Edward worried about me for a while afterwards; not letting me be alone in fear that I would go into labor after what we did Christmas night, and no one seemed to suspect what we did either.
New Year's came and went and thus began my worrying over the birth of my son.
I spent a whole day packing and repacking my hospital bag then reorganizing the already organized nursery.
"Bella, what are you doing, deary?" Grandma was standing in my doorway watching me cleaning my already clean room.
"I don't know." I admitted, collapsing onto my bed.
The boys were outside shoveling the driveway while the girls were with mom helping her at work. Grandma and grandpa were still home watching over me, as usual.
I felt the bed dip and grandma rubbing my back.
"I know what's going on in that little head of yours, duckling. I worried constantly about my unborn children as did Esme, but you are doing everything that is expected of you and much more." She tried to soothe me.
"But what if something happens to me, grandma. I can't lose him. I can't lose him."
Grandma turned me around so that I could see her face.
"Isabella, you are an amazing mother, and God has smiled down on you giving you a child to love, a family to help and love you both. Plus your birth parents will always watch over you two. What ever happens, we will get through it all as a family." She assured me.
"Thanks grandma." I sat up as best as I could and hugged her.
"Now, I know that this is dangerous and against my better doctoring instincts, but you've been cooped up in this house long enough, Isabella. Go out for an outing, it will help to clear your mind."
"But…but…"
"I'll deal with everyone else, you just go and enjoy yourself, but there are rules for your safety. Keep your phone on and stay in areas that have reception, call us every half hour to report your whereabouts, finally, take the time to find a nice spot where you would like to take your son to every once in a while." She started off serious, but then smile lovingly as she always does in the end.
"Thanks grandma." I hugged her again then got up to get ready.
Grandma had to help bundle me up then distracted the boys with hot chocolate and loud music until I could make my escape. The music didn't help much to disguise my engine's might roar for I saw Edward looking out the window at me slightly angry. I just hoped that he would listen to grandma.
Luck was on my side, by the time I got to the end of the driveway I got a text from Edward with only two words. Be safe.
I pulled off on the shoulder and sent him a heart with the message I left you my heart, love after it.
Being outside really did help, the scenery of wintery Forks was beautiful and dreary at the same time thanks to the clouds. I'm sure if the sun was out then the snow would sparkle like diamonds.
I didn't know where I was going until I saw the signs for Port Angles city limits. Eventually, I found myself at the little park with the swings that I remembered from my childhood.
Although there was snow on the ground, it wasn't as blistering cold as it has been. I braved the weather and walked towards the playground to a picnic table and just watched everything.
No one was playing or around, it was just so calm, but I was imagining chasing my son on the woodchips surrounding the jungle gym. I, of course, would keep falling if I wasn't watching my step, but I was having fun and so was my son.
I imagined pushing my son on the toddler swings with Edward standing by my side.
Grandma was right; this was a nice distraction from worrying about what could happen to my son.
"What are you thinking about, Isabella?" An all too familiar voice said behind me.
I turned around fast and came face to face with my ex standing only a few yards away from the table I was sitting at.
"What do you want, Felix?" I gasped.
Fear was plaguing me, but I was trying to be strong for my son. This was not the father that he needed, and I'll be damned before anything happens to him.
"Oh just watching the scenery just like you. You always did like to observe everything and everyone, didn't you?" He paused walking further towards the playground away from me. "Always the mouse that wrote about the latest news of everyone's business, but never got the credit that you deserved with your fine work.
"I've been watching over you, Bella. Can you imagine how I felt when I learned that you were pregnant and that I was the father?"
I stayed quiet as he looked back at me, but I rose to my feet so that we were somewhat equal in stature. He wouldn't dare strike a pregnant woman, would he?
"I'm working hard for my child, Bella. I worked for a garage in Phoenix, but when I heard you were pregnant and adopted, I quit so that I could be close to the two of you. I want to you both back in my life, pet. I love you both." By this time, he had walked up to me with careful steps like he always did.
He was trying to be sincere, but it was all an act.
"Felix, I don't believe you." I spoke calmly. "You only took what you wanted then tossed me away like trash, but I've learned that I'm not trash. I'm a person who deserves to be loved by the person that I love and who that is, I'm sorry, but it is not you."
"Isabella, that is my child you are carrying; I helped to create that baby, therefore, I deserve to be part of its life." He was getting angry.
"Felix, please calm down and listen. Think about all that happened up to this point. You just had sex with me and then left saying that I was part of your childhood that you needed to leave behind. You scared me when you hit me and made me feel like dirt which I'm not. I'm the mother of a child, a daughter of two people who love me, a sibling, and a lover to the man that treats us the way we deserve to be treated."
"He will never replace the true father." He replied through clenched teeth.
"He will if you keep acting like this. You were always so territorial, and I thought that was because you wanted to keep me safe, but in reality, you just wanted to guard your property. Well, news flash for you, Felix. I'm not a piece of property. I am a human being who deserves love and kindness. You showed me that, but it was what it was; all a show."
"Bella, I…"
"Felix, the day you turned your back on me was the day you turned your back on your child. You cannot expect to just waltz back into my life or the life my child whenever you please. There is a man who has been with me every step of the way during my pregnancy and he will be there for me in the delivery room. I'll bet you won't even be able to stomach that. Like me, you've always been squeamish around bodily fluids. Even with sex, it felt like you were uncomfortable."
"You're right." He admitted after a few minutes of silence.
"About what?" I was just getting irritated now, but I had to hold it in or else we would get no where fast.
"Sex with you was uncomfortable. I thought I did love you, Bella, but it wasn't true love between a man and a woman."
"What are you saying?"
He came closer and sat on the table looking down at his hands for a few minutes before looking back up at me.
"You were the first woman I'd ever been with, Bella, but also my last."
Realization just dawned on me from his little explanation.
"I'm gay." He confessed hiding his face in his hands like he was too ugly for me to look at.
I swallowed my courage and sat next to him, but didn't touch him. I just waited for anything until I couldn't take it any longer.
"When did you know?" I asked.
"At the garage, there was this other dude who worked there. I just felt this connection the first time that I looked at him. It was like love at first sight, but I didn't even realize it until weeks later when he approached me.
"He said that there was nothing to be ashamed about what we were. We are still humans just with different interests. The first night we were together, I'm sorry, but it was the best night of my life."
"I understand, I've experience it for myself." I smiled encouragingly for he was telling the truth, that I could tell.
"We were fired because it was discovered what were at the garage, but instead of fighting it, we came after you; I don't know why, but we did. Does this make any sense to you, Bella?"
"I think you were frightened by what had happened and wanted to go back to what you thought was real; that was me." I reasoned remember all those psychology talks with Jasper. "But you shouldn't turn your back on true love, Felix. If this…man is the one that you are destined to be with then why fight it? It's only going to hurt you in the end."
He was quiet for a minute or two before speaking again.
"I suppose you're right. I hated being mocked by what I was. You remember, I've always been the bully; never letting anyone push me around. Now look at me, I'm hiding up here in a little town that no one knows about stalking my ex girlfriend who is carrying my baby when I should be with Demetri fighting against this injustice."
At that moment, he was the old Felix that I once knew. Only this time, he wasn't scary, he was passionate. He truly did care about his…boyfriend and his new lifestyle.
"So what are you going to do now?" I asked already knowing what to expect.
"I'm gonna go back down to Phoenix and fight until the day I die. Gays are people too no matter what anyone else says." He jumped off the table.
"I'm with you on that." I threw in my two cents. "But I do want to know something."
"I won't take our…your baby way." He answered me. "I've seen that family of yours, and they love you and the baby much more than I ever could." He grasped my hands softly in his huge paws. "Don't try to find me, and I won't come back to you, Bells. I'm sorry for all that I did, but that won't make up for everything. Still, I hope it can do something to make up for everything that I've done."
"Just admitting to who you are does help, Felix." I reached up and gave him a friendly peck on the cheek. "Thank you."
"Goodbye, Bella." With that, he walked away towards the parking lot. I watched him as he drove off down the road until he was out of sight.
Finally, I felt free as if all my worries had been lifted off my shoulders. I nearly wanted to jump up and down like Alice or Emmett when they get so excited that their bodies couldn't hold it in any longer.
"I'm proud of you, Bells." Another familiar voice drawled.
"Did you follow me, Jasper? I didn't hear you." I faced him.
He was coming out of the nearby trees and bushes.
"I'm much more stealthier than the average guy. It helps sometimes with sports."
"Did Edward send out a search party?" I asked.
"No, the roads were nice enough that I could take my bike out for a ride. It's kinda nice to get away from it all, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but what did you hear?"
"Everything, but I'll say it again; I'm proud of you, Bella. It took a lot of courage to stand up to him, and a lot for him as well to say all those things."
"It explains everything now, and now I'm just happy."
"You are happy." He smiled.
"Are you going to tell anyone about this?" I asked.
"I won't tell because it's not my place, but I do think you should. If only to Edward."
I nodded my head in agreement. Edward had been there from the beginning to help me overcome everything and protect me. He knows my story, but not about the messages from Felix. He deserves to hear it, even though, he might not be happy about it.
I drew in a big breath to help relax me as if my world just got lighter, but at the same time, I felt some pain going through my back and abdomen.
"Are you feeing alright?" Jasper asked.
"I…I…" Before I could answer, the pain started to intensify and I felt something warm coming down my leg.
"Jazz, I think my water just broke." He understood at once and took action immediately hardly looking fazed at all; just calm as he sprung into action.
His motorcycle was parked next to my truck, which he quickly loaded into the bed of my truck after putting me in the passenger side seat.
"Bella, breathe, darlin', breathe." He said in a soothing voice that didn't shake with nerves. I felt exactly the opposite.
"Jasper, please hurry." I begged holding my stomach trying not to scream from the fear and pain.
On the way, Jasper called the hospital. Luckily, dad was working and could easily tell my doctor that I was on the way.
Meanwhile, I was worried and in pain, but mostly worried. I was a few weeks early which I know can spell trouble for my baby. Especially since he has a heart problem to begin with.
"Jasper, when are you going to call the family?" I asked as another contraction hit. Jasper let me his spare bicep to squeeze.
"When we get you to the hospital and settled, Bella. We're concentrating on you two at the moment." Again, he didn't sound nervous.
When we pulled up to the urgent care area, a nurse and my doctor were already waiting for us with a wheelchair.
"Hello, Bella." How can everyone be so calm? I sure as hell wasn't at the moment.
"Hi." I squeaked as Jasper unloaded me.
"We have your room all set up, but your dad just got called into surgery." The doctor explained.
Jasper never let go of my hand as I was wheeled down the hall to the maternity room.
I wasn't comfortable sitting and didn't feel like I had the energy to stand, but I did with Jasper's help.
"Bella, this nurse will help you change and I'll be back in a few minutes to check your progress. Alright?"
I nodded my head, but didn't want to let go of Jasper's hand.
"I'll be right back, Bells. I'll call the others and be back before you know it." He smiled.
Again I nodded my head.
Getting dressed was a hassle and slow because another contraction hit. They were getting more and more painful. By the time I was dressed, Dr. Wang came back to check on me.
"You are at 3 ½ centimeters. We'll just wait until you hit ten before we start pushing." She instructed.
I looked at her like she was crazy. Could I really hold out for that long?
"Do you want an epidural?" She read my facial expression obviously.
"Please." I didn't mean to whine, but hell, I was scare out of my mind.
As the doctor left, Jasper walked through the door with the phone still at his ear.
"Do you want to talk to Edward, Bella?" He asked.
I nodded my head and grabbed at the phone when it was close enough. Jasper's voice may be soothing, but Edward was what I needed at the moment.
"Edward." I whimpered from the pain again.
"Bella? We're on our way, sweetheart. We'll be there in a few minutes. Just stay calm, alright?"
"What is with everyone staying calm? I'm freaking out here!" I finally asked. Please, someone explain this to me.
He chucked over the phone, which only made me irritated.
"Bella, love, we're only trying to make you calm. The stress is not good for you, you know that right?"
"Yes, just please hurry, I need you." I could feel the tears starting to come down my face.
"We're just getting in the car now. Is dad there with you?"
"He's in surgery…ow…Edward, this hurts."
"I know, baby. Just sit tight, Jasper will take care of you until I get there. I love you."
"I love you too." I smiled for the first time since this began then hit the end button.
"Bells, everything will be alright. Just calm down." Jasper was looking up at my heart monitor which was speeding up.
"I can't, I'm too scared."
He started to stroke my stomach and cheek rhythmically which I realized was what my heart should be.
"There you are, shhh, just stay calm and try to rest. The others will be here soon, Edward will be here soon. You have nothing to worry about." He whispered.
Usually Jasper's calm demeanor and touches make me sleepy, but when another contraction hit, all that went out the window.
"I'm sorry, Jazz, but it…" I started when the contraction passed.
"I understand, it hurts. The doctor will give you something for that in a little bit, but just try to rest. You'll need it." He started his rhythmic spell again which made me succumb to sleep this time.
A jolt of that familiar spark followed closely by a sharp pain from my abdomen woke me up.
"Agh." I screeched.
"I'm here, Bella, I'm here. Shhh, you're doing fine, love, you're doing fine." Edward's hand stayed securely in mine while his other hand was rubbing soothing circles on my lower back.
"Oh god." I breathed. The pain had really intensified from last time.
When I calmed down enough, Edward pushed me down to my pillows.
"When did you get here?" I asked still trying to catch my breath.
"A few minutes ago, Jasper said that you were asleep for fifteen minutes before we arrived." He answered.
I looked around the room, but we were the only ones there.
"Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Mom went to get you some ice, and I sent the others to the cafeteria because the doctor said that she would be coming in a few minutes."
"Did someone mention me?" Dr. Wang joked.
It actually made me laugh.
"Nice to see you again, Edward." She greeted him. "I came to check on your progress, Bella, and see if you are ready for the medicine yet. We are a little short on staff so I'm trying to do a few things at once."
I nodded in understanding and waited for her to finish.
"Just about at four centimeters. A little slow, but maybe it will speed up." She moved up to check my blood pressure. "You are a little higher than I'd like, but we'll keep an eye on that and you calm down, sweetie. Everything will be just fine."
"Will he be able to fit?" I had a small body and knew that my baby was pretty big for his size.
"He'll come out one way or another, but I'll set up for a c-section just in case."
Oh god, here comes another one.
I grabbed Edward's hand for all it's worth and squeezed the life out of it.
"Just breathe, Bella, remember to breathe." Dr. Wang instructed.
After a minute or so, the contraction passed and Dr. Wang said that she would send someone in to administer the epidural.
Mom came in a few minutes later with a plastic cup in her hands.
"Here you are, honey." The ice on my tongue felt good and cooled me down a bit.
"Thanks." I said then tried to relax again.
The others filed in soon after.
"So, are you ready?" Alice nearly jumped on my bed.
"I'm ready for this part to be over." I answered panting.
"I thought childbirth was suppose to be a beautiful thing?" She looked puzzled.
I looked at her like she was crazy. "Depends on where you stand." I growled.
She backed up a few paces behind Jasper, and for once, I didn't say I was sorry because there was no room for that.
"I brought a deck of cards," Mom announced, "It will help keep your mind focused."
"Where's grandma and grandpa?" I asked as Rosalie dealt the cards.
"Waiting for your father to chew him out for having bad timing." Mom laughed.
We played crazy eights, but I stopped every time a contraction hit. Edward diligently stopped too and calmed me down each time.
The nurse came in with my epidural about an hour later repeatedly apologizing for the delay. Everyone left except for Edward. I have to praise him, he has been a trooper through this whole thing. Not once complained about my grip, and almost reading my mind…knowing when and where I needed his touches.
Then when the needle came, he didn't flinch or squirm from the sight unlike me. I size of the needle and where it had to go scared the shit out of me. Still, Edward kept me calm until it was over then gave me another back rub afterwards.
This time, as the others came in, so did dad and the grandparents. It was sort of overwhelming with everyone in the same room at first, but they were quiet which helped me considerably.
Edward's Point of View
Bella has been a trooper through this whole thing. I'm so proud of her strength knowing that I could never do what she is doing.
She fought to keep this baby and now she was fighting through the pain to get him out and into her arms. I can't wait to see him and for this to be over for Bella. As proud as I am of her, I can't fathom the pain that she is going through. Even the epidural doesn't seem to be helping her much, although, grandma and dad say differently. I guess without the medicine, Bella's pain would be much worst.
I was only grateful that Jasper was with her when her water broke. I didn't want to think about it if she had been alone during that time.
Eight hours, it's been and so far, Bella is only up to six centimeters. The doctor says it's a good pace, but I'm more concerned with Bella. Her pain is my pain.
She's finally asleep and I had sent the others to go rest too; it's nothing more than a waiting game right now. Although, I'm tired, I don't want to sleep in case Bella needs me. I haven't left her side since I got here…ok only once, but I had Jasper take my spot until I came back from the bathroom. He seems to be the only one who can calm her down besides me. Again, I'm grateful for my brother.
"Edward?" She whispered.
I looked up from where my head was resting on the side of her bed.
"I thought you were sleeping, Bella. You need to rest."
"I think I'm too tired to sleep." She joked.
"Can I get you something, baby? Ice chips?"
She smiled again, but shook her head. She and her body were utterly exhausted.
"I have something to tell you though." She looked shy, but why?
"You can tell me anything." I smiled her favorite smile to encourage her.
"Promise you won't get mad?" Ok, where was she going from here?
"I swear, I can never get angry with you."
She raised her eye brow at me catching my lie. I can get angry with her just not for very long.
"I swear, I won't get angry." I rephrased my answer.
She hesitated for a minute or two before she spoke.
"You remember me telling you about my ex?" I nodded. "He followed me to Forks and had tried to contact me…intimidate me I should say."
"What do you mean?" He's been here, what if he tried to hurt her? I would have to murder him. "When did he contact you?"
"It was only twice since I've been here, but I saw him today."
"You met up with him?"
"No, he followed me, please don't get mad." She was begging me now.
Oh god, is she leaving me for him? It would only make sense, he is the biological father to her son.
I stood to leave, but she kept a death grip on my hand. I took a chance to tell her to let go, but in her eyes, there was fear and sadness. Was that from him?
"What did he do to you, Bella?" I sat back down, but the fear melted away from her eyes. She was afraid that I would leave her? Why, doesn't she want him?
"Why did you try to leave me?"
"I thought that you would want to go back to him?" I stated more as a question, she was confusing me.
"No, I want you…oh my fucking god." Another contraction had hit and a big one, I'd guess.
I helped her through it just I have been, but I still wondered does she want to go back to him?
When she finally calmed down enough, she answered without me restating the question.
"Edward, I don't want him. I love you so much that it hurts too much to be apart. He tried to get to me and my baby, but I put him in his place. He's never going to come after us again." She barely had enough energy to show her excitement.
"You don't want him?" I asked for clarification.
"No, he's gay. He didn't feel comfortable having sex with me." She laughed a little.
I released a big breath I didn't know I was holding.
"I'm sorry he didn't feel comfortable having sex with you, but rest assured that I found it completely fantastic." She giggled, but it was short lived by another contraction.
They were starting to come in faster now. I waited this one out then called for a nurse telling her of the situation.
The nurse confirmed that Bella was now at eight almost to nine centimeters and would tell the doctor immediately to set up for the delivery.
"We're almost there, love, you're doing great." I praised her while wiping some sweat from her forehead then kissing it.
"I'm so tired, Edward. I don't know if I can do this." She was tired from the sound of it. I vowed to let her sleep for 24 hours after this. I'd take care of the baby if I had to.
"How are we doing in here?" Mom came in.
"Almost home free." I answered.
"I'll tell the others." I was about to reject that idea, but she was out before I could say another word.
"Try to sleep, love." I cooed.
For a few minutes she was asleep until a nurse came in to check her monitors.
It was almost time, I could feel it. I was just praying for an easy birth. Bella was exhausted enough as it was. I'd hate to think of putting more pressure on her.
A couple more hours passed and Bella's contractions were getting worst. I asked if the medicine was wearing off, but the nurse told me that they could not give anymore at this point. Bella was pretty much ready to push, and boy, was she frightened.
"I'm not ready for this." She begged me with tears swimming down her face.
I had to be tough on her. "You can do this, Bella. It's too late to back out now. You can do this."
"Alright Bella, at the next contraction I want you to take a big breath and push. Edward count to ten. Ready, now." Dr. Wang ordered.
Bella wanted no one else in the room besides me, the doctor, and the required nurses. She didn't want a big fuss and no cameras.
I counted slowly while holding Bella up as she curled over pushing with all her might. Her face was red and blotchy from the tears and the lack of oxygen.
"Big breath and push again."
Bella did it again and again. She has been pushing for half an hour and the baby is making slow progress. By this time, I'm sitting behind her because her body is becoming too exhausted to stay up.
"Finally the head is crowning."
"Thank fucking Christ. Doesn't this kid ever want to come out?" Bella nearly screamed.
It would be funny if this wasn't happening to my girlfriend.
"He does want to come out, but remember the difference in sizes, love." No matter how much she pushes me away or puts me down, I'll always stand with her. Besides, she doesn't really mean it at the moment.
"Edward, I am not having sex with you unless you get a vasectomy." Ok, now she's scaring me.
The nurses and doctor were even laughing at that one, but I just hope the threat wasn't real.
"Alright, we are ready to go ahead, but we will slow down again for the shoulders. They may be our biggest obstacle." The doctor muttered. I'm not sure who it was for; probably for her nurses, but it had me concerned.
"Almost done, baby, you're doing great." I whispered in Bella's ear.
She let out another scream as she pushed again, I'm pretty sure my hand is going to be black and blue tomorrow, but I didn't give a fuck.
"Slow down, Bella. We've got to maneuver the shoulders. I don't want you to tear."
"Almost done, love, he's almost out."
"Hurry it up already." She whimpered.
"Ok, this should be the last few. Go ahead, Bella and show me what you've got, girl."
Bella took another big breath and somehow conjured up enough energy to keep going until she flopped down on me and the room was filled with a baby's cry.
"Well hello baby boy." The doctor chuckled holding a bloody, pink screamer. "Daddy, get over here."
I carefully got up and laid Bella down on the pillows. She looked so happy and tired at the same time.
The doctor handed me the scissors and told me where to cut. I separated the baby from his mother then followed him to where the nurse was cleaning him up.
"He's a good size and listen to him, he's as strong as an ox." The nurse commented.
He was a big baby which made me wonder how he came out of my tiny Bella. His skin was less pink as the blood was coming off, and his hair was dark chocolate brown with curls. He looked so much like his mother.
Suddenly, I heard Bella's monitor beeping at an unhealthy rate.
"Get the baby down to the nursery. You two, help me with her. I will not lose another Swan." Dr. Wang was barking out orders, but I wanted to know what was happening to Bella.
She looked so pale, but glistened under the lights from her sweat.
"Sir, you have to get out of the way. Come with me to the hallway." The nurse with the baby was pushing me out, but I felt rooted; I wanted to see what would happen to Bella.
She was such a good mother, but why would she leave her son now?
Somehow, I ended up on the other side of the door and broken out of my haze by my family coming up to me asking me questions I couldn't understand.
"Edward, Edward, what happened?" Dad's voice finally called me back.
"I don't know." I simply said feeling empty.
"Is Bella alright? What about the baby?" Mom asked.
Before I could answer anymore questions, Bella's doctor came out of Bella's room.
"She was so tired, her blood pressure dropped. We countered the problem and she will be fine with some rest." She explained.
"Can I go back and see her?" I asked. I was getting in there one way or another.
"Only you, Edward, but the rest of you I can take down to the nursery to see him. He really is beautiful." She answered with a smile.
"Thank you." Those two words meant more than just allowing me to go in. She save my Bella.
I opened the door and was welcomed by the sound of the heart monitor beeping at it's normal rate. From the sound of it, Bella was asleep.
She looked so peaceful and beautiful at the same time; it made me fall in love with her all over again.
One of her arms was draped over her now flat stomach which looked strange to me after all this time seeing her with a pregnant belly that grew everyday since we met. She was beautiful then, but she is still beautiful now.
Her other arm was stretched out with her palm up as if she were waiting for me. Without hesitating, I placed my hand in hers and felt that familiar spark that I'd grown accustomed to.
I meant for the kiss on her cheek to be soft to not disturb her, but her eyes fluttered open.
"Good morning." She said.
I couldn't tell if she was serious or pulling my leg.
"Don't you mean good evening. It's nearly midnight."
"Why did you wake me up, I had a dream that my baby was finally here." She patted her stomach softly, but then looked confused.
She looked down at her flat tummy then back up at me.
"It wasn't a dream." She whispered.
"No." I chuckled. "You did wonderful my love, and he looks so handsome."
Her face broke out into a huge smile that rival Emmett's big grizzly grins.
"Where is he?" She asked.
"In the nursery, they needed to look him over before bringing him back." I explained.
"Why didn't I hold him before they took him?" She asked, and this was the question I didn't want to answer.
"Your blood pressure crashed dangerously low, they had to take him out so they could work on you. I was kicked out as well." I tried to laugh, but she didn't buy that.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry about that. About everything I may have said to you."
I rolled my eyes at her. "Of all the things you could be sorry for. Bella, you are alive and healthy now and so is your baby boy."
"Tell me about him."
"I didn't get a very good look, but he has your hair color and curls. He's huge, if I didn't witness it, I swear I wouldn't have known that you had delivered him." I chuckled.
"What was his eyes like?"
"I didn't get to see, he's eyes were shut, but most babies start off with blue eyes which then change color."
A knock at the door interrupted us.
"I'm sorry about to interrupt, but would you like to see your son? He's waiting for you and your family is waiting to hear his name." A nurse poked her head in.
"Yes please." Bella nearly jumped off the bed.
The nurse pushed in the cart with the family following close behind. The blue bundle inside the crib was lifted out and placed in Bella's waiting arms. They looked so natural together as a mother and child should be.
"Oh my goodness, Bella, he's beautiful." Mom gushed.
Bella was too focused on her son to answer. She was doing what I was trying to do earlier; memorize everything about this little guy.
"God Bella, how did you do it?" Alice asked.
"I have no idea." When Bella looked up, she had tears coming down her cheeks.
I sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped my arm around both Bella and the baby.
"Hey sweetie," She was speaking so softly that I'm not sure the others could hear her. I barely could. "I'm your mommy. I love you so much."
I felt the stinging feeling in my eyes, but I didn't fight against the tears. It may not seem manly, but right now testosterone is not needed.
"Are you finally going to tell us his name?" Grandma asked.
Bella seemed to wake up from her trance to look up at us.
"Benjamin. Benjamin Charles Swan." She announced.
"Oh, how adorable." Alice sighed. "Can I hold him?"
Bella hesitated, but I rubbed her arm soothingly. She passed Benjamin off to Alice who looked like a young child holding her little nephew, I was a little skeptical about her with Ben as was Bella.
Thankfully, Jasper decided it was his turn. He carefully bounced Ben in his arms just smiling down at him.
"You want to be next, grandma?" He was asking mom who took the little bundle without hesitation.
"My goodness you are a big little thing." She cooed.
"Nine pounds, eleven ounces and 23 ¾ inches," The nurse was still in the room.
"I can't believe you brought this big boy into the world, Bella." Rosalie was taking her turn standing near Emmett.
"Neither can I." Bella replied.
"Emmett was about that size, so I feel you there, sweetie. Luckily, Alice and Edward were much smaller." Mom joked.
"Yeah, I was so small that they didn't even see me until mom was almost eight months pregnant." Alice added.
"Just wait until you start popping babies, Alice. You're related to Emmett and I." I pointed out. I imagine her having a rougher time than Bella because of her very petite size. Not to mention, Jasper will most likely be the father and he comes from a tall family.
"I love you two." I kissed Bella then baby Ben.
The family had left about an hour ago when it was time for Ben's first feeding. Bella was a natural with the breast feeding and she didn't mind that I was with her the entire time.
Now that he was full, Bella was rocking Ben to sleep, but I could tell that she was having a hard time staying awake herself.
I vowed to stay awake for as long as need be.
"We love you too." Bella gave me a kiss this time.
Baby Ben was now sleeping soundly in her arms.
"You need to rest, I'll take him." I offered.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, he was just fed and changed. It's time for a little mama to get some rest." I smiled.
With one last kiss on his curly locks, Bella passed Ben over to me. I carried him over to the rocking chair in the corner and rocked him slowly back and forth.
I swear Bella had fallen asleep right when she passed Ben to me.
"Hey little man, I'm your daddy." I whispered to him carefully not to wake him up. "I'm not your real daddy by blood, but I will always be your daddy. I'll never walk away from you or your mother. You have my word and my heart." I gave him a soft kiss on the forehead before turning back and watching the rain come down outside.
This life that fate has given me will be challenging, but I will not give it up for anything. I have Bella and I have Ben; that is all I will ever need in this world, everything else does not even compare to how I feel for them. I thank God and the Swans for my blessings and pray for happiness in the future.
"Thank you." I whispered to no one in particular.