Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight are owned by Stephenie Meyer. The original characters, content and ideas of this story are mine.

Chapter 29

Swimming to Shore

EPOV

I held Bella's hand wishing I could feel her squeeze it. The news from Garrett was good, better than I thought it would be, but my anxiousness totally overruled what I knew to be logical from all my medical training. I knew that she was unresponsive because they were sedating her, but yet my heart still waited for her to open her eyes, smile at me, squeeze my hand and tell me she loved me. There was a soft knock on the door and then Bella's nurse came into her room.

"Hi Dr. Cullen, I'm just going to check Bella's vitals and lab will be up soon to draw her blood."

"No problem, I'm going to go grab a cup of coffee"

As I left Bella's room heading to the cafeteria I chuckled a little thinking of how much Bella did not like getting her blood drawn, good thing she was sedated. After I grabbed a cup of coffee and a sweet roll I headed back up to her room and when I got to the door I heard voices inside. I pushed open the door to find Jessica, Jacob and Dr. Garrett all standing around Bella's bed and my first reaction was panic.

"What's wrong, is Bella okay?" I said and I could hear the anxiousness in my own voice.

"Nothing, nothing at all, I was just answering a few questions for Mr. Black here." Garrett said noticing my panicked look.

"Hey Edward, how are you?" Jacob said extending his hand out to me.

"I could be better, but thanks for asking and you?"

"Same, I can't believe all this is happening, it's like Bella just can't catch a break, geez!"

"I know I feel the same way, she's been through so much lately, and I just wish I could take it all away."

"Well, I know one thing I am grateful that she has someone who loves her and takes care of her the way you do. I don't know what she would have done without you, with me being in California and Emmett in Forks."

"Bella means everything to me, I can't even imagine tomorrow without her. I will always be here with her and for her, until I take my last breath and my life is said and done."

There was silence and Jessica had tears in her eyes; women and their emotions!

"Well you don't have to imagine tomorrow without her, because her vitals are stable and strong and we will stop the sedatives tomorrow morning and she should be woke by the early afternoon." Garrett said trying to brighten the mood.

"Thanks Garrett"

"No problem, see you guys in the morning."

I took my seat next to Bella again and grabbed her hand giving it a light squeeze. Jacob walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek and I had to remember that he was her best friend since their early childhood to keep from reaching over and snatching him by the throat.

"Do you think she can hear us?" Jacob asked breaking my thoughts of ruining him.

"Well that depends, sedation is not the same for everyone. Some people have a high tolerance and some have a very low tolerance which controls how heavily sedated the mind is. It is my guess that she may be able to hear some of what we say, but maybe not quite understand the meaning of our words."

"I see, well I am glad to hear she is stable. I am going to head to Jessica's apartment to shower and get some sleep and I will be back here first thing in the morning."

"No problem, you guys have a good night."

"You look worn out man; you should get some rest also. You know Bella would fuss at you if she were awake." Jacob said smiling.

"I'll get rest when she wakes up, until then that couch over there will have to do." I said offering him a small smile.

Jessica walked over and kissed the same cheek Jacob had just kissed minutes before and then they were gone.

Giving her hand a final squeeze and kissing her forehead, I went over to the couch in her room and made use of the pillow and blanket the nurse had brought in for me. As I relaxed into the cushions I could feel the tension leaving my body and I finally succumbed to sleep.

00000000000000

BPOV

I could hear the steady beeping that was slowing working my nerves. What the hell is it and would someone please turn it off. My head felt like it would split open from the tension.

And the light when I tried to open my eyes made my head feel no better, it was blinding, but still I forced my eyes to open ignoring the sting in them. The first thing to come into focus was the empty chair beside the bed I was lying in and then I remembered the conversation I heard. Was I in the hospital still? I looked at my left hand and saw the lead on my index finger and followed the tube up to the source of the annoying beeping sound. I stared at the IV bag and looked at the needle stuck in my arm. I through my head back on the pillow and moaned at the pain that shot through it.

As I stared at the ceiling I saw a figure move in my periphery and slowly turned my head to my right side to see a sleeping Edward on the couch, mouth half open and his hair a complete beautiful mess. I tried to talk but my throat was sore and hoarse and right when I tried to swallow , my room door came open startling me and my little pixie best friend stood there with tears in her eyes.

"Bella, oh Bella your awake!" she said rushing to my side and as she hugged me Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett walked through the door.

"I didn't know she was awake." I heard Edward say, his voice sounding a bit hoarse and then I was looking into those green eyes that made me fall in love in the first place. "Love, I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you woke up, I lay down with the intentions of only sleeping for a couple of hours and I don't know what happen." He said while kissing my forehead.

"It..." I clear my throat and ignore the soreness "It's okay" I say giving him a small smile.

"Hey there Bella, glad to see you up and talking" Jasper said giving me a hug.

"Bella we've missed you so much and you scared the shit out of us" Rose said giving me a hug.

"Yeah, I thought I was going to have to give Rose a sedative to calm her down" Emmett said hugging me and kissing my cheek.

I looked at Edward and pointed to my throat frowning and he quickly retrieved a cup of water for me and some ice cubes for me to suck on.

"Where is Esme and Carlisle?" I asked wondering if they were in town also.

"Carlisle wanted to talk to your doctor and Esme stayed behind with him, they should be up here soon." Alice said smiling.

"So… what…what happen, I mean… how did I get here?" I said looking at Edward in confusion.

"Bella, tell me the last thing you remember." Edward said looking serious and sitting on the edge of my bed.

"I remember… Sam had fixed me lunch and Alice and I talked on the phone about the wedding. I… I can't…it's fuzzy, my memory I don't really recall anything after that, I'm sorry" I said feeling the tears sting my eyes.

"It's fine Bella" Rose said grabbing my hand "You don't have to remember right now."

"You were in the bathroom when I came home and I told you Sam was fixing us hot chocolate and I…"

"Went to light the fireplace" I said finishing Edward's sentence, now I remember. "I felt an awful pain in my chest and all of the sudden it became hard to breathe and everything went black." I said as I recalled what happen.

"That's right love and when you didn't come out after a few minutes I knocked on the door, but you didn't respond and I knew something was wrong."

"How long have I been here?"

"Two days, today is Sunday." Edward said squeezing my other hand.

Two days, that means my wedding is six days away and I am lying in a hospital bed! I have to go home; there is still so much to do

"I have to go home, I have so much to do before Saturday." I said looking at Edward anxiously.

"Love, please don't worry about that right now, stress is what put you in here and I am not about to let you worry yourself about Saturday. I'll marry you in this hospital room if I have to; just please calm down, for me."

"Besides, me, Rose and Esme are here now so, you will not be lifting a finger for this wedding." Alice said clasping her tiny hands together making everyone laugh. Just then Esme and Carlisle and Garrett, my doctor, came into the room.

"Well I see we have a full house" Garrett said looking around my hospital room.

"Hey Rose let's go call and check on the boys. We'll be back Bells in a little while." Emmett said with a smile and a wink.

"Jasper and I are going to grab a meal we haven't eaten since we left Forks this morning." Alice said as she hugged me again and then they were gone.

"Bella, my baby, how do you feel? I was so worried about you." Esme said hugging me and kissing my forehead and then my cheek. She stood right next to me rubbing my hair with that motherly touch I had missed so much."

"Well, considering, I feel actually pretty good Esme."

"Bella you gave this old man quite a scare there." Carlisle said hugging me.

"Sorry Carlisle, how are you?"

"I'm fine now that you're okay." He said smiling at me.

"Well Bella I imagine you want to know when you can go home, correct?" Garrett said smiling at me.

I nodded my head vehemently while looking at him and he chuckled, but continued.

"I want to get another EKG done today and if that comes back normal I will be looking to discharge you as early as tomorrow. All of you labs look good right now and your vitals are very stable. Now of course you will need to continue your meds and I will do a follow up visit with you in forty eight hours, but other than that as long as you take it easy, you should be able to go home with no problem."

"Thank you that is a relief, I have so much to do" I said feeling the excitement rise in me.

"Didn't you just here what the doctor said Bella. As long as you take it easy, which means no last minute wedding planning for you, besides whatever else needs to be done will just have to be handled by Alice, Rose and mom." Edward said firmly and I knew not to fight him on this one.

"Fine, but I want to know what's going on at all times, I want our day to be perfect."

"As long as you meet me at the altar, it can't get any more perfect than that, love." Edward said and then planted a soft kiss on my lips.

"Edward's right dear, let us handle the last minute stuff, you should be relaxing. I can take care of all the decorations, Alice will make sure everyone's clothes are ready and Rose will do your hair and makeup, it will all work out, you'll see."

And somehow I knew it would, things always did.

00000000000000

"Bella stop fidgeting and sit still or I will never get through with your makeup." Rose said fussing at me.

Today is my wedding day and I am a big pregnant ball of nerves.

"I can't help it Rose I am so nervous and I never thought I would become someone's wife, let alone someone as wonderful as Edward. "

Rose came and stood in front of me, and then she turned me to face the mirror.

"Bella do you not see how beautiful you are, Edward is the lucky one here because you are a true prize for anyone." She said and bent down and planted a kiss on my cheek and then we both turned as we heard Alice come into my bedroom.

"Bella it's time to get dressed or you are going to be late to your own wedding."

Alice had made my wedding dress for me. It was white satin with a lace bodice covered with tiny white pearls. The dress was a swing style that stopped in the front right above my knees and the back had a long train covered in tiny white pearls and iridescent sequence.

Alice and Rose who were my maid and matron of honor, dresses were also satin with low drapes in the back and they were a color that I am very fond of, periwinkle. Emmett and jasper were both Edward's best men and their vest and ties matched the girl's dresses and Edward's vest and tie were white to match my dress.

The ceremony went pretty fast and the only parts I really focused on was saying "I do" and kissing my husband. The reception was small, just immediate family and a few close friends like Jake, Jessica, Garrett and his wife and before I knew it Edward was carrying me across the threshold of the penthouse suite at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. I gasped as I looked around because I have never seen a hotel room of this size. There were two levels to this penthouse with marble pilasters and murals painted in suite which gave it an Italian aura.

"Edward, wow this is…incredible." I said as Edward got me to my feet. I don't know how he carried me without breaking his back; I wasn't exactly light these days.

"Look at this place it's huge…this is like a house and I can't believe there's a second level. How much did this cost us for the night?"

"Well we have it for three nights and the cost is not something that I want you worrying about. We will have a maid and butler for the next three days to cater to us and twenty four hour room service available for all your middle of the night cravings. I have also arranged for in room his and her massages and your masseuse specialize in "expectant mother massages" I heard she is one of the best."

"She? So I don't get to get a massage by a sexy man with a British accent?" I said in a teasing voice

"Not unless he has a death wish" he said looking me in the eyes intently.

I cocked my head to one side and raised one eyebrow before asking "So your masseuse is a male, right?"

His expression changed to one of pure panic and as he ran his fingers through his hair nervously. I let him squirm while he searched for the right thing to say, though I really did not care at all that he would be getting a massage from a woman. It was still hilarious to watch him sweat. I folded my arms over my chest and stood there staring at him.

"Uh… Bella I… Well I guess I did not think of it in that way and if you prefer a male…"

"No, I don't Edward, but please don't assume anything about me, all you have to do is ask." I say cutting him off.

"I'm sorry, I guess I didn't think that one all the way through." He said looking chagrined and I couldn't contain my laughter anymore.

"Edward I'm just kidding, lighten up it's our wedding night and I wouldn't want any other man rubbing on me especially while I am pregnant but you. Trust me, I will feel much more comfortable with a female masseuse."

"Really?"

"Yes Edward, really."

"Good because I don't think I could handle watching another male rub on you." He said pulling me from behind back to his chest while he rested he hands on my protruding belly and nuzzled his nose in my neck. I closed my eyes and relished in the feeling and the warmth from being so close to Edward.

Every sense in me had been awakened just by his touch and pregnant or not I wanted him and I wanted him to have me completely. I turned around in his arms and wrapped my hands around his neck and as our lips found one another our tongues explored each other like never before. I could feel my desire growing and I could not help the moan that escaped my mouth. Edward kissed down my neck and slowly made his way down to my chest.

"I've waited a long time for this Mrs. Cullen." His voice was a mixture of desire, lust and love. Suddenly Edward swept me up into his arms bridal style again and carried me to the master bathroom. He put me on my feet once again and turned me so that my back was to his chest. As Edward kissed the back of my neck I could feel him slowly unzipping my wedding dress and after I pulled my arms out, I allowed the dress to fall to the floor and stepped out of it. Edward turned me around to face him and stood back to admire my "maternity" white lace bodice with garter belts and white sheer hosiery and I heard him moan as he pulled me back up against his chest.

"You look incredible."

"I look fat."

"No, pregnancy becomes you love and I have never been more attracted to you."

"Really?"

"Absolutely"

Edward kissed me again and this time it started out slow and grew more urgent with every passing second. He slowly lowered me onto the bed as he caressed my breast through my lacy get up. He then undid the garters from the hosiery and slid them off of each leg.

He placed opened mouth kisses on my toes, ankles, shins, knees, thighs and I squirmed as I felt the warmth from his breath on me. I was dripping with desire and ready to burst. He sat me up and unzipped the bodice and slowly removed it leaving me fully exposed to him.

He then stood up and looked down at me in what seemed like admiration.

"I don't think I have ever seen anything more perfect." He said as he began to undress himself.

I sat in awe and admired this flawless man in front of me and still wondered what had I done to deserve him and his love. This was my husband, he belonged to me, he gave his heart to me and as the thoughts pooled in my head my eyes filled with tears of joy. Edward looked at me and instantly became worried.

"Love, what's wrong? Why are you about to cry? We don't have to do this if you are not ready I understa…"

I grabbed his wrist and pulled him down onto the bed next to me.

"No Edward, I want nothing more than this…I'm not sad, I'm just so happy and I just can't believe you are mine, I mean like really mine." I said cutting him off.

Edward smiled at me with that crooked grin that I loved so much and then he crawled over me until he positioned himself behind me. He then pulled me close and place kisses down my neck, shoulders and upper back. I turned my head to look at him and he captured my lips and our tongues danced together once again.

Edward pulled me impossibly closer and I could feel our flesh become one once again and I marveled in the feeling that being with him brought me. As we moved together falling deeper and deeper into each other, Edward continued to plant soft kisses on my shoulders as I moaned in ecstasy.

I could feel Edward go deeper and deeper as I continued to drip with desire and I could feel him pulsating with every stroke.

"Bella, I love you so much… my heart will always belong to only you." He said as his movements quickened and I knew he was close.

"I love you so much Edward." I said and then I came undone all around him and it was the most wonderful feeling I have ever felt. And I felt Edward let go and find his release, my own release intensified as we cried out each other's names and then we both collapsed against each other.

Edward rubbed soft circles on my belly and our babies had become quite active, no doubt from our love making session, kicking in every direction. I turned onto my back and we sat and watched their little hands and feet stretch making my stomach take on the weirdest shapes. Edward would place his hand over whatever spot would rise up and we both laughed at how active they had become.

"I think you disturbed their sleep Mr. Cullen."

"Me? I didn't hear you complain or ask me to stop Mrs. Cullen." He said planting a soft kiss on my lips.

"No, and you never will." I said biting his bottom lip.

"Come on let's get cleaned up and get some dinner." Edward said helping me up and off the bed. He started the shower for us and as I stepped in under the hot water I closed my eyes and enjoyed the way the water massaged my skin.

Edward got in the shower with me and lathered up a towel with my favorite vanilla body wash and began to bathe me. I leaned back into him as he used the soft cloth to wash my neck, shoulders, breast and finally my belly. I have never been so pampered by anyone and this was something I definitely could get use to.

Edward washed every inch of me twice and then washed my hair and as I rinsed the last of the shampoo out, I felt a weird tugging feeling in my abdominal area. I ignored it and stepped out of the shower into the towel Edward was holding open for me. As he wrapped the soft towel around my midsection, I felt it again, but this time it was more of a squeeze and a warm liquid ran down my legs.

"Edward something's wrong, I think I just peed on myself, but I did not feel like I had to use the bathroom."

Just then I felt the squeeze again, but this one was more painful.

"Arrgghh, oh wow… that hurts!" I said grabbing the bottom of my belly."

"Bella I need to get you over to the bed so I can check you, I think your water bag may have broken."

"My water bag? What do you mean? What does that mean Edward?" I said panicking.

"It means you may be in labor Bella and if so we need to get to the hospital quick."

"But it's too early Edward; this is not supposed to happen for at least another three weeks."

"I know love, but with multiple births these things sometimes happen. Please calm down and let me check you."

I tried to remember my breathing exercises Edward had taught me and did my best to relax as I lay back on the bed and allowed my husband to check me.

"Okay Bella stay calm, but your water bag did break and you are in labor love. Do you think you can Imake it down to the hotel lobby and we can get a taxi? If not I will call an ambulance for you."

"I can make if we hurry." I said trying my best to be brave.

Edward quickly dressed me and we made it to the lobby. The doorman put us in a taxi in record time and we were off to the hospital. Once at the emergency entrance, Edward went to get me a wheel chair and wheeled me into the emergency room.

"Dr. Cullen, is it time?" one of the nurses asked Edward.

"Yes, I believe it is." I heard Edward answer.

Before I knew it, it seemed like a hundred people were surrounding me. I was moved from the wheelchair to a bed and then I was being pushed into another room. A doctor came in that I have never seen before and greeted Edward.

"Dr. Cullen, how are you this evening?"

"I am good Dr. Brown and you?"

"Fantastic. I am going to check to see how far dilated Mrs. Cullen is and then page her doctor."

"Sounds good" Edward said as he came to stand beside me.

By this time the pain is much more intense and I am ready to punch someone.

"Edward, it hurts get me something for the pain please."

"I will love the doctor just needs to check you first, be patient."

Be patient! Does he have any idea how much pain I am in? What the hell does he mean be patient!

"I am being patient; now get me some damn pain medicine!"

Edward ran his hand through his hair nervously and Dr. Brown looked at him and chuckled.

"Mrs. Cullen I'll order you an epidural right away for the pain; You have only dilated five centimeters."

"Thank you" I said feeling terrible for my outburst. "Edward I am so sorry for yelling at you."

"No worries love, I understand and I am use to it, I am a doctor after all and patients that are in pain yell all the time. And the fact that I am in love with you helps." He said giving me that lopsided grin that I love.

"Arrrggghhh…. Edward this pain is unbearable."

"Just a few more minutes and you will not be in anymore pain, I promise."

Just then the anesthesiologist came in and administered the epidural and in a matter of minutes all pain left and I was comfortable and able to rest. I fell into a slumber from being so exhausted dreaming of three perfect little beings that would soon take over our home, lives, thoughts and hearts.

A/N: So what do you think? Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I am working on the next one. We are almost at the end maybe 2-3 more chapters and then the epilogue. To those who took the time to review, I cannot thank you enough and tell you how happy that made me. I was worried that I should not continue this story because of my lack of reviews, but to my loyal readers, thank you so much for your continued support. Also I want to thank those who sign up for story and author alerts and I want to encourage you guys to leave a review, I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.