So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?

Up next will be … Bella's road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. How will she react to knowing that she used FighterWard as her own human body pillow? We're also going to start training with Charlie 'Bull Dog' Swan. You think I'm lying about the drool. It will be messy.

What I own: Some pretty substantial mental health issues that I can't get over … prayers would be appreciated.

What I don't: Twilight

Chapter Twenty

Around midnight, Edward picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He knew that she'd need another dose of her pain killers soon. Setting her up on the bed, he got another protein shake and some ice packs. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gently roused her. "Bella, wake up," he cooed, brushing her messy curls from her face.

"No," she mumbled, trying to roll over but groaning as she shifted. "Ouch."

"That's why you need to wake up, beautiful," Edward chuckled, trailing his fingers down her pale skin. "You need to drink some of this protein shake and take your pain medication."

Her eyes fluttered open. Her nose was scrunched as she sat up, and rubbed her face. "Every bone in my body hurts," she moaned.

"I can imagine," Edward said soothingly, opening up the protein shake as he helped her up. "Do you want to change into something more comfortable?"

"That means I have to move, and it hurts to move," she grumbled, taking the proffered shake and pain pill. She shifted on the bed. "But, I probably should. I also need to pee." She blinked blearily around the room. "Crutches?"

"Not yet," he argued, easily scooping her up.

"You are not watching me pee. You still hate me," she huffed.

"I don't hate you, Bella. I could never hate you," he argued, carrying her to the bathroom. "You take care of … this. Where can I find your pajamas and such?"

Balancing on one foot, Bella directed him to her dresser, explaining what she wanted.

Edward closed the door, finding the clothes she wanted. He also called Charlie, who'd sent him a text while Bella was snoozing on his chest. He asked for an update.

"How is she?" Charlie asked, instead of a normal greeting.

"Broken tibia and covered in scrapes and bruises," Edward answered. "Carlisle thinks she should be fine and won't need surgery, but … it's a waiting game. She needs to see him in two weeks."

"Right, right," Charlie mumbled absently. "I know that … can you stay with her tonight? I mean, I would come, but trying to get these guys out of my house is like …"

"I was planning on it," Edward interrupted. "She's going to need help getting around. I can stay tonight, but perhaps Alice or Rose can help her out more than me. I mean, we're barely friends."

"Alice is planning on coming over tomorrow, along with Esme," Charlie explained. "Come in the afternoon. Rose will do your exam and then we can get started. Thank you for helping out my Little Bell."

"It's not a problem," Edward replied. He heard the toilet flush. "I'll give you a call when I'm on my way. I have to swing by my apartment to pick up my workout bag and such."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Masen," Charlie murmured. "Again, I appreciate you taking care of Bella. She's had a rough few months. I saw some happiness a couple of weeks ago, but … I'm worried about her."

"You should talk to her, Charlie. She said some things while she was … under the influence of the pain killers," Edward said diplomatically.

"Explain, Masen," Charlie growled.

Edward looked back toward Bella's room. "Sir, can I call you back? I promise to tell you," he said. "Bella's really unsteady and …"

"Okay, okay," Charlie sighed. "I'll be waiting, Edward."

The phone clicked off. Edward slid his phone into his pocket, walking back to Bella's bedroom with the crutches in his hand. The door to the bathroom was open. Bella was balanced on her good foot as she brushed her teeth and scrubbed her face. Her long curls were pulled up into a messy top knot. "You okay, Bella?" he asked.

"Really woozy," she answered, blinking to him. Her pupils were dilated, and she held onto the counter. Edward caught her before she face planted. "Whoa …"

"Sorry," Edward whispered, holding her close to his body. "I'm staying tonight, Bella. Obviously, you need some extra help."

"The guest room is across the hall," she said.

"I'm staying here," he pressed. "That oversized chair and ottoman will suit just fine. Let me help you, beautiful." She pouted as he placed her on the mattress. "I'll step out while you change. You don't need to stand. Just leave the clothes on the floor. I'll toss them into the hamper. Do you want some more ice? Water?"

"Yes, please," she answered, giving him a pained smile.

Edward left the bedroom, closing the door and walking back to the kitchen. He called Charlie, explaining what he'd heard when she was explaining why she shut him out. Charlie choked out a sob, vowing to come over the following day. Edward felt his heart crack, hearing how much Bella's admission hurt him. Pinching his nose, he picked up a bottle of water, a fresh ice pack and some chocolates from her pantry. Padding back to her bedroom, Edward knocked on the door. "Bella? Can I come in?"

"Yeah," Bella responded.

Opening the door, he saw Bella on the bed. She was trying to elevate her leg. "Hold on, beautiful," Edward chided gently. He carefully tucked the pillows under leg and draped the ice pack over the cast. "Better?"

"Thanks," she nodded, giving him a sleepy smile. "I really appecitate … no that's not it. Advocate … nope. Applicate? What's the word?"

"Appreciate?" Edward chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I'd be an asshole if I left. I'm sorry for even …"

"No, I deserved it. I was the asshole," Bella mumbled.

"After this moment, we're moving forward," Edward said sternly, giving her the chocolate. "No more apologies. I came on too strong."

"You were perfect. I had a first-class ticket on the hot mess express," Bella frowned, popping the candy. Settling back on the pillows, she whimpered. "I still hurt."

"You're probably going to hurt for a while, beautiful," Edward said. "Give the medications a chance to work."

"Mmmmkay," she mumbled, letting her eyes droop shut. "Snuggle with me."

"I think I'll go to the chair," Edward chuckled, moving to stand. Bella had other ideas. She draped her arm around his waist and pressed her cheek to his bicep. "Or not." He gently moved her over and kicked off his shoes. Laying back on the pillows, he slid his arm around her body and turned off the light on the nightstand. He gently ran his fingers along her bare arm. She was safely tucked in his arms, and it felt right. She sighed, growing heavy against his body.

A/N: Leave me your thoughts. Thank you for reading! And, thank you for your support during my hiatus. I'm still dealing with mental health issues, but medications have helped. I'm seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist. With their joint efforts, hopefully, I'll be able to get over the issues.