"What's going on?" Rosalie hissed, staring out the window into the Cullens' massive front yard, confused by the scene that was playing out in front of her.
"I'm not sure," Alice said quietly, "but I think Emmett and Jasper just got home."
"Yes, I can see that," Rosalie growled, "I was referring to the fact that those two morons are still sitting in Emmett's Jeep, and have been for the past ten minutes. Somebody get Edward down here. He should be able to tell us what's going on.
Suddenly, Edward appeared at the top of the stairs. He looked worse than anyone had ever seen look before.
"You wanted me?" he said flatly.
"Yes," Rosalie said, calmer now. "What are Jasper and Emmett thinking?"
Edward was silent for a moment, listening.
"They're singing happy birthday!" he exclaimed, then wondered out loud, "Why are they trying to keep me out?"
Rosalie looked toward Alice for the answer.
"I still can't see anything!" she cried, exasperated.
Jasper could feel the frustration coming out of the house in waves, and coupled with his own, he had little patience.
"Get out of the car, Bella," he almost screamed. Emmett shushed him, reminding him that Edward was inside, and that the news should be broken to him gently.
He and Emmett had been trying to coax her out for awhile, but Edward had been right. She was too damn stubborn.
"Please?" Emmett asked, "No one will say anything mean to you, I swear."
She shook her head.
Jasper sighed. Their words did nothing, and even his influence over her emotions didn't seem to be working. He wanted to give up and just leave her in the car, but Emmett was still trying.
"Who are you most afraid of?" Emmett asked.
She was silent, and then quietly, as if she were in pain, murmured, "Edward."
"I see," Emmett continued, "But he won't be mean to you, and if he is, Jasper and I will kick the living shit out of him. Right Jasper?"
Jasper nodded.
"It's not me that I'm worried about," Bella said.
Emmett was intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want Edward to know because I know what he'll do, and he shouldn't do it."
Jasper nodded, and felt bad for being harsh to her earlier. Emmett didn't understand.
"What will he do?" he asked.
"Think of what century Edward was raised in," Bella started, "He'll propose to me, and I really don't want that."
"You don't want to marry Edward?" Jasper asked, feeling a wave of dread. If Bella was already over him, it couldn't be good, and Jasper couldn't help but feel a little guilty, even though he knew now that Edward's decision was probably based on more than Jasper's reaction to her paper cut.
"No, no," Bella said, "It's not that. It's just that Edward won't want to marry me, and he shouldn't have to. He deserves to be happy, and to be with someone who he wants to be with. And that isn't me."
Her voice faltered, and Emmett could tell she was about to cry. It was heartbreaking.
"It's okay Bella," Jasper soothed, trying to calm her down. "Don't worry about Edward. I can't promise that he won't propose because I know he would even if you weren't pregnant, but if he does, remember that you don't have to say yes."
Bella nodded, as if she hadn't thought of this before.
"Are you ready to go in?" Jasper asked.
She took a deep breath, and nodded.
"Help me up?"