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CHAPTER 16

It was just after six when we pulled into the drive leading to the Cullen house. We were running a bit late after the doctor's appointment. I still can't believe I passed out. Dr. Saunders said my blood pressure was extremely elevated, probably from the stress of the unknown.

No shit Sherlock.

Luckily, we were able to get it down to the point Dr. Saunders felt comfortable allowing us to leave, and Edward and I were able to make family dinner night after all. Moreover, I'm sure Masen was probably driving Rosalie mad by now.

"How ya doin'?" Edward asked as I exited the car.

"I'm fine, Edward." I sighed, for the thousandth time since we'd left the doctor's office.

"Okay, but you know if you just wanna go home, we can get Masen and go. We don't have to stay."

"We're staying. I'm fine," I answered shortly. I didn't mean to sound like a bitch; I was just tired of him worrying over me. I was fine. All that his worry was doing was causing my blood pressure to spike with agitation. I just needed quite time with some cuddling and maybe a good movie or book—but after dinner.

Edward sighed and took my hand.

Masen and McKenzie were barreling through the foyer toward the family room when we walked in the door. He didn't even bat an eye at our arrival. I laughed as we both slid off our coats and shoes.

Moments later, Esme came out of the kitchen. "Perfect timing," she said, wiping her hands on a towel.

"It smells wonderful, Esme. I just need to use the bathroom." I turned to Edward, saying, "You go ahead. Make sure Masen washes his hands, please?"

Edward nodded and headed toward the family room with Esme, while I made my way down the hall to the bathroom. Once inside, I locked the door—deciding to take a moment alone with my thoughts—maybe Edward was right, going home might have been a better idea. I really wasn't sure how I was going to relay the information we discovered today—whether I was going to relay it at all. I was still trying to comprehend it myself.

Everyone was settling in around the table when I walked into the large dining room. I glanced to the seven course meal spread out across the large table and shook my head. Esme always outdid herself, making these huge elaborate dinners as if we were royalty. Beyond that, her cooking was out of this world to-die-for. Her roast always melted in your mouth, her cauliflower always crisp and cheesy. My mouth was watering just thinking about it.

Dinner at our house was tacos and shit. It's wasn't that I couldn't cook—because I definitely could—and it's not that I didn't want to, because I loved cooking, it was because Masen was the pickiest eater, ever. To the point that he would honestly pick through anything I mixed together and take out whatever he didn't want, whining about all the yucky stuff mixed with the good stuff—that is, if he ate it at all. Moreover, if the pieces were too small, he would refuse to eat and sit at the table pouting because he was hungry until bedtime. It was tiring.

"Daddy," Masen whined from his place between Edward and my empty chair. I already knew what his problem was, so I just shook my head and slid into my seat.

"Masen," Edward sighed, even I could hear the frustration deep in his voice. "I don't wanna hear it. You're eating."

"I not hungry," Masen cried, shaking his head from side to side. I didn't think that to be true, but glanced to Rosalie just to be sure.

"He had some ants on a log and some juice with Mack after we got home," she supplied. "But that's it."

"Masen," I said, turning my attention back to my son. "You're eating dinner. Just like the rest of us."

Masen shook his head, a look of true disgust covering his face. "But I don't likes it."

"You haven't even tried it," Edward supplied. "You know the rules, Masen. Two bites. Of. Everything."

"I can—"

"No," Edward interrupted Esme. "He needs to try it. He does this with everything, and nine times out of ten he ends up liking whatever it is."

"Okay," Esme surrendered, but I could tell she wanted to give in to Masen's whining—everyone wanted to give into Masen's whining. It took—I don't even know how long—before Edward boarded my two bite rule; my own parents had yet to board that train.

"Momma …" Masen whined.

I shook my head. "Uh uh, Masen. Daddy's right. You know the rules. Two bites."

Masen just huffed and we all turned our attention to our own meals.

"Masen," McKenzie chirped from her place across from his. "Da tatters is ummy."

Everyone laughed, while Masen studied his potatoes carefully. Slowly, he brought a spoon full of mashed potatoes to his mouth and took a hesitant bite. Edward had smothered them in butter and gravy, so hopefully it flavored them up enough for him. I personally wasn't a fan of mashed potatoes unless they were drowned in some sort of flavoring.

"Mmm," Masen hummed taking another bite.

Well I'll be, I thought taking a bite of my own meal, silently thanking McKenzie for the encouragement she gave Masen.

"So, Jasper and I have some news," Alice exclaimed from the other end of the table, bringing everyone's attention to her. She was bouncing around uncontrollably in her seat, and she didn't wait for anyone to respond. "We had a doctor's appointment today … WE'RE HAVING TWINS!"

There were screams and gasps coming from every person in the room—everyone except Edward and I—when I felt my breathing hitch, Edward's hand immediately went to my back, his thumb rubbing soft soothing circles onto my bare skin. I turned to look at him, smiling a small smile, one in which he returned.

"Edward, Bella? Is everything alright?" Esme asked. I turned to look at Esme, then around the table. All eyes were on me.

Finally, I looked at Alice; her face fell with our lack of response to her news. "Oh my God, Alice, I'm so sorry. I didn't … I'm happy for you! It just took me by surprise, that's all."

"Is everything okay, Bella?" Alice asked with obvious concern in her voice.

"Um …" I looked to Edward then around the table. "We actually had a doctor's appointment today, too."

"Okay?" I heard from every voice at the table. With the exception of Edward and Rose. And the kids of course.

Rose already knew about the appointment. But not the outcome. I wasn't sure if she mentioned it to anyone else, but I assumed not.

"Yeah, we, um … well … we're having twins, too."

I heard screams and gasps from everywhere, and then the sound of chairs hitting the floor. Before I knew what was happening, Alice had pulled me from my chair.

"OH, MY GOD! THIS IS SOOO COOL!" she screamed excitedly into my ear.

"Wow … what was that?" I giggled, shaking my head slightly. "I can't hear you …."

Esme wrapped her arms around Alice and me, pulling us both into a hug. "This is the best news, ever. I am so happy for you two. Twins … wow … that's such a blessing." Esme let go of me and Alice, and turned to Edward, placing her hand onto his shoulder. "Congratulations," she said, looking to Jasper "to both of you … all of you."

"Thanks, Ma," came from both Edward and Jasper.

"Congratulations." Carlisle smiled. "I'm so happy to have my family back together, and to watch it as it grows. This really is a blessing."

Everyone hugged, saying their congrats, and we all got back to our dinner. I was still absorbing the fact that in seven and a half months I was going to give birth to twins.

Me, Isabella Swan.

Twins.

I'm going to be a mother of three.

What the fuck?


I had just settled onto the couch—feeling exhausted—after getting Masen bathed and to bed. Edward had offered to do it, but I insisted, because I knew I wouldn't be able to much longer. Baths that is.

"How ya feelin', baby?" Edward asked, sitting on the couch next to me.

It only took him about two point two seconds to pull me into his arms, and I sighed in contentment, nuzzling closer. "I'm fine, Edward."

"I meant about the … twins?"

We really hadn't talked much about it since we found out. It was a lot to take in. I mean seriously? Could our lives get anymore crazy? We meet up and fuck one night, after being broken up for four and a half years … I get pregnant … with twins … he finds out about Masen … we get back together, and he might have a baby momma … what the fuck?

I pulled back to look at him. "It's a lot to absorb," I admitted. "I'm not gonna lie … it's hella scary. It's not just one newborn, but two …. I mean, one was hard enough …. I can't imagine handling two at one time."

"Yeah, it's definitely scary," he whispered. "But we can do this … you aren't alone this time, baby. I'm going to be with you every step of the way."

I smiled a small smile, but didn't question him. He seemed so sure of himself. Who was I to question him? I knew where his heart was, but sometimes, when emotions were high, I couldn't help but to think about the past in comparison. Especially, with everything going on with Tanya …. I knew, or at least I hoped, this was where he wanted to be, but it didn't stop the occasional worry that he would decide my decisions from the past were just too much to overcome, leaving me again, to raise our children virtually alone.

I knew he'd never chose to be with her, but what was to stop him from wanting to start over, find someone that wouldn't have jumped to conclusions so quickly, someone who would have at least stopped to listen before making such a life altering decision. He had to wonder if a similar situation were to arise, would I again run—not fight for what I knew was mine? Did I love him enough to trust him never to betray me as I did that day? I knew the answers, I knew I'd never willingly let him go, that'd I'd never again doubt where his heart was. I knew in my heart he'd never stray, never leave me to doubt his loyalty, but did he know this … truly believe it?

I decided to push all my concerns aside and focus on the positives. He was there with us, and I could only hope it remained that way, after all, he'd only told me a million times since our reunion that he wasn't going anywhere. I needed to trust him as much as I needed him to trust me.

"I know. I'm excited, but I'm super freaked out, too. I don't understand how Alice is bouncing off the walls …. I mean, damn, she just found out today, too."

"That's just Alice."

"How do you feel?" I finally asked, snuggling back into his side. He quickly wrapped his arms back around me, comforting me with his embrace alone.

"Like you. Happy but scared," he assured, but then added, "I hope one of them is a boy though, for Masen." He laughed, and I couldn't help but join him.

Masen was determined the baby was going to be a boy, and I was secretly wishing for a girl. I was bitter of the fact that that wretched woman was going to give Edward his first daughter, but I was determined to be the one to give him his little girl. Our daughter would be his little girl; all I needed was the girl. Knowing we were having twins, I found myself wishing for both; to give Masen what he wanted, as well as me … though twin girls would be pretty cool too.

Daddy's little girls.

"We definitely gave him a better chance at getting what he wanted."

"That we did," he agreed, bringing his hands to rest on my belly, lightly rubbing his hands over it.

I sighed, tuning back to the news.

It was just after eleven when we shut the T.V. off and headed to bed. I was exhausted to say the least, and I had to be to work at seven. The lucky boyfriend of mine didn't have to be there until eight-ish … bastard.

Mmm, boyfriend … I never thought I'd say that word and be referring to Edward Cullen again.

Our nightly routine had become somewhat of a pattern—whether at his place or mine. I'd check on Masen, while Edward locked up and turned off all the lights. I then went to get ready for bed while he went in to check on Masen—yes, we both needed to check on him; neither of us was able to sleep without doing so. I would then climb into bed—snuggle into his side of the bed—while he went into the bathroom and completed his nightly routine. He'd then climb into whatever space was remaining and I'd drape myself over his body while his arms encased me.

"Did you lock the door?"

"Yes, Bella. I locked the door."

I asked this every night. I couldn't help myself. I knew it was redundant, especially since I always locked the door as soon as I come through it, or opened it for guests. My door was always locked, which would be the reason Edward received a key so early on.

"I thought Masen and I would just stay at your house this weekend," I whispered. "I figured it'd give you a little more time with him, considering you live closer to the hospital. I know it's not much, but we can let Masen stay up a little later …. I don't mind sleeping in a bit in the morning."

"That'd be great, baby. Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me, Edward. I'm doing it for selfish reasons too."

He kissed the top of my head and ran his hand up and down my side, lightly brushing the side of my shirt-covered breast.

"Oh, yeah? And what would those be?"

"Well, it's really only one reason …. Your Jacuzzi tub. I so can't wait to soak in that bitch."

Edward groaned. "How 'bout we both soak in it this weekend?"

I lifted my face to look at him. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I leaned up and took his bottom lip between mine, lightly sucking. Edward, in turn, repeated the same action on my top lip and before long, our lips were moving perfectly in sync, gently nipping and sucking at the others before I pulled way.

I sighed a regretful sigh and leaned my forehead against his. "I'm really tired."

Edward chuckled and brought his lips back to mine for a quick kiss. "Let's get some sleep, baby."

I smiled and snuggled back into my original position. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

It didn't take long for sleep to find me, but unfortunately, that sleep was extremely short lived. I woke up shortly after one to the faint sound of Edward's cell phone ringing from the pocket of his coat. When I say faint, I mean faint, because I heard it ringing from the closet by the front door.

I had superhero hearing apparently.

I sat up in bed, and looked around the room, confused a bit at first. "Edward," I whispered, shaking him a bit to try to wake him. He didn't respond, so I said it again.

Again, nothing.

"Edward," I tried again.

Yes, I know I could've gotten up and gotten it my damn self, but that would have required getting out of my nice warm, comfy bed, and I'm sorry but that wasn't gonna happen.

"Edward," I whined, shaking his shoulder, a bit more forceful this time.

"What, baby?" he finally answered, his voice was deep with sleep, sounding all sexy like. My mind quickly shifted to the growing arousal beneath my jammies, but was squashed almost as quick.

Snap out of it, Bella!

Oh, right!

"Your phone is ringing."

He sat up slightly, and appeared to be listening. "I don't hear anything, baby …."

"It's in the closet by the door."

He looked at me like I was nuts, raising his eyebrows. "You can hear it from the closet, Bella?"

I nodded meekly.

He stared at me for a second longer, but threw the blankets back to get out of bed anyway. I sat in my same spot, as he opened the bedroom door and headed for the phone that had stopped ringing once he hit the hallway. He went to get it anyway, and I heard him cussing as he came back to the bedroom door.

The phone started ringing again, and he quickly silenced it as he shut the door.

I didn't need to ask, but I did anyway. "Tanya?"

"Of course." I held my hand out for the phone, but he shook his head. "Uh uh. You've had enough going on today, no way. Your body is under enough stress as it is."

I pouted but he answered it anyway.

"It's one thirty in the morning, Tanya!" Edward spat. "So …? Are you fucking insane …? Yeah, well, don't call me again, unless it's to tell me you're in labor." With that he hung up the phone.

"What the …?" I let it trail off, but he just stared at me. "Edward?! What did she want?"

"She wanted me to bring her a fucking cheeseburger."

"What?"

"Apparently, she's having a craving," he answered, climbing back into bed. "Then she proceeded to tell me if I would have put her in a real hotel, she wouldn't have had to call me. That was when I told her not to call me until she was in labor." He pulled me into his arms, and I sighed in contentment, snuggling as close as I could get.

We were silent for a long while, but then I started thinking about what he said she said, and I couldn't help myself.

"Edward?"

"Yeah, baby?"

"I want a cheeseburger." Some may say I was testing him, and in theory, I was. I wanted to know just how far he would go for me, and a cheeseburger really did sound good. Selfish, I know.

"Are you serious?"

I kissed his chest, smiling to myself. "Uh huh."

"Baby, it's almost two in the morning."

"I know …. Burger King is open twenty-four hours …. Please?" I was totally whining.

Edward sighed, and sat up. He kissed me on the lips, and then whispered against them, "Have I ever been able to tell you 'no'?"

"Um, no?"

He kissed me on the lips, and then moved to get up. "I'll be back."

I smiled in triumph. "Edward?"

"Yeah, baby?" he asked, turning to look at me.

"I love you."

Edward laughed, shaking his head. "I love you, too."

And then he was gone.

** Author's Note **

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