A/N: Wow! Your response the last chapter blew me away! Thanks so much. And the overwhelming consensus was in the 'Yes' answer. Because I left you hanging I wrote this chapter as quickly as I could to you put you all out of your misery. Enjoy.

A big thanks to MrsKatyCullen for going over this chapter for me.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 23

"How many weeks pregnant are you?"

Bella's mouth dropped open in shock as the words were spoken. "I'm not pregnant, Mom. Where did you get that idea?"

"I've seen the signs."

"Signs? What signs? Believe me, I'm definitely not pregnant," insisted Bella, shaking her head.

"Are you waiting until you're three months along until you announce it? Is that why you haven't said anything? Or don't you know yourself yet?"

Bella stood up abruptly and took a couple of agitated steps. How did Renee come to such an erroneous assumption? Turning to face her, Bella spoke calmly. "Mom, I'm not pregnant. I can't be."

"Why not?" Without waiting for an answer, Renee continued. "Bella, I have a sense about these things, you know. I just seem to 'know' when a woman's pregnant. I call it my 'sixth sense'. And I definitely sense that you are carrying a baby."

For an instant, Bella let herself hope that Renee was right before common sense kicked in. Edward was infertile and it wasn't possible. Sitting back down, Bella looked earnestly at her mother. "Mom, I'm afraid your 'sixth sense' is wrong in this case. There's no way I can be pregnant."

"Why? Because you take birth control? Honey, you should know that there's no contraceptive that's one hundred percent effective all the time."

"Geez Mom, I'm a midwife. I know that. But that's not it. Edward…"

In that moment, Bella heard Edward talking to Phil and realized he was coming back outside. Not wanting to discuss his situation without his permission, she quickly tried to change the subject.

"Mom, please. Can we talk about something else? I'll explain later, after I've talked to Edward. Please?"

Renee smiled wryly and nodded. Bella breathed a sigh of relief then smiled up at Edward as he came outside, his hair still damp. He sat next to her and she breathed in his fresh, clean scent, his skin still warm from his shower.

As the others talked, her mind wandered to Renee's words. As much as she would love to be pregnant with Edward's baby, she knew it wasn't going to happen naturally. It just wasn't. It would have happened long before if it were possible. Heaven knows, they just about made love every day, often more than once.

"You okay?" asked Edward quietly, looking at her with concern. "You're very quiet."

Shoving her thoughts to the back of her mind, Bella shook her head. "I'm fine. Just wool-gathering."

As it was their last night in Jacksonville, Edward was going to take Bella out to dinner. Renee suggested somewhere at the Landing so they could take a look at the Peace Fountain lit up at night.

They walked hand in hand along the River walk, which was busy with fellow tourists and locals alike, trying to decide what they felt like having for dinner. They settled on a Mexican restaurant that had outdoor tables. After giving the waiter their orders, Edward took her hand and lifted it up to his lips.

"I'll be sorry to say goodbye to Renee and Phil. I've really enjoyed their company," he said, holding her hand to his cheek.

"I'm sure they've enjoyed yours too."

"I'm lucky that I won't have a dragon for a mother-in-law." He grinned. "Then again, I won't be able to tell horror mother-in-law jokes. I love mine."

Bella smiled. "Well, you're the bee's knees, as far as Mom is concerned."

Edward chuckled before taking a sip of his beer. "We're both lucky we've got great families," he mused.

Nodding her head, Bella heartily agreed. "Imagine having families that didn't like you, or worse, not having any at all, like Victoria."

Their food arrived at that moment. While they ate, Renee's words came back and Bella wasn't quite sure how to approach the question. Deciding to just ask him, she spoke. "Edward? Can I ask you a question?"

Noting the serious tone in her voice, Edward looked at her quizzically. "Of course. What is it?"

Bella fidgeted with her napkin, wondering why she was nervous. "Renee's been asking questions and giving hints about us having children." She looked up at his face, needing to see if she was upsetting him. His expression was neutral, so she continued. "I wanted to ask if you would allow me to tell her about your infertility. It would stop thoughtless questions and she won't tell anyone if we ask her not to, I know she won't. It would make our lives easier not to have to deal with pressure after we get married…" Bella could hear herself start to ramble.

Grabbing her hand, Edward squeezed it tightly and smiled gently at her. "Bella! It's okay. I don't mind if you tell Renee. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Of course it isn't. I just didn't want to discuss something so personal without you knowing about it. I would have felt like I was breaking a confidence."

"No, you wouldn't, I promise. Tell Renee everything. It'll be good for you to know that she knows." He stroked her hand, reassuringly.

"Okay. I'll talk to her tonight."

After dinner, they strolled for a while, stopping to admire the colourful lights that lit up the fountain. Taking her in his arms, they kissed tenderly, not noticing the amused looks of passers-by who watched the two lovers.

When they got back, Phil was watching a baseball game. Knowing Bella wanted to talk to her mother privately, Edward asked Phil if he wanted any company. Glad to have someone to discuss the finer points of the game with, Phil grabbed a couple of beers.

Leaving them to it, Bella went in search of her mother. Renee was in the den, going through her emails.

"Hey Mom," she called out softly, not wanting to startle her.

"Oh hey, baby. How was dinner? Where'd you go?"

Bella told her about their night before suggesting they head out to the patio. "I need to talk to you."

Getting them both a drink, they settled down outside in the balmy evening. "Is this about the discussion we were having earlier?" asked Renee astutely.

Bella nodded. "Sort of. I need to tell you why I can't be pregnant." At Renee's nod of encouragement, she continued. "I wanted to make sure it was okay with Edward before I said anything. He wanted me to tell you."

Bella related to Renee about Edward's battle with cancer and its resulting infertility.

"That's why I know your 'sixth sense' is wrong. When we decide to have children, we'll have to go through IVF."

Renee had listened without saying a word. "Honey, I'm so sorry for what Edward had to go through at such a young age." She took hold of Bella's hand. "But, despite all that, I still believe you may be pregnant. It's possible," she insisted as Bella shook her head.

"Mom, he's been infertile for eleven years. Do you really think it would just magically change after all this time?"

"When was the last time he was tested?"

"About four years ago, and there was nothing then."

"Four years? That's a long time, honey. Things can change in four years. Bella, you work in medicine. I'm sure you see miracles all the time. Why can't you have a miracle of your own?"

"Because it's totally improbable, Mom."

"But not impossible. Even the doctors told him that. Think about it Bella. I've noticed that you fall asleep at the drop of a hat and you felt dizzy yesterday. And I don't know, there's just something about you…"

"Mom, it's been a rough couple of months, that's why I've been tired. And it was the heat yesterday. I've been fine today. As a midwife, I think I would suspect if I was pregnant."

"Maybe not. It's easy to ignore things when you truly believe they're not possible."

"Mom, I work around pregnant women every day. Like I would miss the signs," she insisted.

"Okay, then. When did you have your last period?"

Bella opened her mouth to give her an answer when she stopped. When was the last time she'd had a period? She realised that she'd have to think about it because she really couldn't remember. In the wake of Billy's death, the drama with Victoria and the general hectic pace of work, she had totally forgotten to take notice of her body.

"I…I can't really remember," she said weakly.

Renee didn't say anything, just gave her a knowing look.

Bella's mind was whirling with a million thoughts. The mere thought that she could possibly be pregnant was seriously messing with her head. She needed to get her thoughts into some rational order before she even mentioned the possibility to anyone, even Edward.

"Think about it. Take a test anyway, just for curiosity's sake," urged Renee.

Bella just gave a small nod. "Maybe when we get back."

As if by mutual agreement, they changed the subject. Renee was astute enough, despite her apparent flightiness, to see that Bella was really rattled by the possibility of being pregnant and decided not to push. Either way, the truth would become apparent with time.

About an hour later, Bella gave a wide yawn and announced she'd be heading to bed. They were catching a morning flight back to Seattle. At Renee's knowing look, she just shook her head.

"I'm just tired, Mom. It's been a busy few days."

"If you say so." Okay, so she couldn't help pushing just a little bit.

Phil and Edward were calling out to the television, shouting encouragement to whoever was batting. Bella sat down on the arm of his chair and leaned her head against his. He turned and gave her a peck on the cheek, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"I'm going to bed, okay? You stay and finish the game," she murmured into his ear.

"No, I'll go with you."

"Stay. How many innings to go?"

"Only a couple more."

"Well, stay and watch them. You don't want to stop now, do you?"

"It is a close game. If you're sure?"

"Of course. See you in bed." Kissing him softly, she bade Renee and Phil goodnight and went to their bedroom

Glad to be on her own for a while, Bella allowed the maelstrom of thoughts she'd been trying to suppress, loose. She kept hearing her mother's words repeatedly. As she got into bed, she thought back to when she had her last period. Trying to work back week by week, she realised it had been at least over a month. Her brow furrowed in concentration, she vaguely remembered one before Billy's death, but couldn't remember one after, no matter how hard she tried. At least six weeks, if not more.

Unbidden, a tiny flare of hope lit inside her before she quashed it. She had on occasion skipped or had a delayed period. Admittedly, she could count the times on one hand, but it had happened. This could very well be one of those times.

And yes, she did seem to feel extra tired lately but that could easily be attributed to other factors. And other than the dizziness yesterday, she hadn't felt the slightest bit nauseous. As a midwife, Bella knew that not all women experienced morning sickness. The 'signs' were all a bit vague to give much credence to the idea.

Still, that tiny flame was fighting with all its might to take hold. It wouldn't let go, now that Bella was conscious of the possibility, however minute she believed it to be.

Lying on her side, she breathed in Edward's scent from the pillow beside her. Knowing that she needed to find out the answer, she decided to take a pregnancy test when they got home. She also knew that she couldn't say anything to Edward. She couldn't bear to see the disappointment on his face if it came to nothing, as she still suspected. No, if it was negative, she'd never mention it.

As she drifted off to sleep, her hand unconsciously moved to her stomach in an age-old maternal gesture.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Their flight was called, and the usual flurry of goodbyes were given. Renee and Bella held each other tightly, both knowing they shared a tremendous secret that could change their lives.

"Call me," said Renee, looking meaningfully at Bella. Bella smiled and nodded. "Of course, Mom. I love you."

"I love you too, baby girl."

Taking hold of Edward, Renee hugged him hard. "Take care of my little girl."

"Of course Renee. I'd protect her with my life," he reassured her. Renee beamed at him.

With final waves goodbye, they boarded the plane and found their seats. Taking her hand, Edward looked at her.

"I'm going to miss Renee, and Phil," he stated.

"Yeah, me too. I sometimes wished she lived a bit closer."

"You okay? You've been a bit quiet this morning. I'm sorry that you don't get to see your mom every day."

"I'm fine. I'm used to it, but it's still hard to say goodbye."

"I know. Still, we have a wedding to organise and you'll see her then. She may even be able to stay for a bit before the wedding."

Bella nodded in agreement. "That would be nice. And yes, we've got to break the news to Alice. Hope it won't be too much for her, though. She's due in July."

Edward chuckled. "You don't know Alice very well if you think a little thing like pregnancy will stop her."

"Suppose not. I'll have to insist she doesn't overdo it, though," insisted Bella.

"Good luck with that."

Bella dozed on and off during the flight home and with the time difference, it was still mid morning when they arrived in Seattle. The difference in temperature was instantly noticeable.

They stopped for lunch on the way home and arrived in the early afternoon. The afternoon was spent doing loads of washing and airing the apartment out. Bella rang Jake to see how he was, pleased he was nearly back to his old self. Next was Charlie.

"How are Renee and Phil?"

Bella related their trip, including Renee's inebriation. Charlie burst out laughing. "Always was fun to be with."

Risking the wrath of her father, Bella asked how Kara was. To her surprise, Charlie was actually forthcoming with information. He told her how they chatted on the phone most nights and that he was planning a trip to see her in Canada.

"That's great to hear Dad. I'm really pleased for you. I hope everything works out for both of you."

"You don't feel, I don't know, weird, about this?" asked Charlie.

"No, why would I? I'm a big girl now. I can handle seeing my Dad with a girlfriend," she teased.

Charlie just cleared his throat at the word 'girlfriend'. "Well, then, that's g…good."

Throughout the mundane chores they had to do, Bella's mind kept turning back to her discussion with her mother. Outwardly, she acted as if nothing was weighing on her mind but she knew she needed to get some answers before it drove her crazy. Her mind kept swinging from denial to hope and back to denial, seemingly at lightning speed. She was determined to get a test kit from the hospital tomorrow.

"Is something wrong, love?" asked Edward as they sat having dinner. He had the feeling that something was off with Bella. He couldn't put his finger on it, but she had been acting differently since last night even though she was trying to act normally. She seemed worried about something. "If something's worrying you, you can tell me."

Bella looked at him in surprise. Damn, she'd been trying her hardest to act normal but it seemed he'd still picked up on some of her tension. "No, why would there be something wrong?" she hedged.

"I don't know. You just seem...distracted...somehow. What's bugging you?"

"Nothing. There's nothing wrong."

"Is it the prospect of our wedding? Do you want to wait to get married?" he asked, a hint of hurt showing in his eyes.

Shocked that he could think such a thing, Bella came around the table and took hold of his head in her hands, tilting it up to hers. "Edward, darling. Of course I want to marry you. You know that. How could you think otherwise?"

"I don't really but it's the only thing I can come up with that's bothering you," he answered.

Bella lowered her head and rested her forehead on his. "Nothing's bothering me. Maybe I've got a touch of the post-break blues," she smiled wryly. "I've enjoyed our time away together very much and now it's back to the everyday."

Edward looked deeply into her eyes, trying to ascertain the truth of her words. He wanted to believe her. "You know you can tell me anything, don't you?"

"Yes, I know. Honestly Edward, it's nothing."

Deciding to take her at her word, he pulled her down onto his lap as his hands slipped under her shirt. "Love me?" he murmured against the skin of her throat, breathing deeply of the scent that was his Bella.

"You know I do," she replied, closing her eyes in pleasure as his hands wandered over the skin of her back before moving to draw circles on her torso.

"Show me," he demanded as he took her earlobe between his lips, tugging gently.

The feel of his hands, his lips, his body were all the incentive Bella needed. Threading her hands through his hair, she pulled his lips to hers, running her tongue over his slowly before seeking entry to his mouth. Lightly massaging his scalp, she kissed him deeply, needing to convey the depth of feelings she felt for him. He was the whole world to her, her everything.

Edward let Bella take control, followed where she led. When she began peppering his face and neck with kisses, he let her do as she wanted. He couldn't help the soft gasp when she flattened her breasts against him as she wriggled on his lap, his reaction to her nearness more than obvious. As she continued kissing him, she ran her hands up his torso, over his hard chest and began pulling at the buttons on his shirt. Impatiently, she pulled the shirt open, popping a couple of buttons off in her haste.

Ravenous for him now, she slipped off his lap onto her knees between his legs and began kissing his chest, sucking his nipples into her mouth. She lightly ran her fingernails over his chest. She could hear his thudding heart, feel his uneven breathing as her hands moved lower, over his hard abs and further down. Fumbling with the button of his jeans, her mouth moved lower, swirling her tongue into his belly button.

When Bella pulled down his zipper, he lifted his hips to help her pull his jeans down. He looked down and felt a bolt of pure desire flow through him. She looked like a pure seductress, eyeing his tented underwear with hunger. When she reached up and took hold of his erection through the fabric, he threw his head back as he gripped the sides of the chair.

She began stroking him slowly as she continued kissing his torso.

"God, baby. Touch me," he begged hoarsely. Reaching up, she kissed him deeply, her tongue swirling with his. He groaned loudly when she pulled down his underwear, freeing his erection. She took hold of him with both hands, one hand cupping the head while the other moved up and down, driving him wild. While stroking him, she kissed her way back down his torso and paused, her eyes teasing. "Yes. Oh god, yes!" he hissed at the question in her eyes.

Her tongue ran along the underside of his penis in a slow, measured stroke. Over and over, she licked him but wouldn't take him in her mouth. Edward looked at her red lips, desperate to have them wrapped intimately around him. "Please, baby."

"Do you love me?" she asked hoarsely, the lust in her voice evident.

"More than anything. More than my life." He cried out in pure bliss as she finally took him in her mouth, sucking on the tip as her tongue flicked over it. He couldn't help his hands raking through her hair, holding her to him. "Oh god!" He bucked gently into her mouth, his breath coming in rough gasps.

His ragged moans were driving Bella wild and she could feel how wet she was. Her sex was throbbing, desperate for him to give her relief. Releasing him with a soft 'pop' she stood up, ignoring his groan of disappointment.

Like a woman possessed, she ripped of her shirt and fumbled with her bra, Edward's hands undoing her jeans, pulling them down along with her underwear. As soon as she had kicked them away, Edward pulled her down onto his lap, his mouth zeroing in on her breasts.

Bella was panting as he suckled on her sensitive breasts, darts of pleasure shooting straight to her core. With her legs on either side of his, she could feel his erection throbbing against her. It would only take a small movement and he would be inside her.

Edward was so turned on; he was struggling to control himself. His hands were squeezing her breasts roughly as he sucked her turgid nipples, listening to her cries.

Bella could feel how close she was to coming so she lifted herself up slightly before impaling herself on him, both of them crying out at the sensation of him filling her so deeply. Bella rocked back and forth a couple of times and felt the ripples of an orgasm race through her, her head thrown back, her back arched.

"Yes, baby. That's it. I love to watch you come," he muttered, trying to stop himself from coming even though her inner walls were massaging him, the sensation heavenly.

As Bella recovered, she kissed him deeply, rocking back and forth. "I love you so much."

"I know."

His hands on her hips were guiding her back and forth, as he gritted his teeth. He wanted to prolong this as much as possible, make her come once again. He could feel her dripping onto him, making the task even more difficult.

"Baby, I'm going to turn you around, okay?" he gasped into her throat. At her nod, he lifted her off him, both of them looking down at his rigid penis, throbbing and wet from her body. Turning her around, he pulled her back down, facing away from him. Bella reached down and grabbed his penis, guiding it back into her.

"Oh god, that feels so good!" she cried as the change in the angle of penetration stimulated different parts of her. Leaning back into him, she turned her head as his mouth searched for hers, her arm reaching up to cup his head.

Edward knew he wouldn't last long. She was too damn sexy. He was so hard he hurt and was buried so deeply inside her; he had trouble remembering where he ended and she started. His hands reached around and cupped her breasts, pinching and rolling her nipples as she began rocking faster and faster.

"Oh baby!" he gasped

"Yes…yes…yes!" she breathed, her hand digging into his hip. He was too far gone to even notice. One hand moved down and began rubbing her soft folds feeling where he was moving in and out of her.

"Baby, I'm gonna come. I can't hold out much longer," he warned hoarsely, as his finger rolled her nub around and around.

The sensation of his fingers on her breast and clit, moving in tandem, as well as the delicious stretching of his penis inside her was the last straw. "Yes….yes….yes….yesssss!" she hissed loudly as she bucked wildly on him, her body throbbing with each wave of pleasure that surged through her, her head thrown back onto his shoulder.

So lost in her pleasure, she didn't notice when Edward cried out and pressed his face into her throat as he released himself into her, squeezing her breast almost painfully.

For several long moments, they sat there limply, gasping harshly as they struggled to come back down to earth. Unconsciously, Edward caressed her stomach in a soothing gesture as he slumped back into the chair, her body following.

"Wow," was all he could manage as his voice returned.

"Yeah."

Slowly shifting around, still joined, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed languidly for several moments, both of them completely satiated. Bella rested her face against his throat, her mind completely devoid of any thought.

"Come on love. Let's go to bed," he said as he felt her shiver. Lifting her off him, he stood up and picked her up, carrying her to the bedroom, Bella flicking off the lights as they went.

o-o-o-o-o-o

It didn't take long for them to get back into the swing of things once back in the hospital. Bella was happy to be back although in the back of her mind she was constantly aware that she needed to obtain a pregnancy test kit without Edward knowing.

Today was a clinic day but Bella wasn't rostered to assist so she was doing rounds, meeting any new mothers that had been admitted while she was away, when she got called to the Emergency Department.

Rushing down she burst through the doors and was confronted by a woman in labour being pushed in a wheelchair. She had a hospital blanket over her legs.

"What's happening?" she asked the doctor on duty.

"Take a look," she said, with a wry smile as she lifted up the blanket.

Bella bent down and gasped. "Oh dear." Protruding from the woman were two tiny feet. Looking at the patient folder, she addressed the poor woman. "Hello Mrs Vega. I see junior is in a hurry."

Mrs Vega nodded. "I felt the first contraction an hour ago."

"Ok. Let's get to the delivery room. Quickly." They all rushed up to Maternity and into a delivery suite as fast as possible. This baby was in an almighty rush and was coming out breech. "Call one of the doctors. Just in case," she asked another nurse as they helped Mrs Vega onto the bed.

Mrs Vega cried out in pain as a strong contraction hit. "Oh god, I need to push!" she groaned.

"Try not to, please," urged Bella. "We need to be careful as it's breech." The feet had already come out but there was always the possibility that the head could get stuck so Bella wanted to be cautious.

"I have to!" cried the labouring mother, red and sweaty.

Bella knew she wasn't going to be able to slow the birth down. She felt a touch on her back and looked up to see Edward smiling down at her.

"In a rush, I see," he said, assessing the situation.

"Very," she replied, absurdly pleased to see him. His presence just seemed to have a calming effect on everyone.

Taking hold of the baby's feet, she gently pulled as Mrs. Vega pushed through a strong contraction. The legs and bottom slid out easily allowing them to note that it was a girl.

"Okay, Mrs Vega. I'm going to have to try and guide the arms and head out. This will probably hurt but we run the risk of dislocating a shoulder if we're not careful," warned Bella.

With her smaller hands, Bella was able to manoeuvre the baby's arms out safely and check for the cord, which fortunately wasn't wrapped around her neck. At the next contraction, Bella helped the head emerge. The baby gave a loud cry of protest, much to the relief of everyone in the room.

"Congratulations Mrs Vega. You have a little girl," said Bella, placing the baby on her mother's chest.

"Well done, Bella," praised Edward softly, his hand on the small of her back. Bella grinned up at him and prepared to deliver the placenta. He gave the baby a quick check to see that all was well. "I'll get back to the clinic now, seeing as you've got everything under control here." With a goodbye to everyone, he left the room.

After a few minutes, Bella took the baby and did the usual weighing and measurements. "You need to slow down in future, little one," she crooned to the infant as she carried her back to her mother. "You may have your hands full with this one," she smiled.

Mrs Vega shook her head in bewilderment. "I think you may be right. One moment I'm at sitting at home, the next I'm here with my baby." As she spoke, Bella noticed Mrs Vega's hands begin to shake, then saw the tremors that shook her body. "Why can't I stop shaking?" she asked, a worried look on her face.

"It's because your labour was so quick, your body is having a sort of delayed reaction. It's in shock in a way. It's quite common in extremely fast labours like yours. It will pass soon. We can give you a light sedative if you become too uncomfortable."

"No, I'll be fine." Bella and another nurse cleaned Mrs Vega up before having her transferred to the ward. Just before she was moved, a harried man came rushing into the room.

"You alright, Rosie?" he asked anxiously as he looked at his wife. He then noticed the bundle in her arms. "Is that…?"

"Hi honey. Meet your daughter," she smiled, holding out her baby.

Bella watched as he took hold of his daughter, a look of awe in his face. "I tried to get here as fast as I could…"

Mrs Vega shook her head. "It's okay. Bubs was just a bit too impatient for all of us, wasn't she nurse?"

Bella agreed heartily before ushering them to the ward where she left the happy family to get acquainted.

It was nearing the end of her shift so she went into the storeroom and grabbed three testing kits. She was going to wait until she was alone at home before she tested herself. Part of her wanted to tell Edward of her faint suspicions, have him wait for the results with her but a larger part didn't want to raise his hopes only to have them dashed.

She was just about to look for Edward to let him know she was leaving when he came into the staff room.

"Baby, I'm going to be a couple more hours yet," he informed her. "Because of the breech birth we're running behind and we still have a number of appointments to get through."

"Okay. Give me a call when you're leaving so I can have dinner ready when you get home." Bella was relieved to have this time alone. It meant being able to find out sooner rather than waiting. Giving him a quick kiss, she left the hospital.

When she got home, she pulled out the kits and sat staring at them. She had to admit she was scared. Scared of having that tiny spark of hope extinguished. Scared of having to hide from Edward the fact that she'd even suspected she might be pregnant. Scared of disappointment. She hadn't expected to ever even think she might have fallen pregnant naturally but she was scared of how badly she wanted it to be true.

Taking a deep breath, she decided get on with it. Carrying the kits into the bathroom, she followed the procedures and went back out to the lounge room to wait. After a couple of seconds, she stood up and paced around the room, stealing glances towards the bathroom every few seconds.

When the required time had elapsed, she walked to the bathroom and stood at the door, terrified of taking those few steps and finding out the truth. The three sticks on the bathroom counter seemed to taunt her, daring her to pick them up.

Pulling herself together, she stepped forward and picked up the sticks with shaking hands, not daring to look until she went back to the lounge. Finally, she forced herself to look at the small windows.

All three showed a clear blue line through the middle.

Tears sprang to Bella's eyes as she stared at the blue lines.

Each stick confirmed that she was indeed pregnant. She was carrying Edward's baby. Against all hope, all expectation, they had created a tiny new life.

As the tears of joy coursed down her face, Bella's hands moved to cradle her still flat stomach.

"Hi baby," she whispered.

o-o-o-o-o-o

A/N: Happy now? Next up - Edward's reaction.

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