EPOV Chapter 11
I was suffering through the longest night of my existence. Bella had been wrapped around me all night. Her soft, warm body pressed against me as I lounged against the headboard. She was a snuggler when she slept. I would try and move away, feeling the chills that ran through her body caused by my proximity, and she would sneak right back over. She was also a sleep talker. I was thankful it was mostly inane mumblings, but my chest swelled when I heard my name come out on a breathy moan.
She was uncomfortable when she woke, thanking me for staying with her. It was my greatest fear that she would be hurt right under my nose. I would do anything to keep her safe. I deflected her questions about who her intruder was, not ready to explain what I suspected. She was adamant that I keep her informed.
"Look Edward, this is not 1918. You are not going to be able to keep me home as if I were barefoot and pregnant while you go out and deal with the big bad things in the world. I need to know what is going on." She said.
Her causal words pained me. No, I would never get to see her ripe with our child. A brown eyed, auburn haired little girl would never call me 'Daddy.' I had heard the longing in Rosalie's thoughts for decades, but had never had a desire to be a father before Bella came into my life. Now that this beautiful woman was seated in front of me, I was not sure I could let her love me knowing that I could never give her a 'human' future.
"No Bella, I understand I can not do that. But I was really hoping that you could just trust me to give you only the information you need. I am trying not to have to frighten you if I can help it." I explained, unable to stop my mind from imagining our child growing inside her.
"Fine Edward, whatever you say." I could tell she was already formulating a plan to get the information out of Alice.
"What's wrong Edward?" She asked quietly.
I tore my gaze from her belly and my fears spilled out. That she did not realize I could not give her a normal life. That what she was feeling was only because she was trapped here with me.
"Edward, you would be the best in any situation. And my free will has not been taken away, I am still free to do what I want. My choices could just mean a horrible and painful death."
I breathed a sigh of relief that she truly wanted to be here with me. She moved onto her knees in front of me.
"Edward, you do understand that even as horrible as all of this has been, I would do it all over again if it means it would bring us together?"
She brought her hand up cupping my jaw. I melted into her touch, closing my eyes to better appreciate the feel of her warm, satin skin. Her hand moved into my hair, gently sifting through my thick locks like no one else had ever done. I opened my eyes to find her staring back at me, the same desire I felt reflected back at me.
"Bella, you have no idea how amazing your touch feels. The warmth, the sparks I feel when your skin meets mine." I said before I could stop myself.
"I imagine that it is the same thing I feel when you touch me." She said and my non-existent heart soared at her words. I took that as an invitation, and let my hand run up the smooth expanse of her lower leg. I hesitated at the multiple scars covering her knees.
"You have so many scars you beautiful, clumsy girl. I will do everything I can to make sure there will be no more." I said with complete honesty.