Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
SM owns the characters, I just play in the sandbox.
Part II
Morning arrived, and I wasn't even aware I had fallen asleep. My back on the other hand, is groaning at me, as I try to sit back in the chair. Apparently, I had fallen asleep with my head on his bed, his hand in mine desperate for the contact. Today is going to be another torturous day. Today I have to call Alice, Rose and most importantly, Kaylie…which means Tanya. Today is going to suck. Hard!
I slowly stand, feeling every bit of the position I slept in, and the pain it has inflicted on my body. I stretch out my aching legs and back with a groan. I look down at Edward's face and he looks so serene. It kills me to know that he'll be in pain when they allow him to wake up. I run my fingers delicately across the pieces of his face that I can, and press my lips to his forehead. His scent is masked with the sterile scents of the hospital, along with blood and musty smoke, but it's there, and I breathe deeply trying to single it out. With another press of my lips to the top of his head, I reluctantly make my way out of his room and into the hallway. Much like last night, it's eerily quiet as I walk towards the nurses' station.
A nurse, who is seated at the desk, notices me as I walk up and offers a timid smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Cullen." She offers softly.
"Morning. Umm, is there somewhere I can use my cell phone on this floor?" I ask her.
"Yes, of course. You're welcome to use the family waiting area you were in last night." She says as she waves her hand in the direction of the room behind me.
I nod in thanks, and cross the hallway into the room. This is not a phone call that I am looking forward to making for so, so many reasons. The main one being that I know Kaylie is going to completely freak out, and the second…well, let's just say that I still hate Tanya with a livid passion, and I am sure the feeling is completely mutual. We're civil enough for Kaylie's sake when we have to be, but I simply despise the woman. I really do not want to talk to her.
I take a deep breath and lean back into the not-so-comfy couch. Tanya answers on the second ring, in her snooty-as-all-hell tone of voice. Ugh! I hate this woman!
"Tanya, it's Bella. I have some news for Kaylie, but I need to talk to you about it first."
"Oh great. Here we go. What is it now Bella? Did you find out you're having twins or some shit?" she sneers.
Do not cuss her out. Do not cuss her out.
"Tanya," deep breath "Edward's been in an accident….and he's in the hospital." I say through gritted teeth and fighting off my emotions.
"Uh huh." Jesus Christ! That's your fucking answer bitch?
"Seriously, that's all you're gonna say?" I asked, immediately regretting taking her bait.
"What else, Bella?" she sighed, as if this entire call was such a waste of her time. I could almost picture her inspecting her manicure.
Swallow your pride Bella. Don't let her get to you.
I take another deep breath before going on, "He's in critical condition, and they have him in a medicated coma while his lungs recover. I am not sure when they plan to wake him up, but I wanted to call and talk to Ka-…."
"KAYLIE!" she screeched.
Fucking bitch.
I do my best to regain my composure so that I can be as calm as possible for Kaylie. I drop my hand that is clutching the phone to my lap, and take a few deep breaths. Do this for Edward. He needs you.
"Hi Bella!" Oh my sweet, sweet Kaylie. I immediately relax a bit upon hearing her voice.
"Hi sweetheart. How are you?"
"I'm good. I was just watching Justin Bieber on YouTube." Lord, ten year olds and the "Bieb".
I suppress a smile, and decide to just get right to it. "Kaylie, sweetie, I need to tell you something that's a little scary." I paused, and she was silent. "Remember how your daddy had to go to Arizona to help with the wild fires?"
"Yes ma'am." She half-whispered.
"Ok, well…" Shit! "Baby, daddy got hurt, and he's in the hospital. I'm here with him, and they are making him sleep until he gets better. They are taking very good care of him, but I don't know how long he will be here or when he's going to wake up."
Silence. I really wished that I could tell her this in person, rather than over the phone. I let the silence hang for a few moments, letting her process the information. Tears began to well in my eyes knowing that he heart was breaking just like mine.
"Kaylie, sweetie?" I asked, trying to get her to talk to me.
She asked softly. "Is daddy gonna…die?"
Fuck! Nothing could stop the tears from streaming down my face now.
"No! No sweetie! Please, please don't think like that. Daddy's gonna wake up, and the doctors are going to make him better. We have to be strong for him, ok? We have to think good thoughts." I'm a blubbering mess, but I can't help it. She voiced the thoughts I was too afraid to.
"Please Kaylie, don't think like that ok? Your daddy is a strong man, and he's…we just have to keep thinking good thoughts and say lots of prayers for him. Ok?"
Deep down, I am pissed at myself for not keeping it together better for her. My fears are surely making her even more scared.
"Ok." She chokes out through sobs, and I want desperately to wrap my arms around her and soothe both of our hearts.
"I'm scared Bella. I'm really scared." She sobs.
"I know sweetie, so am I. It's ok to be scared, just try not to think about bad things happening, and think about how excited we're gonna be when daddy wakes up. Sound like a deal?"
"Deal." She says reluctantly. "I love you, Bella."
"Oh, Kaylie…I love you too sweetie. I promise to call you and let you know how daddy's doing, ok? And of course, just as soon as he wakes up, too."
I give her a few more minutes to absorb the news, and lean on me, when I know that Tanya won't be much help at easing her fears. After we hang up with more promises to call her everyday, I wander back out to the hallway and to Edward's room. Nothing has changed since leaving him just minutes ago, but I still can't stop myself from scrutinizing all the machines for some sort of difference. I slip my hand into his, and give his fingers a small squeeze. Just like yesterday, his heart rate picks up, and I smile smugly before pressing my lips to his cheek and whispering in his ear.
"Yes, baby, I'm here. I love you so much. The kids love you, too." I pull his hand over and press it to my abdomen. "Just rest and get better for us…all of us."
xxx
Eight days. It's been eight days since the accident. That first day, I spent the majority of my time calling everyone; Rose, Emmett, Alice and Jasper, my dad and his parents. They have all either called or text me daily, however, it's been Emmett who has stayed in constant contact throughout the days, calling or mostly texting several times an hour. I don't think he'll admit it to me, but I can sense it when we talk; he's terrified, and it breaks my heart.
Dr. Ryan informed me last night that they would begin waking Edward up today, and explained slightly what to expect. It feels like Christmas and judgment day all rolled into one. I am excited, scared, nervous, anxious…hell, some emotions I can't even name or understand. He was very detailed in his explanation of what to expect during the process, but he also cautioned me not to expect too much from Edward either; that it may still be a few days before he is completely coherent enough to recognize that I am there. Of course, in the back of my mind, I know that Edward is aware of my presence already, so that has been enough for me.
I am mostly concerned about the pain that he will have when he wakes. The nurses have been very diligent about changing and redressing his burns, and I've been allowed to watch as they've done so. It hurts me to watch. I can only imagine how it feels, or will feel like to him when he's awake. The good news is, the burns aren't showing any signs of infection, but the bad news is, they aren't healing as fast as the doctor would like them to be. The worst ones on his neck and shoulder, where they had to do skin graphs, are the ones that he is most concerned about. The ones on his lower back have begun to "heal nicely" according to Dr. Ryan, and for that I am grateful, but I worry about what he's not telling me about the more severe burns. His lungs have been healing "as expected" and once Edward wakes, they will be running more tests to gauge his lung function at this point.
It's barely five a.m. when the morning nurse takes over her shift for the day. After she came into his room and checked all his vitals, she told me that Dr. Ryan would be by in less than an hour and determine exactly when he would begin the process of waking Edward up. My stomach flip-flopped at the thought, and I decide to run down to the cafeteria to eat before they begin, because it is going to take an act of God to get me away from Edward's side once they start. After my boring cup of decaf, a blueberry muffin and an apple, I send the usual morning texts to everyone and head back up to Edward's room. Dr. Ryan meets me at the door, asking if I am ready. Duh! I nod and offer him a restrained smile.
I immediately notice all the changes that have taken place in the room while I was gone, and it catches me off guard. He's been rolled flat onto his back for starters, and I internally wince, thinking that it will cause him more pain. His blood pressure cuff has been moved to his left arm, there is still an IV in his right, and they have placed ECG leads around his chest and over the left side of his rib cage. His breathing tube is still in place, but gone is all the gauze and bandages on his chest and head. There is tape that's holding bandages to the burns on his shoulder and neck, and his chest and face seem almost cleaner. Did they bathe him?
I'm not sure where I should stand, but I want, no I need to be close to him. There is a nurse on either side of him, both checking read-outs from the machines and giving their reports to the doctor. I settle for standing at the foot of his bed and observing, but I cannot handle not touching him, so I wrap my hand lightly around his ankles while I watch Dr. Ryan and the nurses begin the procedure.
I couldn't tell you what was happening, as I am much too focused on Edward's heart rate and breathing to pay attention. I am only mildly aware of the nurse on his right drawing up medication and injecting a syringe into his IV line. Now, realistically I know that he's not just going to sit straight up and say, "hey baby!", but I can't help but be minutely disappointed that there is not a single reaction to the medication. No blips on any of his machines, no changing in his breathing, just…nothing.
"So…what happens now?" I asked softly, my eyes glued to Edward's face.
"Now we wait." Dr. Ryan said firmly. "Remember that this medication will counteract the medication we've been using to keep him unconscious. But also, like I told you before, when he actually wakes up, is up to him."
"How long does it usually take? What can I do? How can I help him?" I can't help but ask.
"Mrs. Cullen, there is not a guaranteed time table. It's not a secret to any of us, that he is aware of your presence here. I believe that as long as you continue-"
"But…he will wake up, right? I mean, he has to wake up." I realize I am now squeezing Edward's ankles and loosen my grip slightly.
"There's no reason why he should remain in this condition any longer than a week. As long as his condition does not deteriorate, his prognosis remains good."
A week? He may not wake up for another week?
xxx
It has been almost three days since Edward was given the counter-drug to reverse the medicated coma, and he still hasn't woken up. For the last two days, I have done almost nothing but sit at his bedside and stare at him. Tonight, I've memorized him more than I ever thought I possibly could. The little bump on the bridge of his nose; the perfect plumpness of his lips, even if they are chapped and partially wrapped around the breathing tube in his mouth; the slight dip in the center of his chin, which is now covered with a great deal of stubble; his long, dark eyelashes and how they lay gracefully over his pale cheeks. His long and tapered fingers, and short, yet still dirty, fingernails. He is so elegantly defined, yet entirely masculine. He's perfectly beautiful. I catch myself imagining what our baby will look like. Will he or she have his beautiful blue eyes, like Kaylie does? Or even have his beautiful copper-colored hair? His hair, that has seemed to have grown just slightly over the past ten days, but it's still very short. I imagine that he's not going to be too excited about that, but it's only hair, it will grow back. Him being alive at all is so much more important.
I absentmindedly trace my fingers down the length of his arm, and am quietly fascinated at how soft his skin feels, and how my action is eliciting goose bumps to arise. I can't help but do it again. I let my fingers slide right down into the crook of his thumb and smile to myself as his long fingers start to curl around mine. It's such a tentative move, almost as sleepy as I feel. It's possible that's why it takes me a few seconds to realize that Edward's fingers aren't supposed to move.
My heart is suddenly in my throat, and I am terrified that I am about to get the biggest let down of my life, as I slowly drag my gaze back up his arm and across his shoulder. I take a steadying breath before I chance looking at his eyes. The air is burning in my chest as I fixate on his face once again. It feels like hours, but is likely only a few seconds that pass, but Edward's eyelids flutter. My heart skips a thousand beats, and I whisper hopefully, "Edward?"
His eyelids flutter again, and I catch a flash of blue and white. I nearly knock the chair over in my haste to jump up and frantically press the nurses' call button. I try desperately not to jostle him too much, as I sit next to him on the bed and grab ahold of his hand again and lean over his body.
"Edward?" I whisper again, slightly louder, but my stomach is doing somersaults in anticipation. His eyes flutter again, almost seeming to register my presence, opening halfway, before closing again. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face and I lean forward, pressing my lips to his cheek softly.
As I pull away, I see his mouth move as he tries to take a breath. However, the breathing tube prevents it and he starts to choke. I leap off the bed in fear, and at the very same moment two nurses rush into the room. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry, as I watch them work feverishly over him and begin to remove the tube. This action causes Edward to cough and choke violently, and I turn away from the painful sight. The sounds he makes as they pull it out go straight to my stomach, and I fight myself to keep myself coherent.
Oh my God! Edward's awake! Edward's awake!
My heart is beating wildly, and my chest begins to constrict with so many emotions, that if they don't let me get to him soon, I may explode. As soon, as they walk away from his bedside, taking the tubing with them, I dash back, and sit again next to him on the bed. I grab hold of his hand, and lean over him again.
"Baby? Can you hear me?" I say softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Edward's eyes flutter again, and again, until finally they open completely. His pupils are dilated, large and black, but he seems to focus on me only slightly. He looks so terribly weak.
"Be…" he croaks, but the sound catches in his throat and his face masks in pain as he attempts to swallow. I jump up from the bed once again, and pour a cup of water from the bedside tray. I press the incline button on the side of his bed to raise him up until he's almost half-sitting. Holding the straw to his lips, I watch in excited fascination as he takes a small sip and swallows thickly. One of the nurses begins taking his vitals again, while the other softly states that she's going to inform Dr. Ryan that Edward is awake. He takes another small sip of water and rests his head back heavily against the pillow. Just this simple, small movement from him causes me to feel every emotion plausible crashing down on me. I shakily set the cup down on the tray and turn back to him, only to see him staring right back at me, looking tired and confused.
"Hey baby." I say with a soft smile, as I place my hand on his chest directly over his heart.
"Bella." He says so softly, that I have to lean closer to hear him. I don't fight it anymore, and I lay my head on his chest, letting the weight of everything simply spill out in my tears.
I feel his right hand, weakly slide up my side and stop at the base of my neck, while his left meets mine on his chest. He's awake!
"Wh…what happened? I'm…hospital?" his voice is still so soft and scratchy.
I make no attempt to move as I answer him. "There was an accident, Edward. The fire took the team by surprise, and you were…hurt."
I feel his fingers on my neck making small passes back and forth, and am immediately calmed. He takes a few ragged breaths. He's awake!
"I…feel…awful." He croaks again. This time, I slowly and gently pull back, desperate to look into his eyes, but not about to let go of his hand. Oh, how I've missed those eyes.
His eyes flutter again, before opening wider, holding my gaze and offering me a weak crooked smile. Oh, Edward! I gently lean forward and softly press my lips to his. Velvet against sandpaper is what it feels like, but I don't care. I only care that I am even able to have this moment at all.
"It's…bad, huh?" he asks, as I pull away.
As if on cue, Dr. Ryan and one of the nurses enters the room. "I heard congratulations are in order. Welcome back, Mr. Cullen." He offers warmly. Edward smiles weakly in response, never breaking eye contact with me. His right hand drops back to the bed, and I clasp both of his in mine between us, as Dr. Ryan introduces himself and fills him in on everything that's happened. I can't stop the tears from falling, as I watch the play of emotions pass through Edward's eyes as he absorbs the details. I still have to tell him about Paul. I look down at our hands and try to focus on them, when he untangles his left from mine. He weakly raises it up to cup my cheek and I meet his beautiful blues again.
"Are…you…all right?" he asks, and I can't stop the blubbering giggle that escapes my lips at his absurdity. His right hand, still holding mine nudges my abdomen gently, and I know where his thoughts are going.
"I'm fine. We're both fine." I answer softly, pleading with my eyes for him to not even be thinking of the baby and me right now. He needs to focus on himself.
He lets out a soft sigh, drops his hand, rests his head back to the pillow and closes his eyes again. I softly run my hand over his cheek, across his lips and down over his chin to his throat, stopping at his collarbone.
"Tired." He half-whispers.
I lean up and place small gentle kisses on his cheek, the tip of his nose, each of his eyelids and finally a longer, lingering one on his lips, to which he responds with a gentle smile.
"Sleep then." I whisper as I pull away and move to get up from the bed. His hand weakly, yet still firmly, squeezes mine.
"Stay." He whispers without opening his eyes.
"Always." I whisper back, not letting go of his hand.
As Edward drifts to sleep, I register that Dr. Ryan is still in the room looking over his chart. Once I am certain that he's fully asleep again, I gently unclasp our fingers, slide off the bed, and walk over to him.
"Now that he's finally awake…what happens now?" I ask quietly.
Dr. Ryan motions for me to follow him out the door, and I hesitate to follow, looking back towards Edward.
"He'll likely sleep through the night with the pain medication we've just given him." When did they do that? "If you're worrying about him waking up while we step out, there's no need. He won't even know you're gone."
Has he not been paying attention? Edward KNOWS when I'm here. Duh!
In the hallway, Dr. Ryan informs me that in the morning they will perform the lung function tests again and will also replace the dressings on his more severe burns. He also states that Edward has been given a pain medication, and to inform a nurse immediately if he shows any signs of discomfort. He rattles off more information, which I can barely pay attention to, desperate to return to Edward's side.
Back inside his room, I pull the chair back over to the left side of his bed to sit, and grab a hold of his hand. I know he has woken up, but I can't help feeling like it was only a dream, as everything is right back to where we just were. From his bedside table, I grab my phone and send Emmett a quick text to let him know the good news and promise to call him in the morning. His response is almost immediate, and exactly the excitement I expected. I switch it off and place it back on the table.
Unable to help myself, I lower the head of his bed almost all the way down again, and climb up next to him. He stirs slightly, as I gently rest my head in the crook of his shoulder and he wraps his arm around me. Placing my hand over his heart, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Home, is the last thought I register as I fall asleep at his side, content for the first time in weeks.
xxx
December 2011
"Ugh! I look like a damn whale Alice!" I grumble, as I turn side to side in front of the floor length mirror. My floor length, silver-blue maternity gown sways with my turns. It's New Year's Eve, and due to being so late in my pregnancy, we decided that this year, we're holding the party at our house. I didn't want to have a party at all, but does anyone listen to the overly hormonal, large-as-a-house pregnant woman? Oh no! Why would they do that? I'm due in just two more weeks….Thank GOD!
"Shut up Bella, you look stunning as always. You do NOT look like a whale. You will, as always knock Edward's socks off when he sees you. Now, come sit down, so I can do your hair." She states with a pointed look, peeking her head out of my master bathroom, before disappearing again.
Frustrating, bossy little pixie.
With a huff, I take one last turn in the mirror. If I am being honest with myself, which is hard to do being this pregnant, the dress really is gorgeous. It has a unique design of woven lace in pale blue and brown that lays over a silver blue satin. The sweetheart neckline really hugs to and accentuates my "preggo boobies", as Edward likes to call them, and it has a silver-blue sash that ties above my ever-expanding baby bump to my back. My shoes are simple silver ballet flats. Alice did well picking it all out, as usual. It's flattering, but I still feel huge.
I walk to the bathroom and take a seat in the chair she has for me in front of the mirror. She goes to work curling my long locks, all the while blabbing on about what a "fantastic night" this is going to be. I'm trying, really I am, but right now, I don't even care that it's New Year's Eve. I just want to crawl into bed and try to sleep. Let's face it; I'm nine months pregnant, huge and uncomfortable. I don't get much sleep. The idea of staying up till midnight is already exhausting me.
Dammit! I'm grumpy too. Get over yourself Bella!
"So, when is everyone getting here?" I ask, trying to sound really interested. However, my back is starting ache from sitting in this chair while she's curling my hair.
"Rose and Em, should be here soon. Edward and Jazzy are at the condo getting ready with the kids." She answers, as I grab for the bottle of water sitting on the counter in front of me. I take a swig and nod at her, forcing a smile.
"Bella, I know you're not too excited about this party," she catches my eyes in the mirror, "but, it's probably the last time that we will all get together like this before the baby comes. Please try and enjoy it." I can see the longing in her eyes.
Damn, I'm being a bitch.
"I'm sorry Al. I really am. I know you've gone to a ton of trouble for this, and I promise to enjoy every minute of it. I'm just tired." I sigh, rubbing my hand over my bump, "Stinkin' little nudger kept me up almost all night. Seems to think that night time is play time in mommy's tummy." I giggle and she does too.
She leans around me and rests her hand on top of mine, right about the same time the baby does a "bump and roll". We both laugh a little harder this time. She comes around to my side and squats down speaking very closely to my tummy.
"Listen here BC," which is our nickname for the baby, since Edward and I decided we wanted to be surprised on the sex, so we've been calling him or her "Baby Cullen". Emmett immediately decided that BC was best, and it sort of stuck. "you stop giving your mommy a hard time, or you're gonna have to answer to Auntie Al when you get here. You hear me?" she coos, all the while still rubbing my belly. Another bump and roll. "See, BC's listening well already." She giggles and I roll my eyes.
"Now, another thing. This party has been no trouble at all, so stop thinking that. You know I love to do this, so just let me have my fun." She states matter-of-factly, as she resumes her position behind me and waves the curling iron at me in the mirror.
Annnnd….bossy pixie is back.
About an hour later, I'm done, attempting to rest on my bed with my back against the headboard. Alice has propped me up on dozens of pillows to keep me comfortable, but not "dare mess up my hair". I'm flipping through the pages of What to Expect When You're Expecting. I have my feet are propped on pillows, and while I should be comfortable, I'm not. My back is still aching from sitting in that chair while she did my hair. I shift a little from one hip to the other in attempts to redirect the pressure.
Alice is dressed and flitting about the house, which I still have yet to see how she's decorated, taking care of the last minute details before everyone arrives. I glance over at the clock on my bedside table to see that it's close to nine. I have no idea when everyone is supposed to arrive.
I sigh, rest my head back gently on the pillows and close my eyes. These last seven months have both crawled and flown by. After Edward was release from the hospital in Phoenix in early August, we flew home. He didn't return to work right away due to the months of physical therapy he had to undergo to regain both full lung function and full range of motion in his shoulder. Due to the burns and skin graphs, he had to retrain that skin and those muscles to move in that area. He was in a great deal of pain at first, and he was almost unbearable to be around. We fought a lot, but when he came to terms with the fact that he was just being a big, fat baby, and I called him on it, he relented. One night, in early October, he finally told me that he felt like he wasn't himself anymore, because he couldn't do all of the things he once was able to, and I told him he was being ridiculous. I never once saw him any differently; I only hated seeing him in pain. We had some great make-up sex that night. Which I made sure reassured him that he was still all the man I could ever need or want. He was back to his old self after that and was able to return to regular duty at the station before Thanksgiving. At this point, we don't know if he will ever be a "jumper" again, but I think that's mostly due to both of our fears about it. Just being a fireman is scary enough for me, but I don't tell him that. He does what he loves, and I won't stop him.
Soft music brings me back to the present as I slowly open my eyes. "Alice? Can I come out now?" I call to her.
She materializes in the doorway with a glass of something hot pink and bubbly. "I was wondering when you were going to wake up." She smiles as she comes around to my bedside.
"What?" I glance at the clock. Nine forty-five. Holy! "Alice, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep!" I say startled as I try to rise up off the pillows.
"Oh, please Bella. As if you could help it." She giggles and offers her hand. "Come on, everyone is here now." Shit. She helps me roll out of the bed, and hands me the drink. "It's bubbly, you'll like it." She says with a wink and then steps behind me and fusses with my hair and dress.
I take a sip of the pink bubbly concoction and it is good. "Mmm…what is this Al?"
"We're calling it 'Bella's Bubbly' tonight…but it's just cranberry juice and Sprite." She giggles.
As we exit the bedroom, I can hear the murmur of voices and the gentle beat of music. We pass by Madysen's bedroom, and I hear the giggles of children. I smile and peek my head around the doorframe. Kaylie, Sam, Madysen, Lynette, Robbie and Ben are all sprawled out on the floor with bowls of popcorn and pretzels, and boxes of juice. There are piles of blankets and pillows beneath and all around them. Even more than that, are the sheets that have been draped and hung to look like a giant tent. There are also twinkling lights strung across the ceiling making it look like a starry-night. Just the sight alone makes me want to crawl into the makeshift tent with them. Talk about a kid's heaven! They are all intently focused on the TV screen in front of them, unaware that I am present. Fun! I smile and turn with Alice to head to the party.
I take a deep breath as we enter the living area. There are people everywhere, laughing, dancing and drinking. I quickly scan the room as Alice leaves my side and heads into the kitchen. Once again, she has outdone herself. Much like in Madysen's room, there are strands of twinkling lights strung back and forth across the ceiling, but so many more than the kid's have. She draped a sheer white fabric across it too, masking the lights only slightly, but it sets off a beautiful glow. The theme of snowy white is present all over the house, and it's just gorgeous as I take it all in. A glance out the back door tells me there is more of the same outside.
I finally catch sight of the real reason I am still standing in this same spot. Edward. Dammit, he's beautiful. His hair is growing back slowly, but it's still somewhat short, but hot! He's wearing a simple black tux, and it makes my mouth water at the sight.
He's leaning up against the center island of the kitchen. He has his left elbow resting on it, and a drink in his right hand. He's smiling and laughing while talking to Jasper whose left arm is slung around Alice's shoulders. If I wasn't so hugely pregnant and uncomfortable, and there weren't a house full of people, I would probably, no, I would most definitely have my way with him right here and now.
I bite my lip and fight back those urges as I slowly make my way towards them. Sensing my presence, he slowly turns his head my direction. His eyes widen and then that damn panty dropping crooked grin graces his face. He lifts his glass, taking a sip, but his eyes never leave mine. I feel myself flush under his gaze, as usual, and slide up next to him; both of us knowing exactly what we're doing to the other in just that simple stare. He owns me, body and soul, and I him.
Setting his drink down on the bar, he turns to face me completely, pulling me into his embrace as best he can with my protruding belly. One hand finds its way to the back of my neck, the other around my waist, as he leans in and presses his lips to the spot just below my ear. I may have whimpered as my eyes fall closed.
"You're mouthwatering." He whispers against my neck, sending shivers across my skin. Finding no voice, I softly shake my head, and he chuckles softly. Placing more kisses across my jaw he whispers again, "You still don't see yourself clearly Mrs. Cullen. How do I prove it to you?"
"Edward…" I exhale and slide my arms up across his back, as I feel the weight of his words cause my insides to turn and I rub my thighs together seeking some sort of friction. Shit! Stupid, damn party!
He pulls back and looks into my eyes. I'm lost in a sea of blue, of lust and desire. "Happy New Year, Bella." He says as he leans down and gently presses his lips to mine. I fist his shirt in mine, he has me so damn turned on, and I am desperate to deepen the kiss. All too soon, he pulls away, and I may have pouted. He chuckles again, and presses his lips to my forehead.
"Let's mingle, shall we?" he smiles with a wink, offering me the crook of his arm. Still pouting, I slide my hand into his arm and we do just that.
Another hour later, I'm sitting out on the back, porch lost in watching the flames lick at the air from the fire pit. Edward is next to me, his hand grasping mine in my lap, while he laughs and talks with some of the new guys from the station. My back is still sore and achy and I am pretty much feeling spent. I'm doubtful I will make it until the stroke of midnight. I feel Edward squeeze my hand, and turn my eyes to meet his. I am suddenly aware that we are the only two left sitting here as he leans over and presses his lips to mine. My body becomes fully alert at this point, and I slide my hand to the back of his neck, pulling him closer and this time succeeding in deepening the kiss. "I love you." I whisper against his lips as we pull back for air.
"I love you, more." He returns, his lips smiling against mine. His hand rests on my thigh and his thumb is circling close, oh so close, to where I desire for him to be at this very moment. He's suddenly up and out of his chair, pulling me with him towards the back of the yard. Soon after we married, Edward purchased a gazebo to adorn the yard. We surrounded it with bougainvillea and bird of paradise, knowing they would grow well here in San Diego. Alice has decorated it as well with tons of twinkling lights and it feels magical. He pulls me to the center and wraps me in his arms. "Dance with me." He states softly, and I blush. There's nothing better than being in his arms, how could I possibly deny him. We slowly turn and sway with the soft music echoing from the house.
"Are you having a good time?" I ask him, as I gently stroke the hair as the base of his neck. It's still too short to run my fingers through, but it's soft as it's always been.
He smiles softly back, "I am now." He pauses, seemingly for effect. "You're glowing tonight Bella. I never thought it possible for you to ever be more beautiful. But that changes daily. You're more beautiful everyday." He says softly as he brings one hand slowly around my tummy and rubs it tenderly.
"You have to say that, ya know. It's in the vows." I tease and he chuckles. He "hmms", his expression turning more serious and slowly trails his hand lower, never breaking eye contact, while with his other hand he cups my face.
"So, if that were true, I'd never have to tell you then?" he teases back, as his face inches closer to mine. My breathing hitches as the back of his hand glides back and forth under my bump, so close to my center.
My eyelids flutter, and I begin to lose track of the conversation. He's had me wound up for hours, and now he's teasing me. I feel my body responding, warming to his touch.
"Bella?" he whispers again as my head falls back and his lips dance across my throat.
"You…umm…yes? No?...what?" I stutter, and he chuckles again. He grips my dress in his hand at my hip, and I feel his arousal press into me. My head snaps up and we lock eyes. Desire and lust are dancing behind his, and I feel myself grow wet at the sight.
He grips me tighter and pulls me closer, crashing his lips to mine. It's needy, hot, relentless, and I can taste just a hint of alcohol on his tongue. I suddenly feel the bench seat press into the backs of my legs and I grab forcefully onto his shoulder's to keep upright. He breaks the kiss, and eases me down slowly gathering the fabric of my dress in his hand and pulling it up. The chill of the air hits my legs and a shiver dances through me. Though, I'm not sure if it's the air or him. He kneels down in front of me and softly trails his hands up my calves, around my knees and over my thighs. I brace myself with my arms on the bench as my head falls back. One hand finds its way under my dress, as he ghosts it across my hip and then back towards my center.
"Jesus, Edward…please?" I half whisper.
"Please what love?" he smirks, knowing full well what he's doing to me, as he makes the same circuit with his hand again.
"Oh my….Edward…please, touch me." I shamelessly beg.
"As you wish." And his hand palms my dripping core. I hear a tearing sound and realize I now am commando. At the same moment he presses and pumps his fingers into me, and circles my clit with his thumb.
"Oh…shit!" I gasp, trying not to scream out, still somewhat aware that there is a party back inside the house.
"You're so fucking beautiful Bella." He says, and I realize he's right in my face again. I sling one hand up and grab the back of his head, forcing his lips to mine. Again, overcome with need and desire for him. Our tongues tangle and dance as I feel the coil in my stomach tighten, and just before I fall over the edge, he stops. I gasp and pant. What the fuck?
Edward quickly lifts me to my feet, I'm somewhat unstable, and I hear the distinct sound of his zipper. As I come to my senses, I reach down and fumble with his belt, attempting to help him. He slides his pants and boxers down, and I grip his erection. I slowly begin to pump, when he grabs my wrist to stop me. I look at him, a sure look of confusion on my face, and he cups it, quickly pressing his lips to mine and pulling away. It's all so fast my head is spinning. As he releases my face, he grips my dress at my hips and pulls it up and over my tummy and returns his fingers to my core, his mouth on my shoulder. I feel my knees go weak, and he grips me around my back. He slowly sits on the bench, guiding me with him. As I move to straddle his waist, his hands find purchase on my hips. I place my hands on his shoulders, as his smoldering eyes meet mine. He reaches between us and guides himself to me. I slowly, yet firmly slide down onto him, and we both hiss as he's buried completely inside of me. His head falls to my chest, and mine to his hair.
"Shit, Bella…how does it always feel like the first time with you?" his emotion heavy in his words. I press my lips hard to his, as we begin moving together. He rocks his hips, as I slide up and down. Despite the chill of the December air, I'm anything but cold, as our bodies collide. He reaches between us, and rolls his fingers across my clit, and I bite my lip to keep from crying out.
"Fuck, Bella!" he cries, as he continues to pump inside of me with abandon.
"Edw...oh…Ed-ward!" It doesn't take long, and I am falling over the edge, bringing him with me and milking him for everything he has. It's intense, and my body trembles on top of him as I try and slow my breathing. As we slow our movements, I feel him soften inside of me, but I still make no move to get up. My body literally feels like Jell-O, and I hold onto him with all I have, completely spent.
I slide my hands across his shoulders, up his neck and into his hair. We kiss and it's soft and gentle, yet equally dizzying. His hands lazily play with my legs and hips, while I slide mine through his hair.
"I love you." He whispers against my mouth.
"I love you." I smile back.
Regaining some strength, I move up off of him to stand, as he does the same. It's pretty much in this instant where things seem to happen in slow, yet fast-motion. As I right my dress, I feel a warm trickle down my thigh. Gross, is my first thought. Holy Shit! is my second. Edward is tucking his shirt back into his pants, when he notices my frozen state.
"Bella? Bella, what's wrong? Baby, are you ok?" he's in front of me, my face in his hands, my hands on my swollen, hard as a rock, belly.
I'm sure the look in my eyes is somewhat panicked, as his widen in some form of understanding. He looks from my eyes to my tummy and back to my eyes. His hold a look of sheer terror.
"What's wrong? Bella…BELLA! What's. Wrong?" He asks firmly, still gripping my face.
"I…I…I think my…water just…broke." I stumble out. He sucks in a breath, and before I know it, he's swept me up into his arms bridal style and is running back towards the house.
It's some time in from that moment, the commotion of the party crowd, Alice and Rose at my side on the couch, each gripping a hand, which I snap out of it. I don't have much choice; it's when I feel the first contraction, and "Oh. Holy. Shit!" I cry out, gripping my stomach. I forgot…how could I have forgotten how fucking painful these are?
"Ok, come on Bells, let's get you changed." Rose states, pulling me to my feet. Her on one side, Alice on the other, they guide me to my room and help me quickly change out of my dress and into something more comfortable.
Edward comes in, yielding our bag for the hospital and has already changed into jeans and a grey t-shirt. "The kids are all asleep. Emmett and Jasper agreed to stay here with them, and handle the party. I assume you two aren't leaving her side?" he smirks, as Rose and Alice both nod. "Well…let's get going then." He says, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. I walk up next to him, and lace my fingers with his. He leans down and presses his lips to my forehead and then guides me out of the room and out the front door. We pile into the Tahoe and are on our way to the hospital.
Everything happens in a blur at this point…getting a room…monitors hooked up…Dr's and nurses checking my progress…an epidural….but before I know it, I am being told "It's time."
Edward is at my side, a death grip on my hand, or it could be the other way around. Alice and Rose have left the room, letting Edward and I have these moments together.
Twenty minutes and several pushes later…I flop back onto the bed, gasping, crying, elated. A tiny, gooey, wailing bundle is placed on my chest, and a large sob escapes me. There are nurses rubbing over it feverishly, wiping away the "goo", and I feel Edward squeeze my hand, his other sliding through the sweaty mess of locks on top of my head. I look up at him to see tears cascading down his face and a smile so large; I think my heart might just burst. He crashes his lips to mine, and repeats over and over, "Thank you. I love you."
"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, congratulations! It's a Boy!"
Masen Anthony Cullen was born, screaming and wailing, at 12:01 am, January 1, 2012. He was seven pounds, six ounces, nineteen and a half inches long. Green eyes, brown hair...and his daddy's dimpled chin.
Emmett is already calling him "MAC".
THE END
Chapter End Notes:
Ok, I can finally let this story go now ...the present day stuff...well, it just wouldn't leave me alone, so I knew I had to finish it off, or go crazy! LOL I am working on something new, so add me to your fav's to be alerted when it posts! :)
Lots and lots of love! Till next time!
xoxoxox
Marie