A/N: Thanks so much for your awesome support. I really means a lot to me. If I could I'd give you all a hug.
Anyway, I'm still here and don't plan on going anywhere but if the worst happens, you can continue reading on Twilighted or for those who have trouble reading there, I've also posted it on The Writers Coffee Shop.
Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Chapter 25
Bella and Edward sat in bemusement for a few moments as the room seemed to erupt around them.
Carlisle sat in stunned silence, his mouth falling open. Beside him, Esme burst into tears, her hands covering her mouth in her shock. Jasper grinned widely before bursting into laughter at his wife's reaction. Victoria, not really understanding the extreme reactions of the family smiled at Edward and Bella.
Of course, the most extreme reaction came from Alice. As the words dropped from Bella's lips Alice's eyes seemed to pop out of her head. Bella could almost see her brain processing the words and it was like waiting for that huge clap of thunder that you knew was going to frighten the daylights out of you, no matter how much you were expecting it. Sure enough, the explosion didn't take long.
"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! I can't believe it! You're PREGNANT?" shrieked Alice, making Edward wince. His hand came to rest on Bella's stomach as if trying to protect the baby's ears.
Alice jumped up, still quite nimble despite her expanding girth and ran towards them, throwing her arms around the two of them. "Oh my god, this is the most amazing thing. God, I'm going to cry." Kissing them both of their cheeks, she hugged them tightly. Bella and Edward hugged her back and Bella could feel Alice's wet cheek.
"Alice! I can't breathe!" muttered Edward.
With a giggle, Alice let him go but kept hold of Bella. "I'm so happy. So happy. I'm going to be an Auntie. First a mommy, then an Auntie." She let Bella go and began bouncing around in excitement while clapping her hands. "Jazzy, how great is that?" she asked her husband.
"It's fantastic," he agreed. "Ah, babe, should you be jumping around like that in your condition?" he asked a little worriedly, looking at Edward for support.
"Alice, settle down. I don't feel like delivering your baby today," joked Edward wryly before grinning at Bella, who just shook her head.
Esme had finally got a handle on her shock and stood up, her arms spread wide. Edward gently pushed Bella up to her feet and joined her. Still crying, Esme held Bella tightly as she rocked her gently. "Thank you. Thank you so much Bella," she whispered shakily.
Bella couldn't help the tears that flooded her eyes as she was engulfed in Esme's warmth. "There's no need Esme. It's our miracle and it makes me so happy to give you this joy."
"I knew . "Thank you. Thank you so much Bella," she whispered shakily.
Bella couldn't help the tears that flooded her eyes as she was engulfed in Esme's warmth. "There's no need Esme. It's our miracle and it makes me so happy to give you this joy."
"I knew, I just knew, that the two of you were meant to be parents. I see the love between you and I couldn't believe that you wouldn't be able to share it with a chi, I just knew, that the two of you were meant to be parents. I see the love between you and I couldn't believe that you wouldn't be able to share it with a child of your own," she said shakily.
"That's what I told Edward when we found out," agreed Bella.
Letting her go with a soft touch of Bella's cheek, Esme turned and took her son in her arms. "Oh my baby boy, I'm having trouble putting how I feel into words. I knew you were too good a man not to have your dreams of a family come true. If there was anyone in this world that deserved to have a child of his own, it's you."
His eyes tear-filled, Edward held his mother tightly. "Thanks Mom. I'm still trying to believe it myself. I never thought this would happen."
Letting him go, Edward was engulfed by Carlisle. "Congratulations Edward. I'm not sure how this happened but it's terrific."
"Dad, you had me and Edward. I'm sure you know how this happened," quipped Alice, making everyone laugh.
"Cheeky," laughed Carlisle.
As everyone sat down again, the questions started.
"When did you find out?"
"How far along are you?"
"Did you know pregnancy was a possibility?"
"When are you due?"
"When are you getting married?"
Edward held his hands up. "Guys, please. We'll tell you what we know if you give us a chance." Taking hold of Bella's hand he began giving them some answers.
"First of all, we only found out yesterday. As you can imagine, I took a little convincing."
"Yes," interrupted Bella with a laugh. "He dragged me down to the hospital to have a blood test since he didn't trust three pregnancy testers."
"Three?" asked Alice with a disbelieving laugh.
"I know, I know but in my defence, it seemed so unlikely that only a blood test would convince me," agreed Edward.
"Did you suspect you may be fertile again?" asked Carlisle.
Edward shook his head. "Absolutely none at all."
"I suggested Edward get tested, to see how fertile he is now," said Bella.
"I believe that's a good idea," agreed Carlisle.
"Bella, how far along are you?" asked Alice excitedly. "Can you see our kids playing together? Having fun at Christmas time? This is so perfect."
"I'm not quite sure Alice. I haven't had a proper check up and since I wasn't expecting something like this, I didn't really keep tabs. About six or seven weeks I think. I'll know for sure when I have my check up next week."
Alice was doing the mental sums in her head. "So, maybe around November? Just in time for Christmas. How cool!" She clapped her hands in excitement before looking at them seriously. "Guys, we have to arrange your wedding soon, don't you think?"
Bella nodded. "That's the other thing we wanted to talk to you about. Edward and I would like to get married sometime in June. Is that too soon?"
"June! That's perfect. I'm sure I can handle that."
"Alice, you'll be getting closer to your due date by then and I don't want you to wear yourself out," said Edward. "We just want a small intimate wedding with just family and closest friends."
"Why don't you get married here?" suggested Esme. "The gardens will be nearly in full bloom."
"Yes," agreed Alice excitedly. "We hire a small marquee and caterers and it'll be organised in no time. What do you think?"
Edward looked at Bella, seeking her opinion. "What do you think, love? Sound like a good idea to you?"
Leaning across, she gave him a tender kiss. "I think it sounds wonderful." She looked up at Esme. "Thank you Esme. We would love to get married in your beautiful garden."
"That's settled then," said Alice excitedly. "We just have to agree on a date and I'll get it organised."
"Alice, please, don't overdo things," pleaded Bella. "I'm happy to do most of the work."
Alice stood up, straightening her diminutive height and placing her hands on her hips, or where her hips used to be. "Bella, Bella, Bella. You don't know me as well as you think you do if you think a minor thing like pregnancy will stop me. I live for this kind of thing."
Bella giggled at the imperiousness of her tone. "Okay, I'm sorry I doubted you. Although I get final say on everything, alright?"
"Of course, although you won't have any reason to disapprove of anything. Stylish and classy is my middle name."
Edward just shook his head at his little sister. When she got the bit between her teeth, there was simply no stopping her. "Okay squirt, have it your way but I warn you, if I see any sign that it's taking its toll on you on one of your check ups, I'll put my foot down and make you stop."
Alice looked at her brother and could see he was deadly serious. She nodded her head in agreement. "Okay. I promise I'll tell you if I can't handle it."
"And of course, I'll help," Esme piped up. "It'll be a lot of fun."
"Sounds good. And Alice, you'll be matron of honour, won't you?" asked Bella, who found herself smothered by Alice once again.
"Thank you, thank you. Of course I will be. Oh, I can't wait!"
"For the wedding, or the baby?" joked Edward.
"Both, of course."
Edward turned to Jasper. "Jasper, will you be my best man?"
Jasper shook Edward's hand. "It would be an honour, Edward." He leaned over and kissed Bella's cheek. "No getting out of this family now, Bella," he smiled.
"I know. What have we done?" joked Bella.
Bella noticed Victoria hadn't said a word as she just watched the interaction between the family. "You okay, Victoria? You're very quiet."
Victoria shook her head. "I'm fine. I've just been enjoying listening in. I don't quite understand everything but I'm really happy for you both."
Edward smiled gently at the young woman. "I've believed for many years that I couldn't father a child naturally so this is a wonderful surprise for all of us."
"Oh! I understand the reaction now. You guys deserve it though."
"Thank you Victoria. And of course you'll be here for the wedding with your own little one," said Bella.
"I've never been to a wedding before," she said a little sadly.
"All the more reason to enjoy this one," said Alice kindly before giving a wide yawn.
"Okay babe, time to get you home," said Jasper protectively. "I think you've had enough excitement for one night."
Alice giggled. "Wait until Edward starts molly-coddling you, Bella."
Bella laughed and looked at Edward. "You're not going to be overbearingly protective, are you?"
"Of course I am," disagreed Edward with a smile. "I'm going to drive you nuts."
Bella just gave him a mock glare and shook her head. Shortly afterwards they said their goodbyes. As Edward drove away, Bella looked at his strong profile and reached out to caress his jaw, now slightly stubbled.
"Edward, do you mind if we drive by Dad's place? If he's home, I'd really like to give him the news."
Nodding his head, Edward drove towards Charlie's house. "How do you think he'll take the news? Should I be worried?"
Bella giggled. "Of course not. We're not teenagers and we're engaged. He'll be fine."
Edward wasn't totally convinced but he was too happy to let anything dampen his mood. He was getting married to the most beautiful woman in the world in two months and they were having a baby together. Life was wonderful.
Driving up towards Charlie's house, they could see all the lights on. "Look, Jake's here as well. Good, we can tell them both at the same time."
Edward was slightly nervous about telling Charlie and Jacob at the same time. Jake was like Bella's brother and he could have the same reaction as an overprotective brother. He hoped for Bella's sake they were happy for them. Wrapping his arm protectively around her waist, he steeled himself.
With a perfunctory knock on the front door, Bella let them in, calling out to her father. Jacob was the one who came out to greet them.
"Hey guys! What brings you here this late?" he asked quizzically looking from one to the other.
"We have something to tell Charlie. I'm glad you're here Jake although why aren't you out with the guys on a Friday night?" replied Bella.
Jacob just shrugged his shoulders. "I was with them earlier but, I dunno, it's just getting old, you know? Same thing every week. I'm having a better time watching sports with Charlie, to tell the truth."
Bella looked closely at her friend. She could see the sadness and despondency in his eyes. He still hadn't really recovered from Billy's death. There was loneliness there too. Bella wondered whether it might be time for Jacob to leave the Peninsula, to explore the wider world, hopefully find something, or someone, that might fulfil him. He seemed to be stuck in a holding pattern at moment and as much as she loved Charlie, Jacob was too young to settle for spending his evenings with a middle aged man watching television. And if things progressed with Kara, even that might be lost to Jacob.
"Hey Bels, Edward," said Charlie as they entered the room. "Bit late for a social call, isn't it?"
Bella glanced at Edward before pulling him down next to her on the couch. "Sorry about the lateness. We were over at Esme and Carlisle's place and I wanted to drop by because Edward and I have something to tell you."
She looked at Jacob and saw a glint of awareness in his eyes, as if he had guessed their secret already.
"What is it?" asked Charlie warily.
"Dad, we didn't think this would happen, ever, but it has and we're over the moon. Edward and I are expecting a baby."
Edward watched Charlie's face as deadly silence filled the room in complete contrast the reaction from his family. He saw the way Charlie's lips thinned and the clench of his jaw. He really hoped Charlie wouldn't say anything that would dim Bella's joy at the pregnancy. He'd have a hard time forgiving his future father-in-law if Bella was hurt.
Jacob was the first to break the silence, coming over to shake Edward's hand. "Wow, that's great news," he smiled as he lifted Bella up into a hug. "I'm happy for you both. Wow, Bella. You're gonna be a mama!" he grinned. Bella grinned back. He turned to Charlie, giving him a fierce glare. "It's great news, isn't it Charlie?" he asked pointedly.
Charlie took a deep breath and forced himself to smile. "Yeah, yeah. It's good news, Bels." He took his daughter in his arms and hugged her tightly. Edward breathed a silent sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry we took you by surprise, Dad. Believe me, no-one was more surprised than we were but we're so, so happy," smiled Bella blinking back tears.
Edward watched as Charlie's face and body relaxed as he took in the happiness shining from his daughter's eyes and gave her a real smile. "Surprise is an understatement but you guys are adults and if you're happy, then so am I." He shook Edward's hand, who hid the slight wince when his hand was squeezed just a bit too tightly.
"Thanks Dad. I know we've done this in reverse order but we didn't expect this. If it makes you feel better, Edward and I are planning to get married in June, in Esme's garden."
"Great," said Jacob. "I feel like a party."
Bella shook her head at him. "So Dad, be prepared to be dressed by Alice and whatever you do, don't complain if you know what's good for you. Upsetting a pregnant woman can be dangerous." Charlie noticeably shuddered at the thought of being hounded by a pregnant Alice.
"So Edward, ready for sleepless nights and dirty nappies?" laughed Jacob.
"I'm looking forward to it all. Even the dirty nappies," he replied, looking tenderly down at Bella.
She grinned back at him. "That's good. I'll leave that job to you then," she joked.
They stayed for another half hour before heading home. "Charlie took it well, don't you think?" she asked.
Edward gave her an incredulous look. "Were we looking at the same person? I thought he was going to burst a blood vessel for a moment there."
"Don't exaggerate. He was fine," laughed Bella.
"Only because Jacob glared at him, and he's huge."
As they settled down in bed, Bella gave a huge yawn before snuggling close in his arms. "I feel so tired at the moment but at least I haven't got morning sickness."
"Don't speak too soon, love," he replied, kissing her tenderly. He leant down and kissed her stomach. "Goodnight, little one," he murmured before laying back down and looking into her sleepy eyes. "Happy?"
Bella nodded. "More than I can say. I love you, Edward."
"I love you too. Sleep, my love. You need the rest," he whispered as he stroked her hair until her deep breathing told him she'd finally succumbed.
o-o-o-o-o-o
As luck would have it, Bella was rostered to assist in the ante-natal clinic on Monday. Bernard arranged to examine Bella before the first patient appointment with Sue's help. Bella felt like she was involved in some cloak and dagger affair as they all arranged to meet in the clinic office at the appointed time and to be careful not to raise suspicion. Once she passed the three-month mark, she was going to tell everyone but until then, secrecy was the key. All their families had been sworn to secrecy.
She and Edward had caught up on the weekend with a slightly more subdued Alice on Sunday and had decided on a date in June for their wedding. They had also decided against taking a honeymoon because Bella preferred to take time off after the baby was born. Edward had convinced her to let him take her away for a few days to be alone. They'd looked at each other and both thought the same thing. Their favourite suite at the Fairmont. Edward had promised that after their baby was born, they would go on an extended holiday somewhere, their first as a family.
Alice had assured them that she would be able to organise the wedding in the two months they had, no problem. Bella wanted a small, intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family in attendance. Alice had insisted that they would need to get their dresses sorted out as soon as possible as Bella needed to pick a style that could easily accommodate her growing stomach.
"We don't have a moment to lose Bella," warned Alice. "You want to look gorgeous on your wedding day so we need get started as soon as possible."
"Bella looks gorgeous all the time," argued Edward.
Alice just rolled her eyes at her brother. "Edward, trust me. Just stay out of it, okay. This is secret women's business and it's really better for your health and sanity if you do as I say." She gave him a warning glare. "And don't think you'll get out of it all scott free. I'll be getting my hands on you and Jasper to get you all suited up."
Edward decided it was safer to follow her advice and just listened dutifully the rest of the time, only adding his input when asked. Bella grinned at his meekness in the face of his sister's bossiness. Little Alice could be downright scary when she had her benevolent dictator's hat on.
Bella agreed to meet with Alice during the week to begin the all important wedding dress search as well as decide on a theme for the wedding. Alice looked like she was going to enjoy this immensely.
She was now setting up everything in preparation for the clinic when Edward came in and immediately took her in his arms.
"Ready, my love?" he asked, kissing her lightly.
Bella nodded. "Sure am. Imagine, my first pregnancy check up. I'll finally get to find out what our mom's go through first hand," she replied with a smile.
Edward chuckled. "Nothing like first-hand experience, is there?"
Sue and Bernard came in, Bernard making sure the door was securely closed behind him. They didn't want any curious staff wandering in. As an extra precaution, Bernard was going to do the ultrasound in the clinic office.
"Ready to start Bella?" asked Bernard. "Sue, can you do the preliminaries while I get the equipment set up."
"Come on Bella. Let's go," smiled Sue as she led her into the office. "How exciting! Come along Edward, I know you're dying to get started."
Edward chuckled and sat down behind the examination table as Sue proceeded to take blood samples then taking Bella's blood pressure.
As Sue began taking down Bella's history and writing up the notes, Bella felt like the situation was almost surreal. It was usually her asking the questions, writing notes, doing all the tasks that needed to be done on a patient's first ante-natal visit. The touch of Edward's hand against hers brought her back from her musings and she smiled gratefully at him.
"Bit weird for you, love?" he asked, understanding the reason for her faintly glazed look.
"Yeah. Very," she replied.
"You'll soon get used to it," laughed Sue. "And if you felt empathy with our patients before, wait until you go through it all. Never again will you dismiss any of their aches and pains."
"Ok Bella, let's do this ultrasound," said Bernard.
Bella lay down, wincing a little as the cool gel was spread along her belly. Edward took her hand and positioned himself next to her where he could see the screen too, longing for a glimpse of the tiny being growing in her womb. It would make this pregnancy totally real for him, in a way even the blood test hadn't.
Both of them held their breaths as Bernard began moving the Doppler around, searching for the foetus. For those few moments, the fear that Bernard would find nothing there was almost crippling for Edward and he didn't realise he was squeezing Bella's hand so tightly until she tugged on his. He loosened his hold with an apologetic smile, before returning his eyes to the screen.
"Here we go," said Bernard happily.
There on the black and white screen, in all its fuzziness was a tiny little oblong shape. In the centre was a tiny flashing dot, brighter than its surroundings. The baby's heartbeat. Little more than a bundle of cells but formed enough to start beating, as it would until the end of its life. It was the final proof that their baby was real.
Edward stared at the screen, mesmerised. He didn't even notice the tears that fell down his cheeks. He was looking at their baby. Their child. That little shape on the screen, barely bigger than a pea was his son or daughter. He felt Bella's lips on his hand and he tore his eyes from the screen to look at her. Her eyes were wet too, and she gave him a tremulous smile.
Leaning down, he rested his forehead against hers for a few moments as they looked into each other's eyes. "Thank you," he whispered before kissing her lips reverently, their tears of joy mingling.
"I love you," she whispered back.
"I adore you," he replied, kissing her again.
They totally forgot they weren't alone until Bernard cleared his throat loudly. Edward sat up quickly, wiping his eyes as he gave Bernard a self-conscious grin. "Sorry."
Bella looked at Sue who had been watching them, her eyes suspiciously moist. She gave Bella a thumbs up.
"Well, going by the measurements, you're approximately seven weeks pregnant. I've estimated the date of your last period and going by that, your due date is November 21."
Bella looked at Edward whose eyes were glued to the screen again. He couldn't seem to drag them away. "Can you print us a copy of that, Bernard?"
"Of course, my dear. I'll make you one each as I know Edward will want his own copy."
Edward nodded. "That's going in my wallet and Bella's is going on the fridge door."
"Now, I don't have to go through the whole spiel, I'm guessing Bella?" smiled Bernard as he printed the scan and turned off the machine, while Sue cleaned the gel off Bella.
"A November baby. We're going to have a baby by Christmas," said Bella, hardly able to believe it.
Edward leaned forward and kissed her swiftly. "I can't wait. God, I'm so excited," he grinned.
"Well, we've got a clinic to run in five minutes so we'd better get ready," pointed out Bernard.
With great difficulty, Edward and Bella put on their professional faces and prepared for the rest of the day.
o-o-o-o-o-o
"I've got an appointment in Seattle on Friday," said Edward as they drove home that afternoon. He still hadn't completely come down from the high of seeing the ultrasound.
"What for?" asked Bella.
"It's with the fertility specialist I was recommended. To take another sperm count. I rang this afternoon and they fit me in."
"What time?"
"In the morning, so I'm going to drive down early and should be back by early afternoon."
"I'm coming too," said Bella.
"You don't have to, love. I can go on my own. I not worried about the result because I already have what I want most in the world. You and our baby."
Bella leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I want to come. I'm on afternoon shift anyway."
"I don't want you to get too tired if you're working," he said worriedly.
"I'll be fine, Edward."
"What about night shifts? I don't like the thought of you working nights. You need the rest."
"Edward, stop worrying. If I feel I can't cope, I'll speak to my supervisor. I'm not going to wrap myself in cotton wool because I'm pregnant."
"But..."
"Edward," she stopped him with a glare. "I want this baby as much as you and I promise I won't do anything to jeopardise it but I still need to live my life. If you're going to start fussing over every little thing, you're going to drive me crazy."
Edward had the grace to look a little shame-faced. "I just want to take care of you."
"I know you do. And I love you for it. But I won't be put in a bubble, like some incubator. We carry on as normal, making adjustments as required. I'm not ill. You know this. It's just your fears speaking. You give this advice to all our patients. Edward, you need to trust me. I will take care of myself and our baby to the best of my ability. I promise."
Edward stopped that car and turned to look at her, reaching out to stroke her cheek. "I'm sorry baby. I know you'll take care of yourself. Lord knows, if anyone knows about this, it's you. It's just that my protective streak has gone into overdrive and I need to learn to control it. Logically I know that pregnancy is a normal process. As an OB, especially. But when it's the woman you love carrying your baby, logic just flies out the window," he smiled apologetically. "I'll try to not drive you crazy. If I get too overbearing, tell me to pull my head in, okay?"
Grinning, Bella nodded and leaned over to kiss him. "Why do I get the feeling that I'll be telling you to pull your head in a lot during this pregnancy?"
Edward grinned back sheepishly. "You still want to come on Friday?"
"Yes."
"Okay. And I'll trust you to do what's best."
"Good. Let's go home."
That night, Edward couldn't keep his hands off Bella. Just looking at her had him so aroused that he had to stop himself from losing control and possibly being too rough.
Bella was panting underneath him as he kissed and licked his way down her body, worshipping every inch of her skin, her hands gripping his hair.
"Oh, Edward, please," she begged for his mouth on her breasts as she writhed against him.
"Easy love," he whispered, lifting his head to kiss her deeply, his tongue possessing her. He gazed down at her flushed body, her chest rising and falling rapidly as his fingers delicately stroked around her breasts. He took in the subtle changes in her body, only noticeable to him since he knew her body so intimately. Her stomach was still flat and he looked forward to watching it grow month by month. His fingers moved down to caress her stomach before kissing and licking the soft skin there, smiling as he listened to her moan softly.
Next he looked at the breasts he loved so much. To his intense delight, he could see evidence of the changes her pregnancy was causing. Her areolas were slightly darker, now taut and pebbled from her arousal. The hormonal changes had made her breasts subtly increase in size and he felt himself get painfully hard. He knew they were sensitive and planned to use them to give her as much pleasure as he could.
He couldn't wait any longer so he wrapped his lips around one of her nipples while he gently teased the other with his fingers. Bella's groan of delight spurred him on, nipping and sucking on them, wanting to see her lose control.
"Oh god, Edward!" she moaned. "Touch me. Please, I need you to touch me." She opened her legs, begging for relief. Unable to deny her anything, his hand caressed her inner thighs, circling towards her throbbing centre. He could smell her arousal and it took most of his control not to sink himself into her right now and love her furiously.
She whimpered when his fingers finally found her centre and began caressing her aching flesh. "Yes, that's it. Oh yes!" she breathed as he inserted a couple of fingers into her, pumping them slowly.
"That's it, baby," he murmured against her nipple. "That's it. I want to make you cry with pleasure. Come for me, my darling." With his fingers and thumb he pleasured her as he suckled her breasts. Her skin was covered in a sheen of sweat as she got closer to her orgasm.
Without warning, he lifted his head and scooted down her body, positioning himself between her legs. He gazed hungrily at her centre, pink and glistening with desire. With a small groan, he licked her, savouring the taste that was pure Bella. It was heaven, addictive.
As he sucked on her clit, Bella gave a cry as her back arched. He felt her juices flood his tongue as she came around him, heaving in shuddering breaths. Edward eagerly lapped it up as he soothed her.
When she calmed down, Edward sat up between her legs and began massaging her breasts again. Bella smiled lovingly at him as she took his aching member in her hand, running her thumb over the moisture at the tip.
"I love you so much, Bella," he groaned as she gave a small tug. Taking hold of her under her arms, he lifted her up and over him, his penis nudging her entrance.
Bella smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and lowered herself onto him, both of them moaning in pleasure. "I love you too, Edward. I couldn't love you more if I tried."
They were wrapped around each other intimately, every part of their bodies touching, Edward buried deeply within Bella. Neither said a word, they just gazed into each other's eyes, the noses and lips touching. Rocking together, they savoured the intimacy of their lovemaking, showing each other with their bodies how much adored the other. It was so much more than sex. It was a sharing of their souls.
The tension built slowly as they rocked together faster and faster, their breathing becoming laboured. Edward took her nipple in his mouth as Bella leaned back, the slight change in position making her gasp in pleasure. Placing his hands on her behind, he bucked into her.
"God, Bella, I'm going to come," he groaned into her throat.
"Yes, yes," she panted, bouncing up and down on him. "God, yes!"
Reaching down between their bodies, Edward rubbed her clit as he kissed her deeply and it was the trigger for her release. Sobbing with pleasure, she seemed to come all around him, not just where they were joined and it was enough to send Edward over the edge. Tugging on her hair, she exposed her neck to his mouth where he sucked on it as he came hard, leaving him almost lightheaded.
They sat there for ages, loath to pull apart, their pulses settling down gradually.
Edward kissed her tenderly, both knowing their lovemaking had an almost spiritual quality to it tonight. Raising their hands, they simply stroked each other's faces, savouring the closeness.
"I love you. I love that you're carrying our baby. Thank you for giving me everything I ever wanted," he whispered against her lips.
Bella felt a couple of tears fall at the tenderness of his words. "You're everything I ever wanted. You and our baby. I don't need anything else."
o-o-o-o-o-o
The next morning, Bella woke up and got out of bed needing to go to the bathroom. As she stood up, she felt a wave of dizziness come over her and she needed to sit down for a moment as it passed. After a minute or so, it passed and she hopped in the shower.
She was walking into the kitchen, where Edward was preparing them breakfast when she smelled the familiar aroma of fresh coffee. Brewing coffee was one of Bella's favourite smells but as she took in the usual deep breath, a wave of nausea hit her and she felt her stomach heave. Covering her mouth, she gave a small groan as she rushed from the kitchen and raced to the bathroom.
Edward followed closely behind and knelt down beside her, holding her hair back as she leant over the toilet bowl and threw up the meagre contents of her stomach. Even after there was absolutely nothing to throw up, her stomach continued heaving. Edward steadily stroked her back the whole time.
Finally, the nausea passed and Bella sat back, Edward's arms around her.
"Ugh. God, that's horrible," she groaned. "I guess I'm not going to escape the dreaded morning sickness," she said ruefully.
"Guess not, my love," murmured Edward. "Poor baby. I wish I could go through it for you."
"Me too," she quipped feebly. "I think the coffee set me off."
"I'd better get you some dry toast. Hopefully it'll settle your stomach," he said as he lifted them up off the floor. "I'll toss out the coffee."
"No, don't do that. I'll be fine."
He kissed the top of her head before leaving her to brush her teeth and get that horrible taste out of her mouth. She looked at herself in the mirror and hoped fervently that her morning sickness wouldn't be too bad, like some patients she'd had.
The dry toast helped a little but she had to excuse herself a couple of times during the day and hurry to the toilet. She'd brought a spare toothbrush and toothpaste just in case this happened at work and she sighed as brushed her teeth. There was nothing to be done but to endure it. It would be worth it in the end, Bella told herself.
On Friday morning they travelled to Seattle to see the fertility specialist. Bella had helped Edward collect the sperm sample, making the normally awkward process a lot more enjoyable. They went to have an early lunch while the testing was being carried out.
Now they sat in Dr Saunders' office waiting to hear the verdict. Edward was intensely curious to know exactly how fertile he was. It was quite surreal in many ways. From believing he was completely infertile to finding out just how many swimmers he now had.
"Ok, Dr. Cullen," began the other doctor.
"Edward, please."
"Edward," nodded Dr Saunders. "Now, I read over your history and I have to say you're an interesting case. Your cancer treatment was quite aggressive and the chances of you starting to produce motile sperm again was extremely low."
"I know that. And yet, Bella is pregnant so obviously something changed."
"Yes. According to the tests, you are definitely producing sperm again." Edward felt Bella squeeze his hand. "Now, you're not producing the number that the average male your age would. You would be classed in the lower range but what's there is very motile. And as you know, it only takes one," smiled Dr Saunders.
Edward looked at Bella who grinned at him in delight.
"So, congratulations to both of you and I would advise that unless you plan to have more children in quick succession, I would investigate suitable methods of contraception once this child is born." He smiled at both of them. "As I said, I'm quite astonished but, as you know, the human body sometimes astounds us all."
"Dr. Saunders. No one, and I mean no one, could have been more astounded than me."
"I'm not even going to question it. It's a miracle and I'm just going to be grateful for it," said Bella quietly.
"Yes. Our little miracle," agreed Edward as he kissed her.
o-o-o-o-o-o
A/N: I love Daddyward to be.
Let me know you think.
On a sadder note, I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to those affected by the huge earthquake in Chile. I was born there and most of my extended family live there so this one has hit close to home. Luckily, all my family is okay but a lot of people have been affected and hope they get back on their feet soon.