Thank you, everyone, for all your patience in waiting for this to post. There are only a few more chapters left, including an Epilogue.
Huge thanks goes out to all the wonderful girls who have helped us with this story from the start: EdwardsFirstKiss, AWayWithWords, and LaPumuckl.
See you at the bottom.


Parallel Parenting

Chapter 23

Edward POV

I hold on to Bella's hand as we wait to be called in for her scan. I believe that everything is okay with our baby, but I can't help but feel a small amount of fear.

Bella lets out a sigh and begins to tap her fingers. I know she's fed up with waiting, but at the same time, it's not the nurse's fault as we arrived almost half hour early for this appointment. My parents are looking after the girls today and overnight. My father, like me was worried, too, so he made sure we would have a day free without the girls in case of the worst case scenario.

"Mrs. Cullen?"

Bella and I stand and the nurse takes us through to the exam room.

"As soon as you are changed, I will take your blood pressure, and draw a blood sample. You'll also need to provide a urine sample, and we'll record both your height and weight."

Bella nods, taking the gown from her and moving behind the curtain to get changed. When she is done, the nurse directs her to the small attached bathroom to get that out of the way. When she comes out, she is weighed and stands against the measuring device. When they are finished, the nurse motions her over to the table. Bella sits down and the nurse starts to ask questions as she straps the blood pressure cuff onto Bella's arm.

"Have you experienced any abdominal pains?"

"No," Bella quickly answers and winces making the nurse look at her.

"She has a few cracked ribs from an automobile accident," I inform her.

"I know from her records, I just wasn't aware the pain was still this bad," the nurse says and looks back at Bella.

"Are you still in a lot of discomfort?"

"Yes, I am."

The nurse hums. "That could be why your blood pressure is a little high; it is within the normal range, but high for you," she says looking at Bella. "According to your records, you're normally at the lower end of the scale."

"That's right," she tells her.

"For that reason I know the doctor will want to have your blood pressure taken daily at home, and here at least once a week, until it's back to normal, and thereafter every two weeks."

Bella nods in agreement as the nurse moves on and draws her blood.

"Now for your weight, you have lost about five pounds since you were last weighed and checked, have you been vomiting?"

"No, I have been a little off on my food. Things just don't smell good," the nurse nods again.

"Just eat frequent small meals, and snack on healthy foods that you find you can eat without issues. Since you don't like eating most meats, drink protein shakes."

She does a few more things in the room, and smiles at us. "Okay, that's everything I need for the doctor. If you could follow me, I'll take you to the room next door for your scan." The nurse uses the door on the opposite side of the room where we entered. The room is large, but you can tell it's used only for scans.

"If you could lie on the bed, your technician will be in soon."

Bella nods at her and I help her onto the table.

As soon as Bella is comfortable, I take hold of her hand and sit beside her.

The door opens and a woman walks in with another nurse as she reads over what looks like Bella's notes.

"I am Doctor Bridge, and this is Shelly; she is going to give you a quick scan and see what we have." The doctor gives us a little smile as she stands next to the technician as I stand up beside Bella.

"The gel can be cold, but I tried warming it a little," Shelly, the technician, tells Bella as she places it on her skin above her pelvic area.

My eyes stay locked with the doctor's face as she looks at the monitor, giving nothing away. After several minutes and a lot of clicking, the doctor turns the monitor to face our direction.

"Here is your baby," she says. "Everything looks good," she says and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

I lean down and kiss Bella's forehead, quietly telling her thank you and that I love her.

"This is your other baby," the doctor states and I pull my head back and up, and just look to her.

"Baby B is a little smaller, and is looking to be measuring a few days behind Baby A."

"What does that mean?" Bella quickly asks sounding as if she's panicking.

"Stay calm, Mrs. Cullen, it may mean nothing, and it's not uncommon for twins to have large differences in length and weight. The only thing it means for you is that I would like to scan you again in two weeks."

"Two weeks, but what if he … she is not growing? What if—"

"Mrs. Cullen, the babies are both fine, their hearts are beating, and they both appear to be doing very well."

"They are?" Bella and I ask together.

"Both of the babies have good strong heartbeats. See," she says pointing at the small black spot, to show the pulsing of one of the babies' heart. "We may be able to hear it," she nods and the tech presses a button. Suddenly the most astonishing sound starts in the room. It is such an amazing sound and the rapid little whoosh-whoosh brings tears to my eyes.

"That is Baby B, and this is Baby A," she says and again, we hear the same noise.

"Next time you come in for a scan, it will be stronger and will sound clearer," she tells us. "I am happy to see the car crash didn't cause any problems. But I would still recommend that you take it easy, especially since you have tenderness in your ribs. Now that we know you're carrying twins, we will be monitoring things even more frequently you're a small woman in stature, and the last thing you need on your ribs right now is two babies looking for space. We luckily have several months before they will be putting pressure on your ribs, but in the future bed rest may be on your agenda."

We talk about a few things, including what the nurse has already told us. With both Bella and I happy with what we have discussed, the doctor leaves the room. The nurse comes back and smiles at us.

"I'll take you back over and leave you to get dressed. The receptionist will have your scan photos for you when you set up your next appointment. Take it easy, and we will see you next week for a blood pressure check."

~PP~

Bella sits in my car looking at the photos. "Do you think they'll be okay?"

I look at her while grinning. "They're going to be perfect."

Bella just hums. "I just hope we can cope with two."

"We'll be fine," I say and Bella snorts shaking her head.

"He must have sent one for each of them."

"Huh?" I frown and tilt my head as I wonder what she's talking about.

"The girls each sent Santa a letter asking for a brother, he must have given them one each."

I chuckle a little. "He must have."

Bella clears her throat and only looks at me from the side of her eyes "If they are boys, could we name one of them Charlie?"

"We can, and we can even name one Charlie and one Renee, if they are girls, too."

Bella smiles as she leans her head on my shoulder. This wasn't a choice; it's clear she loves and misses her parents. If she wants to honor them this way that's more than fine by me.

"You should text your dad and let him know everything is okay," Bella states.

I give her a nod before picking up my phone. The rest of that day and night is spent with hugging Bella close to me, and my hand covering her flat tummy.

~PP~

We ring in the New Year with just the four of us, and the same with New Year's Day. Early on the second, we travel to Forks. We arrive at the bed and breakfast a little after six in the evening. After the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Banner, catches up with Bella; we head to our rooms, putting our bags away, before setting off for the diner.

"Bella," is called as an older woman moves toward us. "You're looking beautiful," she carries on as she hugs her.

"Kassie?" she questions looking between the two girls. She points and then looks at Bella opened-mouthed.

"This is Cordie, Kassie's twin sister," Bella explains.

"Oh?" her eyes move to me, and I smile a little not understanding how she doesn't already know this. The same with Mr. and Mrs. Banner, they didn't know either, despite everything on the news lately.

"This is Edward, Cordie's father and my husband," Bella says.

"You're married?" she gushes

"I am," Bella says with a smile.

"Well, he looks like a decent man, and maybe we should have Harry give him the talk though, to make sure, huh?"

"Sue," Bella said in a warning, but light tone.

"Come on, it's been a long time since he scared anyone. And you and I both know your father would have enjoyed scaring your Edward a little, too."

"Fine, but not when the young ones are around," Bella states.

Sue nods and smiles at me. "Four specials?"

"Cordie is the same as me, we prefer the chicken dishes, but Edward and Kassie as you already know, will take my father's special."

"No problem," she walks away and we sit at a table.

"How come they don't know about the crash, it was on the news?" Cordie asks with a frown.

"No one here watches the news, unless it revolves around this area or them directly. They all claim it helps them make decisions based on facts and not what the media tells you," Kassie tells us quickly and I look at Bella.

"They know the stock market, any new laws, and important new stories.

The stories that involve people that aren't their business are skipped over by most of the townsfolk. Our Reverend Weber often reminds them that gossip isn't a nice thing and that we should all do our part to keep it out of our lives."

I nod, but I must admit it is nice to be in a place where people don't believe they know me or my family because of something they have heard on the news.

Sue comes back and I see that Bella and Cordie both have the grilled chicken, salad, potatoes, and side of sauce. She then puts down Kassie's and my dinners and my eyes light up. Kassie and I have steak, bacon, and ham, in place of the chicken on our plates.

"Oh, this looks so good," I hum.

"Just wait until you taste it," Kassie says and I smile at her and begin eating just as our drinks arrive.

"Would you like me to call Sam? I can ask him to let you into your old home?"

Bella just looks at her.

"It's okay, dear, he won't mind, and he has some things you left in the loft anyway."

"If it's okay with him and Leah, then yeah," Bella answers quietly.

Sue nods at her, and walks away leaving us to eat. My eyes go to Bella who's looking a little upset. I place my hand on her knee giving her a squeeze so that she knows I am here for her.

We all finish dinner, and Sue brings out ice cream sundaes for us. After we have eaten the ice cream treats, and drank our second drinks, I walk to the counter to pay.

"That's thirty dollars," Sue says making me frown. "That's quite cheap for everything we had." I hand her sixty dollars. "Keep the other thirty as a tip."

"We don't accept tips," she says pointing to a sign on the counter.

As I start to argue, she puts the money in a glass bottle that has a donation to the local children's hospital on it. "We do, however, give to a different charity each month."

I nod and smile at her.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Sue," Bella says giving her another hug.

We walk the short way back to the bed and breakfast, and I wait until the girls are sleeping before talking to her.

"Do you want to see your old place?"

She smiles at me. "I do, but another family lives there now. I am not sure if it will feel the same or more to the point, if I will feel the same being there."

I sigh unsure of what to say. Bella chuckles softly and I look at her.

"It's Sam and Leah's home now, and it should feel like their home. I'm not sure that they need me crying because it's different."

"You don't have to go," I tell her.

She shakes her head. "I want to."

I smile softly at her. "You may not feel your parents at your old house anymore, but I know you feel them in here." I say as I place my hand over her heart that seems to be racing a little. "Good to see you still react to my touch," I whisper right before I kiss her.

"That's all because of my pregnancy hormones, they're all over the place," she smirks.

I chuckle before kissing her again, knowing full well her heart races with every touch we share just like mine does.

The next morning we are up early. After eating breakfast, we head out to see the town where Bella and Kassie are from. I am quite surprised that we are able to walk around most of it easily. The town seems quiet and very welcoming.

"This was our home," Bella tells me as she stops and looks to a home that has a police cruiser outside.

"Do you want to go inside?" Bella asks looking at Kassie who nods at her as she clasps hold of Cordie's hand.

Bella lets out a long breath and starts to walk towards the house. Before we reach the porch the door opens and a man stands there with a smile on his face.

"I thought Sue was dabbling with her homegrown Mary-Jane again, when she told me, Kassie has a twin," he says looking at the girls. "I just hope you aren't as boisterous as Kassie. I can only save one girl at a time when they get trapped in a tree."

I raise my brow and look at Kassie who is giggling, so my eyes go to Bella who is blushing. "Before we moved, Kassie wanted a photo of the whole town. I had once made the mistake of saying that you could see it all, from up there," she points.

My eyes follow to where Bella is pointing, and my mouth drops open seeing a tree that must be at least fifty feet tall.

"I only went halfway up," Kassie says with a roll of her eyes.

"Yes, and you got stuck, which meant I had to come and get you because your mom is a chicken and afraid of heights." The man smiles broadly. "So, no climbing trees, okay?" he states looking between the two girls. "I am Sam," he says looking at me. "You must be Bella's handsome husband I've heard all about. I also heard you were due a talk with Harry, which I have been forbidden to interfere with." His smile changes into a smirk. "I can, however, watch."

Bella lets out a groan, shaking her head making Sam laugh.

"Come on in," Sam says.

Kassie and Cordie quickly follow Sam. I take hold of Bella's hand as she slowly follows them.

"Nothing has changed much," he says as Bella looks around. "Seemed kind of wrong; this place should be the same."

"Sam, it's your home now," Bella states.

"I know, but still … this is how I remember this house, Leah, too, and we couldn't make big changes …" he stops and chuckles. "Or we're just not ready to let them leave this place. Besides, this will always remain …" he moves a little and Bella lets out a soft laugh.

"That's still here?" I look to the wall where they're looking, and see that it has measurements with Bella's and Kassie's names on lines. My eyes move down, I see a new name; one that I don't know.

"I see Emily looks like she's getting big," Bella says as she touches the wall.

"She is … turning more and more like you, too. I think it has got something to do with this house. The girls who live here look like angels, but are snarky as H - E - double hockey sticks."

"She's causing you hassles already?" Bella asks.

"Yep, and she's only four," Sam replies.

"Enjoy it while you can," Bella laughs.

"I'm planning on it. Why don't you show everyone around and I'll get drinks."

Bella slowly shows Cordie and me around the house, not only has he not redecorated, but there seems to be a few photos of Bella's parents, Bella, and Kassie still in the house. It's easy to see that this town is very special to my girls.

When we get downstairs, we meet Leah and Emily. Leah and Sam sit and share stories about Bella, as Cordie, Kassie, and Emily all play in the fenced-in backyard.

"So, Edward, while the girls visit and play, let's say we take a drive. Harry would like to meet you," Sam says.

"Tell my daddy to be nice, he's a good guy," Leah states and Sam nods.

"No worry, darling, you know your dad takes his role as Bella's fill-in father very seriously."

The ride with Sam is not long, and I am not really nervous at all, but that is because I feel like Bella and I were made for each other.

We pull up outside a little house that had been clearly built with an addition added. It is old, but appears to be in good condition.

"This is Leah's family home; she grew up on the reservation."

As we walk to the door, it opens and out steps a man about six-foot tall with long graying dark hair. He stands before me and crosses his arms, staying silent. I have dealt with many people in my lifetime of working and I remain silent as well, knowing this is a test. After several minutes of staring straight in my eyes, he cracks a smile and slaps my shoulder.

"I'm glad you finally found her and made her whole again. Don't let her down, and always protect both her and your children."

"I intend to," I tell him.

He gives me a nod, and turns to go back into the house. Stopping at the door he calls out over his shoulder, "Sam, take him around and show him the places you know Bella will never show him. Make sure that you keep him out about an hour, Bella can't ever think I went easy on him."

Sam laughs, and so do I. We get back in the car and he shows me around places from the history of the tribe and where Charlie and Harry used to fish together at their 'secret' spot.

We arrive back at the house, and Bella looks worryingly at me as I walk in. I smile at her and she grins.

"So, let me guess. He stared at you for a few minutes, slapped you on the back, said 'you'd do,' and Sam took to you to the secret fishing spot, none of us ladies know about," Bella says using quote fingers around 'secret' like Sam did when he showed it to me.

"That pretty much sums it up," I agree.

Bella, Leah, Sam and I all laugh. We sit and talk a bit longer, and even stay for dinner.

When it's time to go, they tell us that they will drop off a few boxes at the bed and breakfast, that seem to have been left behind.

~PP~

The days fly by with Bella and Kassie showing us things and telling stories. We spend a lot of time visiting with many people who seem to really care about the girls. Bella decides to leave the saddest place for last day, and since today is our last day we are headed to the cemetery.

"This is my mom and dad," she says. "Mom, Dad, I have missed you so much. I know you already know Cordie and Edward, but I brought them to meet you, and our town." She lets out a soft breath. "I found someone just like you said I would, Mom. I love him more than I thought was possible to love another person. He's a little hot headed, and needs a kick in his bottom every now and again, but I am just the girl to do it."

"She sure is," I add with a chuckle.

"I miss you both, and I think I will always miss you, but I'm finally ready to say goodbye to you both."

Bella stands and Kassie moves toward the graves.

"I miss you, too, but I love my mommy, daddy, and my sister. Thank you for bringing daddy and my sister to us … could you just get a move on with my brother?" I look at Bella who rolls her eyes. "Love you," she says and moves back to Bella.

I kiss Kassie's head, giving her a hug. I move on to Cordie who I know is hurting because her mom and sister are. When they both have been shown that I love them and that I am here for them, I move on to Bella.

"I say we go to La Push and take a boat out for the afternoon?"

Kassie starts to jump up and down clapping her hands.

"We need to get the car, it's too far to walk," Bella tells me with a smile on her face. It's clear she's up to something and more than likely before the night is over, she or I will have been locked in to a competition of some sort.

~PP~

Bella POV

We are on our way home, I am a little sad about leaving my hometown, but for the first time, my heart feels a little bit more whole. I know that's not only from visiting the town, but also because of the girls and Edward.

I may feel a little sad, but I really feel pissed off. Edward beat me at fishing. I still can't believe he caught four huge fish his first time fishing. My eyes flicker to him to see that he is still grinning away, so I let out an unlady-like sound as I cross my arms.

"Don't hate me because I am good, Nayeli."

I roll my eyes and give him a little head shake, making him chuckle. "I still think you lied to me and have fished before," I huff out quietly.

"I swear to you I haven't fished before. I'm sure I only did so well because I had a really great teacher showing me what to do."

I just hum a little.

"Can we go fishing again soon?" Cordie asks from the back seat.

"Sounds like a plan," Edward replies right away.

"Yeah, and we should bring Colton with us, he'd love it, too," Kassie adds on.

My eyes flicker to Edward who winks at me as he drives us home.

~PP~

Whereas, I am still in a little pain, I am happy to be back at work. Edward, who wasn't overly happy and wanted me to take another week off, has left not only me, but Emmett a list of things I cannot do. His list is full of things such as lifting anything, and being on my feet for long periods of time. Emmett just took the list with a shake of his head. The fact I would have nothing to do if I were at home, and don't enjoy sitting around the house watching TV is the only reason I am happy to be back at work. Maggie has been before the judge once already, and of course, she pled not guilty. Her hearing has been set for six weeks from now. I know if I were at home alone, it would be out of my mind every second of the day, until Edward and the girls came home.

I sit at my desk watching my kids as they walk through the door, all seemingly happily about the time off they had. When their eyes land on me their smiles get bigger, warming my heart more because I know they missed me.

"Since today is our first day back, why don't we start the day by telling everyone what we did for the holidays?"

I slowly go around the class, and each child tells the us about their time off, and what they received for Christmas.

When they're done, I tell them all about my time. I leave out visiting my parents' graves, but I tell them about our trip to my home state. I am just finished when the bell for the recess rings.

I put on my jacket and head outside to monitor the playground.

"What are you doing out here?" Vicky asks as she walks over to me.

"I can't stay cooped up inside letting everyone else take my share of the workload."

Vicky snorts and turns so that she is facing the children, "You're not, you are recuperating, and I am sure if it were me that had been hurt, you would try your best to help me out even if it meant being on the playground more often."

I sigh, and nod. "I just need some normalcy back. If it gets to be too much I'll head back inside and even put my feet up."

Vicky grins and nods at me. "How is the driving coming along?"

I shake my head. "I haven't driven a vehicle since that day. It's easier being in the car after having to drive so far to Washington, but I just don't feel ready to drive again," I tell her feeling choked up about it.

"James' brother Frank owns and teaches classes for a driving school. He holds special driving classes for those who have been frightened or hurt in accidents. He also is one of the best instructors for defensive driving classes at the school and has a contract with the city that all the law enforcement officers have to take. Maybe you should consider doing that, and see if it helps ease your mind, you know?"

I nod knowing what she means, since I've taken defensive driving classes before.

"Well, just so you know, James talked to him about you and he said that he has also helped some vets with PTSD, and that he would help you for free if you wanted?"

"We can pay, money is not an issue," I say.

"We know, but you shouldn't have to. Things like this should be free, or the person responsible should have to pay. I know you and Edward are well off, but I honestly think you should go after her and her father in civil court. That woman has more than one screw loose and I, like Edward, think her father has and will always enable her behaviors."

"Okay, give me his number and I'll talk to Edward and we'll give him a call."

Vicky merely smiles at me.

"I already talked to Edward, and your first lesson is today after school."

I feel my face drop as I just look at her open-mouthed.

"If you want I can call Edward, or get Emmett to go with you, if you would like one of them to be in the car, too?"

I let out a breath, feeling a little panicky.

"Bells, it's better to just get it over and done with. You know, like ripping off a wax strip?"

I snort but nod at her.

"Yeah, I think I'll call him, but just so he knows I am willing to try this."

The bell rings and Vicky squeezes my arm a little. "We'll get you back to driving in no time."

I smile nodding at her. "Thank you, and tell James thank you, too."

She nods, and walks with me to the children who are now lined up.

~PP~

The day seems to go by quickly, too quickly and I am now standing in front of a car, with Edward and Frank standing next to me.

"How about we just sit in the car, we don't even have to put the key in the ignition," Frank says.

I nod and move to the car. I open the door and get in, letting out a deep breath.

"Put your seatbelt on," Frank says and I look at him like he is insane. "Bella, you're in a car so your seatbelt goes on."

I nod doing what he says as my eyes flash to Edward who's sitting in the back. He is also putting on his seatbelt. His eyes flash to the mirror as if he knows I was looking at him. He gives me a slight smile and blows me a kiss.

"Tell me how you feel?" Frank asks softly after we've been sitting here for about ten minutes.

I shake my head at him. "Don't know, I just … I guess I am scared." I close my eyes, but he carries on talking.

"If you were to start the car, how would you feel?" As the words come out of his mouth, I grip the steering wheel tightly. Suddenly, I feel as if I am right back on the bridge.

"I am back … on the bridge," I sob out hating this is making me so weak. "We're going to fall into the water below. I am not sure how the hell I am going to get both my girls out the car, and out the river!"

I turn and look at Frank. "He … Mike … he left and I was so angry at him. I just wanted my girls out. I didn't care if I was still in the car … as long as they were out. It was only minutes, I know … but it felt like hours. I felt … I couldn't move … couldn't do anything. I just knew, one false move … the car would go over. I hate that I couldn't stop what was happening. She blindsided me. I … I had nowhere to go!" As my rant comes to an end, I am sobbing heavily in the car. I can hear Frank's hushed voice but I can't make out what he is saying.

"But you are all fine now, and she is locked up. She's not here, and we are in a secluded parking lot, nowhere near a bridge or water. She's not here, Bella, you have to take a deep breath and look out the window." I do what he says and I can see we are still in the school parking lot.

"What happened had nothing to do with your driving abilities. You did everything right, and you have to believe that you are a good driver, and will always be one. On Saturday, we are going to drive around the parking lot five times because it will be empty apart from us."

I frown looking at him. "I'm not going to drive today?"

"No, I had to know what you were feeling. You have to understand what's making you afraid, and right now, it's the grief of almost losing both yours and your daughters' lives, and it takes time to get over that feeling. This is not a race; it is about taking small steps."

I nod at him grateful that most of the time has been spent just sitting in the car. Frank gets out and as I open the door, Edward is already standing there with his hand out. He says goodbye to Frank and then walks me to his car.

"You did well, Nayeli," he whispers against my ear. "I am so very proud of you."

I snort not feeling as if I really made any improvement.

"As Frank says, it takes time, and I know you will get there," he carries on as he softly kisses me. His hand moves to my tummy where I am starting to get a small bump.

"You stay here and I'll pick up the girls." He opens my door, and helps me to sit, giving me one last kiss before he walks inside the school.

~PP~

The month has gone by fast, but I am now able to drive for short ten-minute periods of time, on quiet back roads. I am proud of myself, but upset that I seem to clam up as soon as there are more than two or more cars on the road with me. Frank and Edward both keep reminding me that it takes time, just like it took for my ribs to heal. I am pleased that I am not in any pain from my ribs now. I have just had my twelve-week scan and the babies are both doing great. My small bump is now clearly visible, but I've been able to hide it with loose clothing. We are planning on telling the girls and the rest of our family and friends, next week, after the court case is over.

The case has just started and we're waiting to be called in to testify for the Cook County District Attorney.

The thing I hate the most is that both of the girls have also been called to testify. Both Edward and I tried hard to keep them away from it however, as they both are classified as witnesses and they have been called. We are also upset that since both Edward and I are considered witnesses or have been named as witnesses, neither of us can stand with the girls while they are questioned. Thankfully, the girls' therapist was allowed to be beside them, and the Judge was very clear about what kind of questioning could be done.

"Just take deep breaths," Mike says making me jump a little. "They'll be fine, you'll be fine," he tells me.

The door to the courtroom opens, and the Cook County District Attorney walks out. "She's changed her plea and is now pleading guilty."

I just look at him. "What?"

"Mrs. Peter's attorney has finally managed to talk some sense into her and she has pled guilty on all charges."

"But the case starts today? Why did she wait until now?" I ask feeling angry that for the past month this has been held over our heads, and now she decides to own up to her crimes.

"It's not uncommon for this to happen. It's clear that she is already looking at a heavy sentence, but if this went to trial, she would be looking at an even harsher penalty."

"So what happens now?" I ask knowing I am getting upset over this.

"Now she will remain remanded into custody, and she'll be back in two weeks for sentencing."

I nod at him.

"You're all free to go," he says.

I look at the girls who look a lot calmer than what they were before they went into the courtroom.

"Come on, Bella, let's get out of here," Mike states.

I smile and nod at Mike.

The four of us walk out and are greeted right away by our family. Immediately, Edward pulls all three of us in for a hug.

"I could kill her for waiting so long to plead guilty, but at the same time, I am grateful that it's over without you three going through anything else," Edward tells me.

I nod at him, even if I am still confused to why she pled guilty now.

"I agree. I just wish I knew why, or what happened to make her change her mind."

"I don't know but I plan to find out." He pulls out of the hug and looks at me. "But that can wait, let's just go home," he says before kissing each of our heads.

I nod at him.

The rest of the day we spend as a family; it's not until late that evening that we receive a call from Samuel.

"Hi, Samuel," Edward says as he puts the call on speaker. "Do we know what happened?"

"Her attorney went heavily on her, made it clear that the Judge and jury would be very upset when the girls gave their statements. Then there's also the fact that her father handed in her journal which clearly showed that she had planned on killing Bella and Kassie for months."

I feel my heart drop; why the hell would she think that, let alone write it? My eyes flash to Edward seeing that he, too, looks upset.

"There were daily entries, and all of them were basically about how Bella was preventing you from being hers and how she was planning to kill her to get her out of the way. She even wrote happily about how Kassie broke her arm at your sister's house."

I cover my mouth feeling sick to my stomach. I can't believe, much less understand how anyone can get such enjoyment from a child's pain.

"It was clear that the DA was going to use the journal, and it would have looked very bad for her."

Edward seems to take some time before talking. "Do we know what she's looking at?"

"I would say twenty years to life, but I think her attorney is going to want her hospitalized rather than serve a prison term."

"She should face prison for what she did!" Edward states loudly.

"I know and I agree but it's not up to us, and it will depend on how much her attorney and father push and prove that she needs help."

Edward shakes his head clearly very angry. I place my hand softly on his face making him look at me.

"Thanks, Samuel, keep us informed please," I say then hang up Edward's cell.

"She should rot in hell," he hisses and shakes his head. "How could she plan not only to kill you but to hurt an innocent child?"

"I don't know. I don't understand it either. She may very well be sick."

Edward lets out a snort. "No ... she's just plain evil. I just wish I could've seen it before you all were hurt."

I smile softly at him. "I didn't see it either. Yeah, I thought she was a privileged, snobby bitch, but I didn't think she would be that mental in the head. Stop blaming yourself for something that you couldn't have known or predicted."

"I love you," Edward whispers pulling me closer to him. He places his hand softly on my tummy. "I could have lost so much. I don't think I would have made it through. Losing both you and the girls would have killed me inside."

I nod at him because I understand and agree with him. If it were him and the girls that had died, I wouldn't have wanted to carry on either.

"We're fine and safe," I reassure him.

Again Edward snorts. "You're not fine—not yet. And there are still ill effects with you and the girls' mental health because of her." He shakes his head. "But I know I need to let it go and move on. She's being punished, whether I agree with the type or not. She is facing the consequences of her actions."

"She is and I just don't understand why her father turned over her journal to help the prosecution."

"More than likely he knew it would surface one way or another. He also had to protect what is left of his reputation, and knew if he withheld it, that he would be putting the last nail in his own coffin."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm grateful he stood up, but I still wonder how he couldn't have known how off the deep end she was."

"Come on, let's get to bed, we've got a big day tomorrow," Edward smirks. "Now that the court case is out the way, nothing is stopping us from telling the girls our news."

"They're going to be over the moon," I tell him.

"Yeah, we're going to have to get them a countdown for when the babies may or may not be born," Edward says, and I am sure he wants one, too.

"We'll give them the due date. Both the doctor and dad said the twins will likely be born a little early anyway."

I nod in agreement with him, and we kiss the whole way up to our bedroom.

"You know I haven't had any pain in a few days so how do you fancy a little hanky panky under the sheets?" I say as cheesily as I can.

"How about some long time loving," he asks wiggling his brow.

I giggle as he starts to kiss and undress me.

We fall in a heap onto the bed, losing ourselves in each other.

~PP~

Edward and I make dinner and sit placing a card down in front of each of the girls.

"What's this?" Kassie asks.

"Open it," I say

"Together," Edward adds on.

Both the girls open it and pull out the scan photo of the babies.

"You're having a baby?" They scream together.

"No," Edward quickly answers making them both look at him confused. "We're having twins. Cordie, you have a photo of Baby A, and Kassie, you have a photo of Baby B." The girls switch the photos with each other, and then start screaming and jumping up and down.

"We get one each!" Cordie yells.

"Yes!" Kassie fist pumps. "I knew Santa wouldn't let us down," she sings.

"So when are they coming?" they both stop jumping and ask at the same time.

"The tenth of August," Edward says.

Both girls pout and look at me. "That's so far away," Kassie says.

"They need to stay inside Mommy's tummy so that they can grow strong and be ready to be born," Edward states.

Kassie and Cordie both pout.

"But if you want, the next time we go for a scan, you can come with us?"

Both of the girls' eyes light up as they nod at me.

The next few days go by with us telling our family and friends. Edward agrees to take the first two months off after the babies are born. After that, we are both going back to work part-time for four months before things will return to both of us working through the week.

The babies will go to the day care center at Edward's office building. I know that they're not here yet, but I feel a little jealous that he will be able to drop down any time he wants to see them. When I told Edward how I was feeling, he gently reminded me that I get time off throughout the school year that he doesn't. I still pouted, making him chuckle and tell me that if I wanted I could stop working. That made me chuckle shaking my head, telling him, that I was going to work, and to let me feel a little jealous of him.


A/N: So ... what did you think of all that happening? Were you surprised by the trip? The twins, (both sets)? The towns people? The 'trial'? What do you suppose is coming next?

Thank you for all the story love, we appreciate all of it.