Recap:

"Alice please don't tell him I'm pregnant. I'm not ready. I just need a few days to process. I still love you, okay?" I glanced at her and weakly smiled. She tightly hugged me and nodded her head. I winced at the impact as she let go of my body.

I asked the guards who were assigned to my door to limit any visitors. I needed a few days. I wanted to rewatch the video before I could form further thoughts.

Edward texted me, "I'm sorry. I really do love you." I threw my phone down and sighed.

Charlie's thoughts floated in my mind. "Couldn't you have chosen someone more normal?"

None of this was normal, and none of it was simple. I decided to rest and let my thoughts settle before I reached out to Edward.

Sorry this is very delayed, I had a lot of life things go on! Will try to update soon xxx

Chapter 20 Hot Off the Press

My mind was in a constant state of battle. I wanted to be okay with everything, but I think the trauma had clouded my mind. Edward respected my space and did not reach out. Alice had firmly warned him how upset his actions made me.

Edward had actually been released yesterday, I knew that I should have gone to see him, but I couldn't. I wasn't ready.

Charlie was still here, he was staying at the Castle. It was not a very comfortable setup for him. He made sure to cook his own meals when he could. I laughed at the thought, the man lived off TV dinners and I knew for a fact the kitchen had only higher quality items.

Charlie visited with me as often as possible. He finally had admitted that Sue was his girlfriend. They had been casually seeing one another the last few months. I think Charlie felt he owed it to me and Renee to stay single. I was thrilled for him and encouraged him to pursue things with her further. I had not told him yet about the baby. I hadn't told anyone apart from Esme, Rose, Alice, Jess and Ang. It felt like a secret girls club. Their support was everything to me at the moment.

Charlie respected my boundaries and never brought up the fact I had not seen Edward the majority of my hospital stay. He knew something was wrong, but didn't want to pry. He trusted my judgment on most things, but still was weary of Edward and the new life I had chosen. I didn't blame him. Esme also respected my space regarding her son. She was aware of our true start and told me she supported any decision I made. She was disappointed in both her boys for being so reckless.

Jake was essentially fully healed. He stood guard with me a few times in the last couple of days. I actually had become a trusted ear as he struggled with his love life. He recently had hit things off with his physical therapist, Leah. It was a bit awkward because Kate often visited them. She was unaware of their connection. He wasn't sure which direction to go. I simply laughed at him and told him my judgment was questionable at best. I had married Edward the night I met him. He laughed and quietly nodded his head. He didn't disagree.

Alice and Rose frequently visited, they both were overjoyed about the baby. The nipt results came in and everything was healthy. I decided not to know the gender, not yet at least. It felt like it would make things more real. Luckily, the doctors had sworn an oath of confidentiality, or else I was certain my state would have been blasted online.

A few more victims of James had come forward. My heart broke for them. He had harmed so many people. I was truly glad he was gone. I made peace with his death and had no remorse. He was a vile person who deserved his fate.

The media reported about Edward's release. The public support for both of us was incredible. I had grown in support both by the older generations and younger ones as well. The royal family had never had such great press. Respect and praise had increased all around us.

Though the press was relatively positive, I struggled with the new attention and focus on me. More articles popped up each day with "new" information on the fight between James and I. Most were not accurate. The media seemed to be obsessed with me in particular. Many people were involved with the capture of Joseph Martin, but my name was focused on the most. I had nothing to do with his capture, I was hospitalized and in a medically induced coma. It all made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I was being celebrated over killing a man. As well as being celebrated for something I did not do.

I knew at some point I should share the true story about James. I wanted to help other women who were victims of abuse. I just wasn't ready yet. Alice and Esme told me to take my time, and not to rush my process. They said my story would help people when I was ready.

Ang and Jess were my rocks during this time. I missed them deeply. I missed America and my old simple life. I even missed Forks and living with Charlie. I knew I had to mourn my old life. Nothing would ever be the same. Not with my new condition.

"Bella, you're sure you can't send the video to us? I would love to see it!" Jess laughed as her and Ang FaceTimed me. Jess was about seven months pregnant now. She looked spectacular you still could hardly tell she was so far along. She was having a little girl. They decided to name her Paisley. They were ecstatic about her arrival. I felt guilt I had been so far from her. Her baby shower was next month, and I was hopeful I would be able to attend. It felt unlikely, though.

Ang had met a really nice guy named Ben a few months back. They had gotten pretty serious. Something told me they would be moving in together soon. She said things with him were simple, they just fit. My heart stung as she talked about him. Nothing was simple with Edward.

They both were still in shock that I was pregnant. We calculated things, and I must have gotten pregnant during the first few days of Edward and I knowing one another. We talked over what would have happened if Edward and I had only had one night together. I would have had a baby and not know Edward's origins at all. What would have happened if James had come after me? I shuddered at the thought. I knew deep down this all happened for a reason. I needed to get past this for the baby. My hormones were not helpful for letting me see things all the way clear. I knew it was time to move on, I had to for the baby. Ang and Jess tried to help me see logic in all the madness, and it was beginning to help.

"We want to see Elvis sing to you both" Ang laughed. I bit my lip and shook my head. The girls desperately wanted to see the video. I didn't blame them. It was definitely a Vegas cliche to get married in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator. Because of the nature of the film I couldn't send it online. I could not risk it getting leaked.

"Trust me, you would rather not see it. It's embarrassing" I laughed. I had watched the video maybe 30 times now. Each time I noticed something new. The way Edward looked at me made me believe his words. Possibly it was love at first sight for him? Perhaps it was for me too?

"We have to go, but please call us anytime! We miss you!" Ang smiled. I missed them. We had been talking more than we had in the last few months. It was nice to have some downtime and have my princess events on hold.

I was close to being released. My grafts were healing beautifully. The painkillers became less and less. The doctor was set to come and remove my bandages to check things over. As long as it had scabbed over, I was set to leave. I was still not used to the bright shade of pink that now coated my mid-arm downwards to my hand. Alice suggested I wear gloves to hide the burns, but I realized this was now a part of who I was. I wasn't going to hide it.

Dr. Cassius came in and checked over my entire wound. I was surprised my skin had healed so quickly.

"You'll have to bandage it at night as well as use this cream on it daily. If any infection forms, please come back in." He smiled at me. Charlie had come in to hear the results, and he was overjoyed I was okay. He wasn't a very emotional man, but the last week and half had been very hard on him.

I hugged my dad as we packed our belongings. Dr. Cassius dressed my hand again to keep it safe for the journey back home. I was going home! My stomach immediately knotted up. What would await me?

Charlie loaded me into our car as Jake brought the remainder of my belongings. Including the laptop with our wedding video. I knew it was time to talk to Edward. It was time to forgive him and tell him the truth. I only hoped he was ready to be a father. I couldn't imagine my life with a baby, but I also could not imagine my life without our baby as well.

Our baby. My thoughts lingered to a baby with his messy hair auburn hair and my brown eyes. What would they look like I silently wondered.

It still had not settled in that we were going to be parents. I was prepared to do this alone if needed. I felt guilty talking to Charlie in the car, I was distracted and disinterested. My mind was racing, knowing I was about to see Edward.

I knew Charlie and the rest of the family also needed to know everything once I told Edward. I bit my lip as I wondered what both our fathers would think. Would Charlie be disappointed in me? Would Carlisle?

As I entered the Castle, my eyes locked onto Edward's. His eyes lingered on my bandaged arm. His eyes winced when he saw the pink peaking out from the wrap of my bandage.

My eyes floated to his left leg, it too was wrapped up. In a large black brace. Guilt swept over me as my eyes lingered on his new cane. He had most of his weight on the cane. Was this temporary? Would he permanently need the cane?

My nerves were shot as I realized there was no backing out now. It was time for us to talk. What would he think? What would I say? His eyes lingered on mine as I half smiled at him. He grinned as he took my hand and pulled me to him.

No words were spoken, but our eyes said a million unspoken words. We missed each other desperately. I imagined we must have been a sight together. The both of us bandaged up. I hadn't realized how much I had missed him. My eyes welled as he pulled me deeper into an embrace. I really did love him. My pregnancy emotions washed away as he held me. No more resentment. I was happy we had gotten married, I couldn't imagine my life without him.

My arms tightened around him as Charlie cleared his throat. My eyes smiled at Charlie as he nodded back at me. Charlie and Jake made their excuses as Edward and I continued to hold one another. His arms felt safe and warm.

Edward put his head in my hair as he kissed the top of my head, "I'm sorry." He simply said. I hugged his frame tighter in response. How would he take this news? I wondered silently as he stroked my back.

"I'm sorry too." I sniffled to his chest. His lips gently lingered on my cheek. He was hesitant, he didn't know if I wanted him to kiss me. My lips found his. He slightly moaned as we deepened our kiss. His tongue swept over mine as he gently stroked my hair. After a few minutes, I broke our kiss. My eyes lingered on his as we smiled at one another.

"Edward, we need to talk." He silently nodded and kissed my head again. I grabbed his arm and assisted him to the bedroom. His balance was not great. He gripped tightly on his cane, it was hard for him to walk. I could sense the frustration from him, but he put on a brave face. I felt guilty I had not been there for his recovery. Would he forgive me?

We stopped at our bedroom doors and I took a deep breath. It was time. Time for the real and honest truth.