A/N: Okay so it's pretty clear that I do not own Twilight. Thanks to my lovely Beta Gooseonline. Thank you to all the beautiful people who have been reading and supporting this story. I LOVE the reviews so much. *mwah*
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Chapter 15 - humble pie
As I came out of the bathroom with Lil Bit in my arms, two policemen had just walked into Bella's room.
"Can we help you gentlemen?" I asked them.
"Mr Cullen?" the older policeman queried. I nodded. "My name is Officer Biers and this is Officer Mackenna."
I shifted Elizabeth to my other hip as she continued to fondle the buttons on my shirt with her tiny fingers. I extended my free hand to shake their hands.
"We need to speak to you and Mrs Cullen about what happened in the park today."
"Mrs Cullen?" Leah asked.
"Do we have to do this right now gentleman. Isabella needs her rest." I thought it best not to tell police officers that I'd lied to the medical staff about Bella being my wife. "Could we do this in the morning, perhaps? We'll both be happy to give you a full statement then but Bella needs to rest now."
"Yes. I agree." Carlisle backed me up as he came back into Bella's room and headed straight over to his patient. "Isabella needs rest and more recovery time before she is stressed recounting the details of the attack."
"Okay Doc," Officer Biers nodded to Carlisle. He then turned back to me handing me his contact card. "Mr Cullen we'll be back in the morning around nine o'clock, please call the station if your wife is discharged before then and we'll come by your home instead."
"Thank you for your understanding, gentlemen," I said as I ushered them out of the room.
Lil Bit and I turned back to the others only to find Bella and Leah looking at me with confused expressions, Jacob had his arms crossed over his chest with a raised eyebrow while Carlisle was smirking at me.
"Mrs Cullen?" Jacob teased.
"Hey, don't look at me like that," I said laughing. "Mike the paramedic at the scene started it, he just started referring to Bella as my wife and I didn't correct him." I shot a sheepish look at Bella.
Walking over to stand by her bed I continued to try and explain myself. "Then when we arrived at the hospital, Sue in administration said only family could go in to see you. Soooo, I may have said that I was your husband."
"You may have said?" Bella asked, chuckling at me.
I kissed the top of Lil Bit's head and lowered her down on to the bed and she immediately went to curl up in Bella's arms.
"Well, okay, yes, I definitely did say you were my wife…. sorry. But sometimes you just need to say what needs to be heard to close the deal… business negotiation 1-0-1." I reached down and kissed Bella's forehead.
Gesturing towards Carlisle who was smiling at Bella I decided I should do the 'meet the parents' thing, she already knew the rest of my family.
"So…. Mrs Cullen… may I introduce you formally to my father. Dr Carlisle Cullen this is my sweet one Miss Isabella Swan."
"Ehwed's daddee fix you owie, momma," Lil Bit proudly announced as she gently touched Bella's bruised swollen cheek with her tiny fingers. I reached down and stroked Bella's hair smiling down at her.
"We met in the emergency room Isabella but I doubt you'd remember," Carlisle said quietly.
"Thank you for looking after me Dr Cullen. Please call me Bella."
Carlisle took her extended hand and covered it with his other hand. "A pleasure to meet you Bella and please call me Carlisle. Thank you for putting a smile on my son's face."
Bella blushed that beautiful blush I adore. So gorgeous even with the bruising and swelling, poor love.
Bella gestured her hand to Jacob and Leah. "Carlisle now can I introduce some of the loveliest people you could ever meet - Reverend Jacob Black, his wife Leah and their son Seth."
Carlisle moved over to shake hands with Jacob and Leah then he tousled Seth's hair. I turned to Bella and mouthed 'Reverend?', she nodded as though this was common knowledge. I looked down and shook my head with embarrassment. I am doomed. I practically accused Bella of having an affair with a Minister. No strike that, a happily married Minister.
I am an idiot.
Bella must have realised what I was thinking as she slipped her hand into mine and gave me a sympathetic look. I returned an apologetic smile hoping she understood that I was a jealous idiot and that I was sorry.
"Bella," Jacob said after reading a message off his phone, "Sam and Emily will be here soon."
"That's very good of them," Bella said yawning.
"Okay everyone," I announced. "That yawn is our signal. Time to give Mrs Cullen some rest time." I winked at Bella. She just shook her head and smiled.
Leah leaned down to pick up Lil Bit. "How about Jacob and I take the children to the cafeteria to get them some food and let them have a little run around in the play area?"
"Okay, but no junk food Jacob," Isabella warned him using her 'mom' tone.
"Have a little faith Bells," Jacob laughed.
"Ugh… Jacob," Leah said punching Jacob's arm playfully. "You've been trying to get a laugh out of that line since you graduated God school. When are you going to get that it's not funny?"
"Never," he said simply. "C'mon kids let's go get some grub from the cafeteria?"
"Eh-wed?" Lil Bit turned her pretty little face to me, "Oo gonna come to the cap-n-tea-ah too?"
"I think I'll stay here and watch over your momma while she's sleeping, okay my little love?" I sat back down in the chair next to the head of the bed and reached out to hold Bella's hand.
"Ok." She smiled and turned towards Seth. "Wess go Sef. Bye momma, Bye Eh-wed." She took Seth's hand and skipped out of the room with Leah and Jacob behind them.
"I'll be back to check on you in a little while Isa… I mean Bella," Carlisle said as he left the room shutting the door behind him.
I looked over at Bella and she looked exhausted. "Time for some sleep my sweet one. You've had enough excitement for now." I fluffed her pillows for her and gently helped her to lie down.
She reached her hand up to my cheek and looked into my eyes. "Fank oo, Eh-wed" and she giggled quietly.
"Cheeky girl," I teased her as I leaned down to kiss her lips as gently as I could.
I dimmed the light in the room before sitting back in my chair to watch her as she drifted off to sleep. She looked so small in the bed and it occurred to me just how lucky we were that she was here with us. She was hurt and bruised but it could've been so much worse. I cringed at the thought.
Once she was asleep I took my phone from my pocket to check my messages.
Word of Bella's attack had obviously spread as I had texts from Alice, Emmett, Esme, Jessica and Lauren, all sending their concern and best wishes.
I sent a group text telling them where we were, that we were staying overnight and although a bit bruised and sore Bella was doing okay. I also asked them not to visit yet as it would be best not to have too many visitors, as Bella needed her rest.
There were also missed calls from Aro and Rosalie.
I sent a text to Aro to tell him what had happened but tentatively confirming our lunch meeting with Uncle Marcus on Sunday, dependent on Bella's recovery.
I wanted to speak with Rosalie but I didn't want to wake Bella so as quietly as I could I walked over to the furthest corner and dialled Rosalie's number. It rang twice before she answered with a concerned tone in her voice, "How is she Edward?"
"She's doing okay Rosalie, they've given her pain meds and of course she isn't complaining but she's obviously tired and sore. She's sleeping right now. Are you on your way?" I asked.
"Soon, I am just packing some clothes for her and then I'll be right there."
"Could you bring some clothes for Elizabeth too, please?"
I wanted to make sure we had what we needed in case Bella agreed to have Lil Bit and I stay in the room with her tonight. "We're hoping to stay with her in the room tonight," I explained.
There was a long silence and then she finally answered, "Okay, I'll pack some clothes and a few of her favourite toys. I'll see you soon."
Rose ended the call. She sounded a little hesitant but I hoped she understood that I didn't want to leave them tonight. I put my phone back on silent and vibrate before going back to my seat back next to Bella.
My phone vibrated with a new text:
'Can I bring you some clothes, too …. Emmett."
I shook my head, he must be with Rosalie, interesting.
'That'd be great bro …. Ed'
I then sent a text to Alec:
'I need you to come to UW MC tomorrow just before nine. My girlfriend Isabella Swan was mugged in the park today. We need to give statements to the police in the morning and I would appreciate having my/our lawyer present… Edward'
It never hurts to have legal support when dealing with police. I also had a small concern that I had lied to the hospital when completing her admission forms saying that Bella was my wife. I didn't want that to be a problem.
My phone pinged with a text:
'Will be there, boss - hope Isabella is ok …. Alec'
Bella slept for a solid hour and while she slept arrangements of flowers starting arriving. There were large arrangements from managers and owners of hotels and restaurants from all over town. There were also flowers from my family as well as a balloon display from Jess and Lauren. There were smaller arrangements from groups from her church, I suppose that was Jacob's church, and small businesses near Bella's bakery. Who the hell were all these people? There were so many flowers it was like a florist shop.
Rosalie and Emmett arrived together. Interesting. Rosalie sat in the chair on the other side of Bella's bed while Emmett sat on a chair next to me. We were all silent not wanting to risk waking Isabella.
Bella was lying on her side facing towards me and I was holding her hand while she slept. Rosalie was watching our hands. I had a feeling she wanted to say something but we were all keeping quiet so she was holding her tongue.
Emmett looked after the floral deliveries and made sure to block anyone wanting to come in. He even tried to stop the nurses but they weren't having that, pushing past him to check on Bella.
My sweet one was deeply asleep but she muttered occasionally. I couldn't really make out what she was saying but I'm pretty sure she said my name a few times and at least once she cried out for Lil Bit. Whenever she was unsettled Rosalie would stroke Bella's hair and I would kiss her hand.
Finally Bella opened her beautiful eyes and looked straight into mine. She smiled but then looked confused as though she wasn't really sure where she was.
"Hello sweet one," I said smiling at her. "Rosalie and Emmett are here."
"Hey Belly, how are you doing?" Rosalie stood and stroked Bella's hair tenderly again. "You gave us all a fright you know. I think the whole neighbourhood has sent you flowers," she chuckled.
Bella went to sit up. Both Rosalie and I reached down to help her sit up. "I've got it Edward," she told me firmly. Yeah Rosalie definitely had something on her mind. Well fine, bring it on but she won't keep me back from Bella. Fuck that.
I used the bed controller to tilt Bella's bed up for her and I rearranged her pillows behind her.
Bella smiled at us both. "Play nice you two," she warned us.
Sitting up Bella could now see the extent of the floral tribute in the room.
"Oh my god. Where did all these flowers come from?" She narrowed her eyes looking at me.
I held up my hands in surrender. "Don't look at me, love. I haven't moved from this spot."
Rosalie moved towards the flower arrangements. "I told you, the whole neighbourhood and most of the bakery's catering clients have sent you flowers."
"How sweet of everyone. The flowers are so beautiful." Bella's eyes were getting teary.
"You're beautiful, love," I told her, "and everyone just wants to let you know that."
"Can you gather up the cards from the arrangements please Rosalie?" Bella asked. "I want to read them and I'll need to send thank you notes to each of them."
I sent Jacob a text to let him know that Bella was awake.
"Hello Emmett," Bella said looking over at my big brother who was shadowing Rosalie around the room, gathering all the cards with the flowers.
"Hey short stuff," he smiled at Bella. "I'm glad you're okay, I don't think Eddie boy could handle it if anything else happened to you." He punched my shoulder.
"Hey don't punch your brother," Isabella scolded him. "He took great care of me and my little Elizabeth."
Emmett tousled my hair, "Glad to hear there's a good guy under that asshole persona."
"Hey!" I protested, knocking his hand away.
Rosalie brought all the cards from the flowers over to Bella and they read the messages together. While they were talking, I took Emmett over to the other corner of the room.
I leaned in and spoke as quietly as I could, "So Emmett, did you know about Lil Bit when you set me up to meet with Isabella at the park this afternoon?"
"No way bro," he was shaking his head. "I only found out about her when Rosalie told me what happened to Bella. I would never send you in blind like that Edward, you know that. I just wanted you and Bella to see each other and talk things out, so I told Rose that I'd get you to the park and asked her to make sure Bella was there too."
I smiled and nodded my head. I knew Emmett would never set me up like that. Always my wingman.
"What is Lil Bit like anyway? Rosalie says she is adorable, but y'know women and kids."
"You'll see for yourself in a minute. Jacob and Leah are bringing her back from the cafeteria." I couldn't wait to see my little love with Emmett.
The door opened and we all looked to it expecting to see Jacob and Leah and the kids but it wasn't them. A very attractive native american couple came into the room looking anxiously around.
"Sam! Emily!" Bella called out wiggling her hands reaching out to them. They beamed at her with relief and both went straight over to her hugging her close.
"Careful!" I protested, "she's bruised."
They both leaned back immediately and apologised.
"Edward, come and meet two of the dearest people in the world," Bella called to me. I quickly resumed my place beside the head of her bed taking her hand in mine again. "Edward Cullen. This is Emily and Sam Uley."
I reached my free hand out to shake each of their hands. Like Jake and Leah, Sam and Emily were around my age and were both quite striking in appearance. He was a big guy but had a softness to his face. She had the most beautiful warm smile. She had a scar on her face but you could barely notice it when she smiled.
"Sam and Emily live in Forks, where I grew up and Emily and Leah are cousins," Bella explained.
"Where's our little girl?" Emily asked.
"Jacob and Leah have taken her to get something to eat. They should be back soon, shouldn't they Edward?" Bella looked to me.
"I texted them to let them know you were awake, sweet one. I am sure they're on their way back up," I assured her.
Emily looked around at all the flowers and then noticed Rosalie standing with Emmett near the door.
"Rosalie, babe. How are you?" She went over to hug Rose.
"Great Emily. How are you?" Rosalie asked with a raised eyebrow.
Emily rubbed her abdomen in gentle loving circles, "Eighteen weeks and counting, that's the furthest we've ever gone."
"That's wonderful. I am so happy for you both," Rosalie leaned in to kiss Emily's cheek.
"How are you Bella?" Sam asked. "Jacob told us what happened when he called. Are you really okay? Have you spoken to the police yet? That bruise on your face looks pretty painful." Sam was looking concerned at Bella.
"I was so frightened Sam. One of the men took Lil Bit out of my arms and she was screaming." Tears were pouring down Bella's cheeks. This was the first time she'd really opened up about the attack.
"Shhh, love," I coo'ed as I hugged her close but gently. "You're okay. Lil Bit is fine and she'll be back here any minute."
As if she heard me, Lil Bit burst into the room followed quickly by Jacob, who'd obviously been trying to keep up with her.
"Wosie!" she ran over to Rose and hugged her around her legs.
"Hey, Lil Bit. Did you have something to eat with Uncle Jacob?" Rosalie laughed stroking the little one's head. "Did he give you something healthy for dinner?"
"Unca Ja-coob giv me fesh fings," she explained.
Bella nodded at Jacob, clearly happy with that choice.
"… and ice cweam with choklit spinkles," Lil Bit added.
"Oh Jacob. You couldn't help yourself could you." Bella shook her head.
Leah came in then with Seth asleep in her arms. "It's okay Bella. We made sure she ate all her fish fingers and vegies before she had the ice cream."
Emily went over to her cousin, kissed her cheek and walked over to Bella's bedside with her arm around Leah's shoulders. Leah sat in Rosalie's chair on the other side of Bella from me.
"Hey, Lil Bit don't you have a hug for your Uncle Sam and Auntie Emily?" he opened his arms to catch Elizabeth who was running towards him with a huge smile on her face.
"Unca Sam, I wuv oo," Lil Bit kissed his cheek. "I wuv oo too auntie em-ee," she said as she blew a kiss to Emily.
Sam stood up with Elizabeth in his huge arms. I am a tall guy standing 6 foot 2 and Jacob would be around my height but this guy was more like Emmett in height and size. Lil Bit looked like a little doll in his arms. She had her arms around his neck the same way she'd been holding me earlier. I felt a little pang of jealousy, which was just ridiculous.
"So Edward," Sam turned his attention to me. "What's going on with you and Bella?"
I was so shocked at his question. Who was this guy to Bella? They were all so protective of her.
"She's my sweet one." I said casting him a challenging look, trying to keep a friendly tone in my voice and failing. "What's it to you?"
"Don't be alarmed Edward. Sam and Jacob are just a little over-protective of me." Bella assured me. "Edward and I are dating," she told him with that mother tone that there's no point in arguing with. "And you should know Sam, that Edward scared off my attackers, then called the paramedics all the while looking after a traumatised Elizabeth even though he hadn't even met her officially. So leave him alone he's a good guy."
I squeezed her hand and gave her a wink.
"He's also a jealous idiot, so careful you don't get too close to Bella or he'll lose it." Jacob teased me.
"Hey." Emmett stepped over, "Edward may have acted like an idiot earlier this week but you need to understand he has reasons to be wary. But he really cares about Bella and I'm sure he won't be so quick to jump to conclusions again. Isn't that right Ed?"
Fuckers, airing my dirty laundry in public. But they were right, I was an idiot and it was time for me to enjoy a nice big slice of humble pie. Suck it up Cullen!
I turned to Jacob. "I know you must think I am a crazy, jealous fool and you'd be right. I jumped to conclusions when I saw you with Isabella and instead of staying to find out what was going on, I left. I'm sorry for assuming there was something going on between the two of you."
I looked over to Isabella. "I have some trust issues, but I am working on them." I smiled apologetically at her.
"Eh-wed is my fwend Unca Sam," Lil Bit said holding her hands out to me.
I jumped up and reached in to take her out of a surprised Sam's arms. I curled her up in my lap as I sat down next to Bella again. Lil Bit smiled up at me then rested her head on my chest and I landed a soft kiss on her head. Bella smiled at me.
My curiosity got the better of me. "So how do you all know each other? I mean you haven't lived in Forks since your thirteen?" I was looking to Bella hoping she'd explain.
Bella sighed but then spoke in a quiet voice, "After the car accident that killed my mom and Phil, I was unconscious and pretty banged up."
"Huh, there's an understatement!" Jacob added. "She had two legs broken, multiple broken ribs, a broken arm, internal bleeding and a nasty head wound. They kept her in a medically induced coma for a week. When she finally woke up she had surgery after surgery followed by months of rehab to get back on her feet and regain her strength."
"Oh my god Bella!" I was shocked at the extent of her injuries and I squeezed her hand. I looked around the room and apart from the shocked looks on mine and Emmett's faces the others just nodded. Clearly they were all well acquainted with this story. I looked back to Bella and hoped she'd continue.
"As I said," Bella looked over at Jacob with a small, sad smile. "I was pretty banged up but our precious Elizabeth was fine. She was in the car, in her baby safety carrier and she came out of the accident without a scratch. It was a miracle really."
I instinctively held Lil Bit a little closer to me, she had started to droop with sleepiness.
"Anyway, obviously I couldn't take care of her and there was no one else. Sam here is a policeman in Forks and was one of the officers who attended the accident, he recognised Renee from when we lived in Forks. Jacob's dad, and my dad Charlie were best friends. So we were known to most of the families on the reservation.
"Anyway, Sam contacted Jacob who'd just graduated from Theological College or God school as Leah calls it, and was home with Leah at La Push. Sam asked Jacob to help out with trying to track down any family to notify them of the accident but also to ask them look after Lil Bit.
"Jacob found that there was no one to contact. Phil had a nephew but no one could track him down." Bella stopped at that point and looked over at Emily giving her a small smile.
"It's okay Bella, I don't mind you telling him," Emily said quietly.
"Sam and Emily have had some ….. difficulty in having children." Bella continued and I noticed Emily was gently rubbing her abdomen again. "They were registered foster parents and on the waiting list for adoption. So Jacob arranged with social services for them to be foster parents for Lil Bit until I was well enough to care for her."
"We wanted to foster you too Bella," Sam said warmly.
"Yeah well you know me Sam. I was born grown up," she said cryptically.
"How long did you care for Lil Bit?" I asked Sam.
"Six months. She was our little darling for six months," he said looking at Elizabeth all curled up in my arms.
"Thank you," Bella and I said to them at the same time. We looked at each other and smiled.
A nurse came in and told us that it was time to get Bella ready to sleep and to give her pain meds. Everyone stood, shuffling around gathering up bags and discussing where they were going from the hospital.
I leaned over to Isabella and whispered to her, "Lil Bit and I are staying here with you tonight sweet one." I decided it was best not to ask and to just tell her. There was no way I was leaving her and that was that. I braced myself for an argument but she surprised me by simply smiling and nodding agreement.
Rosalie came over with the bags for Bella and Lil Bit while Emmett brought my bag over to me.
"I was hoping to stay with you," she said to Bella, "or at least take Lil Bit home with me." She hesitated and looked back to Emmett who smiled warmly at her nodding support to her, "but Edward here seems to have it under control. So I'm going to head home. I'll open up the bakery in the morning and supervise the kitchen team for you if you want me to."
Bella smiled. "Thank you Rosalie. I'll be fine here with Edward and Lil Bit. But I really do need your help with the kitchen tomorrow. We have all the restaurant orders and that wedding lunch catering booking. It's all in the order day book. Eric can lead the kitchen team to handle the bakery list and the restaurant orders but you'll need to go over the details for the luncheon with Zafrina so she can lead the catering team. It's a wedding and there are always last minute changes. Thank you so much Rose, you're an angel."
I love listening to her talk business. So sexy.
"I love you Belly," Rose said and planted a kiss on my girl's cheek. "Take care. I'll look after the bakery and hopefully you'll be home soon."
Rosalie gave me a long look and then headed over to Emmett, who gave her a gentle kiss and led her out of the room waving to us as they left. It occurred to me that Rose was the perfect name for her. She was incredibly beautiful but watch out for the thorns. But Emmett seemed to be doing okay.
Once they'd all gone, the nurse came in and helped Bella into the bathroom.
I took the opportunity to look through the bag Rose had brought up for Lil Bit and found pyjamas, toys, books, and clothes for tomorrow. There was a teddy bear which had a satin heart sewn on the front with 'Rose's angel' embroidered the front. I smiled knowing so many people loved my girls.
Lil Bit was asleep but I wanted to change her into her comfy pyjamas while the nurse was helping Bella in the shower. I lay Lil Bit down carefully on the bed and laid out her pjs next to her. I slipped her out of her red woollen jacket which Leah must have put back on her at some stage, then I removed her cute little multi-coloured boots. I gently rubbed her little toes and then slipped her pyjama pants over her little feet and gently worked them up her legs. Finding how her blue dress was fastened was like trying to work out a multidimensional puzzle. I was about to give up when Carlisle walked back in and chuckled at me. "It's fastened across her shoulders to make it easy to get on and off."
Ahh. The voice of experience, sure enough there were clips across her shoulders. I undid them and gently lifted her dress over her raising her sleepy head so I could work the dress off. Carlisle helped and I thought how funny it was that it took the Head of Emergency Medicine and the CEO of a successful investment company to work out how to change the clothes on a sleeping toddler.
I slipped her arms through the pyjama shirt one at a time and then buttoned her up. I looked in the bag and there were some face wipes, so I took one and gently wiped it over her little face and took the little pink brush to run over her hair.
I bundled up her dirty clothes and threw them into the empty plastic bag Rose had put into the baby bag.
There. All done and I didn't even wake her! Dad patted me on the back and I looked up proudly as though I'd invented the cure to cancer. Well, hey this was my first time and I had no idea what I was doing.
"Will you watch her for a moment dad while I get changed into sweats or whatever Emmett put in this bag for me?"
"Sure son I'll just keep my hand on her."
I stepped into the corner and pulled the privacy curtain across, no need to give the nursing staff a show. I looked into the bag and Emmett had packed clean boxers, sweat pants and t-shirt for me to sleep in as well as clean jeans and stuff for tomorrow. He even thought to include my toiletry bag. That's my wingman.
I quickly changed then washed my face and used my toothbrush at the little corner basin near Bella's bed. I pulled the curtain back and went back to Carlisle who was just staring transfixed down at the sleeping Elizabeth.
"Thanks Dad, sorry to hold you up." I looked down at Lil Bit in her cute lavender pyjamas which had butterflies printed all over them. "She's an angel isn't she?"
"You sound almost reverential when you talk about her Edward. I think this little one has stolen your heart." He looked at me smirking.
"Isabella got it beating again and now this little one captured it. I am lost to them Dad," I said with a touch of fear in my voice.
I was afraid. I was scared shitless. I was in love with Isabella Swan and now her little sister… daughter… too. Could I do this? I really didn't know what the fuck I was doing and after my little spoiled brat jealous hissy fit this week, do I even deserve them? I don't know and I don't care because I wanted them… both.
"I am about to head home," he was looking over Bella's chart. "Her vitals all look good and the nurses tell me she's been lucid and interacting with everyone. I hope she had some rest."
"Yeah, she only had a one hour nap but she'll sleep tonight," I assured him.
The nurse came back with Bella who looked so much better all cleaned up dressed in her sweet pink pyjamas.
I picked up the sleeping baby and held her close to my chest, making room for Bella to get back into the bed. "You look more relaxed," I told her.
"So do you and did you change Lil Bit all by yourself?" she asked amazed.
"Well Dad stopped by and gave me some help," I told her sheepishly.
"Well that's amazing Edward. Are you sure you don't have any kids I don't know about?" she giggled.
I looked down at Lil Bit and I realised that my child that Kate had aborted would've been around her age or maybe a little older. I felt suddenly sad.
"Edward, are you alright?" Bella looked worried. I sighed. No, I wouldn't tell her that story tonight. She really needs to get some sleep.
"I'm fine, love," I assured her. "Take your pain meds and get settled into bed so I can lay Lil Bit down with you, okay?"
She nodded, took her tablets and snuggled down into bed. "Where will you sleep Edward?"
"The chair folds out, I'll be fine," I told her nodding my head to the recliner next to the bed.
"Won't you lie down with us?…. please?" She looked up at me with those huge brown eyes. How the hell could I say no to that.
"The nurses won't like it but I don't really care. I'm not sure there's enough room but I'll lie down for a little while. If it is uncomfortable for you tell me straight away and I'll move back to the chair."
I lay Lil Bit down in Bella's arms and then climbed up into the bed so the baby was cradled between us. Bella sighed and snuggled around Lil Bit.
I turned the bedside lamp off so the only light in the room was the small light over the doorway. I pulled up the blankets and lay with my arm around them both.
I leaned over and kissed Bella's lips gently and then lay my head back on the pillow just gazing at my two girls.
"Y'know Isabella," I said in soft low sensual tone of voice.
"Mmmm?" she said sleepily.
"This isn't exactly what I imagined when I fantasised about our first night sleeping together."
Her eyes popped open and looked into mine.
"Y'know Edward," she matched my tone of voice in a whisper, "this isn't how I fantasised about sleeping with you either. But I kind of like it anyway."
"I like it too Bella. But I'm pretty sure you'd like my imagined night too."
"Mmm, Edward. I think I'd like it very much baby."
Lord, I loved it when she called me baby.
"Good night love. Sleep now" I leaned over and kissed her forehead and then I leaned down to kiss my little love on the cheek.
My girls.
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A/N: So, I actually teared up writing this chapter. I really hope you enjoyed it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. See you soon. xxx