The soft rays of morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow on Bella's face. But she hardly noticed. Her eyes were distant, her mind clouded in a heavy fog that she couldn't seem to shake. The weight on her chest felt suffocating, like a storm that wouldn't pass. She tried to muster the strength to sit up, but her body felt like it was made of lead. She sank back into the mattress, tears silently slipping down her cheeks.
Edward watched from the doorway, his heart breaking at the sight. He could sense her pain—it was like a tangible force that filled the room. Without a word, he crossed the distance to her side, his movements as quiet as the dawn. He gently sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to take her hand.
"Bella, love," he whispered, his voice as soothing as a breeze, "let me take care of you today."
Bella's lips trembled, but she couldn't find the strength to respond. Instead, she nodded weakly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Edward's heart ached at how fragile she looked, her spirit weighed down by emotions he couldn't fully understand but desperately wished to ease. Without hesitation, he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
"Trust me," he whispered against her skin, his breath cool and comforting. "Let me help."
In one fluid motion, Edward scooped her into his arms. She was light as air to him, but he could feel the heaviness in her heart. Bella let her head rest against his chest, listening to the soft, steady rhythm that had always been her anchor. The tears she had been holding back finally spilled over as she clung to him, burying her face in his shirt.
"I'm so tired, Edward," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know why… I just feel so lost."
Edward's arms tightened around her as he carried her into the bathroom. "I know, my love. I know," he murmured, his voice gentle, like the caress of silk. "But you're not alone. We'll get through this together."
He set her down gently on the cushioned stool in front of the vanity. With the same reverence he'd shown on their wedding night, he picked up her hairbrush and began to run it through her long, soft waves. Each stroke was slow, rhythmic, almost meditative, and Bella closed her eyes, allowing herself to melt into the comforting sensation. Edward's touch was feather-light, his fingers occasionally grazing her scalp in a way that sent soothing shivers down her spine.
"Do you remember," Edward began softly, his voice breaking the comfortable silence, "how I used to brush your hair after those long nights in Forks? When it was just you and me?"
A small, fragile smile touched Bella's lips. "I do. You always said it calmed you, seeing me so relaxed."
Edward paused, leaning down to press a kiss to the crown of her head. "It still does," he whispered. "But today, it's your turn to be taken care of."
He guided her to the bathtub he had already filled with warm water, the scent of lavender rising in gentle waves. Bella hesitated, her eyes filling with tears again as she looked at him. "Edward, you don't have to—"
"Hush, love," he cut in softly, pressing a finger to her lips. "Let me spoil you today. Please."
Bella finally relented, allowing him to undress her with the same care he would a delicate flower. As she sank into the water, a soft gasp escaped her lips—the warmth seeped into her muscles, unraveling the knots that had been building for days. Edward rolled up his sleeves, kneeling beside the tub as he gently massaged her shoulders, his touch firm but loving.
"I'm so scared, Edward," she confessed, her voice cracking. "What if I can't… what if I'm not enough for them? For you?"
Edward's eyes darkened with emotion. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that cascaded down her cheeks. "Bella," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "you are more than enough. You've given us two beautiful children, and you've given me a life I never dreamed was possible. You're allowed to feel lost sometimes. But you don't have to go through it alone."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft drip of water from the faucet. Edward leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss that spoke of promises and devotion. The kiss was soft but deep, a reassurance that no matter how broken she felt, he was there to hold the pieces together.
When the bath was done, Edward dried her off with a thick, plush towel. He chose a delicate yellow corset dress for her, the fabric flowing like liquid sunshine against her skin. The vibrant color seemed to breathe life back into her, and Bella managed a small smile as Edward laced up the back.
"You look like a goddess," he murmured, his eyes roving over her with a look of awe. "Sunshine itself."
He dressed himself in a crisp white linen shirt that fit him perfectly, leaving the top two buttons undone, revealing just a hint of his collarbone. His black jeans hugged his frame, adding a casual elegance to his look. With Bella's hand in his, Edward led her downstairs.
In the living room, they were met with warm smiles from their family. Esme, Carlisle, Alice, and the others were gathered, each holding one of the twins. Little Isabella was babbling happily in Esme's arms, while Elliot clung to Jasper's shirt with a mischievous grin.
"Take your time," Esme said softly, nodding to Edward and Bella. "We'll keep these little ones entertained."
Edward pressed a grateful kiss to Bella's temple before leading her outside. He carried her into a hidden meadow surrounded by towering pines and a sea of wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. The soft sound of leaves rustling and birds singing filled the air, cocooning them in peaceful solitude.
Edward spread out a plush blanket and set Bella down carefully. He began to unpack the picnic basket, laying out an array of fresh fruits, cheeses, and a special thermos filled with warm blood for Bella.
Bella watched him with tears in her eyes. "Edward, this is… it's perfect," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Edward knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Bella, you've been so strong for everyone else. Let me be strong for you today," he said, his golden eyes full of love. "You deserve to feel joy, to be surrounded by beauty. And if it takes every moment of forever, I'll remind you of that."
Bella's tears finally spilled over, and she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she choked out, her voice muffled against his chest. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Edward held her close, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "You'll never have to find out, Bella. Not as long as I exist."
uld see the lingering shadows in her eyes, and it weighed on him.
"Bella," Edward began softly, his voice low and intimate, "there's something I need to say. Something I've kept buried because… well, I always thought it was my job to be your rock, your constant."
Bella lifted her head, her eyes searching his face. "Edward, you don't have to keep anything from me. Not anymore."
He nodded slowly, the corners of his mouth lifting into a sad smile. "I've spent so long being the strong one, trying to shield you from every dark corner of this world… but the truth is, I've been scared too. I'm terrified, Bella." He paused, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Becoming a father… it's a joy I never thought I'd experience. It's a dream I never even dared to have."
Bella listened, her fingers gently stroking the back of his hand, encouraging him to continue.
"Before you came into my life, I was just… existing," Edward confessed, his eyes turning distant as if seeing echoes of his past. "Yes, I had my family, and I loved them, but I was… lost. I had no real purpose. I was just wandering through eternity, not really living. I thought I would spend forever like that—alone, aimless."
His voice softened, eyes flickering back to Bella's as he cupped her cheek with a tenderness that made her heart swell. "But then you appeared, like a light in the darkness. You gave me something I never thought I'd have… something I didn't even know I needed. You gave me love, Bella. A reason to keep going. And now… you've given me a family."
Bella's eyes welled up again, but this time with love and understanding. "Edward, I had no idea… I thought you were always so sure of yourself, so confident in every decision."
Edward chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "That's just a mask I wear to protect you, love. The truth is, I'm terrified every single day. I want so badly to protect you, to protect our children… but I don't know what I'm doing." His voice broke, and he turned his gaze to the ground, as if ashamed of admitting his fears.
Bella's heart ached at the sight of him so vulnerable, the usually stoic and unshakable Edward revealing cracks in his armor. She reached up, cupping his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "Edward," she whispered, her voice fierce, "you've done more for me than I could ever put into words. You've given me safety, love… a place to belong. I understand what it's like to be afraid, to feel like you're not enough. But we're in this together."
He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch as if it were the only thing grounding him. "I just… I don't want to fail you, Bella. I don't want to fail them," he said, his voice cracking as he thought of their twins. "Sometimes I look at them and wonder how I can ever live up to the father they deserve. They're growing so quickly… what if I can't keep up? What if I make the wrong choices?"
Bella's tears spilled over, her love for him so overwhelming it nearly stole her breath. "Edward, you're already the best father they could ever have," she assured him, her hands trembling as they cradled his face. "You're there for them. You love them. That's more than enough. And when you doubt yourself, just remember… you're not alone in this. I'm here. We're a team."
Edward let out a shaky breath, as if a weight he'd been carrying for centuries had finally lifted. He wrapped his arms around Bella, holding her close against his chest, his lips pressing into her hair. "I don't deserve you," he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Bella shook her head, a small, teary smile breaking through. "You deserve everything, Edward. And you've given me more than I ever dreamed possible."
They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, letting the evening air wash over them. The soft scent of wildflowers and pine surrounded them, mingling with the sounds of the forest. The world seemed to pause just for them.
"I promise you, Bella," Edward said, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, "we'll get through this. The dark days, the fears… we'll face them together. And I'll be here every step of the way, even when you feel like you can't take another step."
She leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss that was both fierce and tender. "I love you," she whispered against his mouth, her voice breaking. "And thank you… for reminding me that I don't have to be strong all the time."
Edward's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I love you too, Bella. More than words could ever express."
As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, leaving the meadow bathed in a gentle twilight glow, they lay down on the blanket, their fingers intertwined. For that moment, it was just them—two souls who had found each other in the darkness, now holding onto each other in the light.
Authors Note :
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers, typically starting within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It's important to seek support, as PPD is treatable with therapy, medication, and a strong support system.
Thank you, dear readers, for joining me on this journey. Your support means the world, and I hope these stories resonate with you. Your kindness keeps me inspired to write more and share the characters we all love. Thank you for being part of this adventure.