A/N: Because you've all been such amazing readers, here's another chapter of your pressie. 3

Chapter-9: EPOV

Hey there Sergeant,

No, you know what? I prefer Soldier Man better, because you're my man. Anyway, I won't ask where you are because I know you won't tell me. So just tell me that you're safe, healthy and happy, OK?

Oh! I have to tell you about this cutest thing Evie did the other day. Apparently, Emmett taught her that she's going to have a cousin who lives inside me for now. So she's started hugging me and whispering to the baby asking him to come play with her. Of course then your stupid brother-in-law ruined it by telling her the reason behind her cousin being inside me—he told her that I ate the baby! Can you believe it? I've threatened him with a noogie from you when you come home. You will do that for me, won't you, Edward?

You'll be pleased to know, Sergeant Cullen, that I have scheduled an ultrasound next Monday. So that's when we'll know whether we're having a boy or a girl. I know you keep saying that you think it's a girl, but I kinda want a little Edward running around the house. Will it upset you if we have a boy?

I don't know if it's the loneliness or not, but I swear I've been feeling movements inside me for the last two days. It mostly happens when I forget to eat. So apparently, our baby is growing up to be a foodie.

I miss you, Edward. How many more months to go before you'll be home? I think the baby misses you too. He's almost as restless as I am in the nights when I wish you were there with us.

Please stay safe, honey, and come home to us when you're done saving the world.

Yours,

Bella.

I reread the email a few more times until I have it almost memorized. Although she tried to keep things sounding upbeat, I can detect the constant anxiety and fear she must live in for my safety. It's moments like this when I desperately wish I could go home just so I could wrap her up in my arms.

I laugh at her description of Emmett's antics; having Emmett around will definitely keep Bella's spirits high. I feel grateful that Rose had her move to an apartment closer to them.

A part of me, a very tiny yet prominent part of me, envies my sister and her family, including little Evie. Not because they're at home and I'm not; no, I envy them because they get to be there with Bella, see her and our child grow while I'm stuck here yearning to get a chance to talk to the baby like Evie does.

Taking a deep breath, I start composing my reply to her.

Hello Love,

I'm happy to report that your man is very much healthy and safe. He's just a little homesick for you, but these next few months will go by quick. I'm sure of it.

Emmett is still a big man-child I see. Don't you worry, honey, when I get home to you, I'll give noogies to anyone who's given you trouble.

Bella, never think that I'll not be thrilled to have any child you give me. While I must tell you that I was not a handsome child, if you wish for a Little Edward, you'll get him. If this baby is a girl, which I feel she is for some inexplicable reason, we'll try for that baby boy whenever you want. I just want both my child and my wife to be healthy.

Now a foodie baby sounds very much like me. I'm sure she's taking after me in that aspect. Also, I think she knows that her daddy won't like mommy skipping meals so she's just keeping you healthy for me.

I know, baby, I miss you too. We're halfway there, sweetheart. Just six more months and I'll come home to you. I promise.

Things here are hot, sweaty and icky … exactly how you expect it to be when you stick a bunch of rowdy dudes in a tent.

I'd love to see the sonogram picture when you get it. Will you send it to me in your next email?

I love you, Bella, with all my heart.

Your Edward.

"Sarge, we gotta head out," PFC Black says to me from behind.

"Yeah," I tell him. "I'll be right there."

With one more glance at the email, I hit the send button before picking up my gear and walking out of the communications tent.

After switching place with the Bravo Team to patrol the surrounding area, I divide my team in smaller units. I decide to patrol the perimeter by myself, but Black, ever so eager to learn from me, requests to accompany me.

Together, we cover half of the perimeter in silence. I'm about to suggest that we do an about turn when a soft whistle-like sound passes us by from overhead. It's so low and flitting that I don't get the chance to discern whether it's created by a bird or the wind or worse … a human. Instinct takes over, I drop to my knees and grabbing Black's arm, yank him down next to me.

A split second later, a distinctly familiar whistling sound rushes past the spot Black's head was just seconds before.

"Is that a bullet?" Black asks me, his eyes wide with fear.

I nod, dragging him with me to a ditch I can see. Thank you God for the unseasonal rain this evening!

Once we're lying in the ditch, I grab my radio and say in a clear voice, "This is Alpha Team. We are taking fire.. Send reinforcements, stat."

A/N: I know I'm terrible for leaving you hanging, but it felt like the right place to stop for now.

Four more chapters to go after this.

Thanks for reading.

See you tomorrow.

Love,

Ann