Hey! I'm back and with me my regular updates. Thanks for reading and reviewing. For those who are interested my vacation were good. I read a lot. Thank you for waiting and I'm sorry for taking so long but my mom only let me use the laptop to check my e-mail. I only came back yesterday but I already had the chapter lined out in my mind and I work as fast as I could to update today. I know some of you are anxious to read this chapter so I'll leave the rambling for some other time. I hope you like the chapter. Don't forget to review.

Disclaimer: SM owns all the characters except Luke and the triplets.

Chapter 16

Edward's POV

As soon as Bella entered the car Luke took off. When we could no longer see the car we returned to the living room.

"This is going to be so great." Alice squealed. "An entire week with the kids..."

"Don't speak so loud. They may wake up!" I warned.

"That's very fatherly Edward but aren't you excited? You'll get to spend a whole week with them. Not just the afternoons but the entire days."

"I would be more excited if they didn't hate me or ignore me. I don't know what's worse. I would also be more cheerful if I didn't have to be away from Bella for a week when I just got her back." I explained.

"They don't hate you. They just don't trust you enough yet. That's why you should use this week to get closer to them. They just need to get used to you." Rosalie said. It was strange to see her like this: understanding, calm and so happy. She was just as excited as Alice but thankfully she could contain it. I know that Rosalie's biggest wish is to have a daughter or a son, that's why she's so revolted by what we are. It's good to know that she will settle for a nephew and two nieces. I don't think I ever saw her like this. When Bella showed up with the kids I actually thought she would hate her and me for having what she always wanted and never will have.

"But I don't know how to get to them. This is all new to me. Until a few days ago I had never even thought about being a father. It's obvious I'm happy. I'm thrilled but I don't know what to do. I'm not like Bella who looks like she was born to be a mother. I see her interact with them and I'm not sure if I'll be able to do the same. Especially not on my own. If only she was here..." I was starting to freak out. I don't know anything about kids. I never had brothers or sisters. How am I supposed to take care of them?

"You're not on your own Edward, we're here. We will help you. Besides you're not as helpless as you think. Some things just come naturally. Bella would never leave them here if she didn't think you could do this." Esme said placing her hand on my shoulder.

"Exactly! Bella trusted me with them! What if I let her down? What if I can't do it?"

"You won't let Bella down. She knows you better than anyone, if she did this it's because she knows you can do it. And as Esme said we will be here to help you, son." Carlisle reassured. I felt better: first, because I knew that at least I would have my family's help; and second, because I could fell Jasper's influence. Waves of calm filled the room, making everybody relax and calm down.

I thanked them and went up to the kid's bedroom, where they slept peacefully. I had to admit that Alice and Esme made a wonderful job.

They were so beautiful; I would never get tired of looking at them, realizing how perfect they are.

I sat in the rocking chair placed in one corner of the room, just like I used to do with Bella. She had just left and I already missed her. I found some comfort in the kids presence. They were also a part of Bella. As long as I was with them there would always be a bit more of Bella with me.

I was so lost in my mental rambling that I didn't notice Alice had come into the room until she spoke.

"They are amazing, aren't they?"

"Indeed. I just hope that someday they'll accept me. It hurts to know that they don't trust me, that they don't like me. I know it's my entire fault but still..."

"They can't not like you. They don't know you. You'll see that by the end of this week everything will be better. And it's no use to keep blaming yourself. It won't do any good. You made a mistake," I glared at her. A mistake? That was an understatement. "Okay, a very big and stupid mistake, but what matters is that you're doing your best to amend it. Sooner or later they will see that, they are bright kids."

"The day they call me dad will one of the happiest of my life. Coming to think of it, all the best days of my life are somehow related to Bella. She makes everything better. When I think I couldn't be happier she does something that proves me wrong."

"Do you think you'll miss it?"

"Miss what?" I asked confused.

"Her humanity. Will you miss human Bella? You were always against turning her." She rephrased. I thought for a minute before answering.

"No. At least not as much as I thought I would. I was afraid that if she became a vampire I would miss too many things about her: her blush, her clumsiness, her sleep talking..."

"You were afraid of not loving her so much."

"I was just afraid she would be too different. I was afraid it would change the way we felt about each other." I tried to explain.

"But nothing changed..." She concluded.

"Everything changed. But it was a good change. I love her even more. All the things I thought I would miss are not so important. Now I don't have to hold back, afraid I'll hurt her, I don't have to leave her to go hunting because we can go together, I don't have to wait while she eats or sleeps..."

"But you loved to see her sleeping."

"I did. It calmed me but I prefer when she's awake. I've been without her for too long. I don't want to waste any time. I wanted to change her but I was afraid of doing so. I didn't want to lose her. She's everything to me Alice. Now they are everything to me too." I said eyeing the kids. "My world is Bella and them. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my family."

***

Elizabeth was the first to wake up. She stirred and sat in the bed, slowly opening her eyes and taking in her surroundings. She eyed the whole room until her eyes fell on me.

"Were you here all the time while we slept?"

"Yes." I answered unsure of what to say. Would they prefer I didn't?

"Mommy does that too, sometimes." She commented.

"Are you hungry? I can ask Esme to prepare something..."

"Do you cook?" She asked interested.

"Just eggs." I said ashamed. Being a vampire I didn't need to eat therefore there wasn't necessary to know how to cook. The only thing I could prepare was eggs. It was the easiest.

"That would be great." She said smiling. Was she really asking me to cook her breakfast? I waited for Lillian and Luke to wake up and while they went to the bathroom I made my way downstairs to the kitchen to start preparing their breakfast.

Esme had already everything I would need laid in the counter. I quickly prepared everything and when they came down with their pajamas still on, breakfast was ready.

"Has mommy already called?" Lizzie asked. She was clearly the one who felt more comfortable around us.

"No she hasn't but I'm sure she will soon." I assured them. "What do you think of the eggs?"

"Very good." Elizabeth complemented giving me a small smile. I felt a smile of my own appearing in my face.

"What do you want to do after breakfast?" Alice questioned.

"Can we play outside?" Luke asked eager. "You have a really big yard and no neighbors so..." He trailed off.

"Sure." Alice chirped. "Can I help you pick your clothes? Maybe we could go shopping sometime." I just hope my kids are all like Bella when it comes to shopping. Our family can't handle more than one shopaholic.

"We don't mind if you help us pick our clothes... but... about the shopping thing... maybe we can think of that... some other time." Lizzie said. I hold back my laughter. I think Alice will have a hard time convincing my kids to go shopping with her. Maybe Bella has warned them about my crazy shopaholic sister.

"Okay. We'll talk about it later." Alice peeped.

After the kids finished their breakfast Alice and Rosalie went upstairs with them to help them dressing and Jasper and Emmett went to the living room to play videogames, leaving me and Esme to clean the kitchen, since Carlisle had already left to the hospital.

After being dressed the kids went to play outside and I went to my bedroom. The glassed window allowed me to watch them play.

I glanced around the room and my eyes fell on the big piano that rested in one of the corners. It had been too long since the last time I had played. After leaving Bella never again I touched the piano. Maybe I should start playing again. She had always loved to hear me.

I unhurriedly seated in the piano bench letting my fingers wander above the piano keys before pressing them, letting the melody fill the room. It felt so good to play again. My love for music had never faded but in the last five years I had done nothing besides hunting and thinking about Bella. I just couldn't appreciate anything but now that I have Bella back, I feel free and happy again.

"Mommy said you play very well. She was right." A small voice sounded above the slow music. I was so focused that I didn't noticed Lizzie coming in. She was standing by the door and I turned around in the bench so that I was facing her.

"Thank you."

"Will you play something for me?" She asked.

"Of course." How could I deny this to her? I thought I would burst with happiness. She came to sit by me in the bench and I started pressing the keys not really thinking about what I was playing. It started to be one of Esme's favorite song but when I noticed I was playing Bella's Lullaby.

"It's so beautiful." She whispered amazed when I finished.

"I composed it for your mother when I met her." I told her.

"You composed a song for mommy?" She asked surprised.

"I did. It's a lullaby. I used to hum it to her at night so that she would fall asleep."

"Is this your room?" She questioned getting up from the bench.

"Yes Elizabeth." I simply answered.

"You can call me Lizzie or Beth. Whatever you prefer."

"Did you know that Elizabeth was my mother's name?"

"I didn't. Why are there so many photos of mommy in here?" Through the last five years these photos had helped me remember that what I had with Bella had been real and made me feel that a bit of her was still with me. "Where was this one taken?" She asked pointed to a picture that was hanging in the wall.

"The Prom."

"Mommy was so beautiful. She seemed happy."

"She didn't really want to go but she was happy." I explained.

"You looked happy too." She commented turning her face to me, waiting for a confirmation.

"I was happy. Very happy. I had never been happier."

"Did you love her?"

"More than anything in my life."

"Then why did you left? Mommy said you left because you didn't loved her anymore. Did she do something you didn't like? Why didn't you love her anymore? She's so beautiful and good." She was on the verge of tears. I reached for her little hand and pulled her to the piano bench so that she would seat beside me.

"I did. I do."

"Then why? Why did you left?"

"It's complicated." I didn't know if we should be having this conversation. She deserved the truth but I wasn't sure if this was the right moment.

"Try." She persisted.

"I left because it wasn't safe. It wasn't safe for your mother to hang out with us. She could get hurt. I didn't want anything to happen to her so I thought it would be better if I just left, so that she could be safe. Besides there were things I couldn't give to her. Or at least I thought I couldn't and she deserved everything. I thought it would be better if she lived a human life. If I knew she was pregnant I would have never left." I explained the best I could.

"Why did you tell her you didn't love her?"

"Because it was the only way she would let me go. It hurt. It was the worst lie I ever said and it was also the one who caused most suffering but I just wanted to keep her safe. I would do anything to keep her safe."

"So... you still love her."

"I do." We remained seated in silence for a few minutes.

"Will you teach me how to play the piano? I'd like to learn."

"Of course I will. I would love to teach you but we'll have to start after you eat because Lunch is ready." We left the bedroom and went to the kitchen.

***

By the time the kids were finishing their lunch I was starting to worry about Bella. She hadn't called yet. Had something gone wrong? Maybe she still hadn't news... Suddenly the cell buzzed and I answered at the first ring.

"Bella." I breathed. I was immediately surrounded by the kids and my family.

"Edward."

"Is everything okay? How's Renée?"

"She seems to be okay but the doctors are still making exams to know if there were any consequences. I'm so nervous. Phil's a wreck."

"Everything's going to be fine Bella." I tried to calm her. I just wish I could hold her in my arms.

"Yeah you're right. Have the kids behaved? How are they?"

"They're fine and they have been on their best behavior. Do you want to talk to them?"

"Of course." I put the phone in high speaker and hand it to Lizzie.

"Hello mommy. How are you?"

"How's Uncle Luke? And grandma Renée?"

"She's going to be okay, right?"

"Calm down kids. One at a time. I'm good and your uncle is fine too. I think grandma Renée will be okay but the doctors are still running some tests. What about you? Have you been good?"

"Yes mommy." They said in unison. Bella laughed.

"Good. I'm sorry but I have to go know, the doctor is coming. I'll call tonight to wish you good night. Okay?"

"Okay. We miss you mommy." Luke said.

"When will you come back?" Lilly asked.

"I still don't know hun but I'll come back as soon as possible. I miss you a lot too."

"Love you mommy."

"Love you too sweethearts. Now give the phone to your father please." Lizzie handed me back the phone and I went to the kitchen, leaving the kids watching TV.

"I miss you so much love. I wanted to be there with you."

"I know. I miss you too but I promise I'll come back soon. I really have to go now. I'll call again tonight. Love you."

"Love you too Bella." I ended the call. At least I knew she was fine.

***

The rest of the day passed slowly except of course when it was time for the bath. It's incredible how seven vampires take half an hour to catch a five year old kid. I don't know how they did it but every time we thought we were going to catch one of them they would just slip away. I think it's because they are smaller, because we are faster. Emmet almost broke the entire house trying to catch them. Esme wasn't pleased when she find he had broken her favorite vase.

I swear I don't know how Bella and Luke do it but I have to admire their guts and their patience. I never thought it would be this difficult to give the kids a bath.

Eventually we caught them. The house was a mess but we did it. The kids were amused. Of course they thought it was very funny that we couldn't catch them.

While they ate we cleaned the house. The bathroom was a mess. There was water and soap everywhere. Esme, Alice and I had been the ones to give them the bath and after that we had to change our clothes because they were all wet. It was kind of fun, actually.

After everything was cleaned and the kids had eaten their dinner we allowed them to watch TV until Bella call.

As promised, she called five minutes before their bedtime to wish them goodnight. The call was short because the kids were tired and she still didn't have any news about Renée's condition. When I told her about the bath problems she just laughed and said we would get used to it, that we just needed to practice.

When the kids were in bed I sat in the rocking chair and waited for them to fall asleep. Luke and Lillian fell asleep immediately but Lizzie was taking longer so I was careful not to make any noise.

"Daddy, are you there?" Her small voice sounded, full of fear, in the dark room. Wait! Did she call me daddy? I had probably misheard. I quickly made my way to her.

"I'm here. Did you call me daddy?" I wasn't sure I had heard well.

"Yes. You don't want to? I can..."

"No, no, no. Of course I want to. Nothing makes me happier." I was absolutely ecstatic.

"I'm scared of the dark and I miss mommy very much. She would always stay with me until I fell asleep so that I wouldn't be afraid." She said almost crying.

"It's okay. I'm here. I will stay until the morning. I will not let anything happen to you okay? You don't have to be afraid. Do you want me to go get one of mommy's sweaters?"

"No, just stay here with me. Can you stay here by my side?" She sobbed.

"Of course I can." I took off my shoes and laid next to her in the bed, making sure that the blanket was between us so that she wouldn't get cold. She placed her little head in my chest and held tight on my button-up shirt, sighing.

"Thank you daddy. I love you." There were no words to describe what I was feeling. Hearing those little words coming from her mouth had made me the happiest person in the world. I never thought it would feel so good, so indescribably. I felt her calming down.

"I love you too sweetheart. Sleep well." I started stroking her hair and humming Bella's lullaby. I decided that I would compose one especially to the kids. Soon she fell asleep lulled by the sweet melody.

So what do you think? Review and let me know. I need something that will bring Luke and Lilly closer to Edward but I don't know where my creativity is and I'm having some problems thinking of something. So please if you have any suggestions, tell me. If you have any questions ask away and I'll be glad to answer. I'll update as soon as possible. Don't forget to REVIEW. Again I apologise for not updating in so long. I'm almost reaching 300 reviews and I'm really happy for that. I never thought my first fanfic would have so many fans. You rock! HUgs