Thank you, everyone, for all your patience in waiting for this to post. There is only the Epilogue to go and it is in different POVS than you are used to.

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 24

Edward POV

The months have been flying by, and Bella is now almost eight months pregnant. Thankfully, the past five months have been much better than the first three were, and we have been able to enjoy the experience. Things died down right after Maggie was sentenced to twenty years in prison. Her father tried in vain to have her moved to a mental hospital, but the Judge disagreed stating he believed that she knew exactly what she was doing. She made sane choices, along with the choices he claimed made her insane. The Judge did say he felt that mental health treatment would be a good idea. However, she would be able to have a mental health worker see her while she was incarcerated at Dwight Correctional Center, a maximum security prison.

The day after we told the girls about the twins, we called all our family and friends. They all helped us celebrate the news. The next day I went to Bella's work with her and handed Emmett—much to his amusement—a list of what Bella could and couldn't do. He took it with a goofy smile and raised brow knowing full well that Bella didn't know about the list.

As the months have passed, I have kept him well informed about any changes that he would need to know, and to make sure Bella's pregnancy is an easy one. Of course, things have been a little easier now that the summer holidays are here, and from now until next January she is on maternity leave.

The girls have even been coming for half days at my work so that Bella is able to get as much bed rest as she can. Bella's driving is going slow, and she's still unable to drive across the bridge which limits where she can go. She has yet to be able to drive to Alice's, my work, or even the school on her own. She will drive with the girls, but she still doesn't like to. Right now her belly is in the way, so driving is not something we are stressing out about.

Frank believes that pregnancy hormones are adding to her worry, and therefore, he has taken it easier on her than he normally would. He suggested that twice a week, I let her drive just the two of us to the school and back. Usually, we drive at night but it takes almost twice as long as it should, even on the empty roads. When we're in the vehicle, I can feel her fear. All the trauma she has, and has gone through, makes me hate Maggie a little more each day.

Today is going to be a little more stressful on her as Alice and Rose have organized a baby shower. Thankfully, it is being held at Alice's shop. We may have a ton of stuff to haul home by the end of the day, but at least there will be zero clean-up for Bella and me to deal with.

We pull up at Alice's and the girls get out as I help Bella from the car. She now has a very large bump that I know is not only uncomfortable for her, but is also causing her back pain.

She walks with one hand on her back and the other on her protruding belly. I smirk watching her waddle. I can't help but find it cute, but she hates it and thinks that she looks like a penguin.

"Would you stop already," she huffs making me smirk even more than I was.

"I can't help it; I love your waddle," I say as I hug her from behind. I start to kiss her neck as we walk, making her giggle a little.

"Enough; that's what has gotten me this way in the first place," she says sassily.

I let out a snigger against her neck, and nibble a little before wiggling my brow at her now turned face. "No, Nayeli, what got you like this is what we did months ago. In fact, it has been so long ago, I think I forgot what it's called."

Bella rolls her eyes, but she knows that I don't mind that she hasn't wanted to have sex for the past two months. I hate seeing her in pain, and it was becoming clear that as much as she was enjoying the things we were doing, it was also causing her pain and discomfort. Right now I am just enjoying hugging and kissing her, and showing her in many other ways how deeply in love with her I am.

I sit with Bella as the girls sit with Colton. "First, we're getting your hair done," Alice says with a smile, "And some other pampering, too." She carries on patting the seat in front of her. I lean back and watch as more girls come in, each taking one of the party attendees and starting to do manicures and different procedures.

"Would you like a full gentleman's manicure, sir?"

I look over at Bella and the girls who are all getting their hair washed, and I turn back to the girl giving her a small nod.

She takes a hold of my hands and starts to soak them in a bowl. "Would you like to pick a scent out?' She asks pointing at the bottles she has in front of her.

"You pick, Nayeli," I say as Bella waddles over with a towel wrapped around her head.

Bella smells them all and finally hands one to the girl before waddling over to Alice's chair close by.

The girl rubs my hands for about ten minutes before smiling brightly at me.

"Now, I'm going to file and shape your nails."

I just look at her; no one but my girls and I have ever touched my nails. "We do male pedicure and manicures all the time. I assure you nothing about it will be feminine, and the polish we use will be colorless and matte so it will not be shiny. This process will help keep your nails healthy," she says as I simply stare at her.

"Go on, and let her, Edward," Bella chuckles.

My eyes glance at her, to see that she has been watching me in the mirror.

I sigh looking back at the girl. "No color," I tell her, and she nods at me with a happy smile and begins to work on my nails.

"Looking good, Edward," Alice chuckles as she passes me, making me roll my eyes at her.

"You're just surprised that I can make even getting a manicure look manly."

"Ha," Rose snorts making me turn to her. "I'm manlier than you, Edward."

I tilt my head a little as I grin. "True, but you're manlier than most men, so your masculinity doesn't count," I retort.

Rose crinkles her eyes at me and looks as if she is sucking on her own teeth.

"He's got you there, Rose, and leave my man alone," Bella tells her with a little giggle.

"Fine, but if he starts to dye his hair, I get free reign to mock him for the rest of his natural born life."

"This coming from the woman who married the guy who has tea parties and dresses up as Tinker Bell all the time," I say with a chuckle of my own.

"Yeah, so what of it, he at least looks good doing it."

"If you say so," I respond.

"Son," my mom says softly, taking a seat next to me as the girl doing Bella's hair starts to highlight it. "Bella's beginning to look much calmer. She's almost back to how she was when we first met … well, besides being heavily pregnant.

I chuckle but nod at her. "She is, we still have her fears of driving to tackle but she is getting there."

"How are you? Have you been able to cut all ties with Eleazar's company?"

I nod at her. "I have, it wasn't easy. I did and do feel some guilt by the fact that over two thousand people lost their jobs … but …" I trail off pulling at my hair. The media seems to have blamed me somewhat for the fact so many people were going to lose their jobs, but I just couldn't back down. For me, Eleazar made his own bed; the fallout is his and his daughter's fault, not mine.

"You have to put the health of your own family first, son."

I give her a nod as she keeps talking.

"I'm just hoping that everything is finalized by the time the babies are here. I know that Jasper will handle things as you direct, but I still don't want you going back to work early because of this. That family has done enough damage, and they do not deserve our time or thoughts."

"I wouldn't and it's all done, and dusted, Mom. Don't worry so much," I say with a wink.

"What do you think, Daddy?" Cordie asks spinning around showing me that she has had her hair trimmed and curled neatly.

"You look like a princess," I tell her, just as Kassie joins us.

Kassie has decided on a much shorter haircut, but it still looks fantastic.

"You look great, too, Kassie."

Over the last few months the girls have had a few falling outs. Many of them have been over their trying hard to be the same, but themselves, too. Mary, their therapist, has talked to them over the last few months, telling them that they didn't have to be the same all the time. Slowly, they're making individual choices, like Kassie cutting her hair, and it is no longer so similar to Cordie's hairstyle. They still fight at least once a week which makes me smile, knowing they're becoming more like siblings than only children.

They both have decided to continue to share a room and give the other bedroom to the babies. We redecorated the room just last month. Half of it has wallpaper that looks like bookshelves, and the other half is full of sporty wallpaper.

Tomorrow, I am taking Kassie with me to the floor of the stock exchange, and Cordie is spending the afternoon at the theater with Bella. I wanted to call it off as Bella is getting so big, but she begged me to agree. She says this will be our last chance to do anything alone with the girls until after the babies are here.

"So," I look up at Bella and smile. She looks great, her hair has had a few inches taken off but is still long. "You look beautiful as usual." I stand letting her take my seat.

Slowly, everyone is finished up and Alice gets the catering staff to hand out finger foods as we all chat and the guests give Bella her gifts.

"This for you and Kassie," Alice says as she hands the girls each a gift. I can't help but to smile that each person that brought the babies something also gave the girls a little gift. It was nice and heartwarming that they weren't forgotten. Both Bella and I know that they are happy with the babies, but it's still nice to have them included and gifted with things to use with the babies and on their own. They received cute books, kid cameras, craft supplies, a journal, and several other cool things.

We ended up with a new silver-cross baby buggy from my mom and dad. A set of matching baby beds, and changing tables that were sent from everyone in Bella's hometown. A breast pump and bottles from Rose and Emmett, and Alice and Jasper gave us top-of-the-line car seats. Everyone else gave us clothes. Jake gave us clothing that was made by the people in his tribe. The gifts were never ending, and we ended up with more diapers and baby wipes than I think we'll need.

~PP~

I have just put the girls to bed, and start looking for Bella who wasn't in our room where she is usually. Even though her baby shower was mostly spent with getting pampered, I still like to know she is resting. Especially, since she has a full afternoon out tomorrow.

"Hey," I say as I walk into the babies' room and find her folding clothes. "Thought I was doing this tomorrow?" I say as I sit next to her.

"You'll have the cribs and furniture to set up tomorrow after work," she says.

I let out a light laugh, mainly because she is pouting. "Yeah, so what's the point in folding these clothes until they need to go in the dresser that isn't set up yet?" I raise my eyebrow at her.

"I'm putting them all in order by size."

I just give her a small nod.

"You know we could get their whole bedroom setup tonight," she states.

"No, and you know why. You are not helping with moving heavy solid wood furniture while you're eight months pregnant."

"Yeah, and I am due to go into the hospital in three weeks, but I'm not unable to help."

"Yes, three weeks, but not this week. Let's try to keep it that way," I mutter back at her.

She just rolls her eyes as I narrow mine at her. "Is this nesting?" I ask making her look at me with a 'what are you talking about now' face. "Nesting, Bella, you read the books, too. It says that when pregnant women go nuts in making sure everything is just perfect for their babies' arrival, it is a nesting stage?"

Bella just shrugs as she yawns.

"Come on, Nayeli, it's bedtime."

"I still have another two bags of things to go through."

"They'll keep until tomorrow," I say as I help her to stand up.

~PP~

"Cordie you be a good girl for mommy and watch over her for me," I whisper to her as I hold her close to me.

"I will, Daddy," she says back sounding happy.

My eyes flash to Bella, who is saying her goodbye to Kassie. I know it'll only be a few hours but I am going to miss her, and I am also worried about her. I am so happy that after this week I am off until after the New Year.

I arrive at the stock exchange a little early, holding Kassie's hand, taking her to the security office so that she can get an ID badge for the day.

"Mr. Cullen," Derek says before turning to look at Kassie. "Miss Cullen," he says as he shakes her hand "It's very nice to meet you."

"You, too," she says with a giggle.

"This is your identification badge, and security bracelet," he tells her as he clasps the badge to her pocket and snaps the bracelet around her wrist. "See this small button on the bracelet?" he asks her and she nods. "If you get lost, or need help for any reason, just push it, and I will know you need help and exactly where to find you. If you get within three feet of any of the doors that lead outside the building with this bracelet on, the alarms will go off and the doors will lock magnetically. So, before you go home today, you have to return it so I can take it off. Now, most of the doors to get into the pit area are coded, and your passcode is 4565. Do you think you can remember that?"

Kassie nods at him, "I can."

"Well then, you both have a good day, and if anyone causes you problems Miss Cullen, you let me know," Kassie again nods at him.

"You have a good day, too, Mr. Kelly," I tell him.

Kassie gives him a wave as we walk away. "He seems really nice for a security man."

I frown as I look at her wondering what she means.

"Some of them look scary, but Mom says that they have to in case someone steals or does something wrong, but we should always be respectful to them."

I give her a nod. "That's right." I press the button for the elevator. "Are you ready for this?" I ask her, knowing full well she is.

She has such a good feel for investments, it's like she was born to deal with numbers. She is able to place money in profitable companies in our family stock market game. Since I've begun playing, she's never lost a cent. We often play money in the same companies, but there have been a few times that she has pulled out of a company before me which seems to always benefit her rather than me.

We walk into the staffroom and I hand Cassie her jacket. "Remember to stay close to me at all times, and if you need to leave, just tell me."

The room can get very noisy quickly and sometimes it's hard to think straight, even more so if you are new to it.

"Can't be any worse or noisier than the playground at school," she says with a shrug making me chuckle.

As we walk in, her eyes go a little wide; just as I begin to panic that it's just too busy, she smiles broadly giggling a little.

I have already taken Kassie through the hundreds of codes for what to do when we are here. It seems to take her a few minutes before she's rattling off her thoughts on stocks. She shocks several of us when she tells me to sell off a particular stock and within half an hour it had dropped so much it would have been a huge loss if we hadn't listened to her. Within the first hour she ends up saving us almost sixty thousand dollars, much to my amazement.

"She's a natural," Aro says as his eyes stay on the television screen.

"Oh don't I know it," I reply as I continue to follow Kassie's commands.

~PP~

"Kassie, it's time for a break," I tell her.

We've been here for two hours, and I don't want her to get washed out. She pouts at me, but nods. We go to the break room and sit at the table. I give her a juice box and a cinnamon roll as I get a cup of coffee for myself.

"This is so much fun," she gushes to me. "Is it always this fast?"

I nod at her. "Yeah, and there are times when it's even faster."

She looks at me with her mouth open, but quickly grins at me. "This is what I want to do," she says taking a bite of the roll I handed her.

"Work in the stock market, or be someone that eats food?"

Kassie roll her eyes. "Stock Market, but being one of those food taster people would be super fun, too."

I snort. "Food critic," I correct her. "Food critic could be your part-time job."

"Will you give me a job when I am old enough?"

I can't help but grin. "If this is what you still want to do, then yeah, I would happily give you a job." I wink at her at the end, but I truly mean my words. If she's this good now, then I know she will be one of the best when she really studies and applies herself.

"Come on, it's time to get back in there," I tell her.

She takes my hand and I walk her back into the room.

"Thank God you're back," Matt says as he looks at Kassie from the side of his eye.

"TATO is not looking good, should I pull my twenty shares?" he asks.

I look at the screen and hiss, he's right it's not looking good at all.

"Nope, you should hold off, it's going to go back up," Kassie says.

I look at her and back at the screen, and then to her again.

"It did this a few months ago, but it went back up almost double of what it was before it fell."

I snort when she adds on a roll of her eyes.

"Don't you remember, Dad? That's why I am making more money than you are."

I snort, but nod at her. "Matt, she's right that it went back up."

We watch for a bit and sure enough it drops a little more and several stocks become available, so I use Jasper's, Emmett's, and my father's accounts to buy several stocks, while Matt buys some for my account. It may be a slight risk, but I want to show Kassie we believe in her.

It's almost at the end of the day when Kassie's feeling on TATO is showing to be right as it skyrockets making everyone who stuck by and bought when it was down loads of money.

"See," she says looking at me with a bright smile.

"I do, but you'll not always be right, there will be times when you are wrong, and will lose a load of money."

Kassie just shrugs. "As long as I have what I started with, then I have lost nothing. Besides, Mom says never play with money that you'll miss when it's gone."

"Healthy way of looking at it," Matt says as I nod in agreement.

"Come on, it's time to go, Kassie."

We get checked out at the security office, and Kassie is happy when she is told that her identification badge will be there for when she comes back again.

In the car, I help her into the back, while turning on my cell phone. The worst part about being on the floor is that the cell reception is bad, nor are cell phones permitted there. I frown when a bunch of beeps come in at once. I had to listen to my messages first.

"Daddy," I hear Cordie cry, "Mommy's having the babies," just as those words are out her mouth I hear Bella's cry of pain. "I had to call 911, hurry, I need to call grandpa now," she says and then cuts off. I go to the next messages that are from my dad.

"Son as soon as you get this, get to the hospital; Bella is in labor. Cordie is here with her, but you should hurry, I don't think this will take long."

"We need to go to the hospital. Mommy's having the babies."

"Thought they weren't supposed to be here for three more weeks?"

I smile at how calm she is being.

"They are coming early," I say as I start to drive hoping that since it has only been a little over one hour I haven't missed anything.

~PP~

Bella's POV

Cordie and I arrive a little early at the theater. I am hoping since we are early that we'll be near the start of the line. I am just not up to standing around and waiting.

"Do you think some of the cast members will sign my program?"

I smile as I look down at her. "I am not sure, it's the matinee, and not many come out, but we'll see what we can do."

She claps her hands reminding me so much of Alice when she is happy and a little hyper.

"Yes, we're going to be first in," Cordie says as we get to the doors seeing that we are first in line. I look at my watch seeing that it's only twenty minutes until the doors should open. At least this shouldn't be a long wait, well not as long, but if only I could keep the babies off my bladder.

Cordie and I play thumb war as I start to feel uncomfortable. I let out a soft breath as other people join us in the line.

"Why aren't they opening the doors?" Cordie huffs making me shrug a little, not wanting to show her just how uncomfortable I am becoming.

"It shouldn't be much longer," I whisper to her as I look at my watch seeing we have around five minutes.

We start to play thumb war again as more people join us. Just as people start to grumble the doors are open.

"I need to go to the ladies room first," I tell Cordie as I feel like my bladder is about to bust. I do my business and am feeling a little better. After I wash my hands, I take Cordie to our seats.

"We're so close to the stage," Cordie gushes looking at it with wide eyes.

We sit there and after a short time the lights blink and everyone standing takes their seat.

I look toward Cordie as the first act comes on; her already wide eyes get bigger as they start to tell the story.

Cordie's eyes never move from the stage whereas, I keep shifting in my seat. As they stop for intermission, I stand back up. "I just need to visit the ladies room again."

Cordie smiles and jumps up taking my hand. After doing my business again, I get Cordie something to snack on and drink before we re-enter the theater sitting back in our seats.

"They're not coming out," Cordie pouts a little as she looks around to see if she can spot any of the cast.

"Sorry honey, next time we'll come at night and I am sure you'll get to see them."

She gives me a nod, but doesn't say anything as the next act comes on.

We´re about halfway through the second half, when I have to lean a little forward as a shooting pain hits me.

"Are you okay, Mommy?"

I give her a nod.

"I need to go back to the ladies room; you stay right here so you don't miss anything."

She looks at me worried, so I put on a brave face. "I think the babies are playing with my bladder."

She giggles quietly, but nods.

I stand up but stop as I feel my legs getting wet.

"Mommy, did you just wet yourself?" Cordie whispers, sounding confused.

I can't seem to say anything as I grip the seat as I am again hit with pain.

"Mommy!" Cordie yells, and I can't seem to say anything as I try hard to remember my breathing.

"Couldn't you hold on for another hour?" I say out loud to no one.

"Is everything okay?" a new voice says, one that I don't know.

"My mommy wet herself, and she's in pain," Cordie whispers to someone.

"Oh," the voice says and I look to see one of the actors looking at me.

"Do you think the babies are coming?" Cordie gasps looking at me.

"I think they are," I smile looking at the actor who now looks more panicked. "We should go," I say as I stand but the shooting pain comes back.

"Okay, how long have you been having pains?"

"It just started, but she hasn't been able to sit comfortable all day."

The actor looks at me, and I shake my head. "Been feeling a little off, but—" I am cut off as another pain shoots through me again.

"Is there any nurse or doctor here?" he asks loudly just as some yells 'yes.'

"Okay, up you go," a new voice says.

"Should I call Dad?" I give her a small nod and she takes my cell as we are led away to a new room.

"Hi, I am Liz; can I have a look to see what´s going on?" I give her a nod. She helps me get my bottom half down and looks between my legs.

"I think you are well on your way, looks to be almost at the pushing stage."

"What? No I—" Before I can finish what I am saying the pain hits me again. I turn looking at Cordie feeling guilty that she didn't get to finish her show.

"The babies are coming?" she asks, and I nod as she claps her hands. "Daddy's phone went to voicemail, I left him a message, and I told him I was calling grandpa."

"Thank you," I reply with half a smile at how well she is doing.

The ambulance arrives and I am again checked over. As they wheel me out, I see a few of the actors give us a wave.

"This is so much fun," Cordie says as she is buckled up.

The drive to the hospital seems to go past with me being in pain most of the time, and when the doors open, I am greeted by Carlisle.

"Bella," he says with a smile. "Thought you were going to spend the afternoon at the theater?"

"We were, but these babies want to join us," I say through clenched teeth. "Can you call Edward again; get him here so that I can yell at him?" Carlisle snorts but nods at me.

He walks with us to the room, and another doctor looks me over. "I think we should prepare you for a C-section."

"What?" I say feeling more panicked than I already was.

"Why?" Carlisle asks, and even I can tell he's demanding an answer.

"I think the babies are a little big and the first seems, to be coming out breach"

"Shit," I sob … starting to feel that I should have listened to Edward about canceling the theater. "Edward, their father, is not here yet – can we wait?"

"Not long. I would like her in the OR within the next hour, but for now I will give you medication to slow the labor and help you relax."

"Carlisle?" I sob looking at him. I know it can take about that amount of time just to drive here not including parking, and we haven't even spoken to him yet.

"I'll call him again," he says.

My eyes seem to stay on the clock willing it to slow down so that Edward can be here.

"I am the anesthesiologist, and I am here to administer your spinal block, so you won't have pain during delivery. We will have to have you sit up and lean as far forward as you can, so I can put in the needle. The process sounds scarier than it is, and you could have a terrible headache afterwards as a side effect. Overall, this will be the safest way to go through the surgery, and recovery should be easier than with general anesthesia."

I shake my head as my eyes fill up with tears.

"It's okay, Mommy," Cordie says with a smile. "Grandpa or I can come in with you."

"I can get one of the nurses to sit with Cordie," Carlisle says softly as his eyes move to his cell which has stayed in his hand.

"Okay," I say with a hiccup.

Cordie walks out of the room with the nurse, and Carlisle stays with me while the anesthesiologist starts washing and prepping my lower back.

"Okay, you will feel a slight pinch as I numb the surface, here we go," he says and I feel the slight pinch, but it really doesn't hurt much at all.

"Okay now that we have the area clean and numbed up, we will start the process. Take some nice deep breaths and hold very still. There will be another slight pinch, just try to stay sitting forward as best you can, and hold still. When we are ready to start, I will ask you to take another nice deep breath, hold it for ten seconds and then let it out slowly. Let's practice that now, shall we? Take a deep breath in and hold for … one … two … three … four … five … six … seven … eight … nine … ten … now exhale. I promise I am good at this, and the more you relax the better and smoother this will go. So tell me do you know what you are having, or is it a big surprise for you and your husband?"

Before I can answer I start to feel my legs and bottom numbing. Instead of answering the question, I ask my own. "Are you done already?"

"Yes, I inserted the needle right after I told you there would be a slight pinch. I learned a long time ago that if I could keep my patients distracted, they tend to do better."

"Wow, you are good," I tell him. Carlisle chuckles and they both help me lie back in the bed.

All too soon another couple of nurses all decked out in full surgical hair covers and scrubs, and booties come into the room.

"Hello, we are Tammy and Cindy; we're part of your surgical team. Tell us your name and what you're having done today," the shorter one states.

"I'm Isabella Cullen, and the doctor said I needed to have a cesarean section to deliver my twins."

"Good, now may I see your wrist bracelet?"

I hold out my arm for her, and she confirms what I've said.

"Okay, we are going to head down the hall to the surgical wing."

I am wheeled out of the room and see Cordie with a nurse. She moves over to me and continues to talk to the nurse about how happy she is to be a big sister.

"Bella, I need to go in and get washed up, but I'll be in the surgical suite with you soon," Carlisle says.

I give him a nod and he squeezes my hand.

"He should be here," feeling guilty, I sob to Carlisle before he lets go.

"This is not your fault; normally you have loads of time for a birth, especially the first one."

I give him another nod.

"It's going to be okay, Mommy," Cordie say as she jumps on the edge of the bed and gives me a kiss on the cheek. "This is going to be so great."

I give her a nod and kiss. She gets down and I wave as they start to wheel me down the corridor.

The nurses and technicians move around me as they set up. They scrub down my stomach with betadine, and it is odd because I can see them scrubbing yet I can't feel anything at all. I grin a little seeing that I have a clear barrier meaning that I can see my babies right as they remove them.

"Okay, it looks like we are ready to go," the doctor says as he enters the room.

I look at the door for Carlisle.

"He's not here yet, my father-law? He was going to be in here with me, I want someone in here with me."

He moves his eyes to the door. "Okay, no worries, Bella. Nurse Tammy, can you see what's keeping Doctor Cullen."

She just moves to the door when it opens.

I let out a breath closing my eyes feeling sad that Edward's not here.

"Nayeli, I'm here."

My eyes spring open as Edward looks down at me.

"You made it," I sob.

"Of course I did," he smiles at me.

"The babies' room isn't done; we should have finished it yesterday."

Edward narrows his eyes a little. "My love, you're having our babies and that's what you are worrying about?"

"Yes, it should be perfect for them coming home."

"It will be; you will all be here for a few days."

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen we are going to proceed. This curtain will only block you from seeing the gore, but once the babies have been removed, you will be able to see them fully. Mr. Cullen do you want to cut the cords?"

"Yes," Edward states.

"Okay. Mrs. Cullen, you will feel pressure but you have no reaction to pain indicators. If you feel any pain, tell us immediately. Are you ready?" he asks like I truly have a choice.

"Yes, I am ready now," I say feeling comfortable now that Edward is here.

I feel the pressure just as he said I would, but I see nothing or feel any pain. It's only a minute or so before I hear, "Baby one is ready to come out."

Edward and I both look at the doctor, and I sob as I see him holding our son up. "Charlie," I say as Edward kisses the side of my head. He moves to where he is directed and cuts the cord.

The nurse takes him away as baby boy number two is brought out.

"Remy," Edward says with a small sob, before cutting his cord. Edward moves back to me and kisses my lips softly. "They're both perfect just like their amazing mother."

I chuckle but sob a little feeling almost drained even though I haven't done anything.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I thought that I was just uncomfortable. It wasn't until my water broke that I knew—"

Edward cuts me off with a kiss. "Nayeli, you only left me four, maybe five hours ago, and you seemed okay then. This wasn't your fault. Besides, they're both fine and so are you."

I give him another small smile but feel a little odd. "I don't feel right" I say almost slurred as it gets harder to breath and my side starts to hurt., My eyes seem to close as a monitor goes off and Edward's hand leaves my own.

~PP~

My eyes flick open but I still feel different. "Edward," I say as I can feel him next to me.

His head springs up, and he smiles at me. I tilt my head because he looks different. "Hi," he says weakly. "Don't try to talk, let me get the doctor." He moves a little way from me and is right back by my side.

"Our boys?" I ask.

"They are both fine, it's so good to see you," he says as he sobs against my neck. I rub his head, knowing, that something must have happened just after I gave birth.

The next hour goes by quickly with me being poked and prodded with Edward's eyes not leaving me.

"What happened?"

"There was a small piece of bone that must have broken off from your ribs and it pierced your lung. The doctor thinks it was a result of breaking your ribs in the accident."

My mouth opens but nothing comes out. I shake my head. "Okay? But that was months ago ... why now?"

"Well, with the stress of giving birth, I think that during labor, the boys' movements must have kicked it free."

"Oh … how long was I asleep for?"

"A little under forty hours."

My eyes spring to Edward. "The girls? Boys?" I say feeling worried.

"The girls are okay, upset about you being asleep, but fine. The boys are still here, and both are good. I haven't seen them again, but Mom and Dad took the girls to see them."

My hand goes into his hair as he tries hard to pull himself together.

"You seem to be doing very well now, Mrs. Cullen. Mr. Cullen, would you like me to tell Dr. Cullen she's awake now?" The doctor asks.

Edward nods for him, but doesn't look at him.

"You gave me such a fright," he almost chokes as he visibly holds back his tears.

"I am sorry," I whisper to him.

"I … I'm sorry," he sobs.

I frown as I look at him, not understanding why he is sorry.

"This is all because of Maggie. She almost killed you again."

I roll my eyes. "No, this was just a freak thing that happened," I tell him as I frown still worrying how it had never broke free before now. "Beside it's okay now, I am okay, right?"

"You are," he says finally giving me a smile. "However, you're not allowed to scare me like that ever again."

I give him a nod as he kisses my lips. "Are the girls here?" I ask wanting to see them.

"It's only a little past seven in the morning, they'll be here soon."

I give him a nod and another kiss as my room door opens. I look there to see Carlisle pushing my boys into the room with him.

"Looks like you're as happy to see them as they are to see you," Carlisle chuckles.

"Can I hold them?" I ask as my hands making a move toward them.

"They are ours, honey," Edward chuckles at me.

"I know, but am I able?"

This time Edward frowns looking at his dad. "Yes, but someone needs to hand them to you and place them down for the next week or two."

I give him a nod as I hold my arms open.

"This is Charlie," Edward says as he places him in my arms. "Charles Edward Cullen," I say out loud making Edward kiss the top of my head.

"Yes, and this is Remy," Edward states.

"Remy Anthony Cullen," I say as I make room for him.

"I'll give you two … well four, some time together," Carlisle says softly.

"Thank you for everything you did when they were born," I tell him before he leaves the room.

"You are my daughter; it's a part of my job." He leans down kissing my head.

"The boys are so cute," I say to Edward as the door closes. "Have I missed so much with them already?"

"No," he says softly.

"My mom has fed them but says that you should still be able to breastfeed if that's what you want to do."

I give a little smile but stay looking at my boys. "I think I should express some milk, so that you and the girls get turns."

"That sound good, I would love to feed them, too."

I kiss the side of Edward's head making him look my way. "I'm sorry I scared you."

He shakes his head at me giving me a wink.

"Okay, Daddy's turn," I say trying to hide the pain I am feeling.

"Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine, after some pain medication."

"I'll get you some," he says pressing the button.

"I could have waited."

"Everything okay?" Carlisle asks as he walks in looking worried.

"Yes—" I say but Edward cuts me off.

"She's in pain."

"She would be, Edward, she had two major surgeries in one day."

Edward gives his father a displeased look.

"She's on pain medication that is being administered through her IV," Carlisle says.

"Will it affect my breast milk?" I quickly ask as he comes over to the machine I am hooked up to.

"There is a small chance, so for the first week after you no longer need medication, you will have to do what we refer to as pump and dump. The boys, however, are only being provided with breast milk. We have a milk bank, and the boys are doing well with it for now. You will be fine to feed the babies yourself as soon as we can help you feel well enough to do so," he says looking at the machine.

"She's due for another dose in an hour."

"But she's in pain now," Edward responds.

"Edward, come on it's an hour, let's not get upset over an hour, I can wait. I am more excited to see my girls at this point than be on more drugs."

Edward smiles gently. "They'll be here this afternoon, I promise."

~PP~

I am sitting up a little and feel a bit better now that I have had more pain killers and a bite of food. The door opens and I smile as my girls run into the room, but seem to stop at my bed.

"Why aren't you getting up here on my bed?" I ask.

"We don't want to hurt you," Kassie says to me sounding worried.

"Get on the bed, it's okay," I tell them.

"Love," Edward says in a warning tone.

"I am fine, if I feel pain then I will say so, but they can sit on my bed."

He sighs but nods. "At the bottom though, so you don't bump anything that will cause more pain."

I give him a nod knowing he's just worried.

"How have you both been?" I ask feeling as if I haven't seen them in months.

"Good," they both say.

"Look," Cordie says showing me she has new tickets for the same show near Christmas.

"Wow, who gave you these?"

"The cast," she says showing me her program filled with all their signatures.

"That is an amazing thing for them to do. What about you, Kassie, how was your day at work with your dad?"

"It was great. I loved it and made him loads of money, too."

I look at Edward who is grinning as he nods his head.

"Knock, knock, sorry to interrupt you, but these two handsome little boys are missing you," Esme says as she and Carlisle walk in with the boys.

The next few hours go by with us taking several photos of the boys and girls together, and even one good shot of the six of us. When the girls leave at the end of the day I am wiped out and sore, but there is nothing I would change. This is my family and I know we will get past anything as long as we talk, love, respect, and above all else have fun, together.


A/N: So the boys are here, and the girls are happy. Things are really coming full circle. What are your thoughts? Anything special you would like to see in the Epilogue? We are planning to start it today and try our best to have it published very soon. We are sad to see this story coming to a close, but it is and has been enjoyable to write it for you all. We really appreciate the love and guidance we have gotten from our loyal followers, and several new readers. Thank you very much, and we will see you all soon with one last post to Parallel Parenting.

Join us on Facebook at the group page TeamAllTwilight & AndTAT Fan Fiction for news and info on coming stories and information.