Thanks to BelleBiter I am absolutely in love with the nickname Wooward.

Not mine. Really, really not mine.

Chapter 35

Several embarrassed glances and little conversation passed as Bella set about preparing the evening meal. With Rosalie not currently working due to her mourning, Bella decided that plain fare was the easiest offering.

Edward offered to bathe the girls instead of cleaning the kitchen. There was only so much domesticity he could handle. Bella heated the water and help set up the bath.

Edward soon discovered that the best way for him to bathe his daughters was to get in the bath himself. There was no way he could get any wetter after wrestling with Katie as Beth watched, laughing at both Katie and her father.

He removed his boots, stockings and trousers, leaving his already soaked shirt on his body. The linen blouse was long enough to cover anything his daughters should not see.

When he was properly settled in the tub with one wet girl leaning against each leg, he gave his daughters a triumphant smile. The girls just laughed at him.

There wasn't much real washing being done in this bath, soap was not introduced, but a soft flannel was passed over each child. It wasn't until the water started to chill that Edward realised the trouble he was now in.

He couldn't rise from the bath with both girls, he needed at least one hand to get out of the tub. He couldn't lay Katie on the ground, for in the few seconds it would take him to get up with Beth, Katie would be in some sort of mischief. Beth, having barely recovered from illness, needed to be wrapped in a towel and dried quickly lest she get a chill.

The only thing Edward could do was to call for Bella. He had to clear his throat three times to get enough volume to gain her attention. Just as she started to open the nursery door he called for her to stop. With great embarrassment he explained the conundrum he was in and asked if she was willing to help.

Bella steeled herself with a deep breath and entered the room. It was a sight to behold. The tub itself was barely big enough for the man in it, let alone him and two toddlers.

The girls were chattering to each other while perched on Edward's legs. His shirt was plastered to his body, damp up to the collar.

"Can you take Beth?" He asked while looking at the babies, hoping not to cause either of them more embarrassment by moving.

"Of course, sir." Bella was quick to retrieve Beth and wrap her in a warm flannel. She made certain to keep her back to him as he rose from the bath.

Edward knelt down beside the tub and dried Katie as quickly as he could before he was able to grab a flannel for his own wet body. He secured the fabric high upon his waist and took off the damp shirt.

"Is Katie ready?" Bella asked, both wanting to and not wanting to turn around.

"Yes, I guess. I'm sorry I didn't think this through before I go in the tub. With a little more planning I could have saved a lot of my dignity." He didn't want to offend her tender sensibilities with his nudity.

"It's no matter, sir. I find myself in all sorts of predicaments when the children are concerned. However, I'm usually by myself, so no witnesses." Bella was trying to put them both at ease. It wasn't working. Edward was now imagining Bella in the bath. He had to shake his head to try to get that image out.

She dressed both girls while he stood there stunned at her efficiency. He was in awe as to how adroitly and rapidly she took care of the job. Both girls were toddling about the room before he even thought to gather his own clothes.

As he turned to leave the room to dress, both Katie and Beth scampered over to him. Taking him by surprise they grabbed at his towel which began to loosen from his waist. He yelped as he barely held on to his covering and all but ran from the room, leaving Bella in a silent fit of giggles.

After both girls were fed, changed, rocked and sung to, they were put to bed, safe and secure. Bella emptied the bath and tidied the nursery. She rung out Edward's shirt and left it to dry in the kitchen. She made sure all the lamps were out and the fires banked. With the house shut up tight for the night, she made her way to bed.

Edward did not leave his room all night.

AN: Poor bunny, he's embarrassed.