?" He asked curious.
She shrugged.
"It's uncomfortable, not too bad though as long as she doesn't keep doing it."
He removed his hand and looked at her with amazement.
"Thank you Bella, that was amazing."
"Anytime, you'll be able to feel your own do it soon enough."
He looked down at Alice and smiled. He knew she was right and he couldn't wait. The thought of Alice showing with his child was the most exciting thing he could think of. He couldn't wait to get better and get out of this hospital. He had a life to get back to.
Bella felt her phone ringing and looked down.
"I have to get that, excuse me." She turned and exited the room.
Edward watched her leave and stood next to the bed.
"We went shopping and I picked Alice up a little something."
Jasper raised his eyebrow.
"Oh yeah? What's that?"
Edward pulled open a bag and showed Jasper the cute little mommy to be shirt. He laughed and nodded.
"She'll love that."
"I thought so." He folded it and laid it beside her.
"Jazz, since she's still sleeping I'm going to wait with Bella close by, tell Alice to call me when she wakes up ok?"
"I will."
Edward walked out finding Bella and they found some chairs in the lobby. His phone rang later and he smiled opening it.
"Hello sunshine....wait Alice what is wrong? Who's hurting him? We're on our way?"
Edward stood grabbing a concerned Bella and slipping into the elevator.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
He shook his head.
"I don't know, Alice is crying and I couldn't hear well."
Arriving at the floor Alice was being comforted by the nurse who was trying to calm her when Edward asked her what was going on. They could hear Jasper's cries from the room.
"What's going on!" Edward growled.
The nurse paused for a moment.
"The doctor is removing his chest tube Mr. Cullen." She answered obviously intimidated.
He pulled a crying Alice into his arms.
"Why wouldn't he tell me so I could get her out of here? She doesn't need to hear this!" He shouted and turned. "Alice let's get some air sweetie."
"I can't leave him." She cried.
He sighed lifting her in his arms and carrying her to the elevator, his face full of anger. Bella stayed behind, she knew he would need someone there when they were finished. Edward held the door for a minute then nodded in understanding.
The doctor finished and walked out and Bella immediately went in. Jasper was gasping in pain. She wet a cloth and wiped his forehead.
"Is Alice ok?" He asked in a broken sentence.
"Edward took her out did they give you anything for pain?" She asked.
He nodded.
"Morphine but it wasn't enough. The tube was so big." He tried to control his breathing. "I didn't want Alice here, he wouldn't wait."
Bella wiped his head gently.
"Slow breaths Jasper, slow breaths."
The nurse came in with more medication and injected his IV.
"This is a medication called Dilaudid, this is stronger and it will help with the pain."
He trembled and buried his face in the pillow. Bella ran her fingers through his hair.
"I'm sorry Jasper." She continued to caress his hair in a soft soothing motion. Within a few minutes he had stopped trembling and began to relax.
"Jasper are you ok honey?" She asked leaning down brushing his hair back to see his face. He moved his face a little out of the pillow and to the side.
"It's tolerable. Don't stop."
She smiled and resumed stroking his hair. The nurse leaned in.
"How is the pain?"
Bella looked up.
"I think he needs a little more medication as soon as he can have it."
She nodded.
"I can give him some phenegran too so he won't get nauseated, and it helps the pain medication work better. It will help."
She was soon back injection his IV again. Bella continued stroking his hair until finally his head was fully turned to her. She stroked his cheek.
"Are you ok?"
He appeared glassy eyed but he was still somewhat lucid.
"Much better."
She giggled.
"I think you are nicely sedated Mr. Hale."
He sighed.
"You are precisely right Mrs. Cullen and I like it please don't stop."
The door opened and she looked up. Alice ran over quickly.
"Oh my god Jasper are you ok?" She kissed him multiple times on the face. He cupped her face.
"I'm fine beautiful girl, I'm ok. They gave me some medication. Would you sit with me?"
"I..." She hesitated. "I don't want to hurt you Jasper."
He pointed.
"Stand where Bella was, do what she was doing, it felt so nice."
Alice looked at her questioning and Bella smiled moving Alice to where she was and putting her hand up in his hair and running it through his blonde locks. He moaned appreciatively.
"Yes sweetheart, like that."
He stopped Alice's wrist and met her wide eyes.
"You smell so good, I love you."
She smiled at him as he then released her hand and she continued stroking his hair. Bella turned to Edward who was leaning on the door tapping his foot, she placed a hand on his tense shoulder and he didn't move.
"Edward?"
He turned anger burning in his eyes.