Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters. No copyright infringement is intended.

The next chapter is now completed and will post Monday, but I am going to have to drop off to weekly posts, probably Mondays, from this point forward. I apologize, but I am no longer able to keep up. If I manage to get a bit of an archive saved up toward the end, I will pick up postings until it's done, but for now I must back off just a tad. While on the subject, I think this story will be winding up pretty soon. I have some pretty cool ideas on how to wrap things all up and bring everything together in the end. :) In the meantime, run over to my blog .com to see a teaser for Chapter 18.

Thanks as always to my beta AgoodWITCH.


A Pain In the Back

Night after night, I kept having intense dream after intense dream, keeping me from resting well as I would toss and turn in my bed. Eventually I was forced into taking daytime naps to stave off the absolute exhaustion. My daytime naps were always much more calm. Usually they simply involved me curling up in our bed in Chicago until eventually Edward would join me, enveloping me in warm comforting arms as he would bury his face in my hair and quickly fall into a deep sleep. Every time I had a dream like that one, I would wake up smiling.

It wasn't until Edward started writing in his letters about how every night he would dream about curling up in his bed with me that I started wondering, however improbable, if my dreams weren't somewhat real after all. The next month consisted of weekly letters back and forth, the delay in response getting even more annoying than usual as I began telling him about my nightmares and dreams. I told him detailed descriptions of my dreams, to which he would reply how much was true to life.

When it all came down to it, my dreams were pretty darned close to reality about half of the time, while other times they were far off. The one thing that we both admitted to getting chills from was my first dream about the dogfight when his plane was damaged and he had to limp back to the carrier, barely holding it together until he landed. He said it was like I had scripted it all the way down to the things he had said.

I could barely believe my eyes, reading the letter over and over again until it was time for me to go to bed. I settled between the covers, stuffing pillows around me to support my now uncomfortably contorted stomach that now held the very active eight month old fetus. Baby G tended to grow particularly active at night, which further helped to deplete my nighttime rest. I settled into my cocoon of pillows, shutting off the bedside lamp before curling under the blankets thinking about the improbability of the entire situation.

Was it possible I could sense him at times? Could I somehow 'see' part of his life? And if I could, how could I ever know the real from the imagined, since apparently it is only a true representation of his life half of the time? What if I saw him shot down? How could I possibly handle the uncertainty, waiting to see if it were simply my overactive imagination or my husband's life truly in peril?

I sighed as I felt my heart thundering in my chest. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly in and out, trying to calm myself. My doctors were very concerned about my blood pressure, which tended to spike frequently, especially with elevated stress. Upon their orders, at seven and a half months I was forced into lenient bed rest and not allowed to deal with anything involving Cullen Steel. I could walk around the house as long as I sat often with my feet up, but I was to stay close to home at all times.

I defied everyone, doctors included, only once, and that was to attend a board meeting. There were some things that needed passed desperately for Marcus to move forward with the next phase in the refinement development program that Rosalie and the rest of the engineers had come up with. The problem was, that it was costly enough to need board approval, but without me, and with the Volturi brothers still ineligible to attend, there would be no quorum, so no official decisions could be made.

I was adamant that those improvements be put through as soon as humanly possible. It was expensive in the front end, but I was convinced that some day it would bring in more money for Cullen Steel than any venture they had yet to enter into. Once the war was over and production returned to what it once was, the new incarnation of Cullen Steel's products with the high strength and endurance without losing the ability to be molded as needed would be in high demand around the world.

The day ended up being perfect for a little covert operation, as Esme had gone to some hospital function with Carlisle for the day, leaving me alone with Sue and Brady, who had fallen asleep on the couch. While Sue was busy in the kitchen, I had gotten dressed in one of my tent dresses that were at that point most definitely needed to cover my ever expanding belly, snuck out the front door, and managed to hail a cab to drive me to the meeting. When I walked into the building, I was met with expressions of shock from everyone I came into contact with. When I stepped off the elevator on our floor, Rose spotted me down the hall and literally ran to my side, chastising me the whole way for breaking doctor's orders.

She backed off quickly when she realized that I was adamant. I stayed just long enough to pass the major motions set forth by the board, as Marcus shortened the meeting as much as possible to get me back to bed, a combination of concern and relief gracing his face when he looked at me one last time.

He admonished me as he personally escorted me to the ground floor, helping me into the car he had called to take me home. He insisted that the driver, Michael, walk me into the house and help me settle on the couch before returning to the offices. I chuckled with a shake of my head as Marcus eased me into the back seat ordering me not to pull a stunt like that again, while trying to hide his smirk behind a scowl. I just smiled and wiggled my fingers as I waved goodbye before allowing Michael to take me home and help me inside.

Sue was in a panic when I was brought in, angry with me for sneaking out and ordering me straight to bed. I had fallen asleep almost immediately, dreaming of Edward holding me once more as I slept until the sun began to drift below the horizon. I had not been allowed to leave the house again since that time.

I closed my eyes and focused on the most peaceful parts of my life at this point, letting my mind relive the daylight dreams. Soon my heart began to steady and my body began to relax and melt into the pillows. My mind had nearly drifted completely when I felt a hard kick in my ribs that made my whole body tense, my eyes flying open in the wake of the internal attack on my rib cage.

I whimpered, rubbing over the sore spot with my hand as I whimpered to Baby G to calm down. I felt a few flips and what I was sure was an elbow to my belly button before the activity in my womb finally stopped. I settled back in, thankfully finding sleep the next time my eyelids fluttered closed.

My dreams were calm that night as I watched Edward eating with Jasper and Emmett. All three looked completely exhausted, dark brown rings circling all three sets of eyes. Edward yawned behind his hand with the fork hanging limply from his grip as he rested his cheek on his fist as his elbow rested upon the metal table top.

"These night runs are killing me. I hope I can rest today. I don't think I've gotten more than six hours in the last two days."

The other two nodded as they yawned as well, sleepily shoveling in the less than appetizing looking food before they finally cleared their plates and made their way to their bunks. After tired wishes for good rest, Edward curled on his bunk and fell asleep.

My dream disappeared for a few moments, as I floated in peaceful black before I felt the warm embrace wrap around me as it often did during my daytime naps.

"I missed you, love." Edward whispered in my ear as he nuzzled my hair.

I sighed, cuddling back into his chest. "I missed you, too."

I felt his hands caressing the tight skin of my distended stomach. "How's Baby G today?"

I chuckled. "He's good…has a strong kick though. I thought he might break a rib earlier when he kicked me."

He chuckled behind me. "He huh? Last time we talked you thought it was a girl and now it's a boy?"

I shrugged. "It's better than calling the baby 'it'. After that kick I felt today, it almost has to be a boy. That or we are going to have a very athletic little girl."

He sighed, running his hand over and over the flesh before Baby G kicked right behind his hand. He jumped in surprise, looking down at my stomach with wild eyes. "I've never felt the baby kick before. OH wow, that's amazing."

I looked up and smiled, usually I didn't get to see his face when we were like this. As a rule, we simply cuddled and slept in these dreams, but tonight was different. I frowned as I saw his face, those same dark circles around his eyes, making him look nearly raccoon-like with their dark shadows. I reached up and lightly traced the darkened flesh as he closed his eyes and hummed. I could feel the tears begin to flow. He reached down to wipe them away.

"I wish I could be here. It is so unfair that I can't be. I'm missing so much."

I nodded slowly, relishing in the feeling of his hands brushing my face. We had been together so briefly before he was forced to leave me, but I held so tightly to those tender perfect memories. I sighed, reaching up again to grasp his face in my hands, bringing him down toward me so I could feel the sensation of his lips on mine again, even if it were just a dream. Just before his lips touched mine, the baby jumped hard in my stomach, bringing me straight out of my dream to the dark reality of my room at night.

I blinked in shock as I realized I had somehow shifted in bed, my pillows stuffed under me in an uncomfortable fashion, my hands raised into the air, grasping at nothing. The baby shifted again, making my whole stomach shift slightly as I realized my pulse was pounding in my ears. I realized the problem, quickly shifting to my left side as the doctor suggested to take the added pressure of the baby's weight off my vascular system. The baby's movement stopped almost instantly as the pounding in my ears slowly faded.

As my body began to find ease again, the pain finally hit from the loss of my dream. I had been so close to sharing a kiss with husband. I missed the feel of Edward so much, especially his kiss. I began to weep quietly as I curled my arms around one of my pillows, bringing it to my chest and burying my face in the soft cushion.

The next morning, I got up and wrote out a long letter, telling Edward all about my latest dream. I wanted him to know how he felt the baby kick and how much I wished he could really feel our baby moving inside me. I carefully dressed when the letter was done, slowly making my way down the staircase while holding tightly to the railing. Halfway down the stairs, my back began to tense painfully, which was not uncommon since my large stomach often put strain on my back, but usually the pain was less intense.

I gasped loudly, deciding to sit on the step where I was, just to be safe. Just as I found the step with my bottom, five sets of worried eyes appeared at the bottom of the stairwell. As soon as they appeared, Carlisle, Rose, Sam, and Alice all shot up the staircase to my side while Esme watched worriedly from the base of the stairs. Carlisle knelt on the step in front of me as he began asking me questions.

"Bella, are you okay? What's wrong? Do you feel faint?"

By this time the pain in my back and finally abated as I took a deep relieved breath. "Yes, sorry. My back spasmed halfway down the stairs. It's never hurt quite that badly before. It absolutely took my breath away, so I sat down just to be safe. I'm okay now."

"Are you sure?" Carlisle asked, looking into my eyes to measure the honestly of my response.

I smiled with a nod. "Yes, Overprotective Grandpa, I'm sure."

He smiled brightly, his eyes twinkling at the sound of his new title. The two men helped me to stand, hovering around me as I made my way slowly to the ground floor. I walked in with them, settling at the table with a sigh. Everything seemed to take so much effort these days. It was absolutely exhausting.

After breakfast, the group scattered leaving Esme and Sue in the kitchen with me as I struggled to eat a bit more of my eggs and bacon while Sam moved to resume reading in the living room. He had been really enjoying some of the novels I had collected over the years.

I didn't have much of an appetite these days, but I knew that the baby and I both needed it so I would do my best. I shoved a few more forks full of eggs into my gullet before I finally gave up, pushing away the plate with a sigh. I scooted back the chair to stand when my back caught again.

I yelped, bracing myself against the table as my lower back muscles seemed to all contract at once. Esme and Sue were instantly at my side as Sam burst through the door watching warily. I managed to ground out through clenched teeth what was the problem as they both helped support me while massaging the tense muscles of my lower back. They both commented on how tight the muscles were as they massaged gently and whispered comforting things to me as they worked. Eventually the pain subsided as I relaxed my stance, feeling more exhausted than I had before I had gone to bed the previous night.

Sue and Esme led me to the bathroom, where they waited for me to take care of my needs before leading me to the couch. I settled back with a moan as they lifted my feet to the pillow on top of the coffee table. They situated pillows around me and made sure I could reach my water before disappearing back to the kitchen while Sam smiled at me from the wingback chair across the room. I moaned as I settled in, falling asleep quickly in my new reclined position.

This time, Edward came to visit me in the living room, sitting beside me on the couch and wrapping me into his chest. I rested my head against his chest, enjoying the sound of his heart when I was ripped from my beautiful dream by my back muscles rebelling once again. I panted as I tried to shift to relieve the pressure. Sam moved toward me, asking if I was okay, as Esme and Sue both ran back in looking panicked.

"I don't understand. I was sleeping that time when it happened. I wasn't even moving. What is going on?"

Esme and Sue massaged my muscles until they finally relaxed. I fell back against the couch with a sigh as Esme wandered toward the front hall mentioning something about calling Carlisle. I told her not to bother him, but she cast me a look telling me not to argue. Sue walked up about that time with a smile on her face. She handed me a familiar envelope with an inverted stamp.

"This might make it all feel better. This came while you were napping, dear. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

I nodded settling back into the cushions of the couch as I opened the letter with a contented sigh. Sam smiled at me across the room before saying he was going to go check the outside perimeter, giving me some privacy with my letter from Edward.

I smiled as I pulled the pieces of loose paper from the envelope, sniffing the pages as I always did, trying to get a whiff of my beloved. I gently unfolded the pages and began to read, tears filling my eyes as I took in his words.

January 5, 1944

My Dearest Bella,

Our baby's arrival is quickly approaching and it pains me to say that it is most certain I shall miss it. I think of you both constantly and wish more than anything that I could be there for you. I love you both more than anything I have ever known. Just know that even if I can't be there at your side, my heart is with you always.

I do have one consolation in all of this. Even if I can't be with you I person, I spend every night with you in my dreams. I savor every one, as I come home from a busy day at work and cuddle up behind you, wrapping you in my arms and caressing our baby inside your womb. I know it is nothing more than a dream, but I savor each and every one.

I just received orders today that Emmett, Jasper, and I will begin escorting bombers into…

I whimpered as the next paragraph was blacked out. Edward was always so careful that he didn't write things that the censors would catch, but this time he had shared too much. Perhaps that is why I got it a whole week later than I typically would have. I couldn't help but be frightened as I realized where he must have been going for the censors to want it concealed. My heart began to pound harder as I fought the panic. Edward was flying into Germany. I looked closely as I could, trying to see if I could make out anything, the only thing I was sort of able to see was what I thought was the top half of an eight.

I sighed, shifting down to where the letter continued.

I hope you are taking care of yourself, my love. I was not happy when Jasper and Emmett both told me a tale which you neglected to share. If your doctor says to stay home, sweetheart, then PLEASE stay home! Cullen Steel will survive a few more months without your presence. Our sweet Baby G is more important than anything to do with the company, so please, for my sanity, please don't do something like that again.

I love you more than words can say and I can't wait to get home to you and our precious little baby. I just hope that he or she is still a baby when I get to return. I love you so much. Take care of yourself and our little one; the two of you are my entire world.

Love Always,

Your Edward

I sniffled as I read his letter over and over again. My heart still ached at the thought of him being in even more danger. It sounded as though he were encountering enough German pilots just patrolling the part of the Mediterranean he had been in, much less actually going into German airspace. I knew it was crucial to the outcome of the war, but the thought of him in so much danger made my heart and head ache.

I sat there taking deep breaths as I tried desperately not to let me emotions get the best of me when my stupid back muscles screamed out again. I cried out, this time the pain so strong that tears began to stream from my eyes. The pain clenched slightly tighter as my back arched instinctively.

At the sound of my cries, my three guardians flew back into the room looking panicked. I barely heard Esme tell the others to take care of me, as she said she was going to call Carlisle, saying that my back aches were ten minutes apart and could be back labor contractions. I felt myself start to panic when I realized what that might mean. Months and months of planning, the nursery now fully decorated and ready for our child to arrive, and yet I still felt completely unprepared for motherhood.

I began to gasp, feeling the panic rise in my chest. Esme came back into the room looking contrite.

"Bella, Carlisle agrees that this could be the beginning of labor, or it could be false labor. At any rate, you are still too far apart to do anything unless your water breaks. He suggested that Sam, Sue and I help you get upstairs and settled into bed where you will be more comfortable."

I nodded with teary eyes, taking Sam's offered hand to help me rise from the couch. Esme took one side as Sam took the other, leading me toward the stairs when my back tensed again. They paused to let me breathe through the pain. Just as it was beginning to abate, I felt something that almost felt like a pop seconds before warm liquid flowed down my legs.

I gasped as Esme looked down in surprise. "Oh dear. Well, I guess we won't worry about the bed then, because that was your water breaking dear. Sam, could you please bring the car from the garage? Sue if you would be so kind as to bring Bella's bag and a change of clothes. We'll get you cleaned up, dear, and then we're off to the hospital to deliver my Grandbaby!"

Esme was beaming with pride while I stood there, panicking on the inside and crying for my husband who wouldn't be at my side.

Author's Note: Come on guys…I don't cliffie you often and I wanted the baby to be its own chapter. So until next time…you can always get a teaser on my blog :) acullenwannabe dot blogspot dot com