Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Thanks once again to everyone who put this story on alert, in their favourites and took the time to review. It makes me grin each time you do :)

So I am sorry it took me a while to update this but real life gets in the way and I think for the next three weeks updates will be slightly irregualr as this one, as it is quite hard to balance homework, revision, voluntary work etc. But I promise to update as much as I can.

I hope you like this chapter. I really recommend you listen to the song Your Guardian Angel - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as it is turly a beautiful song.

Enjoy!


Forever Bound

Chapter Twenty Nine – Your Guardian Angel

It had been two weeks since Alicia's birth and the happiest two weeks of Bella's life. When she was a child growing up, she never saw her life turning out the way it had. She never dreamed that she would be forced into an arranged marriage; she never thought she would hate her husband only to fall irrevocably in love with him and she never thought she would be a mother at the tender age of sixteen.

However, Bella could not bring herself to regret the events that had come to pass. Not when she was sitting so peacefully in her bed as she fed her child in the most intimate way while her husband watched as he pulled her tight to his chest, his arm wrapped around her shoulder as they both stared down at the miracle that was their daughter.

It was clear to anyone with eyes that Edward was smitten with their daughter. He would beg to hold her whenever he could, he would stay awake until his eyes would betray him to simply watch her sleep and he was trying everything he could to make her smile. He did not even have trouble changing her soiled cloth! He was the perfect father.

Bella could not help but laugh as she thought back to the family gathering that was held at their home two weeks ago, in honour of Edward's twentieth birthday and a chance for the family to meet their newest member.

-o-

Bella had been advised by Aurora to stay in bed and rest during the upcoming week to ensure that her body healed. Although Bella knew she would soon tire of the same surroundings, she knew that Edward would not allow her to bend the rule a single millimetre and was constantly watching over her to make certain she did not try and leave.

Alicia had been born two days ago which meant that today was Edward's twentieth birthday. Due to Alicia's whimpers Bella was awake before Edward on that morning. Although Edward had no problem waking in the night to calm Alicia down, Bella believed he deserved a lie in on his birthday. Bella picked up her daughter, whose crib rested right beside the bed so that Bella did not have to stand to attend to her needs.

"Good morning my little one," Bella cooed quietly at her daughter, who simply stared blankly back at her mother as her whimpers continued. "Is my Alicia hungry?" Bella asked as she pulled down the sleeve of her nightgown and placed Alicia at her breast. Alicia latched on greedily, sucking away happily as she looked up at her mother.

Bella ran her finger down her daughter's cheek, in awe of the little girl's beauty. Her eyes were still the bright blue of a newborn, but Bella swore she could see a green hue appearing around the pupil; Edward told her she was imagining things. Bella almost jumped out of her skin as she felt a hand running up her leg.

"If I wake up every morning to this sight I will be a happy man," Edward sighed, his voice still heavy with sleep. Bella turned her head and placed a small kiss on her husband's lips.

"Happy birthday Edward," Bella whispered before she pulled away completely. Edward pulled her back and kissed her passionately, however it was not long before they were interrupted by a disgruntled squeak. Both parents turned their heads towards their small daughter, who had attached herself to Bella's chest once more.

Edward smiled at his daughter, "Good morning to you too my precious one," Edward greeted as he placed a kiss on Alicia's forehead, taking her hand. Her five fingers clenched as tightly as she could manage around his little finger. Bella smiled at the sight. Although it was nothing particularly special, Bella believed it showed the bond that already existed between the father and daughter.

A minute later Alicia pulled away, finally full. She had a small trail of milk dribbling from her mouth and Bella laughed as she wiped it away with her thumb. Alicia's eyes were already beginning to close once more but Bella knew she had to burp her little girl before she fell into her land of dreams once more. As she began to lift Alicia up to her shoulder, Edward gently wrapped his hands around her own and pulled Alicia softly into his own arms. "Allow me," Edward grinned at her.

Bella smiled and watched as Edward took care of their child, patting her back until a small burp had been emitted and then praised her, telling her what a clever girl she was. Bella took this opportunity to make her way out of the bed. She winced as she felt the ache that still existed between her legs but continued with her task. Edward tried to tell her off and order her back to bed but as she could not raise his voice due to the sleeping angel in his arms, Bella pretended not to hear him.

She bent down to the bottom of the wardrobe and retrieved two wrapped gifts before she made her way back into the bed, Edward glaring at her the entire time. Bella slid carefully into the bed once more before she placed the presents on the quilt and reached out to take Alicia once again.

Edward grudgingly handed her over and Bella placed her softly in her crib once more, rubbing the strands of hair on her head before she pulled her hand away. The presents were still untouched, although Bella would have thought it was clear what their purpose was. Pointedly, Bella began to push them towards her husband.

Slowly, Edward picked bottom present from the bed. It was extremely thin and light, causing a look of utter confusion to light Edward's face. He carefully ripped the paper away and examined the present below. He did not seem to understand their relevance and Bella began to ramble, worried that it was a terrible gift. "When I was in the music room with you I noticed that you did not have any music sheets on the piano and when I asked Esme about it she told me you store all your music in your head so I thought it may be a good idea to provide you with music sheets so that you can write each composition down and never forget one. If you hate it you can throw them in the bin." Bella finally halted, completely out of breath.

Edward placed his finger over her lips, stopping any more rubbish flowing from them. "Bella, they are prefect; truly. I can see it is a very thoughtful gift. Thank you very much love," Bella simply nodded as Edward's hand still covered her lips. Using her eyes, Bella pointed to the second present.

Just as carefully as with the first present, Edward tore the wrapping from the gift. It was a leather bound book, a first edition of David Copperfield; Edward's favourite novel. Bella glanced at Edward through her eyelashes, afraid that he would hate it. His mouth was wide open and he was gaping like a fish. "Bella th-this is amazing. How could you find such a thing?" Edward breathed.

"I got it months ago, almost right after the wedding when Alice and Esme dragged me into town. I saw it in the bookshop and I remember how much you loved it and bought it for you. I was saving it for the right time to give to you." Bella explained quietly. She hated thinking back to those months when Edward could not bear to look at her.

"It is the best present I have ever been given Bella I promise you," Edward informed her, before he stopped, "Actually, it is the second best present," Bella's heart dropped slightly, "Alicia was the best present of course." Edward grinned at her and Bella could not help but smile back and Edward placed his lips on hers in thanks.

-o-

Bella was broken out of her memories at the sound of Edward's groans. She turned to look at her husband who had moved from the bed and to the desk in the corner of the room, while she remained in bed holding a sleeping Alicia.

Edward's head was down and he was scribbling away furiously. Ever since Bella had presented him with the music sheets, Edward had spent a portion of each day writing down all of his compositions with the fountain pen Esme had given him for his birthday.

-o-

Bella had ordered Edward to allow her to leave the bed for the day; she wanted to spend it downstairs with the rest of her family. Edward had tried to protest but once Bella had fixed him with one of her stares they were able to reach a compromise; Bella's feet were not to touch the ground for the entire day. Edward carried her down into the living room, still wrapped in her quilt, and placed her on the settee. If she needed anything to drink she only needed to ask, if she wanted anything to eat someone would get food for her and if she needed the toilet Edward would carry her there. Bella was not too keen on the rules but it was his day after all and she was not going to complain.

The moment Edward had placed her on the settee Bella ordered him to go back upstairs and bring Alicia down. It was the first time she had not been in the same room as her daughter and she hated the feeling. The instant Edward had placed Alicia's crib next to Bella, the doorbell rang.

"Here come the rioters," Edward muttered as they waited for Angela to open the door. Edward stood in the doorway of the living room, getting ready to greet his family.

However, Bella was sure neither of them were prepared for the reaction they received. Before they could even see the little pixie girl, Alice's voice rang out through the lobby. "Where is my niece?" and before they even had a chance to blink, a blur of colour ran past them, knocking Edward into the doorframe at the same time.

"Ooff" Edward moaned as he turned to see his cousin squealing over the basket that held his daughter. She was jumping up and down and clapping her hands so fast Bella was sure she was living at double the speed the rest of the world were.

"Oh is she not the most precious thing you have ever seen?" Alice cried, glancing up at Bella who could only nod in agreement.

Next came Esme and Rosalie, both of whom ignored Edward who had his arms open to greet them and made a beeline over to the crib. They both began "oh"ing and "aw"ing at the sleeping infant, who seemed undisturbed and unaware at the commotion she was causing.

Finally the men entered at a slower pace, each bearing gifts and appearing to have time to greet the birthday boy. Carlisle pulled Edward into a hug, "Happy birthday son. I cannot believe how the years have passed." Edward hugged his father back tightly and Bella could not help but smile.

Esme had finally broken out of her baby induced haze and realised that her husband had entered the room. She motioned him over, "Is our granddaughter not the most beautiful baby you have ever seen?" Carlisle shot a look at his son before he made his way over to his wife, wrapping his arm around her waist as he peered into the cot.

"I would have to agree that she is my love," he looked towards Edward once more, "I am sorry son but I have to say that she is a cuter baby than yourself." Edward chuckled. Bella was sure that Edward had been a very adorable baby but she could not help but agree with the statements that had been passed about her daughter; nobody could match her beauty.

After greeting Edward, Emmett and Jasper also made their way over to the sleeping child. "My squirt had a squirt!" Emmett's voice boomed around the room, waking the said squirt and causing her to wail.

"I am so sorry Bella I did not mean to wake her! I thought I was being quiet enough!" Emmett cried, his eyes wide with panic as he looked at Bella, almost as if he were afraid she would yell at him. Although Bella did not know what world her brother inhabited to believe that the voice he had used was quiet in any sense of the word, Bella smiled up at her brother and began to pacify him.

"It is fine Emmett. I am sure she would have woken soon, she has been sleeping the morning away and it is time for her feed soon." A look of relief crossed Emmett's face as Bella reached over and lifted her daughter from the cot.

"Shh little one, shh. That was just Uncle Em being his silly self," Emmett's chest appeared to puff out at the word "uncle". "He did not mean to scare you." Alicia's sobs began to quieten as she found comfort in her mother's arms."There are a few people I want you to meet baby," Bella whispered into her daughter's ear before she looked up at everyone in the room. Her eyes caught Edward's and he smiled as he made his way over to her side; perching himself on the arm of the chair and placing his arm around her shoulder.

"This is your family," Bella told Alicia as she held the baby up for everyone to see, "Everyone we would like you to meet Alicia Rose Cullen." Two loud shrieks of joy were heard, emitted from Rosalie and Alice.

Although Edward had sent each family member a letter the morning of Alicia's birth, informing them of her safe arrival and that both mother and daughter were doing fine, they had not included her name as they wanted to surprise them face to face.

Bella glanced around the room and took in the expressions of each family member. Carlisle was smiling with his arm still wrapped around Esme's waist, Esme herself had tears pouring from her eyes and her hand covered her mouth. Emmett and Jasper were both grinning as they watched their wives' reactions.

Alice was jumping up and down in a circle while Rosalie simply stood there. It appeared that once she had recovered from hearing her niece's name she had gone into shock at the fact that this little girl was her name sake. Slowly, the realisation appeared to dawn on her and she made her way forward, kissing Edward on the cheek and pulling Bella into a small hug, aware of the small child between them. "Thank you so much Bella. This means the world to me."

Bella smiled and shifted Alicia in her arms before she patted Rose's arm. "I am glad you like it." As Rose pulled away, Bella offered her the dozing infant, "Would you like to hold her?"

Rose nodded instantly and made a cradle shape with her arms before Bella carefully placed her daughter into them. Alice bounded over to them and stared down at Alicia, running her hands through the fine hair on her head.

"She is perfect," Alice whispered, smiling at Bella and Edward, "Thank you so much." Both Edward and Bella nodded at her before they allowed her to return to watching Alicia.

In the following half hour Alicia was held by each member of her family. When Emmett had her in his arms, Edward decided to make the next announcement. "Jasper, Emmett, as Alicia is named after your wives, Bella and I would be honoured if you would both accept the position of Alicia's Godfather. What are your thoughts?"

Emmett had a grin that stretched from one ear to the other, while Jasper looked slightly shocked. "Are you sure you want us," he pointed to himself and Emmett, "to have such a large responsibility?"

"Yes we are," Edward replied simply.

"Yes! Of course I do!" Emmett yelled, apparently forgetting once more that he held a sleeping baby in his arms. The moment Emmett's words left his mouth Alicia began to scream, terrified of the loud noise.

Emmett panicked, "What do I do? What do I do?" he asked hysterically as he began to rock her, although he was doing it too quickly and this cause Alicia to worry even more, her cries rising in volume.

Edward made a move to get up and rescue his daughter but before he could take a step away from the chair, Jasper had taken his goddaughter into his arms and was soothing her, rubbing her back as he walked around in a small circle.

"Shh Alicia. There is no need to use your lungs so. Emmett is just a silly man who cannot understand that you want to sleep." Jasper told Alicia quietly, although everyone in the room could hear his words, even over Alicia's wails.

Alicia also appeared to be listening to him. Her cries soon stopped and she looked up at Jasper with tear stained eyes and red cheeks. "There, see it is nice to be quiet is it not Alicia?" Jasper asked, as he walked towards Bella. He gently placed his now calm goddaughter in Bella's arms before he kissed the top of her head and made his way over to his wife. Alice looked at him with such love in her eyes; Bella was sure she had never seen her love act that way.

For the rest of the day, the Cullen house was full of life and laughter. After a few not so subtle hints, the women finally remembered that it was Edward's birthday and he was presented with a number of gifts.

Alice and Jasper presented him with a brand new waist coat. It was extremely well made and detailed but with Alice could you expect any less? Esme presented Edward with a brand new fountain pen and ink while Carlisle had given his son a brand new set of medical text books and Rosalie and Emmett gave Edward a large box of expensive, homemade chocolates.

When all of their guests had finally left for the evening, after bidding farewell to Alicia at least a dozen times each, Bella was exhausted and could not wait to enter her bed once more.

-o-

Twilight had fallen and Bella was readying Alicia for bed after her final feeding of the day. She was wearing the smallest nightdress Bella had even seen and looked utterly adorable. Bella walked over to Edward and handed their daughter to him for the final time that night. As he said his goodnights, Bella entered the bathroom and prepared herself for bed. These days, whenever Alicia went to bed so did Bella. Due to the fact that Alicia was a mere two weeks old, she could not yet sleep through the night and needed feeding every two to three hours and about two cloth changes a night. Bella needed to sleep the moment Alicia did so that she could wake in the morning.

When Bella entered the bedroom once more, she saw Edward leaning over the crib which had been moved to the end of the bed now the Bella could leave it, humming Alicia's lullaby softly. Bella made her way over to the two people she loved most in the world and wrapped her arms around Edward's waist from behind, peering over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of her child, who was now fast asleep.

Five minutes later, Bella finally slipped into bed and not two minutes later did Edward join her, wrapping his arms around her as she cuddled into his chest. She kissed the tip of his nose as a way to say goodnight and shut her eyes as she listened to Edward hum an unfamiliar tune, causing her to fall into a deep sleep.

Bella rose twice during the night when she heard Alicia's cries. Although she always tried not to wake Edward, her effort appeared to be futile as he would wake the moment she would. Even if he could do nothing to help, such as feed Alicia, he would simply watch the mother and daughter interact and only return back to sleep when Bella herself could. He was the perfect husband and father.

Bella woke up as the morning light that flooded into the room from the windows hit her eyelids. She was once again wrapped up in Edward's arms but for some reason her chest felt quite heavy. She was confused for a moment before she realised the Alicia had not had her third feed of the night. This began to worry Bella; surely Alicia could not get through the night on only two feeds? Bella had a sudden feeling in the pit of her stomach; it was as if something was not right.

As Bella made her way out of bed, she was vaguely aware of the fact that the bedroom door was slightly open. She was certain it had been fully closed last night.

The instant Bella laid her eyes on the crib her heart dropped out of her chest and tears fell instantly from her eyes as she tried to hold in her scream.

The crib was empty and the bedding was cold.

---

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