Here's a fluffy little piece that I wrote during 2020. After a few years of sitting on this, I thought it was a good time to share. So, I hope you enjoy!
EPOV
"For the love of God, please play another song." I all but begged as I heard way too familiar opening chords.
Then again, they were very, very distinct. I didn't know what a Daechwita was, but I was damn sure I could pronounce it exceptionally well with how often Emmett decided to play the song. At this stage, Toni was probably going to be swearing in Korean as proficiently as she could do it in English.
I had absolutely nothing against the song either, it was catchy, I loved the lyrics—which I'd admittedly had to google—it was a great song, but always got baby going and kept the little one going for a while. Poor Bella was constantly wincing when she was anywhere close to Emmett, because he'd either be playing the song, or humming, or just randomly head banging as he screamed 'Daechwita, Daechwita', I don't even think he knew what phrase came next.
Bella, smiled gently at me, despite the way I could see the baby tossing and turning beneath her skin. Who would have thought B would have a harder pregnancy carrying one baby over two?
I certainly didn't and I was a doctor. I was very, very familiar with obstetrics and gynaecology. I knew enough to have been prepared for this, but I wasn't, not at all.
This baby made pregnancy hell for their mother.
She'd been sick pretty much from the very beginning of her pregnancy—I still don't really know how she'd hidden it from me for three months—and it hadn't let up in her second trimester or even her third. Bella had a grey pallor about her skin daily at this point, though it would let up and the pink would return to her cheeks, it never stayed away for too long.
"Leave him, it's okay." Bella grabbed my hand and rested it on her belly.
She'd been experiencing signs of labor on and off for the last couple of weeks. Bella had a small frame and this baby was
already quite big, so we half expected baby to be born early.
I couldn't help but smile, song forgotten as my baby moved under my hand. A foot pressing persistently against my palm.
We hadn't asked to know the sex of our baby, I'd even had to try my level best not to let my eyes stray with every ultrasound.
I wanted to know if I was having another son or daughter, I did, but Bella loved the idea of a surprise. We also had enough clothes in either gender to not really have to worry too much about running out.
We had a lot of Toni's hand-me-downs too.
Not that Alice wanted any of her nieces and nephews to be relegated to hand-me-downs. The little monster was more often than not beyond reason when she got her mind set on something, but then again, who were we to stop her from spending her own money. Because it was her own money and no one was going to stop her from spending it however she wanted.
"I like this song—I like the way it sounds."
I shook my head at B, because I did too, it was Em playing it on repeat every day that I was over.
The least he could do was play through the whole D-2 mixtape.
Until Emmett had brought BTS into this family, I didn't even know what a mixtape was outside of a home dubbed cassettes. Still, I liked their music, didn't know what they were saying most of the time, but it made me feel.
I always listened to whatever mum and dad listened to, or more mainstream radio stuff, so all of a sudden to step into Em and Rose's house and to constantly hear BTS was a whole new world…not that I'd ever admit that to Emmett.
I still believe Em is hoping Toni can pick up Korean and teach him. I've found her in her walker staring at the TV whilst a Korean kids show played. Apparently Netflix has a few Korean kids shows—they were most definitely a bit mature for Toni, by a good five to seven years, but try telling Emmett that.
Rose just humoured him, as she often did. She didn't seem to mind the shows too much, nor did she care too much if they were in a language she didn't understand. She'd turned on English subtitles and had watched along. They were apparently more harmless than not, and it's not like a Korean magical girl anime was going to influence Toni that much, the little girl already hated dresses and skirts.
"So do I, but he could at least play the whole mixtape, or a playlist—anything."
"Daechwita-Daechwita jar ooh-hey-ha daechwita, Daechwita-Daechwita jar ooh-hey-ha daechwita" Emmett came screaming into the room, head banging, as his curls fanned out wildly.
I couldn't help but shake my head at the spectacle, because how could you not? When you saw a man as big as Emmett, head banging like he was at rock concert, screaming out a poor attempt at Korean lyrics both off key and completely
offbeat was a damn sight.
I'd read over the romanised lyrics and though he'd apparently figured out how to say Daechwita, he'd definitely butchered the next part of the phrase.
I didn't think it could get worse until he'd taken a step, apparently lost his balance, or maybe made himself dizzy and managed to head butt our hall table—full strength.
"Oh shit," I stood up quickly, leaving Bella on the couch as I ran to Emmett. B, being her clumsy self, that I was used to. Emmett doing dumb shit, I was used to that too. But I'd never seem him knock himself out… all to the tune of Daechwita.
"B, can you call dad?"
"Yeah, okay," she offered quickly, "it's ringing, what do I tell him?"
That his son is a fucking idiot, "Uh, tell him Em knocked himself out."
I needed to turn this song off so I could check his vitals better. I quickly felt in his pockets for his phone—of course it was in his back pocket. I quickly tried to hit pause, but ended up skipping the song. "Damn it."
The last thing I needed to hear was the opening of Daechwita again. I managed to successfully hit pause the second time, and was able to check his vitals better. He was fine—just dumb.
I shot to the kitchen, grabbing some frozen peas and a tea towel. He was definitely going to have a bump on his head, and as I looked a little closer, a little gash too.
"What the hell did he do now?" Dad asked as soon as he came through the door not three minutes after I'd asked Bella to call him.
"You got here fast."
Dad shrugged, "I was already on my way over, haven't visited you two this week and Bella's pretty much to term."
Emmett was already coming to, but I held him down. I didn't want to be by myself attempting to stop him from braining himself a second time, if he attempted to get up too fast.
I'd have called Jazz, but he and Ally were looking after the twins and Toni, under Mum's supervision.
The couple were normally pretty good with one child at a time, but they struggled if they had all three. They tried their hardest though, but Ally could get overwhelmed with all of them which would get Jazz worked up, then the kids would all react to the tension—it was bad. Very bad.
It was only made worse when Liam couldn't hear or see Bella around, the little man would absolutely lose his mind unless he was distracted. Mum was the only person who had any luck of at least distracting Liam long enough that he didn't get himself worked up to the point of hyperventilating. It had only happened once, but it had scared Alice to the point where she didn't like being left with him alone in fear of it happening again.
Bella'd raced home with mum that day, it took much less time for B to soothe Liam. Mum had the much, much harder job of trying to convince Alice that she wasn't a horrible Aunty and it wasn't her fault—but she was a stubborn little thing.
It was six weeks before she'd felt comfortable watching Liam again—so long as she was supervised the whole time.
"Do I want to know how he did this to himself?" Dad asked as he stood over Em and I. I was still holding Em in place, but the dazed confusion had left his eyes. Now he looked now more dopey than normal.
Dad leaned over him, pulling out his pen light as he quickly checked him over. He knew his name, the day and exactly how he did this to himself. So I guess that was a good a sign as any that he hadn't done any further damage to his brain.
"Wait, that's what happened?" I hadn't even realised Bella had moved from the couch.
I looked up to see her holding in her laughs as she gently rubbed her belly. She was leaning against the door jam just looking at us.
"I wish I'd gotten it on film, Bub, he went down like a sack of potatoes."
The image flashed before my eyes, like it had already seared itself to my brain. Emmett, attempting to keep up with Agust D as he threw his head forward with way more force than was necessary. He misjudged the corner, or maybe forgot the table
was there, lost his equilibrium and smacked his head with some serious force and just collapsed.
Come to think of it, I think I discovered a whole new appreciation for Daechwita.
"I'm sorry," Bella, spat out before she was absolutely shaking with laughter. She was practically wheezing, which made it impossible not to laugh with her. Now that the worst was over and my older brother, was still very much my idiotic older brother, I couldn't hold it in anymore.
My muscles ached from overuse, I hadn't laughed this hard in, I couldn't even remember how long, but it felt good. It was a good pain, all the while Em sat sulking. He was muttering something under his breathe, but I couldn't make out what.
"Oh shit—oh shit," I heard B panting through tearful laughter.
Initially though she'd been complaining about the ache of laughing until I looked up at her.
There was wetness dripping down her legs and instead of rubbing her stomach, she was now clutching it.
"Bub?" I asked hesitantly, knee crawling toward her. The last thing I was worried about was kneeling in Bella's waters. "Did your—?"
I did't even to finish the question before she was nodding her head.
"Well alright," I tried to say calmly as I jumped to my feet, I grabbed Bella by the hand and gently pulled her up the stairs with me. Change, I needed to help B change so she'd be comfortable.
I think I was on autopilot once I got upstairs, as I helped Bella step out of her tights and underwear, and pretty much did the same in reverse as I helped her redress. She didn't seem to be in too much pain as she waited for me to grab the hospital bag, dad was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for us, so I tossed it down to him.
Emmett had finally gotten off the floor—no worse for wear after dad checked him over. The gash would need a butterfly bandage at most, but it was probably going to bleed for a bit.
He was letting everyone know what was going on as he had his phone practically attached to his hand as he fired over text message after text message. I could hear the near constant sound of incoming notifications.
It was annoying, but I was glad he was fielding those messages. I had other things to deal with.
I wracked my brain as I helped Bella, trying to remember any signs of labor. After the twins, I was determined to be more vigilant this time.
She'd been preterm with them, which wasn't unusual. Still, I was so certain I'd catch it this time.
Dad blocked us in, so we all piled into his car. Not that I was complaining. The last time Bella and I had sat in the back seat of his car was when we'd come home from Uncle Paora's Tangi. At least I didn't have to worry about driving myself and I could keep track of how, B, was progressing.
"You good, B?" She smiled at me, but he face screwed up a bit, I assumed as she was hit with a contraction.
They were already progressing. Of course, the one woman who once upon a time thought she'd be just fine without children, would have the fast labor.
"I think they're getting closer and stronger."
I gave Bella my hand and she didn't need be told twice to squeeze. It took an almost herculean effort not to react to her crushing grip.
Bella hadn't really eased up on her gym training with Ally and Rose and my poor hand was feeling that.
"Emmett jump online, check traffic—try and find us another route—it was fine when I was driving here." I looked away from
Bella and out the windows to see nothing but break lights. Shit!
Why on Earth was there this kind of traffic on a Saturday afternoon?
"Oh shit!"
"What Emmet! Oh shit, what?" Leaned forward as much as I could, leaving my hand in Bella's as I attempted to read his screen.
Red, so much red. All urban routes and motorways were blocked up.
I whipped my own phone and googled traffic incidents.
A Stuff article came up right away and I didn't like the headline.
"Well fuck!" I could see Dad's gaze through the rear view mirror as he cocked his eyebrow. I didn't even bother with an apology. "There was a crash on the bridge this morning, it's backed traffic up all over Auckland."
"There are accidents on and around the bridge all the time, what makes this one different?" Em asked, as he too started googling. "Wait, they closed how many lanes?"
"Was anyone hurt?" Dad wanted to sneak a peak, but he refused to take his eyes off the road.
Small mercies.
"No one was actually hurt, just the bridge." I skimmed a little more, "both drivers were fine, but the bridge is worse for
wear."
Bella was tugging my back and pulling my phone toward her face as she read the article. It was crazy and involved a massive truck carrying a shipping container and a courier truck. I didn't even think the wind was that strong, but it managed to catch the heavy trucks just right to slam into the support beam. The smaller of the two was completely turned around.
Dad was right to ask if anyone was hurt. It was almost impossible to believe that no one was hurt at all.
"Edward, it hurts." Bella said through a wince as she squeezed my hand tighter.
I'd been keeping track of Bella's contractions and with how quickly they were progressing, I was beginning to worry they we wouldn't get there on time.
"Dad, we're going to have to go to your practice, we're not going to make it to the hospital in this traffic—any hospital for that matter."
"On it." Dad didn't hesitate to indicate and head towards his practice, which was much closer and we could get there with a few side streets.
We were about two minutes out when Bella's grip seemed to get even more painful. She'd been quiet the whole ride, breathing through the pain, but I could see just how much pain she was in.
Dad was right, she really did wear her emotions clear as day on her face.
I reached behind her and started massaging her lower back trying to offer her some relief. Dad wasn't going to have any epidural for her when we got there, but there would be some pain relief for her.
I don't think I've ever moved so quickly as I jumped out of the car and helped Bella out. Dad had run ahead to unlock the door.
"Em, call mum, tell her we're here." He waved his phone at me as he headed to dad's office.
*
As expected, dad was in the first patient room. He'd already started setting up the bed for Bella and was going through cupboards as he pulled out medication.
I settled Bella, quickly and helped her get into her gown. She didn't seem the least bit fussed to have dad in the room, which probably spoke a lot about how much pain she was in.
I wanted to help dad, but Bella's grip didn't ease any.
I didn't know what pain relief dad had on hand and my brain couldn't focus on the medicine, all I could think about was Bella.
Dad seemed to know I was in no frame of mind as he started running the show. He seemed to be on autopilot and didn't hesitate.
This wasn't my first rodeo and yet everything felt brand new all over again. My heart was sitting in my throat as I tried to coax B, through her breathing. I rubbed her back, I lost feeling in my hand and tried my hardest not to lose my shit.
Bella's labor progressed so quickly, she was pushing before dad really had a chance to intervene. I could only hope that the pain relief was doing something. Within half an hour of Bella's waters breaking our baby was born.
Baby girl Cullen was born screaming and with a head full of dark hair.
Dad had to practically guide my hand as I cut the umbilical chord, tears welling in my eyes.
Another girl. Another little girl.
She already had Bella's hair and I could see her eyes were darker than her siblings, but I wasn't sure if they were going to
be the exact shade as her mum.
Dad had left the room quickly after checking Bella and baby over. Her pregnancy may have been horrible, but her delivery had been near perfect. I think I had more issues than Bella.
"Another girl," I whispered quickly, gently running my over baby's cheek. Bella had her across her chest, where she'd drifted off once she'd been given back to Bella.
B, just smiled before leaning down to rest her forehead against mine. She was exhausted, understandably. She may have been fortunate for a quick labour, but it didn't mean she wasn't tired.
"Won't lie," B kissed baby's forehead, before taking a second to just breathe her in, "I genuinely thought she was a boy—I didn't even think up any girls names."
"If it makes you feel any better, I thought we were going to have a boy too."
"Doctor's intuition?"
I shook my head, definitely not doctor's intuition, it was more like… wishful thinking.
Liam, attached to Bella as he was, was still the easier child.
Ana was way too young for the attitude she carried around, I couldn't imagine that her teenage years were going to be
like… and she's a daddy's girl.
"Definitely not, I just kind of hoped for another boy." As Bella's breath caught I realised I'd said the wrong thing.
"You're unhap—"
"Don't even finish that sentence," I'd sat up quickly, but as gently as I could manage so I didn't jostle the sleeping baby,
"she could have been born with toes for fingers Bella, it wouldn't matter. She's ours and I love her, I'm not upset at all. I hoped for a boy because mums have always told me boys are easier. When I think about our kids, Liam is definitely the easier child. I mean Ana's third word was 'No' and it's all she ever says."
B, looked up at me, her eyes misty, but she was smiling.
"She gets her devil antics from your brother, I swear."
I didn't doubt that for a second.
Oh and speak of the devil, we both locked up as the door was cracked open, Emmett's head peaking in through the door.
As soon as the door was opened, Bella and I could both hear everyone waiting—rather impatiently—in the waiting room.
Dad had left us to have our moment while he updated everyone waiting, but I guess Emmett got away from Mum.
I could hear Liam too and he was getting ready to scream the house down. The toddler had been away from his mother for a few hours too many. He'd only just started tolerating a full day at daycare, but the twins had been woken up at their grandparents house.
They were well overdue for their dinner and had been away from them a few too many hours without so much as a video call.
Dad didn't really have basinets at his practice, so I quickly took baby from Bella's arms while she re-situated herself, Em caught on to what we were doing and opened the door.
We could quite clearly hear the click of everyone's shoes as they headed in to check on us and see baby.
Mum was let through first as she held a distraught looking toddler. "Naw, Son-son."
Bella pulled him in close and just held him, rocking him side to side as she rubbed his back. He'd really grown so much, they both had. Holding baby in my arms, it was hard to believe the twins had once been this small.
They were a little over a year now. They'd found their feet so quickly and their confidence seemed to come even faster.
Ana, unlike her brother didn't need to be held all the time. She still loved watching people though and she was doing just that as she clung to mum's hand. Her little eyes, identical to my own, stared up at me in confusion.
She'd spotted the bundle in my arms and seemed genuinely curious. I looked over to Bella and Liam, their son wasn't leaving his mother's arms any time soon.
He looked settled though, Bella seemed in better spirits too. Tired, but in much better spirits.
I gently patted Bella's thigh so I could join her on the bed. Ana hadn't taken her eyes off of me and baby, so I settled myself quickly, shuffling so I was comfortable.
"Mum?" Her eyes met mine quickly and I nodded my head down at Ana.
Mum caught on quickly and with a quick smile, she quickly picked Ana up under the arms and settled her next to me.
My little girl reached for my shirt as she peered at the baby in my arms. She clung to me tightly, using all her strength so she could get to her feet. She stumbled a bit on the covers, falling into me.
I don't know if I was hyper aware of her, or if super dad reflexes kicked in as I shuffled baby in one second and had a tight grip on Ana's shirt in the next. She was wobbling dangerously close to the edge of the bed, and yeah, mum probably would have caught her before anything bad could happen, my heart still dropped out of my stomach.
"Careful, angel—don't give daddy a heart attack."
"Sor-a," she offered quickly, before trying to cop another peak at her sister.
Ana really could be like a dog with a bone. She was so young, I'd just expected her to lose interest in things rather quickly, or for her to be distractible, but she was remarkably determined.
Right now, her one track mind was zoomed in on her little sister.
"Do you want to see sister?" I shuffled baby, so she was in clear view of Ana.
Baby was still sleeping soundly. Considering she was so reactive to noise and commotion when she was inside Bella, I'd expected much the same, but she'd been sleeping pretty soundly since she'd initially drifted off.
"Wait, wait," Bella grabbed my attention, "shuffle back, I wanna see this."
"I need my phone," Emmett announced. When I looked up, he was the last one ready with his phone to take videos. "Don't you dare judge me, if I don't get this on video for Rosie she will end me."
He wasn't wrong there. Rose had too much going on to get out of work. She had a full shop and they were down two mechanics, one of them being Em.
Alice and Jasper had stayed behind with Toni, once they'd learned we'd come to dad's instead of to the hospital.
They'd visit with Rose once she got off work, but by that time they were either going to be visiting us at home or in the hospital. We're still waiting for Bella to come down from the adrenaline to see how she's feeling.
Though I'd leave the medical decision to dad, because there was no way I'd be able to determine if Bella should go to hospital or if she was fit to come home. I knew that. I couldn't be that objective.
"Okay, now I'm ready, action."
'I won't punch my brother, I won't punch my brother' I found myself chanting. 'Action', like we were actors on some reality show or something.
Fortunately enough, dad didn't take too kindly to Emmett's antics as we all heard the loud smack against the back his head. It was followed quickly by a whine.
I rolled my eyes and looked up to make sure I had at least Bella's attention. I did, Liam's too, surprisingly.
His big eyes were going between his sister's, but he didn't seem ready to move away from Bella just yet. As it odd as it was, I really hoped Liam didn't lose his fondness for his mother. It was early days, but his attachment to her was so
incredibly endearing.
"Is that your new sister?" Bella asked, Liam, trying to get him more interested. His eyes looked keen, all big and bright as he looked rather wistfully at his sisters.
It was almost like he had a little internal war going on inside his head, but, for what must have been the first time in his life, curiosity got the best of him.
"Go on then Son-son, go see who daddy has, hmm."
Bella gave Liam's butt a little pat as he very slowly crawled his way toward Ana, Baby and I.
I wasn't too surprised when he clung to Ana, and opted to peer around her to see baby.
Baby was still fast asleep, but I grabbed her small hand and gave them both a wave.
"Baby?" Ana reached out her hand as she tugged gently on the blanket.
I was shocked she didn't automatically reach for the baby's face. Touching people's faces was habit she still hadn't shaken, in fact it had gotten worse. It wasn't uncommon for someone to end wind up with her fingers up their nose or her tiny fist in the mouth. Especially Em, there was something about his mouth that she found absolutely enthralling— or it was the way he'd always make to bite her.
To my surprise, it was Liam who gently poked his baby sister in the cheek. She stirred, her bee stung lips forming a little 'o', but she didn't rouse. "Sista?"He offered quietly, his big green eyes meeting mine.
He recognised what sister meant, at least I think he did, but we'd only ever used the term for Ana.
"Yeah, baby, this is your new sister," I tried to offer as an explanation, but all that made him do was look at Ana.
My heart felt so full as I watched him hug himself tightly to Ana, silently mumbling 'sista' over and over again.
I wasn't really sure how this whole thing would go. I expected him to be all but attached to Bella, but even with his red rimmed eyes, making the colour pop all the more, he seemed to be stressing his little mind out of the fact that Ana wasn't his only sister anymore.
I looked up to mum for help, but all she did was look at twins little cuddle pile and smile. I didn't need her to let me experience a lesson in parenting, I wanted her advice, she'd done this before.
Better yet, she'd had to introduce Em to first me and then Ally. They can't have been easy, he was a horrible baby. He was the kind of kid that pissed on parenting books, but still, mum seemed pretty content just to watch.
This wasn't the Discovery Channel.
"Pass me the baby," I didn't hesitate as I gently passed baby over to Bella. Not surprisingly, Liam perked up when he'd heard B's voice, as he untangled from his twin and moved closer to Bella. This time, Ana followed him.
Bella, was gently holding baby, tightly swaddled as she was in one arm, shifting the blanket so baby's face was in clear view. The twins climbed up Bella's lap, until they were both peering intently at the baby.
"Son-son, Angel, this is your new sister, do you want to say hello?" Sometimes, Bella, just knew what to do.
I don't know how her introduction was any different to mine, but she seemed to get a very different response.
Liam's leaned heavily into Bella, but he refused to look away from baby. I could practically see him try and figure out what was going on.
We'd try to tell the twins that they were going to have a new sibling, but we couldn't tell if they understood the concept especially well. They were still a little too young. Baby couldn't play with them yet, she wouldn't really make a whole lot of
noise, other than cries and she was too young to really engage with them.
How on earth had mum done this?
I never really thought it about it before this moment, but Emmett and I had a similar age gap as the twins and baby. Was our introduction easy? Did Emmett hate that I took mum's attention away from him? Did he notice?
The twins were starting to gain some independence. They were well on their way to being toilet trained, they were pretty good at eating with cutlery for the most part and they liked solo play with almost as much as they liked just playing amongst each other. Especially if the toy they were playing was brightly lit and made a lot of noise.
This bed, was quite a bit smaller than the one at the hospital when the twins were born, so I couldn't crawl up to lay next to Bella. Instead, I pulled over a chair and sat next to her.
She was talking softly to the twins about the baby. I couldn't make out what she was saying, but the twins were absolutely caught up. I looked away, looking up at mum and dad, and then Emmett and gestured with my head that we should leave.
Looking at the ways the twins had hunkered down against, Bella, they weren't going to be awake for much longer. I could also, check on them in a few minutes.
I quietly followed Em out, happy he'd gotten the hint too. I left the dar door ajar as I gave Bella time with the kids.
It's like all the excitement mum and dad had been holding in, hit them all at once as they pulled me into a massive hug.
Mum was wrapped tightly around my waist, her face pressed into my chest. Dad wrapped himself around her, but I could feel his strength as he held on tight.
Then, it was like everything hit me at once, as I found myself sobbing. I didn't think it was possible to be this happy.
"There we go, that's what I was waiting for, son," I buried by head in mum's hair and just let them hold me.
Em, said something about updating the family, as I'm sure he quickly disappeared—I couldn't be sure if he went into dad's office, or out the front door though.
"I'll check on Bub, stay with your mum."
I hadn't even realised he'd let us go, but I was glad he was going to check on Bella.
"I'm sorry," I sniffed quietly as I squeezed myself tighter to mum, "I don't even know why I'm crying. I shouldn't be crying, I should be with Bella."
Mum stepped back, holding my face between her hands as she forced my to look her in the eye. She was gently wiping away my tears, "You're allowed to feel, baby, you know that. I'd rather you have your moment now, than with Bella and the kids. She has so much going on inside her right now, she wouldn't know how to handle your tears, neither will your kids."
I don't really know how much time passed as I let mum hold me. It could have been a couple of minutes, it could have been almost an hour, I really couldn't tell you.
Dad was the one who got my attention. "Son?"
"Hmm?" I stepped away from mum, giving her one final squeeze as I met dad's blue eyes.
"Bella's fine, baby is fine, the twins have both passed out with Bella." He seemed to be considering something, as he looked at me with a raised brow, "Though you could go to the hospital, I don't see any harm in you all going home today."
I was a father of three babies under three. Five years ago, I'd all but given up on being a father and then Bella happened.
I'm married, I have the kind home I always dreamed of, a wife I would give anything for—and I'd know she'd do the same—and three beautiful children.
"Home, yeah, home."
I felt mum's hand pat my shoulder, "Do you want me to stay with you two tonight?"
I was so glad mum offered, because I really didn't know how to ask. I only nodded my head in response, because I really,
really wanted mum with us.
Even if all she did was keep an eye out on the twins, any help would be amazing. I didn't care about pride, I wanted my mum.
"Let's get your family home, hey baby?" All I could do was nod.
We were going home.
***
"You're killing me here, we can't just keep calling her 'baby' all the time," Em was sitting on the floor with Toni and Ana, rough housing with the two of them. He'd been making the same argument since the day after we'd gotten home from the hospital.
Rose had tried to stop him from pestering, but even she'd given up. She wanted to know what we were naming baby almost as much as her husband at this point, we just hadn't found a name that fit.
"Let it go Em, as soon as we find a name we like, we'll let you know."
"I've been giving you great name ideas." Here we go again.
"We're not naming our daughter Daechwita, or Yoongi or August-however you want to spell it, Emmett. She should be able to have a name that's all hers and I don't think naming her after a Korean idol or song is going to give her that."
I was shocked to actually see him thinking over my words as he rolled on his back, playfully bench pressing the girls. I was burping baby, who'd manage to drink her whole bottle. She was a little guts.
Bella hadn't been able to produce enough milk to keep up with her appetite, and unlike with the twins she'd not taken to the breast too well either. We tried seeing a lactation specialist, Bella even got checked out, it just didn't seem like Bella's biology just wasn't working to either of their advantage. I could see B was sad, but not as much as I thought she'd be.
I had a feeling mum had helped assuage a lot of that guilt and sadness, because she'd been there.
We'd switched baby to formula and it had done wonders. It also freed B up a bit more too and meant I was able to assist more with feedings.
"Okay, hear me out—what about Jimin, no—Serendipity—oh, oh, Sarang—,"
"And that's a no from me," I looked up to see Bella in the doorway with mum. She had Liam on her hip as he twirled her hair around his finger. "Your Yoonmin bias is showing for one, and secondly I don't want my daughter to have a name she might hate or get bullied for, or need to live up to. Imagine all those kids who were named after rockstars. Do you think they had it easy?"
Bella had clearly put a bit more thought into it than I had. I just didn't want to name my kid something I'd be pronouncing wrong, or could possibly be offensive to someone's else's culture. I'd seen it done enough with my own culture, why would I want to do the same thing to someone else?
"Em, Bella and Edward will name their daughter whatever they want and they really don't need to run it by you." Thank you, mum.
As if to further prove my point, I finally got a good burp out of baby… followed by some well timed vomit that landed directly on Em's face.
He kind of just froze, doing his best to force his lips close so it couldn't get into his mouth. It took strength I didn't even know I had to keep my laughter at bay. Mum and Bella didn't bother stopping themselves from laughing.
The babies didn't really understand what was going on, but the three brilliant and bubbly sounds of the Ana, Toni and Liam clapping and laughing along brought a smile to everyone's face.
If I didn't know better, I would have been sure even baby was smiling too, especially with the way her lips quirked up, showing all gums.
Once I was sure she was all out of gas, I'd quickly cleaned her up and rested her over my shoulder. I could feel her warm breath against my neck as she drifted off to sleep.
"Okay, so I have one more idea right—"
"If you say Bangtan, I will hurt you." Bella cut off as she threw a spit rag at Em, so he could clean himself off. He did so quickly, before grabbing of baby wipes and wiping off his face again.
"No, nothing like that—I'm done with the BTS stuff, I swear. You'll like this one."
We all looked at Em, giving him the floor. He was determined to help us name baby, and though we hadn't actually told him, B and I weren't against the idea of him being involved with naming baby.
If he hadn't be so determined to name our daughter after BTS or the latest K-Drama he'd watched, we probably would have named her by now. He was so determined to try and sneak a Korean name by us.
He still hadn't realised that Bella and I watched K-dramas and listened to K-Pop. For the most part it seemed inoffensive and was good to have playing in the background. B, had even found a channel that just played live stages all the time.
She normally put it on the tv when she was doing her marking.
Emmett finally looked serious as he looked between Bella and I, "Manaia, I think you should name her Manaia."
How had we not thought of this ourselves?
It made sense, it kind of worked too, Anahera meant angel, and Manaia could also represent a guardian or messenger. It was beautiful—perfect!
Manaia Cullen.
Yeah, that sound really, really nice. She just needed a middle name.
"I think you might be on to something there."
When had Bella walked closer? She was sitting next to me, having set Liam down so he could play with his sister and cousin. He seemed more interested in baby—Manaia though, or perhaps torn. He kept looking from the girls, to his baby sister.
To our absolute shock, he had zero issues with baby. He was probably more obsessed with her at the moment than even Bella. If she was in the room, he was constantly looking at her. If we didn't keep her bedroom door shut when she was put down, he'd probably do his everything to stay close to her.
It was like his big brother instincts kicked in or something. He was so gentle with her, a lot more than when he was near
Topaz or his twin sister. It was like he understand on some level just how fragile she was.
"Manaia Emma Cullen," I shook my head to clear it as I looked at B. Her eyes were focused on Manaia.
Manaia Emma Cullen… Yeah, that sounded really, really good.
"Manaia. Emma. Cullen—man I'm good!" Three. Two. One. "Wait! Emma, like Em. Like me? You're naming her after me?"
The look on Emmett's face when the penny dropped, was borderline hysterical. His too big eyes, looked like they were about to fall out of his head, as the whites slowly turned red as his tears welled.
Em, wasn't exactly stoic, but it had been a while since I'd seen him tear up so quickly.
"Bro," he sniffed, which seemed to catch Toni's attention, "Bub, I—,"
He didn't get a chance to finish his statement as Bella wrapped her arms around his shoulders pulling him in close. His shoulders were actually shaking as he sobbed. Actually sobbed.
At that point, I knew something was up. There was happy tears, sure, but this went way beyond that. I looked up at mum and she looked concerned too.
I pointed to each of the kids, nodding my head towards the stairs, and mum didn't hesitate to round them up and shuffle them all up the stairs. Ba—Manaia was a pretty good sleeper, so I was less worried about her reaction to Em, than I was the kids.
Toni was always hyper aware of Em, the last thing we needed was that terrible-two-esque toddler to go full psycho in tandem with her daddy.
When she blew up—look out world! She embodied the fiery aspects of both her parents and she wasn't calming down until she completely exhausted herself.
It was as terrifying as it was amazing to watch. I was sure mum thought it was karmic retribution for some of the shit, Em, put her through as a kid.
I couldn't make out what Em was mumbling, but whatever it was, it had Bella tearing up too. Watching my brother cry hurt, but watching my wife cry along with him, that was like a rusty knife, crusted in salt forced through my heart.
I wanted to help Em, he was my brother. But I was flying absolutely blind.
I didn't even hear the front door open until, Rose was standing near the door a box in her hands.
"I brought donuts," she was smiling brightly, until she caught sight of Emmett. She was still dressed in coveralls, that she'd tied at her waist—she'd come here straight from work. She set the box down before checking on Em, her brows drawn in concern. Yet, for some reason, there was a knowingness in her eyes too.
She knew exactly why Em was breaking down.
"Rose is here," I heard Bella say as Rose knelt down next them, but Emmett didn't look like he was letting go anytime soon.
Rose looked resigned as she just looked at me, sadness filling her own eyes. I stood up, setting Manaia down in her bassinet and headed toward the kitchen. I wasn't shocked when I heard Rose following behind me.
I checked the kettle, finding it half empty and quickly filled it up. I heard Rose settle on a stool, but I choose to ignore her for now. I pulled down a couple of mugs and some peppermint tea. I knew we always had biscuits, I just didn't know where
Bella kept them. She kept moving them to stop herself from eating the whole packet in a single sitting.
I supported her decision, but loathed it at the same time. Because one, Bella had a freakish amount of self-control when it came to food, and two, I was inadvertently on the same restrictions as her because I couldn't find the snacks, even if I wanted to cheat.
I couldn't contain my little cheer when I finally found the cookies. They were wedged up behind some stale Cheerios I keep forgetting to throw out. I grabbed down some Mallowpuffs—Rose's favourite. I fished out a biscuit, holding it between my teeth as I slid the packet towards Rose and finished making our teas.
The silence was rather unsettling, but I didn't dare say anything until I was pushing a steaming mug toward Rose.
"Want to tell me why B is trying her damndest to console your husband?" That seemed like as good a place as any to start.
Rose, didn't say anything. Actually, it looked like she was having a heart to heart with her cup of tea.
She didn't even look at me, that was worrying.
The Rosalie I knew and had known since we were young didn't shy away from confrontation. Pretty sure there was a sadistic part of her that absolutely lived for it. Rose was perfectly content being gasoline in any raging inferno.
I reached over, sliding Rose's cup away from her. "Hey?" I gently grabbed a hold of her chin and lifted her face so I could get a good look at her.
When was the last time I'd had a good look at Rose? I couldn't remember. I'd seen her sure. We traded kids often, grabbed coffee if we were in the area, but when had I last looked at Rose properly.
Her tanned skin looked washed out, there were way too heavy bags under her eyes, like she hadn't slept a wink in weeks, yet her eyes were puffy too. She and Jazz had the most dazzling eyes, yet, there was this dullness to them that I'd never seen there before. Rose wore makeup because she liked it, but it looked like she'd hastily put makeup on to try to hide—and it wasn't doing a good job of masking anything either.
"I messed up," she offered, all but yanking her face from my grip, "I really messed up."
"I highly doubt that."
There wasn't a narrative that existed where Rose was the bad guy. A bitch, sure, but there wasn't anything I could even think of that she'd be capable of doing that'd bring my brother to tears. Nothing.
They loved each other too fiercely for it to be any kind of marital issue. Infidelity didn't exist in their vocabulary. They'd been each other's one and only from day one.
"But I did, I did—its all my fault, it has to be my fault." I'd never heard Rose sound so broken before, it was cutting through me. She was my sister, my best friend. She was the strong one in this relationship, she always had been.
But, I couldn't let her down now. I just couldn't—wouldn't.
"I need you to talk to me, Rosalie, please." I wasn't above begging.
I grabbed her hands and just held them in mine, holding her gaze as best I could. It took some effort, and at one point, I felt a bit like a bobble head, but she finally met my gaze.
"I lost a—," she started, only to cut herself off with a sob she fought to bite back. She shook her head, taking a few deep breaths. "I was—we were—baby."
Oh. Oh.
Fuck.
She didn't need to say anything else. I knew—I knew.
They'd lost a baby.
"Oh shit, come here." I practically dragged Rose off her stool as I hugged her as tightly as I could. "You did nothing wrong,
Rose—nothing."
Then she broke, worse even than I ever imagined. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed, her whole vibrating with the movement.
All I could do was rub her back and remind her over and over again that she did nothing wrong. She didn't want to hear that, I knew that much. I knew what grief did to a person. I remember what it felt like to lose children—even if they weren't
mine.
It crushed me—broke me. It was unlike any kind of pain I'd ever imagined. Screw physical pain, the emotional torment, to know that you lost a child—your own child. I ached as a father, which probably paled in comparison to the torment Rose had been putting herself through.
"Look, Rose, I know there is nothing I can say that'll make this any easier for you—but I want you to know that we love you, you did nothing wrong and we're not going anywhere." Rose looked up at me, rolling her eyes.
"I love you too." She sniffed, "they did an exam, Edward, I was thirteen weeks when it happened. When they checked me over after-after it happened. There was a lot of blood, too much, so they looked a little deeper—they found a lot of scaring and thickening." Warning bells were going off in my head. "They don't think I'll be able to carry a baby to term, Edward. Not again. I saw a specialist, she was blown away that I carried Toni with no issues. I'm broken, Edward."
I had so many questions, but I could see that Rose had said all she was going to say on the matter. I'd look further into it if she asked me to, but she didn't need me as a doctor, she needed me as a brother.
"How long have you two been carrying this burden?"
Rose didn't like bottling things up, so it was kind of amazing she'd sat on this. It was probably why she exploded. Now that
she wasn't forcing herself to think around it, and move past it—she probably felt all of the emotions all at once.
"We weren't actively trying, but we also weren't actively trying to prevent a pregnancy." I was happy to see Rose finally take a sip from her tea, even through her sniffles, "but when we found out we were really happy. Everything was going well, they didn't see any issues."
I reached over and wiped the tears from her eyes, gently tucking a loose piece of hair that'd fallen forward.
I didn't have the same finesse that Rose had when it came to helping people deal with their feelings. But I hoped I wasn't
making things worse.
She looked like she was calming down a little.
Rose, walked me through everything they went through. How she'd tried so hard to stop her own tears and tamp down her own emotions for Em's sake and Toni's. She wanted to force herself to carry on like nothing happened. It was so A-typically Rose, it hurt me a little.
"You good?" I eventually asked when it was obvious Rose had said all she felt like saying.
She nodded her head stealing the last Mallowpuff from my hand and shoving it in her mouth whole.
I wasn't dumb, there was a part of her that would always hurt, but she looked better—lighter. There was probably a lot that she and Em still needed to work through together and potentially with the help of a professional too. But still, I liked to think
I helped lift the burden a little.
"Oh shit, we left Em with Bella." Rose looked just as worried as me as we both ran into the lounge.
The sight we returned to in the lounge was not what we'd expected. I also had no idea how we hadn't heard any of the movement. The sofa bed had been turned out and Bella, Em and mum were squeezed on it with the kids passed out amongst them.
Mum was completely wrapped around Em, completely dwarfed by him, but she looked like she was holding him together at the seams.
I'd have to ask Bella later what he'd told her, because he looked completely wiped, she didn't look like she'd faired much better either.
When she caught my eye, she shuffled painstakingly slowly by the look on her face, to get out from under Liam. He stirred slightly, but B, got him settled in next to Ana quickly enough.
Bella gave Rose a hug, holding her as tightly as she dared, and Rose let her. They had a strong bond, stronger than I'd seen Rose build with anyone outside of our family. Which, I guess kind of made sense. They were both fiercely loyal to each other, to the point that I was almost certain Rose would take Bella's side if anything went awry between us.
"What did it?" Rose pulled away from Bella's hug, but not completely. They were still someone in an embrace.
"He wanted to name her Emma—he though you guys were going to have another girl."
Rose smiled softly, the sadness was still in her eyes, but she didn't look like a dam about to break. "We both wanted that if it was another girl."
"We can still change Baby's na—,"
"I'm gonna stop you right there before you say something dumb," Rose shoved Bella, cutting her off, "you really want to take that away from him?"
No, we definitely did not want to take that away from him. It actually meant all the more now.
I knew Rose and Em would get through this, and over this. They were two of the strongest people I'd ever met, and their relationship was solid. Unbreakable really, who else could deal with Emmett? I mean, really?
Still, they were strong. They were hurting now, and maybe always would, but they'd get through it. We'd help them.
***
The twins were sat confused on the bed, while I rocked Manaia in my arms. She was growing so big so quickly, it was still hard to believe she was two months old. Where had the time actually gone?
She was the image of Bella, right down to her button nose and I loved it. It was no secret that I wanted another little Bella, not secret at all. I didn't think it would actually happen though, especially when both of the twins got coloured eyes. All three of our kids had different hair and eye colour, it was quite fascinating how genetics worked like that.
"Okay kids, we need to plan the best anniversay present for mummy," I started quickly to a very confused audience.
Bella had gone out with Rose and Alice for brunch, so I had daddy duties. Which was somehow easier now with three kids, than it was with two. I know it had absolutely nothing to do with my skills as a parent, because I'd managed to put the twins night-time nappies on backwards—spectacular move that B won't let me live down. Though, she did agree not to tell Em.
"Now, we have a list of things we know mummy doesn't like," I started rattling the list off the twins who continued to stare at me like I was speaking a foreign language, "flowers, jewellery, money being spent on her, too much time away from you guys, not getting time with her students, too much doting—which really leaves daddy blind."
Perhaps talking this out with the twins and Manaia was not the best idea. All I'd really managed to do was build a very comprehensive list of what not to do or buy.
I'd started pacing, not that I could recall the motion itself, I just found myself traversing the room in weird little arches.
Stepping over Topaz who was pretty content to sleep in the middle of the room, and dodging the bassinet with every pass.
"Da," Ana offered, flashing me a bright smile whilst she pointed at me.
I chuckled, "Yes baby, 'daddy'."
"Appa," Liam threw out there too, watching his sister's excitement.
I smiled, I hope the two never got over the need to parrot each other one way of another.
"Yes baby, Ap—wait, who taught you that word?" I rolled my eyes, because I knew exactly who had the kind of patience to sit there saying 'Appa' over and over again—Emmett.
He'd already had Toni walking around saying, 'Saranghae' and 'Hearteu', she'd even managed finger hearts too. Emmet was leaning on his Koreaboo tendency a little too much, which was slightly worrying, in the 'please don't be immersing yourself in the new culture to get over the pain of losing your child' crutch kind of way.
But, for reasons I didn't really understand, it also seemed to help him get through the pain. Weighing up the pros and cons, there were worse things he could obsess over. Rose, didn't seem to mind too much either. She actually seemed to enjoy watching on, especially when childlike curiosity would take over when he explained new things to her.
"Okay, son-son, no more listening to Uncle Em, okay?" Liam just smiled, clapped his hands.
I needed a new tactic, because asking the kids for help to pick out Bella's present wasn't working. Charlie, was already coming to visit, he wasn't going to make Thanksgiving this year with us because he'd given the holiday to his deputy. It was also going to be his first time meeting Manaia too, which he was very excited about.
He, like myself, almost lost his mind when he first saw her. He even ran away from the computer for a solid few minutes, I'd almost dropped the call, until I'd made out his voice screaming 'Don't you dare hang up, boy!'.
He popped back up on the screen with a faded lavender photo book, it's spine well worn. He flipped through pages frantically, with a determination I'd never seen before, until he found what he was looking for.
It took him a few attempts to centre the picture in the frame. The picture was obviously dated, the colour faded and tired.
There was no mistaking it though, even without 'Bella 2 months' scrawled messily in the corner.
I couldn't wait to see how Charlie would react when he saw her in person. Well, actually, I couldn't wait to see Bella react to
Charlie's reaction. There would be tears, of that I was certain.
A teary Charlie, according to Bella, was rare as hell and yet I know I'd been lucky enough to see him cry often enough to see it as a part of his personality. Especially when the children were involved.
"Okay, kiddly-winks, you've been absolutely no help," I tried to say enthusiastically, as I helped them off the bed one at a time, "Daddy, is no closer to figuring out what to get mummy."
Guess I was taking the kids to the mall. My first solo out with all three kids, but I needed to do this without anyone's help. I was determined to do this myself.
B, was literally my life—surely I could find her the perfect anniversary present without help. Surely.
I guess we'd find out.
*
Shopping with three kids under two in tow, was an experience.
Manaia was strapped to my chest while the twins were in the side-by-side pram. I don't know why I got so many looks from people as I window-shopped around the mall, but I did. Dads, well I assumed dad's, who walked beside their partner's looked at me somewhat in awe, or jealousy. Women, seemed to fawn at me, which fortunately enough Ana did not like and she made that clear.
The only time she was calm if a woman approached was if they were old enough to be her grandmother.
Still, I was happy, Liam seemed content enough to just people watch. He hid often, squeezing his bunny plushie—that was nearly the same size as him—to his face. He peeked through it's ears, but seemed to retreat right back. It was endearing and adorable, but also, a shyness I hoped he'd be able to overcome before too long.
Manaia, somehow completely comfortable around noise and crowds, drifted off somewhere around the second shop. She was passed out in the baby sling, seemingly perfectly content.
I'd already checked all the shop windows on the ground floor, and nothing really caught my eye-or they seemed too
impersonal. Although I did manage to buy Bella a set of pyjamas, a BT21 set that I found absolutely hilarious for the simple fact it would make Emmett green with envy.
Emmett could only thank himself, really. If he hadn't shoved his phone in my face when he'd found out about BT21 when
Em was on a Youtube binge one day, showing a compilation video of BTS working with—I can't really remember which company—to create these characters, I wouldn't know they even existed.
Least of all that there was a lot of merchandise, everything ranging from lanyards and coin to purses, to plushies and pop-vinyls. Admittedly, they were cute too.
Still, I was sure, Bella, who loved dogs was going to love the Chimmy pyjama—not at all because he was Em's favourite, and she could absolutely rub that in his face.
"Well, that wasn't what I'd planned on buying her, but we'll just say it's from you kids." Because Bella, wouldn't yell at me for that, "mummy won't yell at daddy if I tell her you picked it."
It was a cheap move, but Bella was horrible to buy gifts for. It hadn't gotten any easier the longer we spent together either.
She actually got progressively harder to buy for.
What the hell do you buy someone who wants for nothing and cares very little for things? Bella didn't even like experiences either. She only liked going to the spa with Rose and Alice, because they both enjoyed it. She also hated people touching her feet, she was too ticklish—way too ticklish.
"Da" Ana craned her neck, hitting the back of the stroller to get my attention, she smiled when I looked down at her, "kai." I couldn't help but smile proudly as she patted her little tummy.
I quickly checked the time, I'm sure my eyes widened. We'd been here for an hour and a half already. No wonder she was hungry.
"Are you hungry too son-son?" Liam just peeked out from behind his bunny and nodded his head.
I guess we were going to the foodcourt, Manaia started rousing, too. So it was probably a good time to post up and regroup.
I was of half a mind to call someone for help, but really, I couldn't call the girls, because the were all together. Emmett was like tits on a bull when it came to buying gifts for anyone other Rose, and Jasper was a romantic at heart. He firmly believed that flowers, jewellery and chocolate were always welcome—which worked for Alice who loved being doted on.
Mum and Dad weren't going to be much help either.
"Okay kids," I quickly checked the temp on Manaia's bottle against my wrist, perfect, I sat her up so I could feed her, "what do we get mummy? It needs to be perfect."
"Ma," Liam said with a smile, cheeks full.
"Yes, son-son, 'mama'—and we need to get her the best present ever." Liam slid his Happy Meal toy towards me. Well, his
Happy Meal book. The kids hated the toys for some reason, yet they didn't mind the books. They couldn't read them, I just think they liked the pictures. "Do you want to give mummy your book for her birthday?"
Liam just nodded, much too familiar eyes meeting mine as her sauce stained lips pulled up in a big smile. I don't know how he managed to tuck his food in his cheeks to give me a toothy smile, but he did and it was absolutely adorable.
I wanted to take a picture so I could coo over this moment for years to come, but there was no way I was going to be able to take a photo whilst feeding baby.
Oh well, I'd just have to sear the moment in my brain.
Then it hit me. The perfect gift for Bella. A photo book. The coffee table kind that was fancy and leather bound and filled to the brim colour pictures.
I just needed the perfect photos.
Now that, I could ask the family for help with. Alice, the little photo fairy that she was took photos of every little thing the kids did.
I sat Manaia up a little more, as she finished her bottle, so I could burp her. "Burp?" Ana pointed out, testing out her new word.
"Yes, baby, I'm burping sister so her tummy doesn't hurt." I couldn't help but smile at her as she nodded her head along to what I was saying.
I understood children's milestones, I educated parents on them often enough, but I genuinely believed the twins were ahead of the curve. They just seemed to know, like they genuinely understood.
Once Manaia got all the wind out, I settled over my shoulder gently patting her back while the twins continued to eat through their lunch. Give them a bottle and they'd drink it down quickly, but when it came to solids, they took their time.
Manaia drifted off my shoulder before the twins finished their meals, so I gently slid her back into the sling to check on the twins. They were perfectly content to entertain themselves, soI left them be, pulling out my phone so I could find out where
I could get a photo book made.
It didn't take me too long to find exactly what I was looking for, the price wasn't too bad either—I'd actually expected it to cost more. The added plus was that it only took five to seven working days, which should give me plenty of time. I just needed to get photos from Alice, which wasn't going to be hard—the harder part was going to be sorting through all of the pictures to find the best ones.
"Should we go see Māmā?" It would take me five to seven days alone just to sort through Ally's photos, mum however, would only have the best available.
The twins eyes lit up as they smiled. Clapping their hands in excitement. I peeked down at Manaia, but she wasn't stirred in
the least.
So, after taking a few minutes to the clean the kids up, I settled them back in their pram as we headed out to the car. I needed photos ASAP, so I could sort out the photo book online and get it ordered.
I read through the instructions and went through the process on my phone easy enough, so I was sure I was capable. I just needed the perfect photos.
*
"Ma?" I let myself in, holding the door open for the twins as they walked inside, babbling away. "I have the baby."
Ma, rushed out of her office phone to her ear. She was quickly jotting down whatever the person on the line was saying on her iPad, "You've put a lot of thought into this, so I'd love for you send me that list you're reading off and I'll mock something up for you by," I watched as she looked back into her office, presumably at the digital clock and calendar, "let's say end of the week—Friday."
Mum was nodding along to whatever the person was saying, but it was obvious she was wrapping up the call.
Not thirty seconds later, she was down on her knees kissing and hugging the twins.
I let them get reacquainted while I walked into the living room to set Manaia down. She'd probably sleep for another hour or so, if she kept to her schedule.
"So, not that I'm not happy for you to drop by, but why are you here?"
Mum was holding the twins by the hand as she helped them down the little step into the living room. They both had big smiles on their faces as they babbled away, trying to debrief mum about their day. At least, that's what it looked like they were doing.
"I can't just drop by for my kids to see their Nanny Esme?"
Mum scoffed at me, "Of course you can, but you don't, talk."
She had me there. "Okay, fine. I was hoping you had some good photos I could use to make a photo book for Bella for her
birthday."
"I told you you'd think of something to get her."
"You're way too proud of yourself right now." Mum just shrugged as she smirked at me.
"Do you want my help?"
"Sorry, sorry, sorry," I offered quickly, walking back my snark, "please mum, I need your help."
Mum held her hand up for me to wait before she came back with her laptop. She helped me set the kids up in the play area, before we sat on the couch. It took her thirty seconds to open up her albums and start clicking through.
It only took us thirty minutes to find enough photos for a ninety page photo book. It took the two of us another hour of so to sort out the photo book online and upload all the photos—especially because of the quality.
The twins had both drifted off, Liam hugging Ana around her waist as she'd curled into them. He really was the most adorable little protector.
I snapped a quick photo. I needed to start capturing all of these moments. Especially now that I was back at work. I didn't get to spend half as much time with the kids as I wanted, but at least when I did, it was quality time.
I'd worked with administration a lot, as well as my boss to work out a schedule that gave me at least seventy two hours off in a row. It meant longer days and shorter standby times between shifts, but I'd rather that over the alternative.
It made it harder for me to help Bella, which I resented a bit, but Bella didn't seem to mind. She took to motherhood like she was born for it, especially the second time around. Her hormonal drop didn't hit her anywhere near as bad, and she'd coasted through the baby blues this time, nonplussed and all super-mum at the ready.
It had been a sight to behold. All of the reservation she'd had with the twins. All of the fear that she wouldn't be good enough, it never came.
She was confident in herself the second time around and it was so goddamn sexy.
"Hey," mum nudged my shoulder, "I lost you there for a second."
"Sorry, I was just thinking about Bella."
Mum smirked at me, grabbing my hand as she pulled me back toward the couch, she hugged herself to me. Her head resting on my shoulder. "You do get a dumb look on your face every time you see her."
"Hey!"
"Don't even," mum smiled at me, "you know I'm right—that girl is the best thing that has every happened to this family, son."
I wasn't ever going to deny that. Emmett did dumb shit all the time, but the best dumb thing he ever did was borrow a taxi and drive it to the airport. "I know, ma—I know."
"Leave the kids with me and dad, we'll take them tonight." I sat up a bit, so I could look down at mum properly, "don't look at me like that. You and Bella haven't spent a night away from Manaia since she was born. You both deserve a full nights
sleep."
"You sure?"
"Stop it, would you? I raised your brother—the three of your kids are easier by comparison."
She definitely had me there. "Want me to bring some formula or—" I stopped talking as she glared at me. "Dumb question."
"No go. Go home and cook dinner for your wife." Mum all but heaved me off the couch herself as she pushed me toward the door. Telling me all of the things that I could do to treat my wife. In the event I'd forgotten how to do so, maybe?
Who really knows.
It wasn't until the door was shut behind me as mum practically shoved me out the door, that I'd effectively been kicked out of mum's house. It was definitely a first.
I guess I needed to plan a nice dinner for my wife.
***
I had come up with the perfect plan. At least, I considered it perfect.
Mum and Dad were going to watch the kids, and Topaz. I'd cooked dinner while Bella had gone out shopping Ally and Rose at Dressmart, which was also going to be a day long affair.
The photo book had arrived on time and was absolutely perfect. I actually ordered a second, smaller one so that I could keep it in my office.
The Sav was chilled, the pav was dressed, everything was ready.
Yet, I was nervous. So nervous. It had been so long since I'd been able to spoil Bella, not that I'd ever really been able to.
She never wanted for things, she really didn't care for material possessions—something I later realised had a lot to do with Renee.
B, took after Charlie so much. She liked the simple things in life. A good meal. A movie in bed. Hugs and kisses from the kids. Time, the thing she valued above all else was time. Time with me and the kids as a family. Time with me as her husband. Quality time.
I went through the trouble of getting her a gift, and sure, a part of that had more to do with me and wanting to physically give Bella something. But, I knew all the same she was going to love it too. It manifesting a physical representation of something she loves and values so much. It captured moments and memories, it was something she could look at and smile and remember. It was perfect.
The random Chimmy pyjamas were nothing. I knew she'd like them, because who wouldn't want a yellow puppy printed on a set of pyjamas?
I didn't even realise I was pacing the length of the lounge, until my foot caught the rug, tripping me up and sending me face first into the couch. Which, as would be my luck, is exactly what Bella walked in on.
I was fine. Pride hurt, for sure, but fine.
Still, I would have much preferred Bella checking that I was okay… instead of laughing hysterically and collapsing into a puddle amongst her spoils.
Marriage.
"I'm fine," I mumbled, digging myself out of the couch and rocking back onto my knees, "thanks for asking."
I watched on as Bella, cheeks flushed red, wiped at the corners of her eyes as she smiled at me. She looked so happy and content, even if it was at my sake and really, who could possibly be mad at that?
"Sorry, baby. I didn't expect to get home and see you ass up on the couch."
I rocked back on my heels and grabbed the bags from around B, dropping a quick kiss on her lips. "Did you have a nice day?"
"I did, now I just want to see my babies," She helped herself up, while I set her bags down on the coffee table, "are they still napping?"
I shook my head, shuffling back to Bella and grabbing her hand as I led her through the living room towards the dining room. "Mum has them."
"Oh," I caught her eyes and could see the confusion there. We rarely left them with another family member without at least telling each other in advance, "Topaz?"
"Mum."
I could see the concern in her features as her brow furrowed. It was short lived though, as I pulled her closer and gestured towards the dining table.
The table was set with table settings I'd borrowed from the point, including crisp linens, silverware and stemware. I even had a bucket of ice where our sav was resting keep cool.
"Edward," she spun on her heel to look at me, "what—?"
"Happy Anniversary, baby girl."
I grabbed her hand, leading her to the table and pulling out her chair. I could see she wanted to say something, but I shook my head, waiting or her to sit down before I tucked her chair in for her. I quickly poured her a glass of wine before dropping a kiss to the crown of her head before I grabbed our food.
I'd spent the better part of a day working with one of the servers at The Point to learn how to carry plates properly so that I wouldn't need to make too many trips back and forth. Apparently, I was a natural.
If being a doctor didn't work out, hospitality was always an option I suppose.
I set Bella's plate down first. Crispy skinned salmon, a fancy mashed potato type thing I forgot the name of and some fresh asparagus. There was also a small bowl of kimchi and some white rice. Bella had become addicted to the stuff after
Emmett had taken her to Korean BBQ and now we rarely had a meal without it.
I didn't really mind, it had some great health benefits and was pretty tasty too. It did take me a while to adjust to the spice though.
I was just about to tell Bella to dig in when I remembered the seafood chowder I'd left in a bowl in the microwave. When I set it down between us, I finally gave her to go ahead to eat.
She did't even hesitate, which means, Alice probably shopped with the same single minded attention she applied to everything she did. So they probably had, at the very most, stopped for a coffee and a muffin, maybe ice cream if Alice wanted a treat herself. But, with most stores being on the 'No food or drinks' side of overcrowded and well overstocked, I doubted Alice would have wanted to risk that.
"This is really good, Edward," her cheeks were full as she offered me closed mouth smile.
I could only really nod my head in agreement, because it really was. I also was way too hungry to not eat. I'd spent the better part of the day cleaning the house and going over the recipe again and again.
I swallowed quickly, "Won't lie, B, wasn't sure it'd turn out."
"Please, you're a good cook," she scoffed at me, before taking another bite of her.
I could see she was contemplating something as she was chewing. For a second I thought she'd found a pin bone in salmon, especially when she dropped her fork.
"I didn't get you anything for anniversary, Edward—I didn't remember it was our anniversary."
I set my fork down as I grabbed Bella's hand, kissing the back of it before holding it between both of mine. "I don't need presents of gifts from you Bella, besides you've been crazy busy. Most days you can't even remember the day of the week."
She sighed heavily, "Still."
"Still nothing, I wanted to do something for my wife. My days off made that possible and our anniversary just happen to fall on a day off we had together."
"You do so much for us, Baby," I could still hear that Bella was being hard on herself, so I clutched her hand between mine a little tighter, "I just wish I could have remembered so I could so something for you too."
"Bella, the fact that you're living your best life with me and our family is all I ever want or need from you—you know this.
Besides, mum has the kids overnight, I'm sure you'll be able to find ways to make it up to me." I raised my eyebrows and got the exact reaction I'd expected as Bella ripped her hand from mine and shoved me in the chest.
I didn't want the violent outburst, but I'd done what I'd intended. Bella had eased up on herself and dinner passed by with quiet chatter as she ran me through their day. It had gone down as I'd expected. Alice was a shopping slave driver and thoroughly picked her way through every store they went into, tried on at least five outfits in each store and proceed to buy half of them. It was one of the many reasons why no one really enjoyed shopping with Alice—not even Jazz who had the patience of an absolute saint.
After dinner, we'd settled in the lounge with our wine as Bella picked a movie. I'd expected something light hearted and fun, but to surprise she'd picked a Korean thriller. Won't lie, I barely liked the English ones, I wasn't sure how I was going to handle a Korean one. I could always not read the subtitles… that was always an option.
Watching along with Bella, I wasn't sure how to feel about the film. It started out nice enough, pretty normal really. It was definitely a lot easier to zone out of a film when you can't understand the language, but there was something about the lingering pandemic metaphor that I couldn't overlook.
Maybe I was still a little too caught up about Covid, even though we were pretty lucky. But, something touched me a little I guess, I mean lockdown wasn't easy. Poor Bella was posted up with everyone else at The Point while I was pretty much living by myself at home, too scared to go home and possibly infect Bella and the kids.
I was never one to get too heavily involved in politics, but Jacinda definitely got my vote after everything she did for the country when Covid hit our shores.
I hadn't even realised I'd completely zoned out until Bella's wondering hand caught my attention. She'd been none too subtly walking her fingers up my thigh applying a little more pressure as she headed towards my cock, before walking her fingers back.
It was oddly arousing, and had me hardening quicker then I'd have guessed. Then again, despite my hints, I wasn't expecting sex from Bella. Having the kids out for the night also meant a full night's uninterrupted sleep and in my opinion that was just as good—maybe even better. Sex, was possible with the kids at home—sleep wasn't.
Bella, clearly had other plans and before I knew it I had a lap full of a grinding Bella.
Our kisses were teeth and tongues than anything else, the desperation resulting in something far from polished. It probably looked like we were mauling each others faces, as clothes were being all but torn from skin.
"Fuck," I groaned, as Bella ground down against me, lining us up just right. I could feel her warmth through her jeans and at the rate we were going I'd be coming in my pants long before I had a chance to bury myself inside her, "B."
I don't even know when our tops came off, or her bra. All I know was the feel of her soft skin pressed tightly against mine as her blunt nails tried to bury themselves in my back. I could only imagine how much damage she'd done, but the red scratches were so going to be worth it.
My hands were making work of Bella's jeans when the piercing wail of my ringtone cut through all the fun time. Mum had her own ringtone, which I always turned on when she had the kids. She'd only ring if there was an emergency.
Bella, didn't recognise the tone—not that I expected her to. She was slight though, fortunately enough, as I grasped her around the waist and shifted her off my lap and ran to the kitchen to grab my phone.
"Mum?" I answered quickly, casting an apologetic look to Bella.
It could see how it took her a few moments to connect the dots, but once she did she was searching around for her top and mine. She'd managed to fasten her bra and was pulling her top over her head as she headed toward me.
I put the phone on speaker and mum's voice cut through quickly, "Sorry to call, son—you know I wouldn't normally."
"Its okay, Ma. What's up?"
"The twins won't settle and they've got slight fevers. I can't get either of them to calm down and I swear Ana is plotting my death. Liam hasn't stopped screaming for Bella—Dad had to take Manaia in the office with him so her siblings wouldn't wake her." Mum rushed out quickly, the twins distress coming through clearly over the line.
"We'll head over now." I offered quickly, taking my shirt from Bella. The house was a mess, but we'd deal with that later.
I looked at Bella and she smiled at me.
"Duty calls."
Um hi~ I guess it's been a hot minute... or a few years. If anyone's counting.
There was a lot of recent interest in this fic again, so I dug through the archives and gave this piece some attention. Thank you to the new readers who've recently stumbled across the work and to the readers who were with me while I wrote this and started posting.
All the love in the world goes to the amazing EdwardsFirstKiss, because it's their support on the previous chapters I'll always cherish! This chapter hasn't been beta because I pulled it up, read it once and decided to post it. If I thought too much, I'd have talked myself out of it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Nic.