Home

"So here's to everything, coming down to nothing
Here's to silence that cuts me to the core
Where is this going? Thought I knew for a minute
But I don't anymore"
Forever and Always- Taylor Swift

Mood Music: Forever and Always by Taylor Swift and I'm Your Man by Michael Bublé

-Present Day: One Month Later-

Edward sat at his desk, medical book open in front of him as he flipped through pages. His mind wasn't on the task at hand and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get Bella out of his thoughts. He knew that he had promised her that he would trust her, but she was getting worse instead of better. The thoughts of what was happening were prevalent, even when he wasn't thinking of them.

Talking to a colleague, Edward had mentioned her symptoms hoping for a second opinion. He had hoped that his colleague would laugh and tell him that he was reading into things, but that wasn't what happened at all. Instead he had been given a book on Medical Diagnosis and Treatment for Pregnancy with words of "tread carefully."

The problem was that swelling and shortness of breath were common for all pregnancies. It didn't matter that Bella was only 5 months along, or that she had none of these symptoms with Alice. After all, every pregnancy was different. Edward couldn't help but feel as if he was paranoid and constantly watching for something to happen.

This had put him on edge more than he was even aware. He knew that he was only concerned for Bella and for the baby, but that just made his awareness even greater. Finally, driving himself crazy with "what if's" Edward put the book in his bottom drawer, locked it, and gave the key to Jasper.

It had also led him to take another action, which he had been thinking about longer than he was willing to admit.

-Two Weeks Prior-

Edward's mother had once told him that a house was only a home, if it felt like one. He had always taken that to mean that it was comfortable, homey, lived in. He understood more now that she what she really meant; it contained those that you loved.

His apartment didn't feel like home.

He had spent nights sitting on the couch, contemplating the situation that he and Bella were in, that he had put them in. He knew that Bella was currently living with Rosalie and that the situation was rather cramped. Edward also knew that if he were to ask her to move in with him, his tiny two bedroom apartment would become even smaller.

And even then, it didn't mean she would say yes.

Edward felt like their relationship was in this stagnant standstill, all because of the things unsaid between them. He didn't want to waste any more time, didn't want to stress over what was and was not okay.

He called a realtor that day and set things in motion. He was buying a house.

It hadn't taken him long to find the perfect one, with enough bedrooms for all of them with room to spare. It was in a good neighborhood, close to a good daycare, and within distance of some of the best schools in the city. It was also the complete epitome of his childhood home, something he had yearned for with Emmett.

It was also way more than Bella would want him to spend.

Call it intuition, but Edward knew enough about her to know that she would put up a fight about this purchase, not seeing it as what it was. If the necklace hadn't made things clear enough, he was making his grand gesture.

He knew that it was too soon to get married; their divorces had barely settled and even he knew how tacky that would look in society. Not that it mattered to him. Instead this was his gesture of a future; they were having a baby together and it was time to combine their lives.

He hoped that Bella agreed.

Nervous, Edward had showed the house to Jasper who simply looked around, whistled, and raised his eyebrows.

"You sure are ready to jump right back on the commitment wagon."

"I love her."

"I would expect nothing less," Jasper stated laughing softly. "That much is obvious, it's just this house is huge."

"It gives some wiggle room."

"Wiggle room, interesting choice of words. Are you planning on knocking her up again? Or do you need the extra three bedrooms for your parents?" Jasper snorted softly. "I get that you want Emmett, the baby, and I am assuming Alice to have the life you had growing up, but damn, do you really need all the extra bedrooms?"

"They don't have to be bedrooms, one can be turned into a playroom, another into an office, there are more uses for rooms than just sleeping in."

Jasper nodded looking around once more nodding his head at Edward's vision.

"I can see how having a home office as a cardiologist would be beneficial." His eyes rolled dramatically. "Shit how much are you making that you can afford this? Share the wealth, bro."

Edward chuckled softly shoving him lightly on the arm and rolling his eyes. "Glad I got your approval."

"Yeah, well, all you need is the miniature dog and the white picket fence and I would say you have it made."

"I'll keep that in mind." Edward muttered, smiling at his friend's sarcasm.

-Present Day-

He sat twirling the key ring around on his finger, mumbling words softly to himself practicing what he was going to say. Edward was more nervous than he thought he would be and he took a deep breath, checking the clock to see the time.

He had fifteen minutes.

Fifteen minutes to sit and stew with his thoughts, which was never a good thing. His mind wandered from Emmett, who was at Jasper's for the night, to Bella and their unborn baby. This led to thoughts of the book that now lie locked in his drawer at work.

He could always get the key from Jasper.

Edward tapped his fingers incessantly on the coffee table. Without much thought his mind began to make lists.

Bella's Symptoms:

Panic attacks

This led to a long slew of symptoms including shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, chest pains, prevalent and persistent fear. Symptoms typically last for several minutes. But the last time Bella had a panic attack around him it had lasted less than a minute.

Swelling

He was assuming leg swelling was due to the pregnancy, but it was so early in her term for it to be showing. The swelling could also be a sign of high blood pressure, especially since it was so noticeable.

Irritability

Definitely a symptom of the pregnancy.

Trouble Sleeping

Bella had thought that he had not noticed the fact that she was looking more tired and worn lately, but it hadn't passed his notice. While Edward knew that this was normal for pregnancies, it was not common in the second trimester.

--

Edward was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of a gentle knock on the door. Hopping up he let Bella in and led her to the couch.

"I thought we could order some food in and just sit and talk a bit." Edward rushed, nervously.

"That would be great," Bella replied plopping her feet up on the coffee table "I'm bushed."

Edward ordered the food quickly making his way back to the couch and setting next to her, brushing a stray hair from her face and pecking her softly on the lips.

"Hi."

"Hi." She whispered smiling softly.

"I have some news."

"Hit me with it." She leaned her head back against the couch, too tired to hold it up.

"I bought us a house."

"Wait," her head popped up, eyes wide open "repeat that."

"I bought us a house; I want us to move in together. It will happen eventually and I want to be there for the rest of your pregnancy. I want the whole experience; the foot massages, the food cravings, the irritability, the peeing constantly, I want it all Bella. I want to experience it all with you."

Her jaw was open in shock and Edward couldn't help the bit of hurt that he felt. "I'm living with Rosalie."

"I know it's kind of sudden but there is no need to look so excited." He placed the key he was carrying onto the coffee table, hopping up and making his way into the kitchen.

Busying himself with doing the few dishes that remained in the sink, he refused to look in the entryway behind him, knowing that she was standing there.

"I'm sorry I hurt your feelings," she whispered and he was surprised to find she was standing right behind him. Edward could feel the heat from her body and he sighed softly.

"I know and I knew that this would be a hard thing for you to accept but it was something I have wanted to happen since I found out about the pregnancy. I know that things are moving fast between us and that most likely makes you nervous," Edward turned around leaning against the sink and looked at her. "But I want to be there for every step, the good and the bad. I told you before Bella I am all in and it just makes me wonder if you aren't."

"Moving in together is just a huge step, Edward. I just need to process, to think."

"What is there to think about? I love you, I don't plan on leaving you ever, and you're having my baby. It just seems like the logical next step to me."

Edward stood silently for a moment watching the emotions flicker across her face. He couldn't remember the last time they had touched and actually meant it. The occasional brush of skin wasn't enough, he needed her.

It seemed that all they did anymore was fought. They fought about her health, about finding out the sex of the baby, and now this. The tension was escalating and it was going to explode.

"We can't keep ignoring the pink elephant in the room, Bella." Edward laid his head back against the cupboard, the sadness overtaking him as he hunched. "You don't trust me and you are questioning my motives. It's clear as day on your face."

He lay the washrag on the counter with a small sigh "I don't really know what else I can do to prove it to you, to show you how I feel. At some point you are going to have to take a leap of faith or give up on me and I don't know how long I can wait for you to decide. I can't do this hot and cold. You're hurting me too, Bella."

Edward moved to brush past her but she held her hand out, stopping him. Tears began to fall down her face and he found himself reaching up to wipe them away.

"I can't stand when you cry." He whispered softly.

She reached for his hand, placing a gentle kiss on the palm before using it to cup her face.

"Edward look at me." Her free hand reached out and lifted his head up, his eyes met hers.

She leaned in and kissed him, suddenly pressing him against the sink. Her hands tangled and tugged in his hair causing him to gasp. She took advantage of the moment to slip her tongue into his mouth and against his.

His arms wrapped around her pulling her into him and his body felt like it was on fire. Bella leaned back panting for breath and his hands found their way to her front, fondling her through her top. She moved her mouth, nipping at his neck, her teeth sinking in by his shoulder causing him to groan.

The door bell rang, interrupting and causing them to pull apart.

"This isn't over." Edward growled grabbing his wallet and making his way to the door to get the food.

"Promises, promises." Bella called. She entered the room carrying a couple of plates and bottles of water.

She set the plates on the coffee table, her eyes focusing in on the key that lay there. Edward looked down at the object, the lightheartedness suddenly feeling oppressing.

"Let's just eat." Edward muttered setting the food down.

"I will get there Edward, please don't give up on me." Bella whispered and their eyes met once again.

"I know and I'm trying."

I feel like this chapter is a bit clunky, but it seemed like a good way to get some important information across. I'm sorry I didn't get a sneak peak out…I didn't get home until rather late last night and by that point emailing it out would have been pointless… I will make it up to you with an extra long sneak peek for the next chapter!

I have to say I am enjoying reading your theories and ideas… I will tell you that there are some MAJOR clues in this chapter!

Check out the thread for this story on Twilighted! Also check out my ff forum. Both links are located in my profile! Thanks to all of you who reviewed or added this story to your alerts or favorites!