Author's Note: This is the last chapter of this amazing journey that started with Across the Lines, wow... its with a heavy heart that I post this chapter. I'm not really ready to let
this Edward and Bella go, but there's really nothing left for them to do. There will be an epilogue posted soon, that will be set ten years from here. So we'll get to see a glimpse of their lives
at that point.
I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with this story through everything, the turbulent times, the happy and sad times. Thank you for all the reviews.
This story wouldn't have been the same without Opal Aline, her ideas and help with the writing, and Stacie Ard's help in pre-reading. Thank you both.
Enjoy and hope you keep reading.
EPOV
"Please sit down baby, I'll get it," I told Bella as the doorbell rang.
I could see she was hurting even though she was trying so hard to hide it.
The doorbell rang two more times and I knew it must be my parents with Bailey, no one else would do that...well maybe Emmett.
"Hi baby girl," I said as I lifted her up.
"I ringed the bell like Unca Emmy told me too," she said with a smile.
"I bet he did."
"See my dwess - it new."
"It's beautiful," I told her looking at her navy blue dress covered in stars.
"Gramma got it for me. She got something for Gway too. Ma-ma," she squealed as she saw Bella.
"Remember don't jump on Mommy," I told her as I let her down.
"I know da-da," she said.
"Wook ma-ma, gwamma got Gway a shirt."
"It's very nice. We'll put it on him when he gets up. You look very pretty," Bella told her as I sat down.
"Tanks Ma-ma. Pop-pop took me to the rade and I got totton tandy and poptorn. I twirl see!" She squealed and spun around the room.
"He did? How fun."
She nodded up at Bella as I came and sat by my girls.
"Feeling some slight twinges," she said quietly.
"How long have you been feeling them?" he asked eyeing her.
"A few hours - they aren't strong or regular...nothing to worry about."
I just looked at her.
"Why didn't you tell me, baby?" I asked her.
"Because you would have worried and there's nothing you can do," she said as dad walked over.
"I knew you were in pain, I could tell it by the way you moved. Dad, do you think everything is okay?"
"Sounds like the normal labor process, son."
"Edward, I've been through this twice. I kinda know how it will go and I promise to tell you once the contractions start," she said as she patted my hand.
"Alright," I said, I still feel anxious though.
She smiled up at me and I knew I had to be calm for her.
I had to trust that everything was going to be just fine and we'd soon have Cameron in our arms.
I couldn't wait to hold him and kiss his little head.
I watched as Bella talked with my mom and Bailey sat next to her as she rubbed her small hands over her stomach.
The doorbell rang like four times as Bailey jumped up.
"Unca Emmy is here. The pardy can begin," she yelled as she ran to the door.
"Pop-pop, me open?" she asked.
"Sure sweetie, let me help you turn the knob."
Dad lifted her up and helped her turn the knob and pull the door open.
"Yo Unca Emmy," she said as she stuck up her tiny fist.
I shook my head. Emmett may have changed some but not completely.
"Yo yo, little Bay what's the haps," he bellowed loudly as Rose smacked the back of his head.
"Don't teach her to talk like that," Rose said.
I couldn't help but laugh.
"What - I'm teaching her to be street wise," Emmett said.
"I don't want my daughter being street wise," I said.
"Whatever dude, she knows all my words. Don't ya homegirl?" he asked her.
She nodded and giggled softly.
"Please stop teaching her things...and I'm not even kidding."
"Dude, its all in fun," he said as Bella came over by me.
"Fine, I'll start teaching Emma things in a few years."
"You do and Rosalie will have your balls on her necklace," Bella said.
"Alright, enough all of you or I'm putting all of you in time out," mom said.
We all just looked at her, "What did I do?" Bella asked innocently.
"Okay, well not you dear, but the rest."
"Not fair, Mom. Bella's the one who made the balls comment," I said earning myself the stink eye from Bella.
"Shit dude, you got the stink eye," Emmett said quietly.
I stopped talking immediately - I know Bella doesn't have a lot of patience when she doesn't feel well.
"Mom, you want to help me set the food out?" I asked.
"Yes, dear that will be great. Emmett, you can bring out the cooler of drinks," she said sternly.
"Yes, mother," he said.
Mom started giving orders to both Emmett and I as soon as we got in the kitchen - she also did a fair bit of scolding.
I took my scolding without arguing, Emmett on the other hand argued at every word.
"You two are being ridiculous. Edward, you aren't going to teach Emma stuff out of spite and Emmett stop teaching Bailey things that aren't age appropriate."
"But mom, it's funny," he whined.
"Is it?" she said. "So you'll be teaching Emma and Rosalie will be laughing?"
"Fuck no," he said. "She definitely would have my balls on a necklace."
"Emmett Julian Cullen, did I drop you on your fucking head when you were little?"
"Gramma, twenty bucks. Unca Emmy twenty bucks," Bailey said from behind us.
Emmett and I stood with our mouths gaping open at our mother's choice of words.
Emmett reached in his pocket and handed Bailey a twenty.
"Tank you," she said with a smile.
Mom recovered well, "You're right, sweetheart, Gramma was naughty, let me get my purse."
We watched as Mom walked off with Bailey.
"Dude, the wives are coming," he said quietly as I looked up to see Bella and Rose walking this way.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"Fine," she said as she reached out and took my hand in hers.
She squeezed it but not in the affectionate way, in the 'I'm in pain way.'
"Bella, is the pain getting worse?" I asked softly.
"A little, but I'm fine."
"Are you having contractions?" I asked.
"A small one - it's passed now."
"Let me know when you have the next one."
"I will," she said quietly.
I led her over to the table and helped her sit down as I went to make us a plate of food.
"How's she doing, son?" my dad asked as I scooped potato salad on our plates.
"She had a contraction."
"That's normal, Edward. How was it?"
"She said it was a small one."
He nodded.
"Just let me know when they get stronger."
I nodded and took Bella her plate before going back for my own.
"Here you are, love," I said placing her plate on the table.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
I grabbed my plate and came to sit by her as we ate and watched the kids.
Bailey was hovering near Emma, I know she'll be ecstatic when Cameron arrives.
Bella gripped my hand tighter in hers.
"Another one?" I asked.
"Yes, its stronger," she said breathing through it.
I looked at my watch, it's been fifteen minutes since the last one.
"They're about fifteen minutes apart, love."
"Okay - still not hospital time, but we're moving in that direction."
"Do you need anything, love?" I asked.
"No, I'm fine."
I continued eating as I watched her push around her food on the plate.
"Not hungry, love?"
"Not really," she said looking up at me.
"Are you sure there is nothing I can do for you?"
"No, you're doing it," she said as she gripped my hand again.
I felt so helpless right now - there wasn't a thing I could do to make things go faster or better for her.
"Another one? Is it stronger?"
"Yes, a little bit."
I motioned dad over as she leaned against me.
"What's up, son?" he asked as he came over to us.
"Bella's contractions are getting closer."
"How close?" he asked.
"Thirteen minutes."
"Are they consistent?" he asked.
"She had one just now, then one thirteen minutes before that and one fifteen minutes before that."
We both nodded - I still felt nervous as heck even though it's our third time around.
"It'll be fine, Edward," she said as she lifted a hand to my face.
We both smiled - knowing we're in for a long evening.
After we finished eating I asked Bella if she wanted dessert.
"No, I'm not feeling like dessert. But you go ahead," she said as she looked up at me.
I went to get some dessert for me and the kids.
I watched her as I got the kids some cookies and me some of the cake my mom made.
"How is she doing?" my mom asked looking over at Bella.
"She's in early labor - not really wanting to eat. You'll have a new grandson before the end of the night."
"Yeah, that's pretty exciting. You don't seem that excited though?"
She put her hand on my arm and I looked over at my mom.
"I just worry and I hate that there's nothing I can do to help her right now."
"I know you worry, but Bella's been through this twice. She knows what to expect and she knows that you're here for her."
I tried and gave her a smile but I'm still worrying.
"It'll be fine, and you know you have the best doctor with her," she said with a smile.
"True - believe me, I wouldn't trust my family to anyone else's care."
Mom smiled proudly at me as I headed back to Bella.
I gave Bailey and Grayson their cookies and then I sat down next to Bella.
"Have you had anymore contractions, love?" I asked.
"Mmm-hmm," she hummed through tight lips.
"Are they getting stronger?"
She nodded, gripping the arms of her chair.
"How close are they?" I asked as I took her hand in mine.
"Ten."
"Should we go to the hospital now or wait? I'll call dad over."
"We...we should probably go."
"Are you having another one?" I asked as she squeezed my hand.
She nodded.
I helped her up as I motioned for dad to come over to us.
He hurried over. "Hospital time?"
"Yeah, the contractions are about ten minutes apart."
"Has your water broken yet, Bella?" he asked.
"No."
"Let's get your stuff, I'll call the hospital and tell them we're on our way."
Bella nodded.
"I'll get your bag baby, and tell mom," I said.
"Okay," she said quietly.
I hurried up stairs and grabbed the bag she already packed.
"Mom will watch the kids and clean up the house, don't worry about a thing, baby," I told her.
She nodded as she intertwined her fingers with mine.
Dad drove quickly but perfectly in control.
"Edward," she said as she gripped my hand tighter in hers.
"I'm here baby, just breathe."
"Are you doing okay, Bella?" my dad asked as he looked at her through the mirror.
She nodded gripping my hand tighter.
"Are we almost there?" I asked as Bella had another hard contraction.
"Yes, son."
I suddenly felt wet warmth under my leg and I heard Bella start crying.
"It's okay, baby," I said softly as I stroked her hair. "Dad her water just broke."
"We'll be there in five minutes - I told them to meet us with a wheel chair."
"It's going to be okay, baby."
I kissed the top of her head as she cried softly clinging to me.
"I'm sorry about your pants."
"It doesn't matter, they're just clothes, they'll dry."
She nodded against me as my dad pulled up to the emergency room doors.
A nurse was standing there waiting with a wheelchair.
"Take her straight up to delivery - I'll be up in five minutes," Dad said to the nurse.
The ride up to delivery was quiet, all I heard were Bella's softly whimpers.
"We'll get you taken care of, honey," the nurse says soothingly.
Bella nodded as she squeezed my hand.
"Is this your first child, honey?" she asked Bella.
"Third," I told her.
"Wow, you both look so young. This should be a piece of cake for you, honey."
I smiled at the nurse - we get that a lot, people don't expect us to have this many kids.
The elevator stopped and the nursed pushed Bella into a room.
She handed me a stack of paperwork to sign as a pair of nurses helped Bella change into a hospital gown.
I signed my name in all the right places and I handed it back to the nurse.
They had Bella in bed and were hooking her up to monitors and IVs.
I really hated this part, the waiting and hearing her in pain. I wanted to take the pain away from her.
"Would you like an epidural, Mrs. Cullen?" the nurse asked.
"Y...yes," Bella said looking up at the nurse.
"Okay, honey, I'll send the anesthesiologist in," she said.
"Do you need anything?" I asked.
"Ice chips," she said.
"I'll get them," I told her.
"Thank you," she mouthed.
I went out into the hallway and found a nurse and told her that I need some ice chips.
She looked at me and smiled, "I'll show you where the ice machine is."
"Thank you."
She took me to the ice machine and I filled a cup with the chips and I walked back to Bella's room.
I opened the door to see my dad checking her progress.
"How's it going, dad?" I asked walking into the room and handing Bella the ice chips.
"She's at seven centimeters - not much longer."
"I hate this part," Bella groaned as she ate spoonful of the ice chips.
The anesthesiologist came in and I watched as he had Bella scoot to the edge of the bed, lean forward and insert a very large needle into her back.
I had to look away, I hated needles and that one was fucking huge.
I heard my dad chuckling at me.
"What? It's hard to watch someone stabbing your wife with a giant needle."
"You've been through this twice before and you have the same reaction each time," he said with another laugh.
"It still looks like it's going to poke all the way through her."
This time Bella chuckled.
"I didn't even feel it," she said with a smirk.
"Good, then Jay here is doing his job," dad said as he slapped the anesthesiologist on the back.
I smiled over at her and she squeezed my hand.
"You shouldn't feel a thing soon," dad said.
She nodded and smiled.
She leaned back against her pillow, sucking on her ice.
I watched as a relaxed look came over Bella's face - the drugs must be kicking in.
"Do you feel anything?"
"No," she said with a smile.
I watched the monitors and seen that she was having a contraction.
"Nothing now?" I asked.
"Nope."
I just smiled at her and squeezed her hand, "I love you, Bella."
"I love you," she said with a groggy smile.
My dad came back in to check her again, "Feeling any pain?"
"Not at all."
"Good, because its time. You're fully dilated."
"Edward, help her sit up and scoot to the end of the bed," dad said.
I kissed her forehead as I helped her sit up and then I moved to where dad told me to.
The nurse helped Bella put her feet in the stirrups as my dad got in position.
"Are you ready, Bella? On the next contraction I want you to push, okay?" my dad asked.
"Okay," she said - her voice was almost slurred and I knew she would probably be asleep not long after Cameron arrived.
"Push now," dad said and Bella pushed with only a slight groan, just from the effort.
"That's it Bella, you're doing great," dad said. "Relax into Edward's arms and we'll push on the next contraction."
She nodded as she leaned into my arms.
"I'm tired, Edward. So tired," she said softly.
"I know baby, just a few more pushes and Cameron will be here."
She nodded as my dad told me to get her ready for the next one.
"Push now Bella," he said.
Bella pushed.
"Heads out now, relax till the next contraction."
Bella flopped back against me again and I told her how well she's doing and how much I love her.
"I love you too, but after Cameron no more for awhile. Okay?"
"Okay baby, whatever you want," I told her as dad told her to push again.
She pushed really hard and I could see the smile on my dad's face.
"You're doing awesome, baby," I said softly to her.
"Shoulders are out, one more push and he'll be here," Dad said.
"One more, baby and we'll meet Cam," I said encouragingly.
I could see determination in her eyes as she bared down for a final push.
I saw as dad pulled Cameron up and the nurse clamped the cord. "Ready to cut the cord, Edward?"
"Yes," I said proudly as I looked at my son.
I cut the cord and the nurse put a blanket around him and handed him to me.
I held him close to me as I brought him over to Bella.
I laid him gently in her arms, "Cameron meet the best mommy in the world."
"Hi sweet boy," she said as she brushed her fingers over his cheeks. "I love you so much."
She nuzzled her face against his as I snapped pics on my phone and sent some to my mom.
"Edward," she said sleepily.
"Sleep now love, I'll go with him to the nursery."
She nodded as her eyes closed and she fell asleep.
"Is she okay, dad? Should she be this tired?" I asked as I held Cam against my chest.
"Oh yeah, very normal, the drugs make her very sleepy and very cold - the nurse will put a warm blanket on her."
"Okay. I just don't remember her being this tired before."
"Each delivery is a little different, but it's perfectly normal."
"Okay, dad," I said as the nurse said it was time to take Cameron to the nursery.
I followed as she pushed his little bassinet down the hall.
Once in the nursery the nurse set things up for me to give him his first bath.
He was a bit smaller than Grayson, but just as long as Bailey was.
His hair was mix between mine and Bella's, but it might darken. Hopefully it didn't stick up everywhere like mine.
I washed him gently as I held him in the water and just looked at how perfect he was.
He had ten perfect little toes and ten tiny little fingers, and he had Bella's cute little nose, and her pouty lips.
He was so perfect and he had a small little cry as I rinsed him off gently.
"It's okay, Cam. We'll get back to Mommy in a few minutes. She needs to rest up for a bit," I said as I nuzzled him to my cheek as I wrapped him in a towel.
The nurse said I could lay him down if I wanted but I opted to just hold him and sit in one of the rocking chairs.
I hummed his song to him as I rocked slowly. I couldn't wait to see him all nestled in Bella's arms as she fed him. It was always mesmerizing to me.
I stroked his tiny cheek and his soft fuzzy hair, telling him how much I loved him.
It seemed like a long time had passed before the nurse came and told me that Bella was awake.
I walked with our precious cargo back to Bella's room.
"Hey love," I said as I came in the room. "Someone wants to see you really bad."
Bella sat up still looking weary but extended her arms eagerly.
I picked him up and put him in her awaiting arms.
"He's so perfect," she said, tears forming in her eyes.
"He is. Just like you, he has your nose and pouty lips," I said as I sat next to her.
"He has your eyes though," she said as she ran her fingers over his cheek.
"He's a perfect blend of both of us."
"You hungry, buddy," Bella said as she removed her breast from her gown and rubbed her nipple over his lips.
He latched on quickly and I was amazed at how beautiful this always was to me.
"Wow, he's getting it already. We may have an Emmett style eater on our hands," Bella said.
"I hope not, but Grayson took to it quickly too."
"Yeah, true, he just seems more eager," she said.
"That he is," I said as I took a picture of them with my phone.
"Edward - I'm exposed."
"For my eyes only, love. I have the ones of Bailey and Grayson on here too and no one has ever saw them. You're so beautiful as you nurse them. So much at peace."
She smiled at me before returning her gaze to our son.
"Mom said she'll bring the kids with her when she comes with Rosalie in a while."
"Okay, Bailey is going to be so excited."
"She will be, did you see how she was with Emma?" I asked her.
"Yeah - she may even let me take care of Cameron every once in a while," she said with a laugh.
"True. We've raised her so well. I'm so proud of both our kids. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts I've ever had," I said as I leaned in and brushed my lips over hers.
"You're the one who has given me the most precious gifts."
I watched as she switched him to the other breast and he suckled gently as I kissed her again.
I couldn't wait to get our first family picture once mom got here.
A few moments later, I heard a knock on the door.
"That would be our family, love," I said as Bella straightened her gown and propped Cam up to burp him.
"Come in," I said quietly.
Mom poked her head in but Bailey pushed right past her and ran straight to the bedside.
"I see, I see brudder," she said trying to stretch up on her tip toes.
I lifted her gently up onto the bed and she gazed at Cameron.
"Me hold him?" Ma-ma she asked.
I set her down gently next to Bella and I helped support her arms as Bella carefully laid him in her arms.
"He likes me," she said as Cameron held her finger in his hand.
"Of course he does, sweetie," Bella said.
My mom clicked away, taking several pictures of Bailey with Cameron.
"Mom, I want you to take all of our picture together."
"Sure," she said as she handed me Grayson.
I sat up next to Bella and I put Cameron back in her arms as Bailey snuggled into to Bella's side.
"Look at Gramma, Bailey," mom said as she clicked away.
She took several pictures and I could tell that Bella was getting really tired.
"I think mommy needs a nap, sweetie," I told Bailey.
"Tan I take Cam home with me?" she asked innocently.
"Not today - he has to stay here with mommy."
"Otay. You toming home, da-da?"
"Not right now, I'm going to stay with mommy too, but you get to stay at gramma and pop-pops tonight."
"Otay, me miss you both."
"We'll miss you too," Bella said.
"Tan I tiss Cam?" she asked as she leaned up and kissed Bella's cheek as she yawned.
"Of course."
Bailey leaned over and softly kissed Cameron on the forehead.
I managed to get a picture of her kiss.
"Da-da," she said as she saw the flash.
"What?" I laughed - she is so like Bella.
"Nothing, I wasn't ready for pictures," she as I lifted her up and kissed her.
I just laughed.
"Be good for Gramma and Pop-pop."
"Always, da-da."
"That's my good girl."
Grayson smiled and mumbled da-da, as my mom held him.
"Love you, Ma-ma," she said as she took my mom's hand.
"Love you too, Bailey," Bella said sleepily.
"We'll see you at home tomorrow," my mom said as they went out the door.
Bella and I both waved at our kids as they left the room.
"How are you feeling, love?" I asked.
"Tired and I think the drugs are wearing off, I'm a little sore.
"Do you want me to call dad?"
"Yes please."
I picked up the phone and call my dad.
I talked to him and he said he'd be right down.
"He's coming right down, love," I said as I put the phone down.
"Okay," she said quietly.
"Give me your phone," she said quietly.
I handed it to her.
She took several pictures of me and Cameron."
"Hey how is my favorite patient and Grandson?" my dad asked as he came into the room.
"Bella's in a little pain," I told him.
"How bad is the pain, Bella?" my dad asked her.
"Not horrible, just uncomfortable."
"I'll have the nurse add some pain meds to your IV, if it gets worse, let me know."
"The pain meds won't affect her breast feeding will it?" I asked him.
"Not at all son, I do know what I'm doing."
"I'm just checking," I said as I squeezed her hand.
"I know, son, but I am a pro."
I couldn't help but laugh as the nurse came in and put the meds in her IV.
"I'm going to head home. Take care and I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Night dad. Love you," I said.
"You guys have a beautiful family," he said.
"Thanks," Bella said softly as she relaxed against the pillows.
He went out the door and I put Cameron in the bassinet and then climbed into bed with her.
"Is this okay, love?" I asked her.
"Sure," she said.
"I just don't want to hurt you in any way."
"I'm alright."
"You amaze me, Bella."
"Why?"
"You make everything look so easy. Most women would scream and yell giving birth, but you just go with it. Amazing," I said as I kissed her forehead.
"What good will screaming do? Besides I don't want that to be the first sound our baby hears."
"You have a point, love. But you're still amazing to me."
She blushed slightly and smiled.
"I love you so much, baby. You have given me everything I could've ever wanted."
"As you have for me."
She yawned and I wrapped my arms around her, "Sleep love, I have you."
"I love you, Edward."
I watched as she closed her eyes and I held her as close to my chest.
I looked over at the bassinet to see my son sleeping away.
It's been a trying time for us, with Aro's passing, Alice, the multiple threats to our lives, and Emmett and Rosalie losing a baby, and then having their own bundle of joy.
My plan to get us out of the business, and then Alice's plan to break us up, and if it wasn't for Bella fighting for us, I would've thrown her out. But we overcame it and now we have three beautiful children.
I am truly blessed beyond all measure. I've done things in my life that were questionable. But I have this beautiful angel by my side.
I never knew real love until I walked into that diner and laid eyes on Bella.
Every since then I crossed a line that I knew I should have walked away from, but I'm glad we crossed it. If we didn't we wouldn't be here now, I would be the same man I was before Bella, but now I have a family and a respectable job.
Our lives are no longer in danger, and we can do whatever we want to do.
I felt my eyes drifting closed as I held her against me.
Everything was as it should be, Bella was by my side and my kids were safe.