Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.

This chapter is all me, so just ignore any/all mistakes you encounter.

I'm a little late in posting because I kept on tweaking this chapter, but here it is. I hope it won't disappoint. Enjoy! =D

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

EPOV

"Fuck!" I yelled, rubbing the sting on my cheek; Rosalie had just slapped me. If I had been ready, she wouldn't have been able to do that. "What was that for?"

"That's for treating Bella the way you did," she answered matter-of-factly. She seemed to have recovered from the accident and her miscarriage, because she was her usual bitchy self.

If I wasn't intrigued as to why she was here, I would personally throw her out. Emmett wasn't with her, and I wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or not. There was no doubt she now knew about Bella and me. I wondered why it took her this long to learn about what had happened. She would have certainly been with Bella before this if she had known; I was sure of that. Whatever reasons Bella had for not telling her brother and her best friend was entirely hers, but I could say I was a little grateful for that.

Emmett was protective of Bella. I had expected once he heard the news that he would have locked his sister away and not allow me anywhere near her, but surprisingly he didn't do anything. I wondered why that was.

"What do you want, Rose?" I snapped at her, still fucking pissed about her hitting me. I stood, glaring at her.

"Don't take that tone with me, Cullen," she said. "Be thankful I convinced Emmett not to come and hurt you himself. "

So that was the reason. I should have known.

"Yeah, whatever," I replied snidely, trying not to lose patience with her... "so he sent you instead."

"Nope," was all she said, just staring at me with an arched brow.

"Why the hell are you here then, Rosalie? I bet it's not just to bitch at me."

"Oh, shut up! I'm here because you need me," she answered arrogantly.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.

"I'm gonna help you, Cullen," she said. "With Bella."

What the fuck? "What?" I wasn't sure if I heard her right. And if I did, why would she help? I was the bad guy here; she didn't need to say it…I knew she believed it.

"I said, I'm gonna fucking help you!" she retorted. She turned around to scowl at me. "But you make one wrong move and even that Vicky can't stand in my way to fry your nuts!"

I looked at her, stunned. Whether it was because she was willing to help me or she was threatening me, I wasn't sure.

"Close your mouth," she snapped. "Don't look so surprised. I wanna help you because I know Bella loves you. But let's make one thing clear here…I'm doing this because of her, not you." She gave me this look, daring me to disagree with her.

"I know that, Rose," I said, finally finding my voice. It had been three weeks since I arrived here in Seattle in search of my wife. Unfortunately, Bella still didn't acknowledge my presence. I tried time and time again for her to talk to me, but she refused to give into my request. By now, I was beyond frustrated and any help I could get to get her back to me would surely be appreciated. Rosalie might just be my life savior.

"Are you really sure you want to help me?" She might just be pulling my leg, and I didn't have the time and patience to indulge her.

She nodded. "And I think I need my head to be examined because of that."

Even before I could thank her, she started moving towards the door. "You stay here, and I'll go convince her. Wish me luck, Cullen…or let's say, wish yourself some luck. Hopefully my charm could make her talk to you."

She left me astounded. Now I understood why Bella loved her. Underneath all that tough exterior was still a loving and caring friend. Maybe her niceness only extended to those people she liked, and even though I wasn't one of them before, she might have changed her mind about me. Her helping me could be considered something nice, wasn't it? I never really cared what Rosalie thought about me before. Her friendship with Bella was something I was indifferent before; I didn't give much care to it. Maybe I should start being pleasant to her. It would be better for me in the end. Yeah, definitely try to be friends with her.

And that resolve strengthened when she came back after an hour. Bella had finally agreed to talk to me. Rose had convinced my wife to hear what I had to say. I didn't know how she did it, but I was grateful she did.

"Fuck, Rose…I can't thank you enough," I said awkwardly.

"Don't thank me just yet. Bella said she would talk to you, not that she's going to forgive you," she said. "Everything's not okay between the two of you just yet. If only you're not what she needs, I would have never arranged this."

"Just mention anything you want and I'll give it to you," I promised.

She arched her eyebrow and said, "Oh, really?"

"Yes, really."

"I want a fucking orange Ferrari Enzo," was her quick response.

"Done." I wasn't joking; giving her the car would be easy. I knew there were around three hundred to four hundred of these cars around, and I would make damn sure I would find one for her.

She smirked, and I returned it with one of mine. Somehow, this conversation made us friends or allies, whatever. The important thing I learned was, I could count on her where Bella was concerned.

"And Cullen, make everything all right with her, okay?" she said. I wasn't sure whether it was a demand or a request, but I nodded and went across the street towards Bella's apartment. I didn't need to knock on her door, because Seth opened it just when I stepped on the doorstep. He might have been looking out the window while I crossed the street.

Now I was unsure. I wanted to talk to Bella because I wanted to have a chance to explain, but it didn't mean she would listen. She could be stubborn and bitchy…and fucking scary if she wanted to. Although I was a little agitated to face Bella, my determination to get her back hadn't waned. I couldn't live without her, and these past few weeks without her cemented that fact.

Bella was sitting on the couch on the living room, drinking what I guessed was juice. She didn't acknowledge my presence when I came in, but I knew she was aware I was there. We always had that connection.

"Bella," I whispered. My heart was thumping hard against my ribcage. The sound was loud against my ears, and I was a certain she could hear it.

She turned to me but I couldn't read her face. That suddenly scared me. What if she told me she would leave me?

"Masen," she deadpanned. Her calling me by that name made me smile; she however, looked anything but happy by my presence.

"Sit down. Let's get this over with," she said.

Not waiting for her to tell me she didn't want me to, I sat beside her. I needed to be close to her. "Babygirl, I'm so sor-"

"I know you're sorry. You wouldn't be here if you weren't," she cut me off. I could see the anger in her eyes blazing steadily. She wouldn't make this easy for me; I wouldn't make it easy for me either.

"Why are you here…to grovel? That would be nice," she said scathingly.

"I want to talk to you. I've been meaning to do that since I arrived here three weeks ago, but you won't see me," I said.

"Why do you think that is?"

"I know you're angry. I can understand that, but I want to explain why I did what I did." She just her arched her eyebrow at me.

"Oh, so now you want to explain. I thought it was clear what you wanted when you walked out on me," she said harshly. I flinched at her words, but knowing I deserved everything she would throw at me.

"I wasn't thinking straight, Babygirl. You know damn well I have a fucking temper!"

"You're an asshole... that's what you are, Masen! And I thought I did you a favor by leaving," she spat. "Now what do you want?" she demanded angrily.

"You know what I want, Bella. It's always you…it has always been you," I told her.

She laughed sarcastically and it felt like she had slapped me on the face. "You didn't act that way when you left me there in your office after I told you I was pregnant." Her bitterness wasn't lost to me. "I told you I was PREGNANT and you fucking left me! Try to explain that to me!"

What could I say? There was no excuse for what I did. "I'm sorry."

She started shaking her head, like she was shaking away all her anger and frustrations. "You could have at least called me after. I waited and waited, but there was nothing." She wasn't yelling anymore, but her voice was hard. She took a sip of her juice before she turned her icy glare back at me.

"I was in Brazil, Bella. Didn't Seth tell you that?" I answered, hoping that would at least explain something to her. I clenched my fists at my side, trying to control my frustration. The expression on her face told me she knew all about my trip to Brazil, but she clearly didn't care.

"Yeah, that's what I heard…but you shouldn't have left in the first place," she said stonily. It took a few seconds before she spoke, and I felt her words pierce my heart. "I thought you loved me."

Her eyes started to water, and I wanted to bash my head for making her cry. I grabbed her free hand quickly, needing to feel her.

"I love you, Babygirl. How could you doubt that?"

She snatched her hand away from mine and angrily stood up. I was a dead man.

"How could I doubt that?" she yelled, throwing my words back at me. "You left me after I told you about the baby! How could you do that to me? After all we have been through…you just walk away! It was so easy for you!"

"I'm sorry!"

"If you say sorry one more time, I'm gonna kick your ass!" she threatened, her nostrils were flaring. There was one point I thought she would slap me, but she didn't. I would even welcome any physical abuse from her if it meant she would forgive me.

"I was so scared to tell you, Mase! I knew you would react that way…and you did!" she cried.

"I panicked! I didn't know what to think. You know I'm not prepared to be a father…I told you that," I argued, hoping to God she would understand.

"What did you think I felt when I learned I was pregnant, huh? I'm not prepared to be a mother, but you didn't see me acting like a bitch about it. This is our baby…can't you understand that?" Her cheeks were now wet with her tears, and I wanted so much to hold her…comfort her, but I couldn't. She hated me.

"I can't apologize enough, Bella. I know I'm a jerk," I started, standing up as I did. "Please…please give me a chance to prove to you I could do better."

She didn't say anything to that, and I held my breath. We remained silent, just staring at each other, waiting.

"You broke my heart that day, Masen," she said flatly, sniffling.

"Yes, I know that," I replied. I stepped forward to get close to her, but she stepped back.

"I don't know if I can do this," she said, motioning between us. "I can still see your face…oh, God!" My chest tightened at her words. I pulled her to me roughly, wrapping my arms around her tightly.

"No, baby…you have to forgive me!" I begged. "You have to."

I knew I was crashing her so I loosened my grip. I even tilted her chin so she could look me in the eyes. Her eyes were wet with tears, and I lost myself in them. "I love you so fucking much, Babygirl. Say you'll give me a chance."

She looked lost…uncertain. It took a while before she said something, and that whole time I was forcing my panic down. She couldn't leave me…I wouldn't let her!

"What about the baby, Masen?" she asked softly. "You're not ready...you said so."

"If you want the fucking baby, then I want it, too," I answered.

Her eyes searched mine; maybe she wanted to see if I was lying. She should know I was telling her the truth. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before answering, "I don't know. I'm so confused right now."

"Baby…Bella, oh God, I can't live without you. I'll do anything…just please!" I closed my eyes and rested my forehead against her. She was everything to me!

"Just give me time, okay?"

Her request made me sigh in relief. "Okay. If you want time, that's what I'll give you," I told her. Although I was disappointed of what she asked, I could totally give her that. It was better than nothing.

She started to wiggle free from my arms, but I didn't release her. She felt so good, and I wasn't sure when I would be holding her again.

"Do you think I can stay here with you while you do some thinking? I need to be close…just to make sure you're safe," I asked hopefully. My eyes begged her. There was a possibility she might say no, but I needed to ask. It was for everyone's safety, not to mention my own personal desire to be where she was.

"I'll think about it," she replied quietly. I smiled. Her resolve was crumbling. I knew she would come around. It would only be a matter of time.

She was mine, but I would give her time to acknowledge that fact again.

xxxxxxxxxx

I was a very lucky bastard.

Bella had eventually allowed me to stay with her in her apartment. Surprisingly, she also thought this was best. Thank God!

I hadn't left Seattle since my arrival here about a month ago, leaving everything to Jasper to oversee while I resolved my personal problems. He also knew this was more important than any business we had there. He even sent additional men from Chicago for additional security, so I had to retain the apartment from across the street to house them, declining Emmett's offer to take them in. I wanted them close and that was where they would be.

Living with my wife again was bittersweet. We were in the same apartment, but we maintained two separate bedrooms. Things between us weren't the same. I missed her; she was near, but yet so far.

Bella had morning sickness and it wasn't easy for me to see her puking her guts everyday. It had taken me a few days to get used to it, but at least now, I knew I could handle seeing her like that.

It had been a week since I moved in with her, and we had been inside ever since. She didn't go out except for that one when she had a doctor's appointment, so I also didn't go anywhere. Instead of dying of boredom with nothing to do, I opted to follow her around the apartment. I made sure she was comfortable and even served her from time to time. Maybe she liked what I was doing because she didn't complain one bit about me hovering. It helped that Rose and Emmett left us alone to sort things out. Emmett, however, demanded I take care of his sister, or I would pay. Oh, I was paying. He didn't have to threaten me. Alice had stopped by yesterday before she left for Chicago, making sure I was also being the good husband to Bella. She had even made my wife promise to let her decorate the nursery, wherever that might be.

The day had started out like every other day since I arrived. Bella threw up and took a nap. I had taken over bringing breakfast to my wife from Seth and was reading the paper, just waiting for her to wake up so I could deliver the tray to her room.

Making her feel like a princess was my goal, and for her to realize I was still her prince. She was a bit distant with me, but she could manage to give me an occasional smile that would brighten up her whole fucking face, which in turn would make me happy. Just thinking of her smile made me think of her lips…so luscious and so fucking kissable. God, it had been so long since I kissed her.

My thoughts were cut off when I heard a cry of panic. Bella!

I ran to her bedroom as quickly as I could. The first thing I saw was Bella's frightened face. Her eyes were wide, and she looked so pale.

"Baby, what happened?" I asked, fighting off my own panic. "Is something hurting?" I cradled her face between my hands, wanting her to tell me what was wrong. She looked ready to faint. Her eyes that were prickling with tears just stared at me pleadingly.

"You have to tell me, babygirl," I urged.

She turned around and it was then I saw the big red stain on her dress, just where her ass was.

"Shit, what the hell happened?" I asked, my heartbeat escalated another notch from the sight of the blood. She kept shaking her head, as if she was in denial.

"The baby," she whispered, and she began to sob. I scooped her up, and didn't wait for Seth. We needed to get her to a doctor!

Everything was a blur after that. She was sobbing uncontrollably on the way to the hospital, pleading with me to take care of our baby. I stupidly promised her I would. The whole time I did that, my emotions were whacked. I wasn't sure what to feel. All I wanted was for her to be fine. That was my main concern.

I was so afraid I would let her down again. I wasn't sure how the baby was, and I had already promised her it wouldn't be harmed. But what if?

No! She would hate me more, and I couldn't have that.

I pushed that thought away, not wanting her to get that bad vibe from me. I held Bella's hand as we were ushered in the examining room. She was still bleeding, and I was so sure the baby was gone. I didn't need a medical degree to know that much blood meant we might have already lost it.

Bella was shaking, and I just held her to me, whispering "It's gonna be okay, baby. It's gonna be okay" over and over again. Comforting her. Her hand gripped one of mine in agitation. The doctor wanted a vaginal ultrasound to check the status of the fetus in Bella's womb. As the technician, introducing herself as Cathy, inserted a tube inside Bella's vagina, I could feel her hand tightened more in mine. I needed to be strong for her.

This pregnancy was unexpected, but it sure was not unwanted. Bella already loved this baby, and it would devastate her if she lost it.

The monitor was fuzyy at first. Cathy pointed something on the screen, and it was then I saw the very faint thumping movement – the heart. It was a pulse. The baby was alive. Fuck me!

I heard Bella gasp, and my gaze drifted to her face. She was staring at me with what I think was wonder in her eyes. It was then I realized it was because of something she saw on my face. I didn't know what my expression was, but my heart was racing so fast.

"Our baby's fine, Mase," she said so sweetly; tears were running down her face. She smiled, and I leaned down to kiss her.

"Yes," was all I could say.

My heart felt lighter when I saw that small tiny beat of a heart. That was when I knew I wanted the baby. Not just because of Bella.

I was kinda scared to post this, but I had to brave it out. So...did you hate/love it? *bites nails*

Epilogue will be posted soon. Thank you for reading! ;)