AN: So right now RL is crazy, school is winding down for my children and my son's teacher has decided to take her class on two last minute field trips so I'm a busy mom. Sorry this is later than expected.

We're winding down now, another 3 chapters plus the Epilogue.

As always S Meyer created the world of Twilight and the characters. This story line is mine, character names are hers. No copyright infringement intended.

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 26

My parents met us at the front steps, Mom immediately taking Riley from Bella. Dad gave us a strange look before asking, "What's with those grins, you two?"

We couldn't help the fact that the news of her divorce made us both insanely happy. "Morning Dad, it's a nice day, can't we be happy about that?"

He had just given Bella a hug and taken Riley's overnight bag from her, while I carried Kate and Irina's bags inside.

My parents had definitely made themselves at home already in the cottage. Mom was still sitting in her robe, playing with Riley and speaking to Bella. I followed my father down the hall to the nursery where we left all the bags.

"Seriously son, what's going on?"

"We've had a really good morning and just as we drove up, Bella received a text from her divorce attorney. Her case was first on the docket this morning and has already been finalized. She's finally free of Jake."

Dad pulled me into a hug, "Congratulations! So when are you asking her? Don't wait too long this time, ok?"

I scowled at him, "I didn't wait too long before. We were ambushed. I am planning to do it soon. I'll know when it's right. I've got the ring with me, but I need to talk to Charlie first. He's pretty much already given his blessing, but I want him aware."

As we joined the women back in the living room, my father walked back over to Bella taking her into his arms for a hug. "Congratulations, Bella. How are you feeling now that it's all over?"

Bella hugged him back before walking to my side. "Free, Carlisle. I am happy and free to finally be where I am supposed to be." I smiled at her then leaned down to kiss her hair.

Mom looked up at us and I could see the happiness in her. "So what are your plans for today?"

Bella looked to me to answer her. "Well as long as Bella doesn't mind I wanted us to go into Seattle to pick up my new car, then maybe we'll stay for dinner and a boat ride. Since you will have all the kids tonight we can stay and drive in to Port Angeles early tomorrow to meet Jenks."

I could see I lost Bella at the mention of staying overnight.

"Edward…" I tipped her chin up and looked down into her eyes. "Love, he'll be fine here. The only difference in the night is that we'll be further away. Ry and the girls were already spending the night here as a trial run for our weekend away."

Her eyes spoke so clearly to me. She was already struggling with the thought of leaving him overnight, but now to be several hours away from him in addition to him sleeping away from her…

"We don't have to stay over, Bella. If you would prefer we can just go pick up my car and then drive back to Port Angeles for dinner."

Bella straightened her stance. "No, you are right. I know he'll be fine here." She walked over to my mom. "Esme, I don't want you to think that I don't think you're capable. I know what a fantastic mother and grandmother you are."

"Bella, sweetheart, don't be silly. I know you trust us. I also know how hard it is to leave a child, especially the first time. I promise that either Carlisle or I will call you if we feel Riley or the girls need you. Now, let my son take you out and spoil you a bit." My mother leaned in to whisper in Bella's ear, but she said it loud enough for me and my father to hear. "You need to make him work for your love, at least a little bit, otherwise he'll get complacent." Both Bella and Mom laughed at that, while Dad and I frowned at them.

"Hey, I want to spoil her. She's the one that needs the convincing." I pulled out the patented Cullen pout.

"Don't, Edward. There's no need for that lip, baby. I just wish I could spoil you the way you do to me. We'd better go. I won't leave if we stay much longer."

I walked over to Mom, gave her a kiss before taking Riley and telling him to be good for Grandma and Grandpa. Bella kissed his head and told him we loved him. Mom took him back as we walked to the door.

"Have fun and try not to worry. We'll speak to you tonight."

Once we were back in the car driving to the house I reminded her, "He'll be fine, love. Mom will call if there is a problem. Don't forget though that Kate and Irina will be there to keep Ry occupied. He probably won't even miss us."

Ugh, probably should not have said that. "Let's get back to the house, pack a quick overnight bag with our clothes for the meeting with Jenks, and then head out." It was just after nine o'clock when we made it back to the house. If we hurried we would be at the dealership after lunch.

"Love, why don't you pack a bag while I make a couple of calls? I'll pack a few things in a bit." While she went off to our room, I first called the dealership I had been speaking with. After looking around online I had decided the Infinity QX56 was just what I wanted. I hated to see my Volvo go, but we really needed the room that the QX offered. I had already ordered one for myself and it was now on the lot, so I just needed to let the salesman know we'd be coming in with my car. What Bella didn't know was that I had been planning to order one for her. I knew she loved the Navigator, but it was getting older and she would need a new car soon. I hoped that she would fall in love with mine so that it would ease the transition for her and I wouldn't end up sleeping in my studio.

After assuring the salesman I'd be there in a few hours, I dialed the Chief's house number. I couldn't guarantee that I'd wait long enough to see him in person again, so I just wanted him to be aware that I'd be proposing at some point soon.

"Hello?"

"Charlie, it's Edward," my palms were sweating. I felt like I was a teenager again asking permission to take a girl to the movies.

"What can I do for your, Ed? We just saw you an hour ago."

"I know Charlie, but I needed to tell you something while Bella is out of earshot. Remember when you came over here and asked me what my intentions were? Bella's divorce was finalized this morning, and I've been carrying my grandmother's ring around with me. I'm not saying it'll be today, tomorrow or even this week, but I am planning to propose to Bella, Charlie. I just wanted you to know." I heard him muffle a cough.

"Well I can't say I wasn't expecting this. Thanks for calling to let me know, Ed. You take good care of my little girl, or I'll follow through with what I told you before. I can make you disappear."

I had no doubts Charlie Swan would make me disappear if I ever hurt Bella or Riley. "If I ever hurt either of them, I'd hand myself over to you. Thanks Charlie. You may want to say a prayer I live though. I'm planning to surprise Bella with a new SUV in the next week or two."

His quiet chuckle came through the line. "Ah hell, I promise to come to your funeral, son. Good luck with that."

I heard Bella coming out of our room. "Thanks, I need to run. I'll call you and let you know."

No sooner had I ended the call than my cell rang, Forks General flashed on the screen.

"Babe, take your call, I'll get your clothes ready for you." Bella turned and walked back into the room.

"Hello?"

"Is this Mr. Cullen?"

"Yes, this is Edward Cullen. How can I help you?"

BPOV

I left Edward to his phone call and went back into the closet to pack him a couple of shirts and jeans. We were going casual to the lawyer's office the next day, but I did grab once of his suits and a nice shirt incase we went somewhere that night that would require it. I hung a dress with his suit in a garment bag before packing his toiletries kit.

I was just zipping the weekender bag when I heard Edward walk up behind me. "Love,"

His voice shook. "That was the nurse at the lab. They have the results ready for us to pick up, but they want you to go see your doctor."

I looked at Edward completely confused. "Why would I need to see my doctor?"

He looked worried about what he had heard from the nurse. "She didn't say much just that while screening your blood something abnormal showed up in your results. They would like us to come in as soon as possible."

That word scared me to death, all the possibilities of what 'abnormal' could mean.

Is it possible that I had cancer? Could I have the same disease that killed my mother? I wasn't ready to die. I had just gotten everything I ever wanted.

"Edward, I'm scared. What could they have found? I thought they were just doing the DNA profile. What could show up as 'abnormal' in a DNA profile?"

I could feel a meltdown coming and I really didn't want Edward to see that. I rushed into the bathroom and closed the door.

After splashing water on my face I looked into the mirror. I knew I had jumped to many conclusions, but after losing my mother it was a deep-seated fear. I didn't want to leave my child.

"Love, we should go." Edward walked over to me and pulled me back against his chest.

"Everything will be fine. Don't borrow trouble yet, Bella. Let's go see what they have to say and then we'll deal with it, whatever it is."

He grabbed our bags and led me out to the Volvo.

Ten minutes later we were being greeted by one of the nurses at the lab.

"Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan, thanks for coming down. I have your paperwork right here. This is the sealed set of results for your attorney to file, and these are your copies." My nerves were raw and I couldn't take waiting for them to get to the 'abnormal' results.

"What was found in my blood? Is it cancer, a virus?"

The nurse looked from Edward to me, taking in our tense demeanor. "Wait, I think there's been a misunderstanding. Ms. Swan, there's nothing wrong with you. There was just something that showed up in your blood screenings. As a precaution the lab always screens any blood sample for disease as well as running routine tests based on the sex of the person. Your blood has low levels of hCG, the hormone that shows up during pregnancy. We needed to make you aware as you had not listed on your paperwork that you were pregnant."

Pregnant.

She just said I was pregnant.

PREGNANT?

"Ed…" before I could even get his name out of my mouth, his was on mine and he was swinging me around the office.

He set me down, "Bella, love, are you alright?"

I was numb, it must be shock. "But I can't be pregnant. I just had my period."

"The only thing I can tell you Ms. Swan is that your blood shows levels of hCG. The further into your pregnancy the higher the levels, but according to this you are pregnant. I'd recommend making an appointment with your doctor to confirm everything."

Edward took my hand and then accepted the test results from the nurse. After thanking her, he led me out of the hospital towards his car. "Love, look at me."

His face was drawn with worry. "Talk to me, love."

I forced a smile, trying to alleviate his worry. "I'm fine, sweetheart, just overwhelmed."

"Should you call your doctor?" He was being so careful with me, treating me as if I would break.

"No, I have that appointment scheduled with Todd, it's on Wednesday morning."

Edward had me fastened into my seatbelt and he rounded the car to get into his own seat.

"Are you feeling up to going to Seattle today, love? If you would rather, we can stay home." I quickly shook my head. "No, let's go get your new car. I'll be fine. It's just a little shocking."

He took my hand in his as he drove us towards Seattle. My mind was reeling as we drove. Edward allowed me time to try to absorb the news, but I think he ran out of patience when we were an hour outside of Seattle.

EPOV

Her silence was killing me. I knew she was shocked, I was as well, but this was not a bad thing. Yes, it was earlier than we hoped, but we had also discussed the possibility after the barbeque. We knew there was a possibility that forgetting to use a condom could lead us here and were prepared for it. At least I thought we were prepared. What if Bella wasn't ready?

"Love, please…" I was overjoyed at the prospect of a new baby. I didn't know what to do if Bella wasn't.

"Are you not happy about this at all, love? I know we were hoping to wait a little longer, but this is a good thing Bella."

She turned towards me. Her eyes held so many emotions. It was hard to narrow down how she was feeling.

"I am happy Edward, but I guess I'm still in shock. Yes this is earlier than we planned, but I told you before, I would not regret it if we had made a baby that night and now it looks as if we did. If I truly am pregnant, then this child is most definitely meant to be. This is a different situation than I was in with Riley. I know you want this baby. I know you love me, we are together, a family already." I watched as she laid a hand on her lower abdomen, right over where our child was developing.

"I do love you, Bella. We are a family already and this child will always be loved, but if you are unsure, if you aren't ready…" I didn't know how I was going to finish that sentence and it didn't matter as Bella turned her shocked face at me.

"I could never abort our child, Edward. Why would you say that?"

I'd really stepped into that, "No, love, that's not what I meant. I know you could never do that. I just meant that we were in this together and that you aren't alone. I will help you through anything."

Her eyes were brimming with tears that I hoped would not fall. "Charlie may just castrate you, Edward. He was just saying that he hoped we would wait until after the wedding to make any more Cullen babies."

"Don't worry about your father, Bella. I'll deal with Charlie."

We were not far from Seattle so I switched the conversation to lighter topics. I asked her if she wanted to dine at the Space Needle that evening or if she'd rather enjoy a picnic on the boat out in the lake.

"Honestly, I would like to just relax tonight and just be with you. I would love to go out on the water though."

I would arrange for us to take a picnic from our hotel with us tonight, but needed to remember to tell them to leave out the wine. I couldn't help begin excited about that. I wanted to pick up my car and drive Bella straight to the hotel.

When I drove into the dealership's lot Bella looked at me. "So you decided on the Infinity. The big one, right?" I nodded as I parked the car. "Do you want to drive it love, you know to get the feel of it?"

I helped her out of the car and led her into the showroom, where we were met by half a dozen people.

"How can I help you today?" came from a chorus of voices.

"I'm Edward Cullen and I have an appointment with Mr. Randall to pick up my new car."

It was hilarious to watch all of their faces fall. "Yes sir, right this way."

Bella was giggling as we were led back into the manager's office. "Mr. Cullen, it's a pleasure."

Mr. Randall took us outside to inspect the large black SUV that I'd ordered. Everything I had asked for was included and Bella's eyes lit as she sat inside of it.

"Think it's going to be large enough, Bella? The back bench seat is large enough for three car seats, or we can install them in the middle two seats leaving the rear for Kate and Irina." She was giving me the arched eyebrow.

"One baby at a time, Edward. One. At. A. Time."

"Yes love, I'll remember that."

After finalizing the payment and signing over the title of the Volvo, I quietly made the arrangements to have Bella's car delivered the weekend before Thanksgiving, on Riley's birthday. I hoped that by then she'd be more inclined to accept it.

Surprisingly it didn't take that long at the dealership and we were arriving at the Alexis Hotel shortly after two. I left the car with the valet service, taking our bags into the hotel.

Bella was admiring the décor of the boutique hotel that sat just down from Pikes Place.

"I hope you and your wife enjoy your stay, Mr. Cullen. If there is anything you need, please let us know."

"I will need to arrange a picnic for this evening. Will one of your restaurants be able to arrange that for me?"

"Yes sir, if the items on the Bookstore menu are not to your liking for a picnic, or concierge will be happy to arrange something for you."

Bella wrapped her arms around my waist smiling at the desk clerk. "Thank you. Edward, take me upstairs. I'd like to shower and change before we go out later."

She was starting to glare at the poor clerk, so I led her over to the elevators.

"Love, why were you attempting to burn a hole through that woman with your eyes?"

Bella, who was still trying to stare the woman down, turned to me and huffed. "She was flirting with you. She knew we were here together, but she was still eye-fucking you."

I laughed at that. "Sweetheart, she was not flirting with me or eye-fucking me. She was just being helpful." When the elevator stopped at the top floor I was practically dragging Bella towards our suite. "Love, I booked us the Honeymoon suite. She thought we were married. Don't get this way, Bella. It's only you for me, you know this." God I hoped this wasn't her hormones kicking in already. She'd been off for the last week which we had attributed to her cycle.

"Why don't you take a bath to relax, love? I'm just going to order us a light meal since we haven't eaten."

She walked into the bedroom to get ready for the bath and I dialed room service. I ordered a fruit and cheese platter for us now, but was not happy with their options for dinner, so after speaking to the concierge, they promised to have a basket ready for us by six that evening.

I walked into the bathroom, standing just inside the door. Bella was relaxing in the tub, looking good enough to eat.

"Room service will be up in about twenty minutes. May I join you in there?"

She sat forward in the tub, allowing me room to sit behind her. "How are you feeling, Bella?"

She sighed. "I'm ok, really. I'll go see Todd and have him run another test. I can't be very far along, only two weeks or so."

I wrapped my arms around her running one hand up to cup her breast the other settling over her stomach.

"Thank you for this." I kissed her gently then trailed soft kisses down her neck and across her shoulder.

"I can't say I regret it, Bella. This is what we both want, it just happened earlier than we hoped. I can't wait to see you grow round with our child. And these," I cupped both her breasts, "I'm so going to enjoy these as they grow."

Her laugh bounced around the walls of the bathroom. She arched into my hands as I played with her nipples. I was growing hard against her back and looking forward to a little love in the tub when we were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"That would be room service." With a kiss to her head I rose from the tub and wrapped a towel around myself before answering the door.

The server didn't even blink as he entered the suite with our tray. I imagine it was a normal occurrence when they delivered to the honeymoon suite.

Bella entered the living, wearing a robe, just as I closed the door.

"It's just a platter with fruit cheese and cold cuts, but it should be enough to tide us over until tonight. You need to eat, my love. The fruit and protein will be good for you."

She took the bottles of water and walked back into the bedroom, where we lay down and fed each other. After a few minutes of quietly eating, my towel was gone and Bella's robe was open and pooling around her body on the bed. I took a slice of mango and raised it to Bella's lips, but instead of letting her bite it, I rubbed it over her mouth before kissing the juice from her lips. Eating was forgotten, but I trailed that slice of fruit down her neck over her shoulders, following the juice trail with my mouth.

Bella lay back on the bed completely bare before me. Love radiated in her eyes as I drank in the vision before me. I traced the lines of her body with the mango. Down her chest, over her pebbled nipples, kissing and sucking her clean from the juice. The moans she expelled were low, long and driving me wild. I longed to just take her with abandon, but would not do that now, Bella was carrying a new life and I would worship every inch of her body. I would not risk hurting her. She writhed as I licked and nipped her beautiful breasts. I knew it wouldn't be long before they were much larger and the male 'pig' in me could not wait for it.

"Edward, please…I need you, so badly."

I wasn't finished tasting her luscious body. I tossed the mango, because pure flavor of Bella tasted so much better than anything else. I knew I could happily live between her thighs, just worshiping her. I lapped at Bella's core; long licks from her entrance to the swollen nerve bundle soon sent her spiraling out of control. She screamed my name as she came. I continued to work her with my mouth until she pulled as my shoulders and hair, begging me to fill her.

I rose over her, settling myself against her heat.

"God, I love you so much Bella." She was pulling me closer, frantic in her movements.

"Edward, now…"

I pulled her leg up around my waist as I positioned myself at her entrance and slipped inside her. I tried to slow us down to prolong our pleasure, but Bella would have none of that. Her legs wrapped tightly around me, digging her heels into my ass and spurring me on. I plunged into her again and again. I was so close and the sensation of her walls fluttering around me as she found release triggered my own blinding orgasm. I propped myself up on my arms to avoid crushing her, but I didn't want to leave the haven of her body just yet.

"Mmm…thank you handsome. I really needed that." She stretched lazily beneath me. I chuckled then kissed her as I eased from her body to lie on my side, drawing her to me again.

"You are most welcome, love. Rest now, we have a few hours before we go out tonight."

Her breathing slowed and settled into an even rhythm as she slept. I lay with her contemplating what our evening would bring. I had been thinking about it since the nurse uttered the word pregnancy.

I was going to propose tonight while we were out in the boat, under the stars. I knew Bella would know that I was not just asking because of the baby, but I wanted us married soon, before this baby was born.

I eased away from her so that I could make a few calls. The first was to Jason Jenks, my attorney. Our appointment was scheduled for nine the next morning to meet with him and one of his partners that specialized in Family Law, Jenks entire firm held licenses to practice on the entire west coast. I asked him if we could move our appointment to one, explaining that Bella and I were in Seattle and that we'd be driving back in the morning. Jenks generally bent over backwards to accommodate my family, so he had no problems rescheduling our meeting.

My second call was to my parents. I want to check on Riley so I could reassure Bella that he was fine. "Hi, sweetheart, we're all fine here. Carlisle took Riley down to the gun range and I let him practice throwing knives at the neighbor's dogs." How my mother could pull off sarcastic whit and still manage to make me feel like a child receiving a scolding, I'll never know.

"Riley is fine, dear. Tell Bella not to worry. I promise I do know what I am doing."

I suppressed my chuckles. "I know mom, you raised me well, I'm not sure where you went wrong with Ali, but one out of two isn't bad." She clucked her tongue at me.

"Alice is fine dear, she's just a bit high-strung, she gets that from your father's mother."

Mom had never seen eye to eye with my paternal grandmother. "I know Ry is fine mom, I just wanted to check in. Bella and I are taking the boat out later, so I was just checking in so she won't freak out.

It was almost five o'clock when Bella woke. I had already showered and dressed in jeans and a button down. I had changed the time with the concierge and they were sending our basket up to the room by five thirty.

I sat on the edge of the bed as she slowly sat up. "Hi love, did you sleep well?" When she nodded I pointed to her clothing that I laid out for her. "Get ready, we'll leave here in about twenty minutes."

While she walked into the bathroom, I took two blankets from the linen closet and waited for our dinner to arrive.

Once she was ready and we had our basket in hand, Bella and I left to drive over to the marina on Lake Union. Being out on the water with the love of my life, having three perfect children at home and knowing that soon we'd have another child, I was content. Bella spread out one blanket on the bow of the boat where we lay cuddled together watching as the starts showed themselves on the rare cloudless night.

"Are you happy, love?" I searched her eyes for the answer I knew I'd find there. She had been laughing at a joke Em had told me and her eyes were dancing with mirth.

"Unbelievably happy, Edward."

I shifted so I could reach into my pocket, pulling the ring out of the pouch. I took her left hand in mine and slid the ring over her finger. "Edward?" She looked at me, her eyebrows drawn down.

"I've loved you for so long, Bella. I wanted to marry you the minute I saw you in your mother's hospital room. My mother gave me this ring the morning you flew back to Sacramento. I had planned to ask you to marry me when you got back. We were waylaid then, but nothing is stopping us now. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to raise our children together, live our life full of love and happiness. Isabella Swan, will you marry me?" Her eyes shimmered with tears as a grin spread across her mouth.

"You aren't asking just because you knocked me up again, are you?"

I laughed, smiling just as wide as she was. "No, that's just a bonus." I took her in my arms, kissing her deeply, stirring our bodies to respond to the love and lust in the air.

I pulled back to look into her eyes. "Well?"

She launched herself at me. "Yes, yes, yes. I'll marry you."

I spent the evening with Bella, under the blankets, making her say 'yes' over and over as we brought each other pleasure.

O~O~O~O~O

So…there's a new little Cullen on the way, possibly, and Edward proposed.

Bella has a surprise car coming in the next few weeks, Riley's turning one, and Thanksgiving with the family is coming fast.

Three more chapters and the Epilogue, then we're done. Thanks so much to all my readers, new and old. HCIHY has broken 400 reviews when I thought I'd be lucky to get 100.

Next chapter will be up within the week. Tomorrow will be a long day at the orthodontist while both of my children get braces put on, so I'll be writing there.

Let me know what you think of the chapter and the newest developments. Please leave a review.