A/N: Hi everyone. I'm really grateful for all the reviews and to everyone who's put me on their alerts. You guys absolutely make my day.
Thanks to MrsKatyCullen for going over the chapter for me.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Chapter 26
"These are some designs that I think will look great on you and will accommodate your tummy. I mean, you might not even be showing by June but then again," mused Alice, looking at Bella's stomach.
Edward had been called into the hospital just before Alice came over with a pile of books and samples. They had been going over wedding details for the last couple of hours and Bella was feeling decidedly hungry although she was reluctant to eat because she'd been sick twice already this morning
"Bella? Are you listening? You okay?"
Focusing on Alice again, she gave a faint nod. "Yeah, just hungry."
"Oh my gosh, I forgot what time it was!" exclaimed Alice. "No wonder you're not concentrating. Let's get something delivered."
"Okay but I'm a bit wary. This morning sickness seems to have taken hold," complained Bella. "I've only been able to keep food down from the afternoon. Before that and just the smell of certain things have set me off."
Alice shook her head sympathetically. "It's horrible isn't it? I'm so glad that part's over," she mused, rubbing her neatly rounded belly.
"That's for sure," agreed Bella. "I've tried eating dry toast, cracker biscuits, basically everything I've advised patients over the years, and I've learned it's all a load of baloney. Nothing's working at the moment."
"You poor thing. How did you manage at work?"
"I'm trying to be discreet but I'm pretty sure some people have put two and two together. They've just been too polite to come right out and ask."
"Have you been sick when you've been delivering a baby?" asked Alice curiously.
Bella shook her head. "No, thank god. It doesn't seem to set me off. Maybe because I'm so used to it, I don't know. I hope it stays that way. It would be awful if I had to run from the room in the middle of a delivery."
Alice giggled at the thought. "Let's cross our fingers."
Bella ordered in a pizza and hoped she'd be able to eat it without it coming straight back again. While they waited, they looked through the books, trying to decide what style would be best.
"I think an empire waisted style would be ideal," suggested Alice. "There are some beautiful materials you could use and the bodice could be more intricately decorated. And it wouldn't matter how big you are."
"And it would mean you could wear a similar style," agreed Bella. They continued looking through the pictures as they ate the pizza which Bella managed to keep down, much to her relief.
By the time Edward returned, they still hadn't settled on a dress but had narrowed it down to a few styles. Alice was going to take Bella into Seattle during the week to look around a few boutiques to get a better idea of what would suit her.
On the other hand, Bella had picked the menu and theme. She was aiming for simple but elegant. She and Alice had an appointment with the caterers during the week and Alice had already booked a marquee complete with tables and chairs. After deliberating for a few days Bella had decided to go with a navy and cream colour scheme for the reception. Alice had recommended a company that would organise all the small details, like decorations and such and they'd made another appointment to see them. Bella was amazed to find out how much organisation even a small wedding took. She hoped that once the initial decisions were made, they could take things easier. And as much as Alice revelled in this sort of thing, Bella didn't want her to overdo things.
"How's it going?" asked Edward as he sat down next to Bella, giving her a kiss on the cheek and gently rubbing his hand over her belly. "Not been too sick have you, love?"
Bella shook her head. "Only couple of times this morning. I managed to keep lunch down. And we've made appointments for next week so it's coming along."
"I'm going to have to get you, Jasper and Charlie down to the tailors to get your suits organised," said Alice. At Edward's pained look, she laughed. "Don't look like that, Edward. It's one little thing you guys have to do. I'll set it up in the next couple of weeks so give me your schedule."
"Okay Miss Bossy. How does Jasper put up with you?"
"He loves it when I boss him around," she smirked.
"Or he tells you that to keep the peace," muttered Edward under his breath. Unfortunately Alice heard and threw a cushion at his head.
Only a couple of months to go and Bella would be his wife. He couldn't wait.
o-o-o-o-o-o
A couple of weeks later and most of the wedding arrangements were in place. Alice had managed to get the guys to the tailor without too much grumbling. Charlie had complained about bossy, pregnant women but Bella knew he was secretly fond of the little pixie.
After his initial less than enthusiastic response to the news of Bella's pregnancy, Charlie was now eagerly awaiting his first grandchild. When they explained the circumstances of her pregnancy and how much it meant to both of them, Charlie had apologised for his reaction, explaining that although logically he'd expected this, it was still hard as a father to accept that his little girl was grownup, no matter how old she was.
Now that he was going to be a father, Edward could understand Charlie's reaction and didn't have any hard feelings. Charlie was a father; it was his job to be overprotective. He knew he'd have trouble letting go too.
Bella's morning sickness had settled a little as well. She generally felt sick in the morning and by lunchtime was feeling alright. Edward had taken to bringing her a cup of tea and dry toast in bed as it helped settle her stomach somewhat. Now she wasn't throwing up every day, which Bella was very grateful for. Unfortunately, the smell of coffee gave her such bad nausea that Edward had stopped drinking it at home, waiting until he got to work before grabbing a cup. Bella hated being the one to do this but just a whiff of coffee had seen her run for the bathroom. She now avoided the cafeteria altogether. Hopefully things would get back to normal once the morning sickness disappeared.
The other side effect was that they were unable make love in the mornings, at least for the time being. They had discovered this fact when Bella woke up with Edward's hands wandering over her torso and reaching up to cup her breast, teasing her taut nipple. Bella had sighed and pushed back against his erection, eliciting a soft groan from Edward as he nibbled on her neck. His hand had slowly moved downwards as he sought access to her sex, now tingling in anticipation. Turning her head, Edward had captured her lips, kissing her deeply, his tongue gaining access to her warm mouth at the same time as his finger flicked over her sensitive nub. As Bella moved to lie on her back, to her horror, she felt her stomach lurch, the now familiar wave of nausea washing over her. She took a couple of deep breaths hoping to stem the wave but to no avail. Ripping her mouth from his, she rolled off the bed and practically ran to the bathroom, all desire now gone. She barely made it, kneeling down as her stomach gave a huge heave. She barely noticed that Edward had followed her and was holding her hair back as she was sick. When it passed she sat back with a moan, Edward holding her close.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, on the verge of tears.
Edward kissed her temple as he stroked her back. "Don't be silly. It's not your fault. Here, let's get you up so you can rinse your mouth out." Helping her to her feet, he got the toothbrush ready for her. After she was cleaned up, he led her back to bed and tucked the covers over her. "Feeling better?"
"A little."
"I guess we'll have to leave our amorous activities to the evening for the time being," he grinned as he gently stroked her cheek.
"I guess so."
"Would you like something to eat? I'll get your tea and toast if you feel up to it."
Bella nodded. "Thanks." Reaching up, she traced his lips with her finger. "Thank you for taking such care of me."
"I love you. I want to take care of you. And the little one. You're doing all the work, it's the least I can do," he said, giving her a soft kiss.
When the same thing happened again a few days later, they'd agreed it wasn't going to work until the morning sickness disappeared.
Bella was now ten weeks pregnant and had told her supervisor of her pregnancy. Karen had promised that she could take any time she needed which Bella was grateful for, particularly with the wedding coming up. She was due to see Bernard for her next check up next week and was looking forward to seeing that everything was progressing well.
It was just past five in the morning when the phone rang. "Hello?" mumbled Edward.
Bella opened one eye as she listened to Edward speaking. When he hung up, he turned to her. "That was Mom. Victoria's gone into labour."
"How far apart are the contractions?"
"About eight to ten minutes at the moment so she's probably got a while to go. I told her to ring me when they come down to five minutes and we'll meet her at the hospital."
Three hours later Esme rang again to let them know Victoria's contractions were coming every five minutes now. Bella and Edward made their way to the hospital and got the labour suite ready while waiting for Victoria and Esme to arrive. Thirty minutes later they got there, Victoria clutching her stomach. She had a sheen of sweat on her face as she grimaced through another contraction.
"Hello Victoria. So the big day's arrived?" smiled Edward. Victoria smiled grimly as she nodded. "Hi Mom," he said, giving his mother a kiss.
"Hello darling. Hello Bella," replied Esme, giving Bella a hug.
Bella took Victoria's arm and led her towards the birthing suite. "Let's get you comfortable. Or as comfortable as we can." They all entered the suite and Victoria got changed before being helped onto the bed.
"Okay Victoria. We're going to check your blood pressure and the baby's heartbeat and then I'll see how far dilated you are, okay?" said Edward gently. As Bella placed the foetal monitor on Victoria's distended stomach, the baby's heartbeat sounded loudly around the room. Victoria gave everyone a huge smile.
"Sounds very content in there," smiled Bella. "How's the pain?"
"It hurts but I've had worse," replied Victoria sadly, remembering painful events in the past.
"Remember, if you want anything for the pain, just let us know, okay?" said Bella.
Edward was just about to check her cervix when another contraction started. Victoria gripped Esme's hand as she grimaced through it. Bella felt Victoria's stomach and could feel the muscles contracting sharply. She was definitely well in established labour but it was anyone's guess how long before the baby arrived.
When it passed, Edward conducted the internal exam. "You're about six centimetres dilated and you're doing really well."
"How long will it take?" groaned Victoria as another contraction started. Esme encouraged her to breathe deeply. "Ohhhhh!"
"We don't know that. It's up to your body," replied Edward.
"Victoria, would you like to walk around or get into another position?" asked Bella. "I want you to do whatever feels right for you. We'll be checking the baby's heartbeat every fifteen minutes or so, just to make sure everything's progressing normally but in the meantime, do whatever helps you cope with the pain."
Victoria nodded. "Can I walk around a bit?"
They helped her off the bed and Victoria began walking around the large room, supported by Esme. As a contraction started, she would stop and lean against the wall or whatever was close to hand, and breathe through it.
A couple of hours later Victoria groaned out loud. "I can't keep going. It hurts too much."
They helped her back on the bed and raised the back so she was sitting up, panting loudly. By now, her hair was damp and her face was red from coping with the pain. She asked for gas and was sucking deeply when the pain started.
"Woo! I feel like I'm floating!" she giggled after the contraction finished. The gas was making her light-headed. She looked at Bella and burst out laughing. It wasn't called laughing gas for nothing. The laughing stopped abruptly when another contraction started and she cried out. "Damn, it hurts!"
The contractions were getting closer and closer together, and Victoria was groaning continuously now, tears running down her face. Esme was doing her best to comfort her but nothing really helped.
"Give me something for the pain! I can't stand it!" cried Victoria.
"I'm going to check you again, okay. I can't give you anything if you're close to the transition stage," said Edward. Pulling on his gloves he carried out the examination. After a couple of minutes he gestured to Bella to get the birth kit ready. "Unfortunately I can't give you any painkillers. You're fully dilated so it won't be long now. "
"Thank god!" cried Victoria.
The next fifteen minutes were hectic as Victoria went through the transition stage. She was sobbing and just wanted the pain to end, Esme doing her best to comfort the distressed girl telling her how wonderful it will be to hold her baby at last.
"Oh god! I have to push!"
Bella and Edward were gowned up and prepared to deliver the baby. "Ok Victoria, push during a contraction okay? Bear down and push as hard as you can."
Victoria, sensing that the end of this pain was mercifully in sight, pushed with all her might.
"Arrghh! God dammit!" she cried out as she lay back panting frantically.
"You're doing really well," said Bella, stroking the girl's hair.
"Yes Victoria. I can see the head and I think a couple more pushes and we'll have the head out," agreed Edward.
As he spoke the next contraction started. "Push Victoria. That's it, that's it."
Victoria went bright red as she grunted through the contraction. "Good girl Victoria," encouraged Bella. "One more and the head will be out."
Victoria nodded and when the contraction started, she gave an almighty groan and bore down as hard as she could. She cried out at the burning sensation as the head emerged from the birth canal.
"Ahhhh!"
"Head's out. Now, pant Victoria while I turn the shoulders," said Edward, removing the cord which was wrapped around the baby's neck and gently turning it.
"One more push Victoria and you'll have your baby."
When the contraction began Victoria pushed and with a plop, the baby emerged into the world, Edward expertly catching it. Victoria lay back with relief, trying to get air into her lungs.
"Congratulations Victoria. You have a little boy," said Edward, lifting the baby onto Victoria's chest before cutting the umbilical cord and doing a quick visual examination of the infant. The baby gave a loud wail in protest at being removed from its warm haven.
Bella watched as Victoria burst into tears as she looked her baby, all red, scrunched up and covered in blood and amniotic fluid. "He's beautiful," she sobbed, touching his little face reverently. "Isn't he beautiful, Esme?"
"He sure is," agreed a misty-eyed Esme. "Hello little guy," she crooned, touching his cheek.
"Congratulations," said Bella, feeling quite emotional herself. Hormones, she told herself. And the fact that she was happy Victoria's life was looking rosier than when they'd first met her. She turned and looked at Edward, who was smiling back at her. Both of them were thinking about when Bella would be the one holding their baby.
Victoria reluctantly let her son go so he could be weighed, measured and cleaned up before being returned to her.
"He's a very healthy 8 pounds, 6 ounces and everything looks fine," said Edward as he handed the baby back to his mother.
"Do you have a name for him?" asked Bella.
Victoria looked down at her son and smiled tenderly. "I'm going to call him Robert Carlisle Brennan." Esme gave her a wide smile.
"That's a lovely name, Victoria," replied Bella.
Edward quietly delivered the placenta and they cleaned Victoria up. Esme held little Robbie while Victoria showered and they were transferred back to the ward.
A couple of hours later, Carlisle arrived with Alice and Jasper in tow to greet the new arrival. Victoria was recovering really well from the birth and had managed to give Robert his first feed. She was so touched that this wonderful family was welcoming her son into the world that she couldn't help the tears well up as they fussed over him. She felt a brief tinge of sadness that James wasn't here to see his son like a proper father should but pushed that thought away. He had made his choice and she couldn't dwell on it. Little Robbie needed her now and she was going to be the best mother possible.
Making sure Victoria was settled, Bella and Edward bid her goodnight. It had been a while since they'd eaten so he took her out for pizza on the way home.
"I noticed you weren't sick today," said Edward as they ate.
"No I wasn't," nodded Bella. "Let's hope it means that the worst is over."
"Yeah. I hate seeing you like that. I feel responsible and I just want to make it better."
"Well, you are responsible, you know," smiled Bella at his chagrined look. "If you weren't so damned sexy that I want to make love to you all the time, I might not be in this position," she joked as she rubbed her abdomen.
Edward's green eyes darkened. "You think I'm sexy, do you?"
Bella leaned forward so their mouths were nearly touching over the table. "You're hot and you know it," she replied huskily.
"Well, you're so gorgeous that I could stay buried inside you forever." He could see Bella's face flush with desire. "And you turn me on so much that I have force myself not to think of how you moan when I'm inside you, how you feel around me, while we're working together. You make me hard just by looking at me."
Bella's breathing was getting laboured and she could feel herself getting wetter with each word. If she didn't have him inside her soon, she was going to go crazy. "Let's go," she said urgently, her meaning plain.
Nodding enthusiastically, Edward threw some money on the table and followed her outside, hoping her body would shield the evidence of his erection. As they got to the car, Edward pushed Bella back against it and pressed his body against hers, letting her feel how wound up he was as he kissed her desperately. Bella moaned into his mouth as he ground against her.
"Oh baby, I want you," he breathed against her jaw as he pressed kisses down to her throat.
"Yes," she breathed, reaching down between their bodies and cupping his hardness.
Breathing rapidly, Edward stepped back and quickly unlocked the door, helping Bella inside. As he got in, she reached out and pulled him towards her, their mouths devouring each other. Neither knew why they had this sudden desperation for each other but neither wanted to fight it. Bella moaned as his hand flicked open enough buttons to enable his hand to cup and massage her breast.
The sound of other patrons leaving the restaurant brought them back to earth. They were making out in his car like a couple of teenagers in full view of passers-by. Edward sat back reluctantly and grinned at her.
Bella grinned back and naughtily reached down and pressed on his rampant erection, making him groan out loud. "Let's go somewhere more private."
"Okay baby. We'll be home in a few minutes," he replied, starting the engine.
"No, I don't want to go home," replied Bella huskily.
Edward looked at her, puzzlement and disappointment warring on his face. "What? Why not?" God he was so aroused, he was ready to burst and he knew she was too.
"I want to do it in the car. We haven't done that before," she replied.
He gaped at her for a few moments. He didn't know what had gotten into her but he certainly wasn't complaining. "In the car? You sure?" She pulled him to her and kissed him deeply in reply, her hand flicking open the button of his trousers. "Let's go."
Surrounded as it was by thick forest, there were no shortage of secluded dirt roads and trails around Forks where lovers could go for privacy. Edward lost no time finding the closest one, and stopped well away from the main road. As soon as he turned off the engine, Bella almost threw herself across the console and began kissing him passionately. It wasn't long before she was straddling him as he pulled her shirt off and nuzzled her breasts.
When he took off her bra and began suckling on her, Bella ground herself against his erection, getting more and more aroused. Edward undid her trousers and slid his hand into her panties to touch her aching wetness. Bella panted harshly as he teased her, bucking against his hand.
"Oh god, Edward!" she cried as she came against his hand, burying her face in his shoulder as she shuddered in pleasure.
Taking his hand from her, Edward opened the door and lifted her out of the car. He followed her out and hastily opened the back door. Kissing her deeply, he pulled her trousers and panties off.
"Lie down," he urged against her shoulder as his fingers teased her nipples. Bella nodded but pulled off his shirt first, caressing his chest and abdomen, feeling his muscles ripple as she touched him. Her hands fumbled with his zipper before pulling it open. He was so hard, she struggled a little getting his boxers off but finally he was able to step out of them.
"God Bella," he groaned as she took him in her hand and stroked him, loving the velvety feel.
"Make love to me," she pleaded, desperate to have him inside her.
Guiding her head, Edward helped her lay down on the back seat of the Volvo, following her down and settling himself between her legs. It was a bit cramped but the feel of her heat against his aching member banished all thought except the need to be inside her.
"God, I love you," he groaned as he pushed into her, his eyes closing in ecstasy as her warmth surrounded him.
Bella threw her head back and clamped her arms and legs around him, urging him even deeper. Soon there was only the sound of their laboured breathing, the car's windows totally fogged up as Edward thrust into her.
"Oh baby, I can't hold out much longer," mumbled Edward as he felt himself getting close to oblivion.
"Unnnghhh!" moaned Bella as the first ripples of her orgasm began where they were joined. It soon became a tidal wave that spread through her whole body as she cried out, her hands clenched in his hair.
Edward felt her pulsating warmth clamp around him as she came and it was enough to send him over the edge. His face buried in the crook of her shoulder, he spilled himself inside her, his body trembling in reaction.
They lay there panting for several minutes, their bodies cooling down. Edward lifted his head, now damp with sweat, and kissed her gently. Not wanting to squash her, he pulled out of her and shifted around so she sat on his lap, arms around each other.
Neither said much for a while, just savouring their closeness. Edward rested his hand on her belly as he kissed her shoulder. He was the first to break the silence.
"Boy, what was that?" he asked her. "I'm not complaining but what brought that on?"
Bella blushed now that their desire was sated and she remembered how she had insisted on making love in the car like a horny teenager. "I'm sorry. I don't really know what came over me."
Edward chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Like I said, I'm not complaining. It was a real turn on but why the car?"
Bella shrugged. "I've never done it in a car before. I wanted to experience it before I get too big."
"Yeah, I can see that it will be pretty much impossible in a few months," he laughed gently. "And I'm absurdly glad this is your first time. Although, I have to admit, it's not quite as comfortable as our bed. Thank goodness I don't have a Mini, or it would have been out of the question."
Bella giggled at his expression then shivered as the night air finally penetrated her overheated skin. Edward felt the shudder run through her. "Come on love. I don't want you getting a chill."
As they drove home, they held hands. "I enjoyed that. It was hot," said Bella looking at his gorgeous face.
Edward gave her a loving smile. "Oh yeah. It was hot."
o-o-o-o-o-o
Two days later, Bella received a call from Charlie during her break. Frowning because Charlie never called her at work, she took the call. "Hey Dad. What's the matter?"
Charlie sighed which made Bella even more nervous. "I've got some bad news. The idiot, bleeding heart judge gave James bail. He's out again."
Bella felt sick at the news. How could that monster have been set free after everything he'd done?
"How can that be?"
"Dammit, it's so frustrating," replied Charlie. "It seems his state-appointed lawyer is some sort of do-gooder and he managed to con her into believing that he wants to be a good father and deserves another chance. The judge believed it and gave him bail. He imposed strict bail conditions that he not contact Victoria or be anywhere near her, but I doubt that will stop him."
"Oh god, Dad. Do you think he'll try to find her?" Bella's mind was racing awful scenarios. She had to tell Edward and warn his family.
"I don't know. I hope not. He knows he'll go straight back in jail if he does and there'll be no possibility of bail but he's a nasty piece of work and I wouldn't put anything past him."
"What can we do?" asked Bella.
"I'm going to send extra patrols around the trailer park and I'm going to assign some men to patrol around the hospital as he'd have more chance of finding her there than at Carlisle's. I'll have a word with Carlisle and have him issue a warning to the hospital's security guards to keep an eye out in case he tries to get in while Victoria's still there."
Bella felt nauseous at the thought that James could come in here and hurt Victoria or her baby. She could believe he would be spiteful enough to do it. After all, he had no qualms about beating her while she was pregnant.
"I'm going to tell Edward right now."
"Okay. We'll cross our fingers that he won't be stupid enough to do anything but I want you to be careful."
"He doesn't know me Dad, so I doubt he'll come after me. No, it's Victoria I'm worried about."
"Well, just be careful. Don't go out on your own. Make sure Edward's with you."
Bella reassured her father as well as she could and then went to find Edward. He was in his office doing paperwork, his welcoming smile fading as he saw the worried look on her face.
"What is it, love?"
She told him what Charlie had said, worry lacing her voice. Edward came around the desk and took her in his arms, holding her tightly. "I won't let anything happen to you, baby."
Bella nodded against his chest. "I'm more worried about Victoria. What if he tries to get to her? What if he finds out she's staying with Esme?"
"Shh, love. We'll go warn Dad. If he tries to get in here, someone will see him."
They found Carlisle down in ER. Charlie had already contacted him so he'd brought in more security staff to patrol the grounds. "We have to make sure we don't send everyone into a panic. He may not even show up. He didn't want the baby before he was born, so it's probable he won't care now. Besides, he doesn't know Victoria's had the baby."
"That's easy enough to find out in a town this size, Dad, but you're right. There's no point panicking. We just have to be vigilant."
"How long is Victoria staying in hospital?" asked Carlisle.
"Probably another couple of days," replied Edward, looking at Bella for confirmation.
"Yes, we want to make sure Robbie's feeding well and that Victoria get's all the help she needs. She's had no role models growing up so this is all completely new to her. Thankfully Esme will be on hand to give her guidance," said Bella.
"Good," nodded Carlisle. "I would suggest that when she's discharged we take her home at night, in case he's watching. We don't want him following us home."
"Good idea, Dad," agreed Edward. "We'll work it out before she leaves."
"I wish he would just stay away. I don't understand how he got bail," said Bella.
"The judiciary has been known to make incomprehensible decisions," agreed Edward. "This one's just insane."
As they walked back to Maternity, Bella sought Edward's opinion on whether Victoria should be told of James' release.
"I hate to worry her, but I think she has a right to know. She'll find out anyway since she's going to be the main witness when he goes to trial. We have to stress that she and Robbie will be safe with Carlisle and Esme," replied Edward.
Bella agreed. "Yes, she needs to be told. I'll try to find an appropriate time to tell her. Do you want to be there?"
"Only if you need me."
He gave her a last hug as they went back to work. "Everything will be okay, baby," he murmured, stroking her back. "I promise." Giving him a quick, tender kiss, Bella went back to work.
Edward didn't know he would have cause to regret promising that all would be well a few hours later that afternoon.
Finding Victoria quietly resting while Robbie was asleep, Bella took the opportunity to tell her what was going on.
"Oh god, he's going to come for me!" cried Victoria, ready to take her baby and bolt. "I've got to get out of here. I can't let him hurt Robbie!"
Bella put her arms around the other girl. "Victoria, you're safe here and with the Cullen's. We won't let anything happen to either of you. My father is posting more police in the area and Carlisle's brought in more security, just in case. James knows he'll be in a whole lot of trouble if he comes near you, so he'll most likely stay away."
Victoria shook her head. "You don't know him like I do. He's a vicious bastard and he'll be filthy that I called the cops on him. Oh god, what if he hurts Robbie? He knows that would be the best way to hurt me. Worse than if he just beat me up again," cried Victoria, tears running down her cheeks.
"He doesn't know you've had Robbie."
"He'll know by now."
"Victoria, please calm down. Like I said, there are security guards around the hospital and if he got in here somehow, they would be here within minutes. I want you to keep the buzzer next to you at all times while you're here. When you're discharged, we'll get you out at night to lessen the chances of him following."
"Minutes is all he'll need," sniffed Victoria. Her brain was whirring away trying to sort out her options. She didn't want these good people to suffer because of her. If James hurt Esme, she couldn't live with herself. No, she would have to take Robbie and run.
She looked at the angelic face of her baby son as another, heartbreaking option presented itself. If she had to run, how could she subject her baby to a life with no security, no certainty? She had no money, no home, nothing. She'd struggle to keep herself alive, much less a newborn. As tears rolled down her face, she knew that she may have to leave her son behind. He would have a better life with the Cullen's, even if she was dead inside. She'd never hated James as much as she did right now.
Bella watched as all the happiness leached from Victoria's face and longed to be able to guarantee that James wouldn't come after her but she knew she couldn't. Again she cursed the judge for not considering the effects his releasing a monster like James on bail had on his victim.
Trying once again to reassure her, she left Victoria to her unhappy thoughts and carried on with her duties. She'd quietly told the other nurses on duty of the situation, asking them to be vigilant.
Just over an hour later, Bella was at the nurses' station when the alarm buzzer sounded from Victoria's room.
"Call security," she called out as she ran towards to her room, praying there was nothing wrong.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
As she entered the room, she could see Victoria cowering in a corner, holding Robbie as she tried to shield him from the man standing over her. How the hell had James snuck through security?
"You bitch! Call the cops on me, will you?" he cried, raising his leg in order to kick her.
Without thinking of herself, Bella cried out as she raced to stop him. "No! Don't you dare hurt her!" Bella grabbed hold of his arm and tried to pull him away.
James turned his crazed eyes on the newcomer. "Get the fuck away from me," he growled and pushed Bella away savagely. Bella fell against the bed, winded.
"Leave her alone! Leave us alone!" screamed Victoria. The noise and the tension in his mother's arms got Robbie crying.
"So, that's him, is it? Maybe I should just take him. You'd hate that, wouldn't you?" he sneered.
"Touch him and I'll kill you," shrieked Victoria.
James laughed and lunged forward, taking hold of a fistful of her hair and yanking it back, making her cry out in pain. "Nah, I don't want a screaming brat. I'll just take care of you so you won't ever snitch on anyone ever again."
Bella was horrified to see him pull out a six-inch knife from his pocket. "NO!" Again she threw herself at him and managed to make him lose his balance momentarily, enough to let Victoria's hair go. Without pause, Victoria slid down and tried to scamper away, while holding the baby.
James, furious at Bella, raised his arm to hit the interfering bitch when a shout from the door made him pause.
"Get back or I'll shoot you!" cried the hospital security guard, holding a gun towards James. "If you touch either of those women, I'll shoot. I promise you, I will."
Another security guard arrived also pointing his gun at James. Swivelling his head, James saw he was effectively trapped in this room. He did the first thing he thought of. He grabbed Bella and wrapped his arm around her neck, holding the knife to her throat.
"I'll kill her if you don't let me out of here!" he growled, tightening his hold on Bella.
Bella was terrified. So terrified she could feel her stomach roiling in protest at the stress her body and emotions were being subjected to.
"Please, don't hurt me," she pleaded in a hoarse whisper.
"Shut up, bitch," he growled, yanking her backward.
"Let her go, James," cried Victoria. "Take me instead."
"No," protested Bella.
"Say another word and I swear I'll cut that neck of yours," he yelled in her ear.
Bella closed her mouth and couldn't help the tears falling. How would she get out of this? How would Edward cope if something happened to her? She covered her stomach protectively. She had to get away. She had to protect her baby.
"Bella!" Edward's terrified voice rang throughout the room. Bella looked up and met his frantic gaze. He made to lunge forward and was held back by the guard.
"No, he might hurt her," warned the guard.
"Bella, are you alright? Let her go!" he ordered.
James just laughed and tightened his grip. "Yeah? Says who?"
"Touch one hair on her head and I'll rip you limb from limb!" warned Edward, his face like stone.
"I promise you won't get out of here alive if you hurt her."
Edward looked at Bella with something akin to despair in his eyes. He'd promised he'd look after her and now she was being held hostage by a crazed monster only a few hours later. He had to do something. He couldn't lose his precious Bella. He'd never survive without her. He could see her holding her stomach, trying to protect their child and he wanted to weep. He knew he would sooner lose the baby than lose Bella. He prayed he wouldn't have to make that choice.
Bella's tears were flowing down her face as she looked at Edward's beloved face. She could see the agony and guilt in his eyes and wanted to tell him that none of this was his fault. She tried to tell him with her eyes how much she loved him, how he had made the last six months of her life the happiest she'd ever known.
"I'm fucking bored of this. Me and this pretty little lady are getting out of here now and I won't hesitate to kill her if you try and stop me."
Bella tried to make her body as heavy as possible to somehow impede James' step but he tightened his grip so much that she cried out in pain.
"No!" shouted Edward, moving forward.
What happened next seemed to happen in slow motion, Bella was to think afterward. Her stomach, already protesting at its treatment began to seriously heave and she was struggling to stop being sick.
James' arm tightening seemed to be the last straw. As Edward moved forward to get her away from James, Bella felt the bile rise in her throat and knew she'd lost control of her body.
Without warning Bella heaved and violently threw up the contents of her stomach all over James. From his face to his shoes, he was covered in vomit.
James' first reaction was one of disgust and he reflexively let Bella go. Taking the opportunity, Bella dropped to the floor, still heaving. In that instant, Edward lunged at James and pushed him to the ground. The security guards rushed in as well as Edward struggled with James.
Unable to move, Bella watched as Edward grabbed the arm holding the knife as they wrestled for control. Then a shot rang out and James fell backward, clutching his chest, the knife clattering to the floor. Edward rolled away and raced over to take Bella in his arms.
James lay on the ground as blood seeped from the wound in his chest and spread quickly. Carlisle raced in, followed by the other ER doctors and immediately assessed the situation. He tried to stem the blood loss but he knew there was little he could do.
Edward held Bella as tightly as he could, feeling her whole body tremble. As if awakening from a nightmare, Bella burst into tears and grabbed his shirt as she sobbed painfully, the terror of the last few minutes needing release. Rocking her back and forth, he looked at his father who was still crouched over James. Carlisle looked at him and gave a slight shake of his head.
Five minutes later, James was pronounced dead from a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, just as Charlie arrived with his deputies.
o-o-o-o-o-o
A/N: Okay, before you all panic, I PROMISE that nothing is going to happen to Bella's baby. I just couldn't do that to them. I want this baby nearly as much as Bella and Edward!
So, anyway, let me know what you thought of the chapter.