Author's Note:

Hello! I have been working on this and it is finally done, yah! Bad news: I know I won't be updating for a few weeks. I'll try my best to do it as fast as I can.

I also wanted to say thank you for the reviews and the adds. It seems like everyday I have at least one ot two new ones so thank you so much. As usual, please let me know what you all are thinking about the story.

That is all for now. Have a great week (and Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate!)!

-Lisa

Chapter Twenty Four

"It was disgusting Carlisle." Bella told Carlisle of her conversation with Alice and Edward concerning the baby shower as well as mention of Alice's talented tongue.

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad," he said as he took popcorn out of the microwave.

"Ugh, that's what you think. You are all invited too," Bella relayed the message as Peter walked into the kitchen.

"Invited to what?" Peter inquired.

"Lunch on Sunday, which is apparently code for baby shower."

"Alice told you?" Peter shouted.

"No, she just isn't a good liar. I figured it out on my own. Now worries I'll act all surprised," Bella smiled.

"I can't wait," Carlisle chimed in as he reached for a bowl to put the bags of popcorn in. "A day to celebrate you."

"And you. You had something to do with this. I really tried to get out of it."

"I promise it won't be that bad Bella," Peter said.

"How about we worry about this Sunday afternoon. We have a movie to watch. What are we watching Peter?" Carlisle asked.

"Wreck It Ralph," Peter beamed.

"Really? You've watched that at least fifteen times, in the last week," Carlisle teased.

"Bella hasn't seen it yet." Peter paused as he saw food and drinks sitting on the counter. "Dad, did you cook?"

"No, I opened bags, don't worry. Speaking of which, I have popcorn, chocolate covered raisins and Chex mix."

"Oh, Chex mix," Bella smiled. "Ben and Jerry's needs to make a Chex mix ice cream."

Peter scrunched his face. "Bella that's disgusting."

"No it isn't. Vanilla ice cream with pieces of cinnamon and chocolate Chex. Yum!"

"That reminds me," Carlisle started. "There is fresh lemonade is in the fridge and ice cream bars in the freezer."

"That sounds to me like we are ready." Bella smiled as she went into the fridge to get an ice cream bar. "Does anyone else want one?" Peter and Carlisle both shook their heads no. "Okay then let's go sit down and get movie night started!"

Bella and Carlisle sat on the couch comfortably snuggled into each other while Peter put the Blu Ray disc on. After he started the disc and the previews began, Charlotte quietly made her way down the stairs. She sat on the big oversized chair next to Peter's chair. Bella looked at her. She looked tired and sad.

"What movie are you guys watching?" She asked.

"Wreck It Ralph," Peter answered.

"Again?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes again. Dad let me pick the movie. Do you want to watch with us?"

"Sure, if that's okay?" Charlotte questioned as she looked at her father.

Carlisle was pleased at Charlotte's effort. "I think that would be all right." He replied as she sat next to Peter in the love seat.

Bella noticed Charlotte looking at the bowl of popcorn in her lap. "Would you like some?"

"Yes, please," Charlotte replied. Bella happily paused her the food.

Soon everyone settled in and got comfortable. By the end of the movie Carlisle noticed that he and Bella were the only ones chuckling and commenting on the movie. He looked over and saw his children fast asleep on the couch. Bella stood up and took the two throws. She tucked both Peter and Charlotte in as she walked into the kitchen with some dirty dishes. Carlisle was closely behind her.

"It's getting late," Bella commented looking at the clock.

"We were going to watch another movie," Carlisle told her.

"I know but it's getting late and I'm tired. I should go home."

Carlisle stood next to Bella. He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ears. "Stay the night, please?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Bella looked at him. "I don't know."

"Come on. If you don't want to sleep with me-"

"No, I do want to sleep with you." Bella paused as both she and Carlisle laughed. "I don't know what I meant by that. Of course I want to sleep with you, but it's just, well, Charlotte."

"She was great tonight, wasn't she?" Carlisle pointed out.

Bella nodded. "She was but I don't want to push things. Plus I have no clothes here."

"I'm sure there is something. I have t shirts and sweat pants. Please?"

Grabbing his hand, Bella looked at him. "You really want me to stay, don't you?"

"If it were up to me, you'd be living here, so yes, of course. Hopefully this will be your home too soon enough," Carlisle explained.

"I don't want to make Charlotte uncomfortable in her own home."

"Think of this as a trail run, please?"

Bella stood up and kissed Carlisle. "Fine, but I'm picking the movie and the AC has to be on high!

The next morning, Carlisle opened his eyes and saw Bella still asleep. Her body faced him. Even in sleep she was the most beautiful being he had ever seen. His hands wondered down to her stomach and he smiled. He could feel his unborn child moving about. He looked at Bella's stomach and saw a sliver of skin. He moved down on the bed so his face was lined up at her belly. He leaned in and kissed it. He chuckled. "I hope you are taking it easy in there and not hurting mommy. You're going to be here soon enough and I can't wait to meet you. You are already so loved, don't forget that. I made many, many mistakes in the past and I promise not to be so foolish again."

As Carlisle finished talking, Bella stretched her arms above her head. She rested on hand in Carlisle's hair and another on top of his hand on her stomach. "Good morning to you both."

Carlisle sat up and kissed Bella. He wrapped his arm around her and cuddled close to her. "Good morning mommy. How are you feelings?"

"Hungry, and I need to pee but I want to sit like this for just a little bit longer."

"I'm glad you stayed last night. I forgot what it was like to wake up to you and I enjoy it. What can I get you for breakfast?"

"Breakfast? Carlisle you can't cook."

Chuckling, Carlisle looked at Bella. "I never said anything about cooking. Where am I going to take you and the kids?"

Bella leaned in and kissed him. "Nowhere silly. I should get going. I don't have clothes here. Edward is probably going to give me the walk of shame riot act. I have to find an outfit for tomorrow, ugh. I am grateful for the shower but I am not looking forward to it." Bella looked up to see the disappointment in Carlisle's face and wanted to fix it. "Why don't we do lunch instead of breakfast? You can help me find a dress for tomorrow too."

"With the kids?" Carlisle questioned.

"Sure, why not. Let's make it a family affair."

Carlisle kissed the side of Bella's head. She could feel his smile on her cheeks. "Sounds like a plan. We could-"

"Dad," Peter said as he entered his father's room without knocking. "We have no more- Bella? What are you doing here?"

"Hi Peter," Bella smiled.

"Hi but what are you doing here?"

"Your dad insisted I stay last night. He woke me up by talking to the baby."

Looking around the room Peter felt confused. He looked at Bella and his father like they had twelve heads. "But the baby isn't here."

"Your right Peter. I was talking to her stomach," Carlisle explained. He looked at Bella. "I woke you up? I didn't mean to."

Bella kissed Carlisle. "It's fine. I was kind of in between awake and sleeping."

Looking confused, Peter stood at the edge of the bed. "You talked to her stomach?"

"Yes I did," Carlisle replied. "There are a lot of studies the have proven that babies respond to voices from the outside. Your mother and I talked to you and Charlotte too before you were born."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," Carlisle smiled.

"That's a little, well, weird."

"It's a way to be close to the baby before birth, you should try it," Carlisle encouraged.

"You want me to talk to Bella's belly? Seriously?"

"Come here," Bella said reaching for Peter. She took his hand and placed it where she knew the baby was active. "Go for it."

Peter didn't want to tell his father or Bella that he couldn't feel anything and he felt a little more than awkward with his head near Bella's stomach. "Um, hello there? I'm your big brother." Peter paused just for a second. Before he continued he felt the baby move. "I think the baby just moved."

"That it did. Your brother or sister must like your voice."

Peter smiled and became more relaxed as he continued to talk to the baby and feel it move. Carlisle and Bella looked at each with smiles but never said anything. They loved the private moment they were sharing.

"Dad," Charlotte said as she entered the room. "We don't-um, what's going on?"

"This is so cool Char," Peter began to explain to his sister. "I'm talking to the baby and it's moving around. I can feel it. It's really cool."

Laughing, Bella began to answer her. "Peter just promised your new sibling that he is going to teach them how to play soccer. Come here, do you want to feel the baby?"

"Well that's great," Charlotte said ignoring Bella and looked at Carlisle. "We are out of cereal."

"Put it on the shopping list. I'll pick some up at the store," Bella answered.

"You don't live here," Charlotte sternly said.

Carlisle shook his head. "Put the cereal on the list Charlotte. Change and get ready. We are going out for lunch and then to the mall."

Not knowing what to say, Charlotte left the room.

"I don't' think the baby likes Charlotte. It stopped moving when she started talking," Peter commented.

"It's nerves and the baby can sense it," Carlisle began to explain. He looked at his son and Bella talking about the baby and wished he had a camera to capture the moment on film. Bella had always been a natural. She was so calm with Peter and patient with Charlotte, even then. There is no doubt in his mind that she will make a fantastic mother. He was taken out of his haze when he looked at the clock. "I hate to break this moment up but I think we should let Bella get ready. She has to run to Uncle Edward's house and get ready before we head to lunch and the mall.

Peter sat up and looked at Bella. "We'll you let me talk to the baby again?"

"Of course!" Bella answered cheerfully. "I'm glad you are so interested in having a sibling."

"Well I never wanted to be the youngest. I'm glad I won't be for long." Peter explained as he walked to Bella's stomach once more and placed a hand on it. "Hey little person love you and I'll talk to you later."

Seeing Bella was moved, Carlisle crawled into bed and held Bella as tears ran from her cheeks. "At least one of them are interested in the baby. How sweet was Peter just then? I really, really wish Charlotte would come around. I miss her. I miss the time we spent together. I need to have a pedicure before the baby. Maybe I'll invite her. She'll probably say no but I'm going to ask her at lunch anyway."

Carlisle leaned over and kissed the side of Bella's head. He wrapped his arms around her as she melted into his arms. "I think you maybe be onto something. You never know unless you ask, right?" Carlisle rubbed Bella's sides and kissed her once more. "I think you should go to the mall in my sweats. I don't think I'm ready to let you go."

Bella smiled and looked up at her boyfriend. "As tempting as that sounds I should get going soon."

"Fine," Carlisle began as his hands wondered to her stomach. "But bring an overnight bag and maybe things you can just leave here for next time."

"Carlisle," Bella began as she sat up. She turned to face Carlisle as she sat cross legged next to him. "Don't do this. We talked about this."

"Right and it won't be long before that one there," he said pointing to Bella's stomach. "Is here. We need to talk about things and make some choices."

"I know and we will, soon."

"I know you still don't trust me fully yet," Carlisle told Bella matter a factly.

"Well you did think Edward and I were together and moved across the country without even talking to me or telling me goodbye. That's pretty big Carlisle."

Feeling disgusted, Carlisle stood up and near his dresser. Her turned and looked at Bella. "It's getting late, maybe you should get going."

"Don't you dare do this Carlisle?"

"No, I hear you loud and clear Bella. I'm going to be paying for that mistake for the rest of my life."

"Carlisle-"

""Bella, I understand. I'll see you in about an hour," Carlisle said sounding defeated. He turned his back towards Bella as he placed his hands on the dresser and took a deep breath.

Bella got up and walked towards Carlisle. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his bare back. "I don't think you do. I want to, I really do but-"

"I screwed up and my daughter hates you. I'm all caught up now."

Backing up, Bella went to collect her clothes from on top of the dresser on the other side of the room. "You know what? I think I'll head to the mall by myself."

"Bella-"

"I am not doing this Carlisle. I'm not doing the 'woo is me' thing. You screwed up. You left me. You wouldn't communicate with me and now you are acting like this? I told you I needed time to work through things. I'm done for today. I'm leaving," Bella told him as she got dressed in her clothes from the previous day.

Carlisle turned and watched Bella change. He followed her into the bathroom. He watched as she put toothpaste on her brush. He placed his hands on her stomach. "I'm sorry, I really am sorry."

Placing the toothbrush down, Bella looked up at him in the mirror. "I can't do this Carlisle."

Stepping back, Carlisle was shocked. "Do you want to break up? What can't you do?"

"No! I can't do this," she paused and pointed to Carlisle and then herself. "Your mood swings are giving me whiplash. You told me you understood that I needed time and how I felt. Now it seems like you are going back on that. Do you want things to work out between us?"

Angrily, Carlisle looked at Bella. "Of course I do. What kind of fucking question is that?'

"Do not talk to me like that. I understand you are frustrated but so am I. We need time Carlisle. We can't just jump back and pick up where we were before. I want things to be as easy as possible when the baby comes along, but realistically who knows what that will mean. What I don't' want is to be harassed by trying to do the right thing. I don't want to feel frustrated while trying to work on us before the baby comes along. I want to enjoy out time together." Bella paused before speaking again. "You know, I hope you are really truly ready for us. In my heart I know you are it for me. For your reassurance, I don't want anyone else Carlisle, I want to be with you. I love you Carlisle more than anything or anyone but we need to take out time with this."

Carlisle was quiet. He once again stepped forward and pulled Bella into his arms. He kissed the side of Bella's head again. "You are right. You are absolutely right. I'm sorry for pressuring you. I want you and I want to erase the last few months. I love you too and want everyone I love under one roof."

Bella turned and looked at Bella. She placed her hand on Carlisle's cheek. She leaned in and kissed him. Bella placed both hands on Carlisle's cheeks. "It will happen Carlisle, probably sooner than we both think." She paused and kissed him again. "However, if that offer to stay the night stands-"

Carlisle kissed Bella once more and chuckled as his lips rested in hers. "Always Ms. Swan, always."

"Ugh, I don't even know what to wear. The maternity store has ugly clothes. It's like Dress Barn for pregnant women," Bella pouted as she walked the mall with Carlisle and the kids.

Carlisle tucked Bella into him. "There is another store," he told her as they walked past dELiA's.

Charlotte froze and stared at a sundress. Bella took note. "Would you like to go in and look?"

"Dad said we were only looking for you," Charlotte answered.

Bella looked at Carlisle. She pleaded with him with her eyes. Finally, he nodded. Bella's attention went back to Charlotte. "We can look for you too.
Bella said as she moved away from Carlisle. "Come on in. I might waddle around in here but let's get you something."

Charlotte looked at her father. "Peter and I are going to J Crew at the end down there. It's on the way to the other maternity store. Meet us down there?"

Nodding and smiling, Bella replied. She crossed her fingers behind Charlotte. "Sure." Bella entered the store first followed by Charlotte slowly.

Charlotte was shy looking around the store. Eventually she began to pull clothing off the shelves to try on. She watched as Bella walked over to the rack that held the same dress that she had admired in the window. She aw Bella lift two dresses. "I wasn't sure which size you were so I grabbed two different sizes." Bella handed the dresses to Charlotte and saw a frown on her face. "What's wrong?"

"I think it's kind of a waste of time to try this stuff on. My dad isn't here to pay for it. I can't even get them," she said sadly.

Looking at the items in Charlotte's hand, Bella felt bad. "You can pick out something to get if you want. I'll get it for you."

"You can't," Charlotte told Bella.

"I can and I will. It really isn't a big deal."

Charlotte shrugged her shoulders and placed her hands on her hips. "I'm mean to you like all the time and I don't even know if I like you at all."

Feel hurt, Bella nodded her head. She tried hard to fight the tears she feel threaten to leave her eyes. "That's fine Charlotte but I want you to know that I love you. If you want the dress, get it."

Silently, Charlotte left Bella and tried on her clothes. As she waited, Bella observed a mother and daughter in the store. The girl was about Charlotte's age. She laughed with her mother. Bella knew that in no way shape or form was she Charlotte's mother and she never would be. She did want some kind of relationship with her. Watching the mother and daughter made Bella sad knowing she may never have that with Charlotte.

Charlotte walked out of the dressing room only with the dress in her hand. "Is it still okay to get this?"

"Of course, come-on," Bella smiled as she and Charlotte checked out of the store. They soon exited and Bella looked at Charlotte. "I'm not as fast as I used it be."

"Why?" Charlotte asked.

Bella smiled. "Because I'm carrying a baby. It's slowed me down a bit."

"No, not about you walking slow. Why did you buy that dress for me?"

"Because you wanted it. It's not a big deal."

Charlotte shook her head. "I'm like never nice to you, like never. I'm really mean to you. I don't even know if I like you."

Bella nodded taking in Charlotte's words. "I know all of that Charlotte. I really wish I knew why you feel the way you do about me because I don't understand why you feel the way you do. With all of that aside, like I said earlier, I love you."

As the two continued to walk to meet Carlisle and Peter, they were silent. Bella glanced at Charlotte and it looked as if she was in deep thought. Charlotte finally spoke up. "My therapist has made me realize I don't really hate you. I'm just mad and scared."

"Of what?"

"Of being left alone again. It seems to happen a lot to me."

Bella felt like a light bulb went off in her head. "Your mom passed away and then your dad and I broke up. I never got to say bye to you and no one explained what was going on."

"I thought you hated us. I wrote that letter to you because I was so angry. I thought you hurt my dad and that was the only thing I asked you not to do. He hadn't been happy since before mom got sick. He didn't really explain anything to us, we just left. I assumed that it was you that made him upset."

"Oh Charlotte, I am sorry you were in the middle of things and got caught up in all of this. I'm sorry that you didn't know what was happening. I want you to know that I could never hate you, any of you. I did write to you and Peter but your dad admitted he deleted the emails, and then the email account."

"Why would he do that?"

"He was mad at me, unrightfully so but still. He thought I did something I didn't."

"He thought you had sex with Uncle Eddie."

Bella gasped not realizing how much Charlotte knew. "How'd you-"

"I'm thirteen. I'm looked at like I'm still a kid but I hear things. I overheard him talking to his date in New York. He and her-"

Not wanting to hear about Carlisle with another woman, Bella held up her hand. "Peter filled me in on that."

Charlotte was quiet again. As she and Bella got closer to the meeting place, Charlotte slowed down. "I don't hate you. I never did. You were the first adult to really listen to me after mom died. I'm just scared to get close to you again. I'm afraid you'll have to leave again."

Bella slowly wrapped her arm around Charlotte. "If I have a choice, I will never leave you again honey. I love you and even though I don't like the way you have acted out, I understand it. I respect you for it. I just wish that you would have spoken to me, but I can respect your feelings."

"I don't' know why I didn't talk to you. You've been in my situation, twice. You had no one who understood you like you understand me."

"Promise me something? The next time you get angry or scared, let's try and talk about it, please? It's so much easier than having pinned up feelings."

Bella was surprised by what happened next. Charlotte leaned in and hugged her. "I can try. Thank you Bella."

"For what?"

"For just being there and not hating me."

"I don't' think I could ever hate you Charlotte." Bella paused to kiss Charlotte's head. "I think we should make our way down to meet your dad before he sends out a search party."

Charlotte laughed. "He really is over dramatic, isn't' he?"

Laughing, Bella nodded. "Just a bit. I was wondering something. I want to have a girl's day with Alice and Esme before the baby is born. Would you want to come?"

"What would we do?" Charlotte asked.

"I was hoping for a spa day to get my nails and toes done, maybe even a massage. Knowing Esme and Alice, it's probably already booked and has been booked since I told them I was pregnant."

"I think that would be nice, to spend the day with you and to get our nails done."

Beaming, Bella looked at Charlotte as they walked. "It's a date then." As they walked, Charlotte got quiet again. "Can you tell me truthfully how you feel about the baby?"

"Honestly, I was angry at first. I think I was more jealous. Dad was excited. I was mad because for once I had made friends easily in New York. I didn't want to leave them. Even Peter was excited. He was so angry with dad when we left. Peter's memories of mom aren't as good and clear as mine since he was younger when she died. I know he loves you like you were his mother. I was worried with everyone being so concerned about you and the baby that I wasn't important any more. No one asked if I wanted to move twice in a year. After seeing you, dad was a mess. I think he was feeling a lot of guilt. I felt uneasy. I didn't know about anything and I thought you were fooling around with Uncle Eddie. Knowing all of this, I was angry and no, I didn't want anything to do with you or the baby. Now that I know you didn't hurt my dad, I think things will be better. I know that you have said it but I believe that you love us. I'm a little more excited about the baby. I've thought about it and I'd like you to have a girl. I already have a brother so a girl would be great."

Bella nodded her head. She was trying to absorb everything Charlotte was telling her. "You know, once the baby gets here it won't be all roses all the time. I'm pretty sure I'll get stressed out and your dad will too. The house might be stressful, but never doubt that we both love you."

"Are you taking time off when the baby comes?"

"I'm taking three months off. Alice said I can take the baby with me to work since it's just the two of use. I can also work mother's hours so I can be home for you and Peter and help you guys with homework or take you wherever you might need to go. Your dad should be home every night between five and six. He doesn't have to work at the hospital or weekends since he took the job at Uncle Edward's practice."

Charlotte nodded. "So we will always have family dinners?"

"Hopefully."

"I-I-I want to try out for the drama club."

Not being able to hide her smile, Bella stopped and looked at Charlotte. "I remember how insecure you were a year ago and now look at you. You are ready to take chances. I'm so proud of you."

For the first time in months, Charlotte smiled while talking to Bella. "I want to try and get the lead in Cinderella. Jane thinks it is a terrible idea."

"I think it is brilliant and you would be an amazing Cinderella."

"Are you just saying that?"

"I would never lie to you Charlotte."

"There you two are," Carlisle said as he approached Bella. Charlotte and Peter bickered as they walked ahead. He placed an arm around Bella and pulled her into him. "How were things with Charlotte?"

Bella couldn't contain her smile. "I think we are going to be okay."