Previously…

"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.

"Edward are you ok?" She asked worried.

He glanced at Jasper and Alice and shook his head no. Hearing his father's voice he leaned down kissing her cheek.

"I'll be right back love."

She watched him leave curious to what he was upset about. He closed the door and found Carlisle speaking with the physician who had pulled Jasper's tube out about his condition. Carlisle smiled when he saw him.

"Hello Edward. I heard Jasper got his chest tube out and is doing well."

Edward frowned trying to maintain his composure.

Are you the doctor that took the tube out?" He asked in a shaky voice.

He nodded with a smile. He had no idea the anger Edward held inside towards him.

"He did well, it is a painful procedure but he held his own."

Edward's face turned red.

"He held his own? I left specific instructions to be notified when this happened so that his wife could be relocated and with me. Instead she was subjected to her husband yelling from outside the room, she is in a very fragile state and does not need the stress. I am extremely upset with the lack of competence shown in this facility."

Carlisle looked stunned.

"Edward, I've worked with Dr. Rogers for many years. I am sure he did not intend to harm Alice in anyway."

Dr. Rogers shook his head looking concerned.

"No Edward, I had no idea I was suppose to notify anyone. I apologize. I did ask Mrs. Hale if she wanted to take a walk or wait down the hall in the waiting room and she refused. Had I known you were to be notified I would have waited. The nurses change shifts every 12 hours and the message may not have gotten relayed on accident. I am sure it was not intentional."

Edward inhaled deeply, his stance stiff with his hands on his hips. He felt a warm hand on his shoulder and turned to see the beautiful eyes of his wife. He calmed immediately. She smiled at him.

"Edward it's ok. Alice is ok now." She knew it wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear but it was something. She rested her head on his arm. "Jasper did really well."

Carlisle patted his other arm.

"Son, these things are unpleasant and they don't happen often, but they do happen. Please try and understand. You must relax a little. Jasper is healing well and he has had a lot of injuries. Unfortunately he had more pain than most when it was being removed. We are all doing the best we can in a difficult situation."

Edward walked off without saying a word. Bella met Carlisle's upset eyes.

"I'll talk to him."

She followed him to the waiting room where he was alone and sat with his hands covering his face. Sitting beside him she rested her hand on his leg.

"Edward you know there's been a lot of stress on you lately. You've been taking care of a pregnant wife, a pregnant sister, trying to figure out what to do with your future. You've been worrying about Jasper and so many other things. It's easy to get overwhelmed. No one blames you for being upset and worried about things."

He shook his head but never removed it from his hands.

"Alice was so upset. I can't watch her be so upset like that. I don't want anything to happen to her baby. She is so excited and it would crush her. It just bothered me, you are right I am overemotional and I overreacted. I am glad you were there for Jasper. Thank you." He said as his voice cracked.

"He's my brother in law. It's my obligation so to speak right? He is a sweetheart and I would hope he would repay me in kind if you were tied up." She said as he lifted his head.

I'm sorry this is so much on you Bella. I know taking you away from Forks right now when…." He paused resting a hand gently on her abdomen and shaking his head.

"She deserves a restful and calm environment and I'm not helping."

Bella ran her fingers through his hair. It was getting longer, he needed to get it cut but she didn't mind. He was relaxing a lot more with the little things. She rested her hand over his and thought about all that has happened. This was hard on everyone involved but she wouldn't change a thing, it would all be just fine.

"Edward, I love you."

He met her eyes and smiled.

"I know you do my love, and I love you."

He felt Lily moving and chuckled leaning down to kiss her stomach.

"I know little one, I never forgot about you." He rested his head on her stomach and she allowed him this time, running her fingers through his silky hair. He was so handsome. She couldn't get over how much this boy she once had a crush on had turned into such a wonderful man. He was truly amazing.

He had his faults but he could love and when he did it was with all of his heart. Her whole life she had wanted one thing, him and he was here in her arms. He leaned up kissing her lips.

"I love you so much Bella, you'll never know how much you have given me."

She didn't respond and he looked at her stroking her cheek.

"Sweetheart?"

She leaned forward pushing him back. Alarmed he moved gripping her arm.

"Baby, what is it, what's wrong?"

When he saw her flinch again he placed his hand on her stomach feeling it tighten. He met her eyes.

"Bella are you having contractions?"

She was about to speak and he felt it again before she could. He grabbed his phone.

"Carlisle, I need you in the waiting room and bring a wheelchair." He brushed her hair back stroking her cheek.

"It's going to be fine love."

He tried to remain calm but his heart was beating rapidly and he couldn't hide the concern on his face. It wasn't quite time yet. Sure she would probably be ok if she delivered early, but the baby was so small it could present a problem.

Carlisle entered with a wheelchair looking worried.

"What's going on?"

He immediately was at their side. He knew by the worried look on Edward's face it was Bella.

Bella felt his warm hands on her stomach.

"Bella are they close?"

She nodded.

"Yes, they hit so suddenly. " She felt a warm tear escape her eye as she looked to Edward. He squeezed her hand.

Carlisle felt for a moment then nodded.

"The baby feels like she's in position, we better get you to Labor and delivery. We'll let the professionals take over from here Bella they'll know what to do."

She shook her head then grabbed his hand.

"Please Carlisle, she has to be ok."

He smiled.

"She will be in good hands, let's get you upstairs. You must help us get you to the chair now hon."

Edward assisted her to the chair and she refused to let go of his hand scared to death that something would go wrong. Once arriving they set her up in a room. They watched the Fetal Doppler and she nervously fidgeted. She was worried and prayed everything would be ok.

Alice came rushing in.

"Bella!"

She ran into her arms.

"I was so worried when dad called."

Bella took her hand.

"Please stay with me."

She nodded with a smile.

"You know I will. I won't leave you." She pulled up a chair beside her. Edward kissed Bella head as the doctor walked in.

"Mrs. Cullen, let's check your cervix for dilation and see where we are ok?"

She nodded nervously. Carlisle smiled.

"I'll wait outside."

Bella shook her head.

"It's ok. Please." He nodded in understanding but turned away to give her privacy. The doctor examined her and slipped off his gloves washing his hands.

"Looks like you're dilated to 4. I can give you something through an IV to try and stop the progression. I've ordered an ultrasound. I want an exact gestational age and weight. What are your feelings?"

Bella looked at Edward and felt him squeeze her hand. She shook her head.

"I just want her healthy. I know she is so small, if she can be born safely then its fine. I know there are no guarantees. "

He nodded.

"I'll see what the test shows and then we will go from there. Mrs. Cullen, I will do whatever is in the best interest of your baby that I promise."

He left the room and soon the room was buzzing with nurses starting IV's and doing lab work. Alice smiled.

"It will all work out fine, you'll see. Have you thought of a middle name for this perfect little bundle?"

Bella felt Edward slip beside her on the bed and sighed suddenly comforted, his hand resting comfortably on her abdomen.

"I was thinking maybe Lily April Cullen."

Alice looked confused.

"That's pretty but why April is there a connection there?"

Edward interrupted then, you could hear the awe in his voice.

"We met in April all those years ago."

Alice giggled.

"Awhhhhh…..that is so sweet. I think it is perfect."

Bella blushed and met his face his lips gently met hers as he whispered how much he loved her. She groaned into his mouth clutching the sheets, he felt her stomach tighten under his palm. The door opened and the ultrasound tech came in with her machine.

"Ok Mrs. Cullen, let's see what we have here."

She pushed the sheet back revealing her stomach and squirting the cool gel on her stomach before beginning. Edward and Alice watched in amazement as the tech explained what every picture was. Edward wished he has seen this on Timmy, but he hadn't and it was no use dwelling on that fact now. The important fact was he was in his life and that was all that mattered and that now he had to make sure this child was safe.

She moved the wand around Bella's stomach a few more times typing in a few numbers and smiled.

"We're done."

Carlisle looked at the numbers.

"So we are looking at approximately 36 weeks?"

The tech nodded, "Yes and the lungs are developed so it should be fine. Her size would be the only complication I see, she's showing around 3.5-4.5 pounds."

He shook his head.

"We expected her to be small."

She left and Carlisle sat beside Alice.

"Bella, you and Edward need to decide what you want to do. We can try and hold off labor, it may or may not happen. It is likely if it doesn't she will be ok, her lungs are developed and so she should adjust well she will just be small like we expected."

Bella arched groaning louder. Edward gasped as she squeezed his hand.

"If she will be ok, I say deliver her. I don't know… Owh!" He said as she squeezed him again.

"Carlisle somethings happening." Bella said nervously.

"Alice call for the nurse." He demanded.

He lifted the sheet a little and frowned.

"Bella, your water has broken."

He brushed her hair back.

"I'm afraid you will be seeing Lily sooner than expected."

The nurse came in as Carlisle briefed her on the situation she checked Bella's dilation. She bit her lip and slipped off her gloves.

"You're dilated to 7 honey. This is going to go fast it seems. I'm going to call the doctor and let him know."

Bella shook her head frantically.

"Edward, Timmy isn't here."

He nodded.

"I know. It is better if he is there for now. He will come as scheduled unless something changes. I'll call as soon as I can and update them."

She felt her hands began to shake. He looked down taking her hand in his.

"What's wrong my love?" She turned meeting his eyes.

"We're going to have our baby." A small tear escaped her eye. He smiled kissing her cheek.

"Yes beautiful, we are. I can't wait either."

Alice jumped up.

"Oh, oh camera, I don't have a camera. I have to go to the gift shop. We have to have pictures. I'll be right back." She was out of the room before either of them could say anything."

She gasped grabbing her stomach.

"Wow, I forgot how bad these hurt."

He smiled kissing her neck.

"Are you ok with me watching baby?" He asked stroking her forehead.

She met his eyes shocked.

"Yes, it's fine. I mean why would I not want you to…." Realizing what he meant she smiled.

"You mean down there."

He winked.

"Ah yes, if you want to. If you are sure it won't traumatize you and then you won't refuse to touch me for years."

He laughed.

"It is a beautiful thing you are doing love, a natural thing. I don't think it will keep me away from you. In fact I imagine it will make me more attracted to you."

She eyed him curious.

"Yes, well we'll see what you say after you see it."

He kissed her hand.

"Bella, it's a woman's body. It's a natural thing to give birth. I can never understand how any man can think of it as something other than beautiful."

Carlisle smiled resting his hand on his shoulder.

"Definitely a doctor." He commented with a smile.

Bella chucked for a moment then stopped as a man walked in with a tray and she saw few packages with large needles inside.

"Those look really big."

The man smiled a friendly smile.

"Don't worry Mrs. Cullen, you won't feel a thing. I numb your back with lidocaine first. This is for the epidural. You did want something to help with the pain?"

She nodded, "Yes."

"I'll make it as painless as possible. You'll feel the lidocaine, it feels like a little bee sting and then that's it ok?"

"Do I get a lollipop?" She teased.

Alice giggled. He grinned. He was glad to have a patient who had a sense of humor.

"How about some really good pain medication?"

She thought a moment.

"I'd say that was a fair exchange."

He set up and pulled over the bedside table.

"Ok Mrs. Cullen, I need you to sit up and lean over this table. Your husband can stand in front of you and hold your hands if you'd like I'll tell you how far to bend from behind."

"Ok."

She looked at Edward nervously as he took her hands and smiled kissing her head.

"We're going to have a baby beautiful."

"I'm scared." She whispered softly. He stroked her cheek.

"Me too, but everything is going to be fine we've come so far to be together. I'm right here at your side no matter what."

She felt the physician behind her press on her back.

"Ok now a little more forward."

She leaned forward and inhaled deeply resting her face on her arm. He stroked her hair gently. He wished he could reassure her, but he knew the only way to do that was when everything was over and she could actually see that Lily was fine.

"Ok, now comes the pinch. He said from behind her."

She gripped his hand tightly hiding her face. He knelt wrapping his strong arms around her and kissing her head.

"I love you baby." He whispered soothingly. "When this is all over we will have a beautiful baby girl that looks like her mommy."

She looked at him.

"She could look like you too."

He flashed her a smile.

"She could. I would settle for a little of both. My preference would be more of you, after all her mommy sure has me wrapped around her finger."

She smiled resting her hand back down. Carlisle and Alice stood behind the Anesthesiologist watching. He leaned to her ear," Is this something you think you will do?"

"I don't like pain so I guess I will." She replied back.

Carlisle smiled slipping his arm around her shoulders.

"My two babies are all grown up and having their own families. Who would have thought?" He said almost in disbelief. Alice giggled.

"Face is dad you can't stay young forever."

He shrugged.

"I guess not, I was hoping. It's fine though, grandchildren are lovely because you can give them back."

The physician taped her back and closed her gown helping her lay back down.

"You should feel some relief and I can give you more at any time ok?"

Bella nodded and inhaled deeply.

The next few hours progressed slowly. Alice stayed at her side as they spoke about how nervous she now was seeing what Bella was going through. The nurse came in again checking her cervix.

"Ok Bella, your ready are you feeling the urge to push?"

"You have no idea. I've been blowing out though, just like you said." She blew out gripping Alice's hand. Edward brushed her head with a cool cloth.

The nurse smiled and turned just as the doctor walked in and began to get dressed followed by another nurse.

"Let's get this show on the road shall we?" He asked with a grin.

Bella groaned arching.

"Please, let's do."

The physician arched an eyebrow.

"Do you need more pain meds?"

"No, no I'm fine, let's just get on with it. I don't want her too sedated." He agreed sitting on his stool and scooting into position.

"Ok Bella let's see where we are." It was there that it began. It only took 45 minutes until Lily April was born. It's hard to explain really everything that happened in such a small amount of time, it was all so fast paced.

Carlisle waited outside with Esme. Alice stayed on Bella's right side and Edward on her left. The joy and love in the room was palpable. Edwards face spoke volumes when she pushed for the last time and they brought the tiny baby out and cleaned her off allowing her to lie on Bella's stomach.

He didn't attempt to hide the tears that fell, nor the emotions he felt as he stroked her small head. She was absolutely perfect. He couldn't decide who she looked like just yet. Just that she was perfectly beautiful.

"Mr. Cullen?" The doctor repeated when he didn't hear him the first time.

Edward turned still in shock that this little gift was his.

"Would you like to cut the cord?"

"I…I can do that?" He stuttered totally lost in the moment. Alice giggled and Bella rested her free hand on his arm.

"Cut the cord daddy."

He met her eyes and it dawned on him, this was real. All of this, it wasn't a dream. This was his life, it was all real. He smiled kissing her.

"I love you Bella." He whispered before moving down to the doctor.

He cut the cord and soon the infant was swept away to be cleaned. Lily weighed in at 4 lbs 3 oz as was 15 inches long. She was actually larger than they had expected and they were glad. They physician explained she looked good, but she was so small and since she was early she would go to NICU to be observed and monitored.

Bella lay sleeping afterwards and Alice watched Edward looking out the window. Esme and Carlisle had already visited for a short time and were letting her rest.

"Edward?"

"Yeah?" He asked but didn't turn.

She swallowed hard looking back at Bella and then to him again.

"I'm sorry."

He turned then seeing her eyes downcast on the floor. He couldn't understand her behavior and moved to sit in front of her.

"For what Alice?"

She wiped her tears.

"This was my fault, if I hadn't put so much stress on her she wouldn't have went into labor and…"

"No, no no stop it." He pressed his finger against her lips.

"I won't let you do this Alice. Who knows how these things work. Lily was ready, so she came. I don't think stress had anything to do with it. I will not have you blaming yourself. She is healthy and there is nothing to blame yourself for do you hear me? We came because you needed us. This is not your fault."

"I can't help it. I know it's a lot on you and her."

"You let us worry about that. You take care of yourself and your baby ok? Life happens and no one can say why it does it just does. This may have happened in Forks, who's to say? I'm surely not. My daughter was very lucky, you know why? She got to be born here with you at her side. I think she will like that story when she is older."

He reached across wiping the tears from her face.

"I bet Jazz is missing you."

"Probably."

"You should be with him. He knows what I told him, but I think he'd like a firsthand account from his wife."

She nodded and stood.

"Thanks Edward."

He stood hugging her.

"I love you sis, stop worrying so much go take care of your husband."

"I love you too daddy."

He chuckled watching her leave. He gently sat beside Bella stroking her cheek. She opened her eyes with a smile.

"Hey you." She said stretching.

He kissed her softly.

"Hey you back, how do you feel?"

She shook her head.

"Not too bad, a little sore but not as bad as I did with Timmy. She was a lot smaller."

He smirked stroking her hair.

"Can I tell you a secret?" He whispered against her temple.

She looked at him curious and smiled.

"Sure tell me. What?"

He bit his lip.

"That kind of sacrifice was amazing to me. To see a woman's body do that…truly amazing."

She could see the sparkle in his eyes and knew he was being honest. He kissed her tenderly.

"Thank you Bella for giving me two beautiful children."

"You're very welcome."

He buried his face in her neck wanting to stay like this forever, for once in his life everything felt perfect.