Disclaimer: I ain't Stephenie Myers.

Thank you all for your continued support, your thoughts and comments really make this worthwhile. Love you. *mwah* ~ Riney.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

BPOV

It had been almost three weeks since we had our little scare, and honestly I was going out of my fucking mind.

Emmett, bless him, was getting on my last nerve.

Actually the whole bunch of them were getting on my nerves.

I couldn't even lift my finger to swat a fly, that's how bad it was.

James, when he had heard what happened had set up camp in the living room. Honestly, it was as though he never went home anymore.

Someone was always on hand to get me what I needed.

I was not a happy camper.

Baby was happy though, she seemed to thrive on all the extra attention, taking after her father already.

Not really helping mummy out one bit.

And now I could feel her, little butterfly kisses against my stomach.

The first time I felt them, I was alone in the bathroom and I gasped and clutched my stomach.

I was constantly fearful of having another attempt miscarriage.

I cursed my body for wanting to hurt my little peanut.

It had taken a few minutes for me to calm down, and then it happened again.

I cried.

"Are you okay in there?"

Emmett.

I rolled my eyes and washed my face.

"I'm fine," I had called out.

"You sure?" he had asked, and I could almost picture the worry etched on his face.

I had flung open the door, my lips pursed in a haughty pout, "Jesus Emmett, can't I take a piss in peace?"

I regretted it the moment I said it, his face fell and his eyes lowered.

"Sorry," I murmured. "Just a little testy."

"It's okay," he said softly. "Are you hungry?"

I smiled at him, "I'm always hungry these days."

"You could stand to gain a few pounds," he said wrinkling his nose in that annoyingly cute way of his.

"Yes, I know," I said with a slight huff, "I was there when the doctor said it you know."

"Let's go get something to eat, and you off your feet."

There was no point arguing so I followed him quietly down the hall, he went to the kitchen, I returned to the living room.

James was there watching a movie.

"Where's Edward?" I asked.

"Gone out," he said, his eyes not moving off the screen.

"How's your mystery man?" I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

He flashed his gaze over to mine and shrugged, "He's fine, I would believe."

"Still not gonna talk about him?" that was really bugging me.

Yes, I was nosy and not ashamed at all.

"Nope," he said popping the 'p'.

I growled at him and grabbed my discarded book and tried to read a few lines.

Not happening.

It was quiet for a few minutes, save the sound from the television.

I knew James was feeling particularly guilty about the whole thing, but he hadn't said a word yet.

Maybe Emmett warned him off.

"It wasn't your fault," I said quietly, I didn't want Emmett over hearing.

"I'm the one who made you angry, amping up your stress level," he said petulantly.

I wanted to cuff him along side his head, instead I took a calming breath, "James, this was Mother Nature trying to be a bigger bitch than me, kicking your ass had nothing to do with it."

"You didn't kick my ass," he argued.

I smirked and rose a brow at him, crossing my arm over my chest smugly.

"Okay, you kicked my ass," he said grudgingly.

"She did, didn't she?" Emmett said coming in to the room silently.

Jesus, didn't the man ever make a noise.

His hands were full of something that smelt heavenly.

Food.

"Gimme," I said reaching for the plate he offered me.

"Hungry much?" he joked and arranged the plate on my specially appointed food cushion.

I didn't even bother answering him. I had just ignored him and tucked into my meal.

I smiled at the memory, today was like that day too.

James was sitting on the floor, snoring softly after trying to watch some Sci-fi crap, Emmett was sitting on the other end of the couch, rubbing my feet and I was fighting sleep.

Baby was moving again, and I smiled softly.

I hadn't told Emmett about that yet, wanted to just have that precious moment for myself for a bit longer.

I'd tell him soon though, I couldn't leave him out of this.

He loved this baby.

He had cried in the hospital.

I still couldn't believe that.

-TA-

EmPOV

She was touching her stomach again, she did that a lot now.

Probably reassuring herself that the baby was still there and fine.

I watched as the private smile crept across her features as her fingers caressed her stomach, which now had a very noticeable bump.

I was in a bit of awe at it all.

I was seeing the changes in her, and pretty soon there'd be no mistaking that she was going to be having a baby.

Her stomach would be distended and swollen.

With my child.

The pride that coursed through my body with that thought was almost crippling.

She was having my baby.

Mine.

"What are you smiling about?" I asked her as I rubbed her foot softly.

She gave a mewling sound and arched her foot into my hand, her brown gaze lifting to find mine. She grinned and shook her head, "Nothing."

"Hmm," I said taking the other foot and getting the same reaction.

"I'm tired of being inside," she said with a pout.

"We can go outside," I said with a shrug.

"Will I be able to walk?" she said her face stoic.

I almost chuckled, but given the proximity of her foot and my groin, I decided against it. She was not in the best of moods on most days now. I knew that had to do with the fact that she was housebound.

"I'll think about it," I said giving her a wary smile.

"I still need my exercise," she said hotly.

She was right, she did.

"How about you invite the girls over for some pool time?" I asked.

That made her happy.

She smiled so big, I swore her face would split.

She scrambled up and wrapped her arms around my neck before I could register, "Thank you!" she cried with a kiss on my cheek.

Don't blush. Don't blush!

She kissed me.

Oh man.

It was a kiss on the cheek, but still.

A rose is a rose right?

Or whatever they said about roses. I wasn't really thinking about that now.

Man up Emmett!

Geesh.

She grabbed the phone and called Alice and Rosalie, I could hear the shrieks without trying.

I knew she missed them terribly and being put on bed rest was just killing her spirit. The girls visited as often as they could, but with work it was hard for them to just relax and hang out at a whim.

Luckily it was a weekend so they should be free, in fact I was actually surprised that they hadn't already invaded.

James stirred at her shrieks and gave me a questioning look, I shook my head.

You don't wanna know trust me buddy.

This girl time would give me the time to bond with my best friend.

He was here, but we had hardly really spoken to each other since Bella's little scare.

I knew he blamed himself, no matter how many times Bella told him otherwise.

And I'd also take this opportunity to find out about what was going on with him and this new guy he was dating.

He was really mum on the situation, and that could only mean one thing.

He liked the guy but he was scared as hell to admit it.

Kinda like how he was around Edward.

Now that was a whole other kettle of fish.

The two of them were playing this really juvenile game, when James was there, Edward suddenly had something pressing to do. If James came over and Edward was there, he made some excuse and went up to the main house with my mother.

Really?

They'd work it out between themselves. I was more focused on Bella anyway.

That was there mess, but if it became a problem for Bella, well then it'd be a problem for me. And I'd kick both their asses to hell and back for upsetting her over some childish bullshit.

She was prattling on and on, drawing my attention back to her.

"Are you even listening to me?" she said slapping my arm.

"Jesus woman," I said with a very non-masculine yelp.

She smirked and I rubbed the spot gingerly.

"What were you saying?" I asked.

"You weren't listening!" she cried moving to slap me again, but I caught her tiny hands in my own and shook my head.

"Nuh uh babe," I said dropping a kiss on her hands, shocking us both.

She made a strangled sound and yanked her hands out of mine and scooted back a bit, putting some distance between us.

James cleared his throat and rubbed a hand through his hair, "I'm gonna get going."

I looked up at him, momentarily distracted and giving Bella the chance to get away. She murmured something about getting ready for the girls visiting.

"Why are you leaving?" I asked him.

"You're gonna have your hands full," he replied with a shrug.

"Can't you just stay and hang out with me?" I asked.

God, I sounded like a bitch.

"A guy's gotta beg for a little one on one time with his best friend these days it seems," I said pinning him with a glare.

He looked immediately contrite, "I'm sorry," he said softly sinking into the chair across from the couch. "It's just...well...you know."

I was beyond over it, "For fuck's sake Jay, you didn't do anything ok? I'm sick of you skirting around the issue!"

"But if she wasn't mad at me..."

"I'm gonna get her to kick your ass again if you don't quit being such a little girl about this," I snapped at him.

He was gaping at me, served the little shit right. I had had enough of his crap. I needed someone to talk to and if I couldn't talk to my best friend, well I was fucked.

"You got more beer?" he asked.

I grinned, "You have to ask?"

-TA-

?POV

"How are things coming with you and the best friend?"

I looked over at my lackey, who was busy writing something down.

So annoying sometimes.

It was amazing that we shared DNA.

I slammed my hand on the desk, startling the little snot.

"Did you not hear me?" I snapped.

"S-sorry," came the stammered reply. "I was just writing."

"Yes," another roll of my eyes. "You're always writing. Not that it will do you any good."

Yes, I know I was being mean.

It kept people in line.

I couldn't risk this getting messed up.

I needed complete devotion.

When people got distracted, they got sloppy.

"So..." I drummed my fingers on the desk, a brow raised as I waited for the reply.

"I think he likes me."

"You think?" I asked.

A nod.

Unsatisfactory.

"And what of the bitch? I heard she almost lost the baby."

"She and the baby are fine," lowered gaze.

"For now," I said, with an evil laugh. "Only for now."

"Do we really have to hurt the baby?"

What sort of asinine question was that?

"Of course we do!" I hissed. "I will not be raising some slut's baby!"

A small nod, "I'm gonna go now."

"You should, and remember what's in it for you too," I said softening my features.

I was dealing with a very delicate person, I had to remind myself of that constantly.

Ruled by emotions.

"You remember how he hurt you, don't you?" I asked.

A small nod.

I smiled, "And don't you want him to pay for that?"

Another small nod.

"Good, then just keep your eye on the prize," I said.

"Okay."

"I'll see you soon," I said turning my chair away, effectively dismissing their presence.

I had things to do, it was time to step up the game.

A/N: So there you have it. Drama up ahead but before that a little fun for our favorite non-couple *winks*

Ohhh, and go check out my new fic Distance. It's a ONE SHOT (at the moment) it's Paul/Bella. Go tell me what you think :D

Guest #1: Thank you and I update as soon as possible :)

WestCoastGirl16: *grins*I'm glad you're enjoying :)

elliebelly123: I love your name by the way, and I'm glad you're enjoying it so much :D

babygirl2928259: Poor James is feeling bad enough lol leave him...give him a cuddle instead. And they'll get there eventually :)

KCLutz4475: MWAH yay!

vampgurlkisses: *hugs you* Aww hun, it's ok :)

JessJess76: *hugs you* Awww you squealed...in public? OMG...I love you so much, your reviews make me smile so big, my face aches, seriously. And yeah we get to see more of Papa Bear soon ;)

Guest #2: No need to beg lol I'll update as soon as possible...my mind is always working...too much sometimes, so it gets cluttered and then I gotta sift through it carefully before I write. Glad you're loving it so much though :D

tee hill: Thanks :)

ruthnickcj: Don't worry, they're gonna get there. Promise.

KimberlyAnnT: Oh you know how stubborn these two are *smh*

twilight4u: Thanks babe :)

Nonita: Sorry for the wait darling. Hope you're not disappointed :)

PrettierThanThou: You're making me blush over here. :D

Marie One: Congrats to your niece and thank you for your continued support. *hugs*

Mickeyluver33: PAHAHAHAHAHAH..wait...now you have ME thinking about Em in those little cabana shorts...*fans self*

Madmaxi: Yup, poor James is beside himself with guilt, we'll see how that goes.

Lalina92: Maybe she is, but come on, look at her past run in with men...she hasn't had that much good experiences and with the nature of her and Em's relationship it's expected, but don't worry they'll work that out :)

BellaBooBoo: I'm glad that you're enjoying my work :D

Sassy Mami: We'll see how James feels about this and I'm working on PP ;)

lissie boo: lol Emmett says he's open to all cuddles and whats not. ;)

manda2784: Of course it will ;) And yupppp she just loveeees it LOL

shadow kissed 4eva: Your puppy dog eyes are adorable, Emmett sends his love :)

teamhotmen: It'll all come out in time *hugs*

Okay lovelies, until next time :D MWAHHHHHH!