Dr. Masen?
Edward had told me that his father was a doctor, but he was a surgeon, not a fucking obstetrician.
Could this be Edward's dad?
I might have deduced it to coincidence – Masen could be a common name, but then why would he eye me that way when he read my last name?
I positioned myself as he instructed, glancing at him as inconspicuously as I could.
He didn't look like Edward at all. Blond hair, blue eyes, he shorter than Edward, and quite generic looking. He was handsome but there was nothing special about him. Looked more like a Ken-doll to me.
Dr. Masen spread the ice cold goo on my stomach, and he gave me a weird look before he used the Doppler to locate my little peanut.
"Cullen… it's an unusual name," he commented.
Nice try with the small talk, dude…
"Oh? Never thought about it." I shrugged.
Dr. Masen was forgotten as soon as I heard rapid beating, thumping and swishing, and I grinned as something blurry yet so fucking cute appeared on the screen.
I had no fucking idea what to look for, but it was still the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Much shapelier now than my last ultrasound. I could see… but… hmm… but I was still confused, because it looked kind of weird.
"Well, everything looks great. There's the head," he said and pointed at the screen, and I willed my tears away so that I could see. "And there's the other head."
So fucking cute!
Wait.
"Wait, what?" I choked.
Dr. Masen had a furrowed brow as he looked at me, and then something dawned on him, I think. "I do apologize, but I thought you knew. You're having twins."
Twins.
Twins?
As in two of them?
Twins.
Twins!
"Oh my God," I gasped, and there was no way to stop the tears now. "I'm having two babies?" I grinned through my blurry vision.
"You are." He nodded. "Congratulations. Would you like to know the sex of the babies?"
"Yes, please!" I beamed.
Oh my God! I can't freaking wait to tell Edward… oh, and Esme!
No wonder I'm fatter than most five months pregnant women! I'm having two of them!
Well, five months and two weeks. Big difference.
Oh, my fucking God!
"It seems you're having one boy and one girl," he replied with what seemed to be a genuine smile.
I didn't care about deciphering. I was far too happy to even care.
Two babies.
Two babies.
Two babies!
Dr. Masen proceeded to point out the different parts, and informed me that they were healthy and that everything looked very well.
I was ecstatic!
"I assume you want pictures?"
I nodded furiously, already knowing the number I needed. "Could I have six copies, please?"
"Of course," he chuckled. "Big family?" he added curiously.
There was no way I was giving him shit to go on, but I could say a little that would only fuel to his questions. "I want one, of course." I grinned. "The father wants one for his wallet, and one for his office, and then one to be framed at home. One for Aunt Alice and her husband, and lastly one for Nana. My own parents have unfortunately passed on, so I'm excited for my children to have her. She's going to be the best Nana," I gushed.
Suck on that one, doc…
If he suspected that I had anything to do with the 'fucking fag' that is his son – his words, definitely not mine – then he wouldn't be satisfied with my answer. Especially since I told him about the baby's nana seeing as that would biologically be Elizabeth.
Too bad they can't see what a wonderful son they have, because Carlisle won't come closer than this to his grandchildren.
Plural! Two of them!
"Well, your husband must be happy?" he said as he walked over to the printer.
I didn't like the way he said it like a question. Dipshit.
"He couldn't be happier," I replied.
I wiped my stomach off with the wipes he handed me, and then I went behind the screen to get dressed while waiting for the pictures.
"Here are the pictures," he said. "By the way, do you have anything Irish in your family?"
Yeah, it all came when Edward knocked me up, I snickered internally. So much Irish.
But for Masen, I faked a confused expression. "Yes, actually. Half my family is Irish. How come?"
He wasn't satisfied with the answer, that much was evident. He obviously wanted me to say that my husband was Irish.
"Oh, I was just curious." He smiled, shrugging. "Cullen's an Irish name, and my wife is from there."
"How nice." I smiled sweetly. "Well, I better go call my husband. He's waiting for the news," I chuckled.
"Busy at work?" he asked then.
Wow, he just can't let it go.
"Yes, he's preparing for the new semester," I told him smugly. "He's an honorary professor at UCLA."
This was starting to get fun. Does anyone have popcorn?
Dr. Masen recovered quickly from his shock, but not fast enough for me not to notice. It wouldn't surprise me if he wished his son was a failure.
"UCLA, huh?" He smiled, but it was as fake as he was. "That's quite far from Chicago."
"Oh, we don't live here," I said. "We live in California. I'm just here on… business, and it happened to collide with my ultrasound, so my husband insisted that I saw an obstetrician here."
But apparently I saw a surgeon.
"I really must go," I said then. "Nana and Auntie Alice are waiting downstairs, and they're a curious pair," I added with a chuckle. "Thanks for the wonderful news, I can't wait to tell my family."
Then I turned around and left before he could ask anything else.
Fucker.
*o*o*o*
I told Esme and Alice everything, and I don't think I've ever heard Esme curse before, but boy, does she have a mouth on her. I was even considering covering my stomach. Once she had settled down, though, she advised that I didn't tell Edward until I came home. I agreed on that.After that, it was just two days of them demanding to know if it was a boy or a girl, but I kept my mouth shut. I wanted Edward to be the first one I told anything. And speaking of Edward. He was curious. So curious and dying to know that he called me every few hours just to say hi. I knew he was battling with himself, calling to find out even if it was over the phone, but then he always changed his mind.
*o*o*o*
This was finally the last day of my book tour, and I couldn't wait to see my Edward.Alice and I were sitting in a café, not far from the bookstore, and I savored the lunch hour Alice allowed me to have. Esme had graciously offered to take Lucy, so it was just me and Alice.
"God, this is heaven," I moaned, my mouth full of the most delicious chicken sandwich ever.
"I know." Alice nodded in agreement.
"What time do we have to be back?" I asked, sipping my water.
"Forty minutes. But it's just three more hours of signing." She winked.
My hand is dead, by the way.
I'm honored and humbled by the response I've gotten, but I'm dead.
"Oh, my God, you're the author of Soulmates!" someone gasped.
Alice and I both looked up to see a blond woman and a big burly man stand there.
"Uh, yeah, that's me," I chuckled nervously, not at all used to being recognized.
"I was at your book signing in New York last week because I was visiting my parents. Oh, and here you are now! I can't believe this. I freaking love your book. It was so good!" Then she turned to the man next to her who looked clueless. "Don't you remember, Em? The book I told you about last month that I loved, and then I got it autographed in New York."
I had to grin at the sheepish smile he gave her. "Rose, you read all the time. I can't keep up with all the names."
"Even your mother loved this book," she huffed.
I remember her now; she asked me to sign two books. One for her and one for her mother-in-law, and I remember she told me she loved the fact that she shared the name with my main character.
"I remember now." I smiled at her, and she beamed back. "You told me your middle name was Lily, right?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, like she won the lottery. "Well, it's Lillian, but my mother calls me Lily sometimes." She grinned. "I can't believe you remember me… I mean, you're Bella Cullen."
Wow, she said that like I'm freaking Gandhi.
"Wait, what?" the man said then, doing some weird double take at me. "Bella Cullen?"
I nodded, confused by his expression.
"You Irish?" he asked then.
You've got to be kidding me…
I glanced over quickly at Alice who gave me a reassuring nod.
"Half my family is," I replied to him.
"What kinda question is that, Em?" Rose chuckled like she was embarrassed.
I immediately gathered that she didn't know about my name.
"Just curious." Em shrugged. "My mother is Irish, and I recognized the name."
My fucking hell.
Just Jesus and all that shit!
Em as in Emmett? As in Emmett motherfucking Masen?
Edward's brother?
Gritting my teeth together, I stopped myself from saying something stupid… or punch him. I could take him. He might be three times my size but you don't mess with pregnant women.
"Huh, I didn't know." Rose shrugged like she didn't care.
"Rose, could you just go in there and buy us some coffee?" Emmett asked then.
Alice nudged my foot with hers, and I nodded in understanding.
He would say something.
Once Rose had gone in, Emmett turned to me.
"Are you related to the Platt's in Ireland?" he asked.
I had to give him cred for his subtle approach, but I'm not stupid.
"No, my husband is Irish. He gave me the name," I replied innocently.
Emmett's expression hardened. "Where's your husband from?"
"Ireland," I replied, not missing a beat. "I thought we already established that."
He cocked an eyebrow, his façade slipping. "Was he born there? Do you know if he's related to the Platt's? It's a big family there."
I decided to skip this fucking game, because truth be told, I was pissed off.
"My husband was born in Chicago."
"W-what? You're husband was born here?" He swallowed hard then. "What's his name?"
"Why?" I asked, feigning amusement. "Are you searching for relatives?"
His mask flew the fuck away, and left was determination and annoyance. "What's his name?" he repeated through clenched teeth.
"Here you go, Em," Rose said then, coming into view.
I couldn't stop the smug smile from breaking free when Emmett groaned in frustration.
"Thanks," he grumbled.
"We should probably head back," Alice said softly.
I nodded, stood up, and threw a twenty on the table.
Rosalie squealed, "Oh, God! You're pregnant!"
One second. That's what I allowed myself to calm down.
It wasn't a secret, and there were people noticing. I just didn't really hope she would… in front of Emmett.
"Yes, I am." I smiled sweetly at her. "I'm having twins," I added.
Carlisle knew already, anyway.
"That's wonderful." She beamed. "I just love children! Em and I have a son named Regan," she said proudly.
Regan.
This time I didn't hide what I felt, and the look I shot Emmett's way said it all. Fury, hurt, disgust.
How the hell could they? They don't care enough to allow Edward into his nephew's life?
"That's a beautiful name," I offered with a smile to Rose. "A good Irish name, too," I added, my eyes fixed on Emmett now. "It means 'king,' right?" Then I turned back to Rose. "How old is he?"
To be honest, I was curious to why they had named their son that. Esme told me that Emmett didn't care for their Irish heritage, but that name couldn't have been more Irish, and it couldn't have been more linked to Esme and Edward either.
"He's six," Rose said, pulling out a photo from her wallet.
Regan was the spitting image of his father… but I smiled when I saw his green eyes.
"He's a handsome little boy." I smiled.
"He's my pride and joy," Rose sighed with a beautiful smile. "We've been trying for more children, and God knows Emmett's parents' been on us for years about it, but so far… nothing."
I glanced over at Emmett who at least had the decency to look uncomfortable.
"I'm sure it will happen if it's meant to be," I said softly.
My phone rang then, and Alice held her hand up to take it for me. I already knew it was Edward, and there was no way I could take that here.
Once Alice was gone, I turned back to Rose and Emmett. "That was my husband. He's been calling me every two hours for the past two days, because I just found out it's twins, and he doesn't know yet. He's curious to say the least," I chuckled.
"Wow, that'll be a lovely surprise," Rose laughed lightly. "I'm sure he'll be ecstatic."
"He will." I grinned, and then I turned to Emmett. "He actually has twins in the family. His aunt is one."
"What's his name?" Emmett tried again.
This time I gave it to him.
"Edward."
"Oh, just like our little boy, Em! How awesome isn't that?" Rose squealed.
"What?" I choked out.
"Regan Edward Masen." Rose grinned, oblivious to Emmett's deathly pale face, and my furious one. "We named him after Emmett's brother. He passed away when he was in his early twenties," she added sadly.
Oh, God…
I felt nauseous as I faced Emmett yet again. Rose was forgotten. All I could focus on was the sad excuse for a human being in front of me.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I glared at him. "You told everyone he died?" I seethed. "You have got to be fucking kidding me! What the hell is wrong with you people!"
I heard Rose gasp, but all I saw was Emmett furious glare.
He actually had the audacity to glare at me. Like I had done something wrong.
"I didn't say shit! It was our parents," he growled.
"You felt the same!" I shot back. "I know everything, Emmett, and I know exactly what your parting words were to your little brother, you piece of shit!"
I couldn't stay. I couldn't face him.
I ran.
Tears burned as I made my way back to the bookstore, and when I thought about telling Edward and Esme all this, I hoped… God, I hoped this wouldn't kill him.
*O*O*O*
I managed to fill Alice in once she had returned, and then I plastered on a fake smile for the last three hours of book signing.I was tired.
I was hurt.
I was furious.
I was… not surprised when I saw three people linger in the store.
Emmett.
A Rose with red rimmed eyes.
And Elizabeth.
Esme's much more beautiful…
My security guy was on his way to escort them out, but I stopped them. I just wanted to get this out of my way before I went home.
Home to my other half.
Soon it was just the four of us in the store, although the owner and Alice stood nearby.
"What the fuck do you want?" I snapped.
I had no will or strength to go through the polite charade, but I did give Rose a small smile, because it was quite obvious she didn't know anything.
Esme's evil twin stepped forward. "Are you married to my Edward?" she asked quietly, her eyes full of unshed tears.
I didn't buy it.
"No, I'm married to my Edward 'cause he sure as shit aint yours." I sneered. "Apparently you killed him the fuck off!"
"I didn't know," Rose whimpered, pleading with me to believe her.
"I know, Rose." I nodded. "Don't worry, I'm not mad at you."
"He was a disgrace to our family," Elizabeth said "But if he's changed, I want him back so I can get to know my grandchildren."
She smiled.
She fucking smiled.
"First of all," I said, taking a step towards her. "You're the fucking disgrace, Mrs. Masen." Another step. "Second of all. You can't bring back the dead." Another step. "And third." Now I was in her face. "Over my dead body will you ever see your grandchildren. You won't ever exist to them. They will have a wonderful grandmother already. Your sister."
She gasped in horror and I smiled sweetly.
"Is Essy with you?" she screeched. "Where? I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind! How dare she keep this hidd-"
I slapped her before she could finish.
She stared at me wide eyed, a hand where I had slapped her, and I was in her face once more.
"Stay the fuck away from my family, you heartless bitch. You destroyed your son, you killed him, you made him believe he was nothing, and you told him he disgusted you. You're nothing, Mrs. Masen. Nothing. And you disgust me. Hadn't I been pregnant, I swear to all things holy, you would've been sucking face with the fucking floor right now."
I took a calming breath before I left her sorry ass in tears, and I turned to Rose.
"Here's my number," I told her, giving her my card. "Call me if you want to talk, but if this number reaches unwanted hands, don't bother to call."
I took another breath, and added more softly. "I'm sorry about all of this, and I know you had nothing to do with it. I'm sure you have questions, as do I, but I have a plane to catch. We'll talk, okay?"
She nodded and smiled timidly, and I gave her one last smile before I turned to leave.
*o*o*o*
The flight home went by quickly because I slept almost all the way, and when we arrived at LAX in the middle of the night, there was only one face I wanted to see.I saw Jasper stand there, waiting for Alice and Lucy, but as soon as I saw Edward's beautiful figure, I ran and saw only him.
He was in his beige cargo shorts, brown chucks, and a white t-shirt that hugged his muscular body, and when I jumped him, I threw arms and legs around him. His scent assaulted me, and my eyes welled up at the delicious familiarity it brought me. This was home. This was my place. I belonged here.
Good thing he's strong. He's basically carrying three people…
"Fuck, I missed you, angel," he whispered in my hair, and I just knew that he was breathing me in, too.
"I missed you, too, baby," I whimpered, my mouth seeking out his.
And once I found it, like always, I ignited. The familiar spark that I would never defy – our connection.
I swiped my tongue on his bottom lip, and he groaned parting his lips for me. Home. Passion. Desire. Love. Always mindblowing.
I felt him get hard as we made out like horny teenagers, and when I heard someone in the background snicker at us, I thought that maybe we should wait until we get home.
"Take me home," I panted.
We said goodbye to the others and then Edward took us home.
He was fidgety and looking at me every so often on the way home, and as his eyes flickered to my stomach, I knew the suspense was killing him. I also knew that – though it may be harsh – the news about the twins would cushion the blow. Yes, I would give him the bad news first. The news about his fucking family.
It took exactly two seconds once the door was closed, and we were home. Then, Edward burst.
"I need to know, angel. Is it a boy? A girl?"
Yes and yes.
But first the bad news.
Bella POV.
It took exactly two seconds once the door was closed, and we were home. Then, Edward burst.
"I need to know, angel. Is it a boy? A girl?"
Yes and yes.
But first the bad news.
"Before you freak out," I said, but he was already going pale. Damnit. "I said, before you freak out, Edward! I have news that suck, but it doesn't concern the pregnancy and it doesn't concern our marriage!" I rushed out.
"You fucking scared me, Bella," he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You don't start a conversation with that shit!"
"I'm sorry, baby," I chuckled silently. "But here's another cliché line for ya; we need to sit down for this."
His eyes were wide as they reached mine. "But it has nothing to do with our marriage or the pregnancy?" he pressed.
"I promise," I vowed.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Okay, let's sit."
Edward POV.
I can't really say I'm a religious man, but I do believe someone's blessed my sorry ass.
In less than two years, I found my soulmate, married her, moved to our dream house in Los Angeles, found two jobs that I love, and I have my two closest friends just a two minute walk away.
At first I feared it would be weird to get to know Alice. I thought it would be weird for us all to live so closely with our past. But I was wrong. It feels natural. There's no awkwardness, nothing's missing, and we're not weirded out. Oh, and then there's Alice. I think we were all surprised when she and I bonded like siblings. I really didn't think that would be possible, but that annoying little devil is needed in my life just like Jasper. We're both stubborn as hell, and we truly go at it like siblings. I fucking love that little chick. But man, she can be too much.
Also, there's Esme. My Aunt Essy that I had missed more than I ever realized. It truly felt like I had found home. It was humbling, overwhelming, and… goddamn amazing. She's still the free spirited woman that mothers me. I'm still her 'Red' as she called me when I was little. And we're blood related. I never thought it would matter but it really does. Especially when you loved what you thought you had lost.
But nothing will top the day my wife told me she was pregnant.
Nothing.
But it was just that. My wife told me she was carrying our baby. My wife. My baby. Our family.
Sometimes when I go over to Jasper when Alice is playing dress-up with Bella, we can just sit in his back yard and say the fucking words. We're married to our soulmates. He's a dad. I'm about to be one. Over and over, we just repeat the words.
It's like neither of us can wrap our heads around it.
We're just two blissfully happy bastards… that are afraid that our bubble will burst. And though we both live like today could be our last, we're honestly scared shitless that something will ruin it. We don't walk around fearing this every minute of the day, but like I said, it sure as hell makes us sure that we really appreciate what we have, because we fucking love our lives.
So, don't go apeshit on my ass for freaking out when Bella says 'Before you freak out…'
Yeah, right.
I led her into the living room, planting my ass on the couch, and pulling her with me so she could straddle me. As long as she was close, and I could have my hands on her belly, I could handle things.
"Get the shit out before I freak out again," I chuckled nervously.
She smiled ruefully before sighing, gathering her thoughts.
Then it all came out quickly. "I met your biological family in Chicago, and I may or may not have slapped Elizabeth."
I didn't allow myself to react to that before I had asked a few questions. "Is the baby fine?"
She stared at me like I had grown two heads but nodded nonetheless.
Good.
"Are you and me okay?" I asked then. I just needed to be clear.
"Yes, Edward, I promise." She nodded and gave me a reassuring smile.
Okay. Okay, my family is fine, and that's all that matters.
Now, to the other thing. The fuckery.
She met… those people? What the fuck?
"How- when- why-" I managed to choke out.
And then she told me.
Everything.
They killed me.
They told people I had died.
Was I that worthless? So easily disposed of?
Apparently.
Bella POV.
I saw exactly what he was thinking, so I did what I deemed fitting at that minute.
I fucking slapped him.
He blinked several times in shock.
"What the hell, Bella! Did you just slap me?"
It wasn't that hard. Okay, it was kinda hard, but I needed to get a few things out.
"Get over it," I told him. "And don't you fucking dare to think what you're thinking!" I seethed.
He blinked again, rubbing his cheek, still shocked. "That fucking hurt," he grumbled.
"Good," I huffed. "You needed it. Are you ready to hear why?"
"Yeah, an explanation would be good right about now," he snapped.
How dare he?
He snapped at me!
Edward POV.
She slapped me.
My wife fucking slapped me!
Here I was, minding my own business, and she slaps me?
Fuck that.
"Did you just snap at me?" she asked incredulously.
"Get over it," I mimicked from her earlier words.
Damn, she was annoying now. Too hot for her own good, too. Damn pregnancy making her look like a goddamn goddess.
Fucking shit.
"Explain," I demanded.
"You were preparing yourself to walk the blues, right?" she asked with narrowed eyes. "After I told you, I could just see you start thinking less of yourself."
My wife knows me.
Apparently.
"No," I lied.
"Bullshit," she snapped. "I know you, and you may be the all-knowing doc, but I'm your wife, goddamnit. I can read you like an open book. You were thinking that you basically sucked, am I right?"
"No," I mumbled, looking down.
"The truth!" she hissed.
"Fine!" I groaned out, dragging my hands through my hair.
Damn, she just won't quit.
"Your so called family can go fuck themselves if they don't see what a wonderful man you are. Don't fucking let them drag you down."
I sighed, looking up to read her face.
She meant what she said.
She really loved my sorry ass.
"You saying you wouldn't kill me off?" I joked half-heartedly.
"Do you want me to slap you again? Because so help me I will," she threatened, raising a finger at me.
I gulped and shook my head. "Not necessary, ma'am."
Sighing and looking at me seriously, she added, "I understand that this hurt you, baby. But talk with me or… anyone. Don't close yourself in, okay? Your real family is here, right?"
She was right, of course. She always is.
"There are so many good things, Edward," she added softly. "With you, I mean. And nothing of that comes from the people in Chicago. That's all you. It wasn't Elizabeth or Carlisle who made you into the perfect man you are today. And it sure as hell wasn't Emmett who made you a brother. That was Alice." She smiled beautifully, only making me relax further. "Esme's your mother for all intent purposes, and Alice is like a sister to you. I'm your wife, and Jasper is your best friend. We're your family. That's what matters, right?"
"You, my dear, are right," I chuckled, in awe of her perfection. "You always know what to say, huh?"
"Of course. I'm a woman, aren't I?" she scoffed playfully.
She hesitated then, eyeing me carefully before continuing seriously. "There's one good thing coming from all of this, though." She paused. "I really think Rosalie is a good person, and I don't think we have to wait long before you have your nephew in your life."
I nodded in thought, thinking about that Em had a son. That piece of news really shocked me. And it kinda made me wonder what his take on this whole thing was.
Bella had explained that he seemed to be weak, not really voicing his own opinion when Rosalie and Elizabeth talked. And that didn't surprise me. Emmett was always Carlisle's favorite while I felt more drawn to Elizabeth and Esme. But Emmett was always more gullible. He ate every word that Carlisle fed to him. And though both Emmett and I were successful athletes in school, Emmett didn't feel successful until Carlisle praised him.
Had nothing changed? Did he still need reassurance all the time? Did he even have a mind of his own?
Did he still drink?
I sighed, not wanting to think about that anymore, and turned back to my angel who was rubbing her stomach with a smile on her lips.
It was time to find out.
"Can you please tell me now?" I smiled, caressing her baby bump.
She gave me a beaming smile before nodding. "Absolutely. Can I first tell you about what Esme did on the flight back home?" she asked excitedly.
"Sure," I chuckled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"She felt my belly," she said, giving me a pointed look.
I understood.
This was Esme. She had this thing where she could feel personalities, and for some reason she could know things about you by just touching your hand. Anthony for instance roughly translates to 'greenish,' and she named me Anthony before I was even born, just knowing that I would have her green eyes and Irish traits. And the fact that she felt Bella's stomach could only mean one thing.
"For names?" I asked curiously.
She nodded excitedly. "She gave me two names. She couldn't decide on just one," she said cryptically. "But yes, if it's alright with you, it will be Irish all the way."
I couldn't stop smiling. Grinning like a fool was more accurate. Bella wanted to name our child after our Irish traditions? And she asked if it was okay?
How could it not be okay?
"Can I hear the names first?" I asked, ready to decipher them for personal traits.
My Gaelic was far from even intermediate, but growing up with Esme, you got to hear a lot about names and its meanings.
"Esme told me you would ask that," she laughed. "You wanna guess, don't you? You think hearing the names will let you know if it's a boy or a girl and what personality he or she will have?"
I may have nodded like a little boy.
"Okay." She grinned. "Ceara and Ailín."
My immediate thought was that the names were very beautiful of course, and I was curious if the idea was to give our child one of those names as a middle name of first name. My second thought was that they were both family names. Esme's grandmother was named Ceara, and though I never met her, I've heard many stories about her. And Ailín was the name of Esme's uncle.
But I couldn't decipher them. Well, Cara – closely linked with Ceara – means friend in Gaelic, and it's a girl's name. But more than that I don't know… I think. Except that Ailín is a boy's name.
So… one girl's name and one boy's name? Well, that doesn't really help me at all.
"What's the verdict?" Bella asked, quirking an eyebrow.
I frowned. "Beautiful names but my Gaelic is too poor for me to figure them out."
Damn it.
"Shall we start with Ceara?" she suggested.
I decided to play along, because she was obviously trying to kill me with the suspense. "Yes, Cara means friend, and it's a name linked with Ceara, so I don't know if Ceara means something similar. And I would love it if our daughter would be named that. But it's up to you, baby. I personally love Irish names, but don't name him or her just because of where I come from."
"Oh, we're talking about first names here," she assured. "I love them both."
"You really wanna give our child an Irish name?" I asked, hopeful and excited as hell.
"Yes," she laughed. "Like I said, I love the names. However," she paused for dramatic effect, "Ceara means something else."
My mind spun fast as hell as I – again – tried to figure it out, but… hmm… maybe… yes, all I could come up with was fire.
"Fire?" I asked.
"Close." She beamed. "Fiery red. Esme is positive that another 'Red' is coming. But also that it will fit the personality."
"Let me get this straight," I chuckled. "If we have a girl, Esme believes she will have my fucked up hair, and she will be a wild child. Correct?"
"Yes!"
"Okay." I grinned, loving how into this Bella was. "So, what about Ailín? Esme couldn't decide on one name?"
"Exactly. She didn't understand why, but she got the feeling of two names. So, anyway. Ailín means 'rock,' and Esme could feel him being a confidant. A person to rely on through thick and thin."
"Sounds like great personalities," I murmured. "And I guess you hold the answer."
"I do." She smirked.
Then she said nothing more.
I was going insane.
"Bella!" I exclaimed, unable to hold it in. "Could you just tell me already?"
I could literally see her bursting with joy, and then she even clapped her hands… sort of like Alice when she's excited.
"Baby, we're having twins! A boy and a girl!" she squealed then.
Say what?
Twins?
As in two children?
One of each?
Boy and a girl?
Huh.
Twins.
Daddy to Ceara and Ailín Cullen.
Oh, God.
Twins!
We're having two children!
"Are-" you kidding me, "We're having-" twins? "Holy-" shit! "Please say you're not kidding!" I choked out, cradling her face close to me as I frantically searched her face.
"I'm not kidding, Edward. We're having a boy and a girl." She smiled through her teary eyes.
I had never seen anything so beautiful.
"Twins," I breathed out, feeling my mouth turn up in a wide smile. "We're having twins."
She nodded.
I couldn't speak.
So, I kissed her. Hard.
Edward POV.
"Twins," I breathed out, feeling my mouth turn up in a wide smile. "We're having twins."
She nodded.
I couldn't speak.
So, I kissed her. Hard.
"Fuck, I love you," I mumbled in between kisses. "You have no idea how happy I am, angel."
Bella kissed me back with eager, our kiss turning frenzied, and of course it affected me.
"I need you," she whimpered in my mouth.
You read my mind, angel…
"I need you too, beautiful. Let me take you here on the couch," I breathed as my hands roamed her body.
Bella broke the kiss abruptly and started unbuttoning my pants, and I lifted myself up so she could pull them down.
I was rock hard, and seeing Bella lick her lips at the sight of it… well, I twitched.
Urgency.
"Get those fucking clothes off," I demanded.
She complied, standing up and smiling at me coyly while she stripped in front of me.
She knew exactly what it did to me when I saw her naked body, especially now that she carried our children in her womb. And it made me think back on the week before we left for her book tour when Bella had arranged a camera in our bedroom. It wasn't a video camera, no, this was a regular one, and it was set on taking a picture every ten seconds as we made love. I have never seen anything more erotic and beautiful than us two, embracing while I'm inside of her from behind, and one of my hands caressing her stomach.
Safe to say, we developed a bunch of copies – in color, sepia, black and white – and I fucking love them all.
"Fuck, you're beautiful, Bella," I whispered as my eyes raked her naked body.
Flawless skin, bare flesh…
"Come here," I said, holding my hand up for her.
She took it as she straddled me, and I kissed it before I placed her hand on my cock.
Leaning in to capture a nipple with my mouth, I moaned as she worked my cock slowly, all while I savored the taste of her skin. It was always the same spark that ignited and me, and even though it was always there, it still had me elated and surprised. I never took it for granted. I never expected it. But it was there.
Sucking and kneading her sensitive breasts with my mouth and right hand, I brought my left hand to her wet pussy, and damn, she was soaked for me.
"Please, Edward," she moaned, throwing her head back in pleasure as I started fingering her.
What a sight…
Okay, I really need her now.
"Get up, baby," I told her.
Helping her up, I then led her around the couch so she could hold the back of it for leverage.
"Bend over for me," I said, smirking when she moaned.
Yeah, I knew how much she loved it from behind.
Standing behind her, I coated my cock in her juices, teasing her entrance while I reached forward to kiss her neck. "You ready for me, angel?"
"What do ya think?" she huffed.
I growled at her tone and struck her ass with my hand once, twice, three times.
"Behave," I snapped.
"Fuck," she whimpered. "I'm sorry."
"Good girl," I praised before filling her in one quick thrust.
Fuck.
"Oh, God!" she moaned.
"No, Bella. No fucking God," I gritted out. "You're gonna scream my name. You got it?"
"Yes! Oh, fuck yes, Edward!"
"Much better," I grunted lowly as I set my pace.
I hadn't been inside my wife for almost four days.
This would be hard and fast.
Very hard, actually, I thought as I tightened my hold on her perfectly curvaceous hips, slamming into her tight pussy without any restraint. And soon it was only her breathless whimpers and needy moans, my grunting and groaning, and the sound of our skin slapping together that filled the air. They were sounds that drove me fucking insane with desire for the goddess I was pounding into.
Then there was the intoxicating smell of her arousal. Sweet wetness seeping out, coating my cock as well as trickling down her thighs. More. Always more, goddamnit. Harder. Longer strokes. Angling to reach deeper. So fucking tight. Slick. Consuming heat. Tingling. Panting.
Sweet spot found.
My kinky angel was getting desperate, meeting my every thrust.
"Edwaaard! Oh, oh, fuck! More!"
Yes.
Yes.
Fuck yes.
Spreading her wetness on two of my fingers, I teased her clit relentlessly while throbbing cock moved inside of her, and when I got even greedier, I sucked on those delicious fingers before retrieving more of her juices. No, I need to feel more.
And with that conclusion, my fingers left her pussy.
"Touch yourself," I panted before pushing my slick fingers into her ass.
Tight.
"Holy-… Oh, yes!" she gasped.
Constricting and squeezing my cock and fingers hard, her pussy pushed me closer and closer.
So close.
We were both teetering on the edge.
Yes.
Closer.
We're there.
"Goddamnit! Milk my cock, baby girl," I groaned loudly, my head lolling back as I fell over the edge. "Fuck, yeah."
"Fucking God, Edwaaard!"
She came hard, clenching and pulsing around me, taking everything I spilled into her. Heaven. Bliss. Tingling, exploding. So hot.
It left us panting and desperately grasping for air as we came down, and I could feel that we were both just so fucking spent.
"You okay, angel?" I breathed, rubbing her hips softly as I kissed her spine.
"Mmhmm, perfect," she sighed sleepily.
I smiled against her back, kissing her skin softly once more before pulling out of her, cleaning us both off, and then I carried my wife to our bed.
My wife who was carrying out two children.
*o*o*o*
The next few months passed quickly. Very quickly.Everyone was ecstatic with our news about the twins, and Esme and Alice wasted no time in asking which rooms were to be the kids'.
This caused a little debate between Bella and me.
A topic I only argued because I wanted to appear as the ever loving gentleman, so when Bella won the argument, I wasn't exactly mourning.
It concerned our playroom where Bella and I played out every dirty fantasy we could conjure. It was a room we both loved disgustingly much. We were insane in there. Toys. Role playing. Stripper pole. Bella's cockteasing wardrobe full of naughty outfits and barely-there lingerie. A padded wall for comfort. Furniture bought for a certain purpose. I was her inspiration for when she wrote, and she was what satisfied my every kinky need.
It was even soundproof.
So, the issue was 'keep it or lose it.'
Bella put her foot down and said that not only did she want it, she needed it.
I was with her on that one, 100%. Just thinking about our playroom has my cock twitching.
But the loving husband in me… or father-to-be in me argued – albeit weakly – that our children needed separate rooms.
She agreed that we needed two rooms for our children, but she downright refused to give up our playroom.
In the end, we decided that we didn't need two home offices, so when the day comes for Ailín and Ceara to have their own rooms, we'll just move Bella's things into my study, and then we'll share that.
I was more than fine with that.
So… Esme and Alice wasted no time in turning our empty bedroom upstairs into a nursery, decorated in light green and white with a few baby yellow details. And it turned out beautiful once the women were done with it. Yeah, I kept my ass out of there, because those women had claws they liked to use if you accidently said the wrong thing.
*o*o*o*
"Yes, Margaret?" I said to my receptionist… who happens to love my intercom.Even to announce that she's going to the bathroom.
"Dr. Cullen, I have a woman here asking for you, but she doesn't have an appointment."
"Does she have a name?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
I just wanted to be home with my Bella.
Due date has arrived.
"Her name is Rosalie Masen."
I blinked slowly.
"Dr. Cullen?"
"Uh… yeah… uhm, when's my next patient?" I asked, my mouth suddenly dry.
"12:30," Margaret replied.
I checked my watch.
Twenty minutes until then.
"Send her in," I told her.
"Will do."
What the hell is she doing here?
Over the past few months, Bella and Rosalie had spoken a few times over the phone, and though I never really figured out Rosalie's motive, I knew that Bella wanted to meet Regan, my… nephew.
To me it's been too much to think about. I have my family here. Nothing for me is in Chicago. Not that I have anything against either Rosalie or Regan, because I don't. I don't even know them.
Am I saddened by the fact that I have a nephew that I wasn't told of?
Of course. Family has always been important to me. It's in my core. But thanks to my past, no one's given me a chance to show that I'm a family man.
The door opened then, and in walked a timid looking woman. Blond. Blue eyes. Emmett's type.
But something told me that Rosalie wasn't an ordinary blond airhead.
"Edward?" she inquired timidly, standing in the doorway.
"Yes. Come on in, Rosalie," I said politely, not having a fucking clue on how to act.
I stood up, thinking we should sit on my sofa instead of me behind the desk. This was no therapy session after all.
"Have a seat," I said, motioning for the sofa.
But it was too close, I thought as I approached.
I settled for the chair next to the sofa instead once.
"I guess you wonder why I'm here," she chuckled nervously, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
She looked exhausted. And not just from a flight.
She didn't strike me as one to wear sweatpants and a hoodie, but what do I know? I'm just analyzing.
Habit of mine.
"I'm… a bit curious, yes," I replied gently.
Fragile. Yes, she seems fragile, I noticed.
"It's quite a long story, and I know you're busy." She smiled apologetically. "Sorry for just dropping by, by the way… I came straight from the airport, and Bella didn't answer her phone."
I nodded, knowing that Bella was with Alice, and that Alice took care of the calls so that Bella could relax.
"It's okay."
I mean, what else was I suppose to say?
Rosalie seemed to struggle with her words, but eventually she rushed it all out. "Ever since I met Bella, it's been hell in Chicago… I demanded answers from Elizabeth and Carlisle, because Emmett wouldn't say a thing…" Shaking her head slightly while looking down, she sighed, "Once I found out the whole story, I sorta got into a huge fight with Em. I wanted to know how a family could just…" She paused, seemingly having issues with my parents' opinion. "I mean, seriously, who the fuck cares, ya know?" She didn't appear to talk to me. Just thinking out loud. "God, I'm not making any sense," she sighed before looking up from her lap. "I'm just saying that I got mad for how they treated you. And what brought me here is that I need help to understand my husband.
"I asked him if he would kick Regan out if he came home with a boyfriend one day." She choked on the last word, her eyes welling up, and I frowned in both concern and confusion.
I had to ask, though I could guess her answer.
"And what did Emmett say?"
Tears spilled over as she replied. "He said that if Regan turned out to be gay, Emmett wouldn't have a son anymore."
Motherfucker, I sighed internally, rubbing my face tiredly.
I wasn't surprised. But to say that about your own son…
That's disgusting to me.
"And that's why you came here?" I wondered quietly.
She nodded hesitantly, "That, and uhm… I sorta had to get away 'cause of Emmett's drinking."
Not surprising either.
Emmett turned to alcohol as soon as anything remotely bad hit him, even when he was younger.
But…
"Where's Regan?" I asked, hoping to hell she didn't leave her son with Emmett.
"He's right outside," she replied, motioning for the door. "Your receptionist offered to look after him. I knew you were busy, and we were going to go to a hotel right after."
Damn, this is a lot to process.
"Alright," I sighed. "Well, I have a patient now, so why don't you check into a hotel…" Gauging her expression, I added, "I would really like to talk more. I'll have to call Bella to make sure, but how about we meet up for dinner later?"
"I would really like that." She smiled softly. "Uhm, I know Bella's due date is today, so don't feel pressured. We're here for a couple of weeks at least."
My mental list was full of questions right now – like, doesn't Regan have school? – but I would just have to ask later.
"I'm sure we'll work something out," I said, smiling a little. "How about you call my receptionist later when you're settled in. Maybe I could stop by the hotel restaurant, and we can talk some more."
"Sounds great. Thank you, Edward," she replied gently. "Oh, and give Bella my best."
That's a name that has me smiling.
"I will."
*o*o*o*
"Baby, you can't sit in the car forever. Just go in there."Yeah, I'm such a man right now – sitting outside the restaurant where I'm meeting Rosalie in five minutes, and I can't leave my car.
"But maybe you'll need me," I argued petulantly. "Perhaps I should just come home."
"Or maybe you should listen to Rosalie who flew a gazillion of miles, not to see her parents, but to see you. She's obviously not here for comfort. She could've chosen her parents for that. But she didn't. She flew to LA. Now get your sexy ass in there."
Didn't you know? Gazillion miles separate Chicago from LA.
"Yes, ma'am," I sighed. "You call me-"
"I'll call you as soon as something happens. I promise, Edward."
I know she's rolling her eyes at me right now. I just know.
"Love you, angel," I said… and pouted even though she couldn't see me.
"Love you more, Edward. I'm gonna have dinner with Ali and Esme now. Call me later, kay?"
"I will. Bye."
"Bye, baby," she sang.
Yes, she's enjoying my discomfort a little too much if I may say so.
Bella at nine months pregnant is a little sadist, I snickered to myself.
Five minutes later, I was standing in the restaurant, and I spotted Rosalie at the bar.
Edward POV.
Five minutes later, I was standing in the restaurant, and I spotted Rosalie at the bar.
No Regan.
Huh.
"Rosalie," I said as I approached.
She spun around on her stool, seemingly surprised that I showed up.
Still looking exhausted, I noticed.
"Edward, I'm glad you came," she replied timidly. "I hope the bar is okay. Their grill is open if you're hungry, but I didn't wanna go in there dressed like this," she added apologetically, glancing down at the same outfit she wore before.
Did she leave in such a rush that she didn't pack?
Did Emmett do something?
"No worries," I assured, still thinking how fragile she seemed. "I'm not really hungry anyway."
I sat down next to her by the bar, ordered a beer – because that was very much needed – and then I could relax slightly.
Rosalie fidgeted nervously, making me uncomfortable in the process, and sipped her drink – her eyes downcast, so I figured I'd just approached the damn subject.
"Where's Regan?" I asked, starting out slow.
"Oh, he's sleeping. Long day," she explained. "But he knows how to reach me, and where I am," she added, like she felt I would judge her or anything.
I don't judge. I'm not a Masen.
"I have to ask, Rosalie…" I frowned. "Did Emmett do something? You seemed to leave in a rush."
"No, no, nothing like that," she said, shaking her head. "It's just that he's a loud drunk, and we had to get away from the shouting… And when we arrived at O'Hare, I decided on a flight to LA instead of visiting my parents in New York." Glancing up at me hesitantly, she continued. "I guess I came here to… understand more… to understand why Emmett's so weak? Maybe not weak, but he seems to need reassurance all the time, and when he doesn't receive it, he turns to drinking, and I can't have my son around that…
"Was he that way when you were younger, too? Did anything happen?"
Thinking it over, I didn't think anything happened in that sense. Emmett's just always needed dad's approval of everything.
"I really don't know," I sighed, frowning. "I mean, I haven't seen them in ten years. I don't know how they are now, if they have changed… But what I do know is that Emmett's always relied on Carlisle's opinion."
She nodded, taking it all in maybe.
"How were you growing up? You and Em."
I shrugged. "I wouldn't say we were really close. He's four years older than me, and when I started High School, he was on his way to pre-law at Harvard… I guess those four years always meant that we were never on the same page," I concluded.
"Besides," I added, "we never really shared the same interests except for baseball. He was the ultimate frat boy, and I had my music, my reading, and the baseball team."
She was quiet for a while, her lips pursed, brow furrowed like she was solving a math problem.
"See, that's what I don't understand," she murmured. "You say he was the ultimate frat boy… That's what I thought first when we met… But he was so serious. He shied away from fun."
"Did you meet in New York?" I wondered, knowing she's from there, and that Emmett went to law school there.
"Yes, he was interning at my dad's law firm in New York while he was in his last year of law school," she explained.
This must have been the exact year I left Chicago, I thought.
I was twenty-three when Jazz and I moved to Seattle, having graduated a year early, and then interned while waiting for Jasper to graduate.
I suddenly understood more.
"It was Carlisle's dream to have his sons in either the medical field or something as fancy… like a lawyer. I don't think Emmett really wanted to be a lawyer, Rosalie."
"That would make sense," she mumbled quietly. "It always seemed like he was denying himself stuff."
We could take wild guesses all night, and it wouldn't bring us anything. She was here to understand, to know more, and to make a decision regarding her son, but I knew I wouldn't be able to give her understanding.
Does Emmett need help? Well, obviously. You don't tell your wife that you would disown your son if he came home with a boyfriend. But I haven't seen the man in almost ten years. I don't know how he changed or if he changed.
He's still weak, though, that much is quite clear.
"In my professional opinion, you won't come far without discussing this with Emmett, Rosalie," I told her quietly. "But knowing the brother I grew up with, you would probably have issues even broaching the subject. He would probably think it's a weakness to seek help. And that is what Carlisle's done to him."
This she seemed to understand clearly. "Yes, Carlisle sure is a part of my marriage I could live without. He has an opinion on everything."
I chuckled somewhat bitterly, realizing that Carlisle hadn't changed one bit. "He was always like that."
"What would you do?" she asked bluntly.
I sighed in thought.
What would I do if I was her?
Well, it's fucking clear that Carlisle's a huge influence on Emmett, and not in a good way. And I'd say Emmett's bitter. And weak.
"Emmett needs distance from Carlisle." I shrugged. "He's obviously ruling Emmett."
"Yes," she replied, disgust clear on her face, "I never thought marrying Emmett would give me a Carlisle."
It hit me then…
Holy shit, I muttered internally. Emmett could be blaming me for this.
After I was disowned, Emmett had to deal with Carlisle alone, and he was never strong enough to stand up for himself. And after I had failed my parents, they probably pressured Emmett relentlessly with him being the 'only son' left.
I could imagine Carlisle doing that. And I could imagine Elizabeth obeying him like always. That's what she did. Not a fucking backbone in that woman.
Did Carlisle pressure me?
Sure, but I never let it rule me.
I entered the medical field because I wanted it. Although, Carlisle wouldn't call being a therapist is something that deserves a Doctor's title.
"It'll be impossible to figure this out," I sighed. "You only know Emmett and our parents from after I left… And I only know how they were before you met Emmett. I don't know how they dealt with my 'death,'" I chuckled humorlessly. "And I don't know what they've told people."
Fuck, I just really want my wife right now…
"They never really talked about you," Rosalie mumbled, shaking her head. "All I knew was that you had died in a car accident when you were twenty-three."
God, I wish it didn't hurt to hear it. My parents don't deserve to have me broken, because that's what Carlisle wants. Yeah, Bella told me about Carlisle's reaction to when she told him I was a professor at UCLA. Of course they want the outcast son to be a failure.
But I'm far from it.
I have everything I want.
But it still fucking pains me that they actually killed me off. It's not a goddamn sitcom. Couldn't they have told people their truth? That I was the fuck up son who came home with a boyfriend…
No, that would've hurt Carlisle.
Kill the son instead. Turn it into a sad tragedy where poor Carlisle and Elizabeth can get some pity instead.
Bella would scold my ass if she could read my mind now.
"You need to talk to Emmett," I sighed. "You need to let him know that if he doesn't straighten up as a father and a husband, you'll seek help elsewhere. However," I said, emphasizing however, because this was important, "that's the advice I would give you as the mother you are.
"Knowing Emmett… I don't think he'll react well to an ultimatum, but having your son near him when he drinks…" I trailed off.
Rosalie nodded thoughtfully before replying, "I figured you would say something like that… And though it pains me, because I'm pretty sure Emmett will react badly like you said, but… Regan's my first priority, and I'd rather go through this mess now when Regan's still young, and not later when he's a teenager, and the problems are bigger."
I was glad to hear the love she felt for her son, and how unconditional it was. That may be something to be taken for granted, but I know that's not the case. God knows I couldn't take my own parents love for granted. It had limits.
"How's your son handling all this?" I asked gently. "Does he know something's wrong at home?"
"Oh, he knows." Rosalie nodded remorsefully. "I've tried to hide as much as possible, but Emmett doesn't really care if Regan hears our fighting or not."
"Children are very perceptive," I said in a comforting voice. "I don't think it would've mattered if he'd heard anything. They know anyway just by how the tension is at home."
She was quiet for a while, sipping her drink, and it sorta pained me that she had to deal with my fucked up family all alone… with a child.
But she doesn't have to be alone, Bella would say now. And I would agree.
Of course.
"We'll help you," I said. "You shouldn't go through this alone, and it will be easier for Regan as well if you're not alone. We can set up a guestroom in one of our studies."
"Oh, I don't want to impose… I'll just go to New York. My parents can help us."
"Can they help you when both Carlisle and Emmett fly out there with their threats and check-books?" I challenged gently, knowing full well how ruthless Carlisle could be.
Rosalie's father may be a lawyer, but so is Emmett, and Carlisle's sitting on a goldmine.
I might not have seen them in ten years, but I know I can stand up for myself. Especially when Carlisle starts his games.
Rosalie's face fell.
"That's what I thought," I murmured. "Besides, Bella would love to see you. She really loves it when you guys talk."
That was the first time I saw Rosalie smile genuinely.
I guess Rosalie likes those phone calls, too.
"Maybe you should talk things over with Bella first, I mean, the babies are due…" She smiled.
"I know my wife," I chuckled. "She would detach a certain part of me if I didn't offer our assistance. She's quite creative when she's pregnant."
Finally the tension lifted, and Rosalie agreed to come stay with us.
Since it was late, Rosalie said she would come over tomorrow, and I left all my numbers with her, not knowing exactly if we would be home or not.
After paying our bill, I made my way home feeling… good. Really good. And I had to say it felt heart warming to hear Rosalie say that Regan's been asking about me. Even better was it that Rosalie put her foot down when Carlisle apparently didn't want Regan to know shit about me.
But under Rosalie's timid surface was a fierce mother, and she was adamant to tell Regan about me. And that is how I found out about one of her reasons for calling Bella – to know about me. Rosalie is one that treasures the value of family, and after finding out about that, I had to say she fits in better with us than with the Masens.
The only thing I have to prepare myself for now is… confronting Carlisle and Emmett.
They will show up.
I know that.
*o*o*o*
"Did you send a car for them, Red?" Esme asked… again."Yes, Esme, I sent a car for them," I chuckled.
Esme was over at our house for Bella's sake, because Alice and Jasper had a presentation for a company in San Francisco, and wouldn't be back until three days from now.
They came over this morning at six AM(!) to kiss Bella's stomach, and Alice threatened both Bella and the babies not to do anything until they returned from their business trip. I flipped them both off, saying that if my children wanted to come out, they would come out… to which Jasper said that it would be typical since Bella and I were on a delayed honeymoon in Mexico when their Lucy was born.
"Shouldn't they be here by now?" Esme asked… again.
"Shouldn't you go upstairs and see if Bella needs you?" I countered.
She huffed at me, muttering under her breath, and then she went upstairs.
Women.
I was on food-duty. Bella was anxious to get the babies out, and now we were trying out spicy foods, hoping that it would do the trick. Her obstetrician had given us tips and pointers to help the process go faster, and spicy foods, sex, walks, and tea were a few of the items on the list.
Safe to say, we tried sex first. A lot.
I was not complaining.
Having sex with Bella while pregnant… it's out of this world. Her hormones making her hornier, her pregnancy making her body more responsive… It's been heaven.
Yesterday she was mad because we only had sex twice.
I love my wife. Seriously.
Anyway, so far, nothing. And that is why I'm making spicy Enchiladas at ten in the morning.
We're also waiting for Rosalie and Regan to arrive, and that's why Esme's jumpy and impatient.
*o*o*o*
"What are you doing, angel?" I chuckled as I walked into the living room."The Enchiladas didn't work," she muttered, pacing around the room. "So, now I'm walking."
She was so fucking cute when she was mad. Dressed in her tiny pajama shorts, and one of my t-shirts, she muttered and cursed about how hot it was, and that she missed the cold of Forks for once.
"Baby, you ate only an hour ago," I said, walking over to her. "You have to give it time. It could be days."
It was actually normal for twins to arrive a few weeks early, but I guess the babies just enjoyed my wife too much, and now she had officially passed her due date by one day.
"But I'm sick of being a whale," she whined, resting her forehead on my chest. "Jasper even called me Shamu earlier, and when I tried to punch him, I couldn't … because I couldn't reach him!"
Stifling a laugh, I walked her over to sit with me on the couch.
Last week I made the mistake of pulling her to my lap, but her stomach was too big, and that set off a two hour round of tears, so I won't make that mistake again.
She obviously didn't see how sexy and beautiful she was.
"I'll punch him for you when he gets back from San Francisco, okay?" I murmured, rubbing her sore back.
"Thank you," she moaned. "Punch him good."
I couldn't focus.
Damnit, does she have to moan?
With Rosalie and Regan coming any minute, I knew there wasn't much we could do.
And to prove my point, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it, I'll get it!" Esme squealed from the kitchen.
Christ.
"Come on, beautiful," I chuckled. "Let's save them from Essy."
"You're full of shit, Edward. I'm not beautiful. Now help me up 'cause I can't," she huffed.
Stifling yet another laugh, I helped her up, dropping a kiss on her neck before leading her out into the hallway.
The first thing I saw was Esme crouched low, greeting Regan who was shyly holding onto Rosalie.
But I focused on the boy then.
It was Emmett. It was Emmett when he was seven.
But he… He had Elizabeth and Esme's eyes. And mine I suppose.
"Seven," I heard Regan mumble quietly, and I guessed Esme had asked how old he was.
"Wow, you're a big boy then," Essy gushed, making the boy smile.
"You okay?" I heard Bella whisper then, squeezing my hand.
I didn't know what my expression told her, but I was okay. A bit overwhelmed to meet… family… but over all, it felt good.
"I'm fine," I murmured, facing her.
Are you sure, her eyes asked.
Positive, I conveyed, smiling reassuringly. I love you.
You, too.
I kissed her forehead before turning back to Esme, Rosalie, and Regan just as Esme told them to come in.
"Hey, Rose." Bella beamed as she walked forward to hug Rosalie.
"Bella!" Rosalie beamed right back. "God, you're beautiful. You must be ready to pop, huh?" she chuckled.
"To say the least," Bella replied with a small laugh that made me grin goofily. "I guess Edward wasn't satisfied with just one," she added, sending me a playful scowl.
"I'm pretty proud of my boys," I half-joked, walking forward too. "Nice to see you again, Rosalie." I smiled.
"You too, Edward. And thank you for having us," she replied humbly before turning to Regan. "Baby, I want you to meet Bella and Edward. They're your auntie and uncle."
My breathing hitched at her declaration, and fuck me if it didn't feel good.
Without hesitation she made us family to her, and that was huge for me, never having had that before.
Crouching to his level, I grinned – hiding my nerves – and held my fist up, instinctively knowing that that would be cooler that shaking his hand.
"Good to meet you, Regan," I said. "You can call me Eddie, and only cool kids can call me that."
He grinned shyly, bumping his little fist with mine.
It felt really fucking good.
Family.
Damn, I never thought I'd be lucky to have that.
"I'm cool, right, mom?" he asked, his small smirk in place.
"Of course, baby," Rosalie chuckled.
"See? Told you. I know who's cool and not." I grinned. "How about we go to out back?" I suggested, standing up again.
"Of course!" Esme exclaimed. "Why don't you show Regan the pool, Red?"
I chuckled at her, but complied after Bella had greeted Regan, too.
"Come on, buddy," I said. "Let's leave the chicks, eh?"
"Okay. You really have a pool here?"
"We sure do," I answered. "And I'm sure we can find something for you to swim in if you want to."
"I can swim," he announced proudly as I opened the slide doors to the garden. "We learned that in school."
"That's awesome."
But I don't think he heard me.
He was watching the pool with eyes wide as saucers, and I guess to a kid it was sorta huge.
It was big, I guess. Kidney shaped with crystal clear water that looked very appealing even in February. Yeah, I love the weather in LA.
"So cool!" he gasped.
I heard Esme's heels clicking, announcing her approach, and I turned around.
"I may have planned this." She smiled sheepishly. "I bought these before I came over this morning."
She handed me a bag, and I had to laugh when I saw the Spiderman-themed swim trunks in it.
"That'll be perfect, Essy," I told her.
"You look happy," she said softly.
Smiling, I replied truthfully, "It feels good."
She knew what I meant. She knew how big this was for me.
Edward POV.
"That'll be perfect, Essy," I told her.
"You look happy," she said softly.
Smiling, I replied truthfully, "It feels good."
She knew what I meant. She knew how big this was for me.
Twenty minutes later, Regan and I were in the pool – Regan's shyness long gone – and we both had three beaming women watch us from the patio, drinking iced tea.
I also saw the envious looks Bella shot me.
My angel wanted to get in, too.
Another twenty minutes or so passed, and Bella was miserable as Esme refilled and refilled and refilled her iced tea.
"Get changed, angel," I laughed when she pouted. "I know you want in."
"Can Bella swim, too?" Regan asked as he splashed around.
I made a mental note to buy toys for the pool.
I had a nephew now.
"She sure can," I replied. "But let's hope she doesn't jump in. The water will end up on the lawn." I winked at him.
"You mean the bomb?" he laughed. "I can do that. But I don't have babies in my belly."
"I heard you, Edward," Rosalie's voice told me.
Damn.
Turning around again, I was relieved that Bella had left to get changed… But Rosalie was still there.
"And you won't tell her, right?" I hoped.
"What, that you just called her fat?" she teased.
I was glad to see Rosalie relaxed.
"No, no, I did not call her fat," I argued. "I was just being funny with Regan."
"Take it easy," she laughed. "I won't say a word."
I breathed out in relief. "Thank you."
Bella would not like my joke.
It was the first time I had ever joked about her size, knowing that not only did she hate it, but she was also a strong little shit. But seriously, my wife was goddamn tiny with her 5'3" frame, and to see her pregnant with twins… yeah.
And the thing is that apart from bigger breasts – a lot bigger – and her massive belly, she hasn't changed much, which is why it's funny because it's more a belly walking around with Bella, and not the other way around.
Jasper loves to make fun of her, but he also has scars to show for it.
He says it's worth it, though.
I'm not so sure.
"You don't wanna swim, Rosalie?" I asked, chuckling as Regan clung to my back. "I'm sure Bella has something for you."
"Nah, I'm fine, thanks. And Esme's already given me a bikini."
"I can't say I'm surprised," I laughed. "She's addicted to shopping. You'll meet Alice soon too, and she's even worse."
"Lord help us all," she laughed.
Carefree. Nice.
"Come on, mom!" Regan pleaded. "Auntie Bella's swimming, too. And you can swim. I know you can."
"Yeah, Rose," Bella agreed as she emerged looking sinfully beautiful in a black bikini. "Let's show the boys that girls rule."
"Nuh-huh!" Regan argued. "Boys rule, right Uncle Eddie?"
"Of course," I told him. "Chicks aren't as strong as we are."
Swimming over to the ledge, I added, "See, I even have to help Bella get in."
Regan laughed.
It felt so fucking good.
Bella smiled beautifully as I helped her into to water, also knowing how big this was for me.
"God, this feels good," Bella groaned, only her head visible when standing on the bottom of the pool. "Rose, seriously, you have to get in."
"Yeah, it looks sorta awesome."
Rosalie was convinced, and headed inside to change.
"Oh, so you're all swimming now, huh?" I heard Esme say, returning with yet another gallon of iced tea. "Time to get my camera then."
"Bella, you're littler than Eddie," Regan smartly announced. "S'that 'cause you're a girl?"
"Good question, buddy," I said seriously, earning myself a smack in the back of my head that made me laugh.
"Girls always hits," Regan said then, swimming over to us. "Bree in my class always pinches me."
"Girls are hard to understand," I replied, nodding solemnly.
I dodged a hand that flew my way.
"Make an effort, or you'll be spending the night on the couch," Bella huffed.
Hormones…
"I love you, gorgeous," I said instead.
Smart move.
Her eyes softened, and she smiled. "Love you, too."
"You seem to understand Auntie Bella," Regan commented.
Bella giggled, and I threw Regan over my shoulder, making him squeal with laughter, and I swam away to put distance between us and her before I gave him the advice he needed.
"I'm gonna tell you a secret, Regan," I whispered conspiratorially.
"Okay," he said, his face showing eager that made me grin.
"Wanna know how to understand chicks?"
"Ya, 'cause I don't like pinches," he answered seriously.
"And I don't like smacks in the back of my head," I chuckled. "But all you have to do is tell them their clothes are pretty, or that you like their hair… and then they will back off. Like if your mom is annoyed, you tell her you love her, and she will be happy again."
"Really? That work?" he asked with wide eyes.
"Absolutely." I nodded. "It will especially work on Bella, Essy and your mom."
"But what if I don't like Bree's hair?"
Smart kid. Very smart kid.
Is he really Emmett's son?
"Well, you're not supposed to lie, of course," I said. "But maybe there is something else that you do like about Bree."
"She paints pretty picture in class!" he whispered. "Could I tell her that? And then she won't pinch me?"
"Definitely worth a shot," I whispered back. "And if it won't work, you can always try again, because like I said, girls are hard to understand, and it can take a while."
He nodded thoughtfully before speaking again. "Mommy say Bella also have a boy in her belly. You have to tell him this, too."
I think I fucking love this kid.
"We'll tell him together when he's bigger, okay?" I grinned.
"Cool. And tell the girl-baby not to pinch," he added.
"I will definitely tell her that." I nodded.
And then because I just wanted to, I told him, "You know they will be your cousins, right?"
"What are cousins?" he asked confusingly.
Damn. I didn't see that coming.
"How about we get some drinks and I'll explain," I suggested. Regan was a terrific swimmer but treading water for this… no, I'd rather do this on land.
"M'kay. The girls can swim alone for a bit."
We swam over to where Rosalie and Bella treaded water, and I asked Rosalie if it was okay for me to tell him about cousins; I mean, I wasn't sure of how much she had told him, and it wasn't my place to assume.
Luckily, Rosalie said that she had told him everything she knew. She had told him that Emmett was my brother, but that we had fought a lot, and that's why we didn't see each other.
To a kid, I don't think the explanation could've been better.
I continued my bonding with Regan on the patio, and Esme brought us towels and sodas, ice cream for Regan, and… I had to say it had been one of the best days of my life.
The day made the top ten list, at least.
I told Regan how he would be Ailín and Ceara's cousin, I explained that we were all a big family even though we didn't see each other much, and I assured him that he could come visit as much as he and Rosalie could, because Regan was adamant with teaching Ailín baseball. He was also dead set on making sure that Ceara would never pinch a boy.
Esme joined us after a while, and told Regan about our family in Ireland – something that's always been hers – and I was thrilled that Regan loved it all. Esme was a great storyteller and that obviously helped immensely. She told him about our names, and what they meant. And though Regan already knew his name meant 'king,' he didn't know the story of the grandfather Esme believes he was named after, and it was just amazing to sit there. To sit there and listen to the same stories I grew up hearing, and now to see Regan listen so intently, so eager to hear about his roots. It was perfect.
And even more perfect when Bella sat down between my legs in the lounger, entwining our fingers.
We spent the entire day in the garden. Swimming, soaking up some sun, goofing around, sitting on the shaded patio, listening to Esme's storytelling, ordering pizza, listening to Regan tell us about his school and that he wished they had a soccer team 'cause apparently baseball isn't enough.
Rosalie was quiet for the most part, but we knew she had tons to think about. It was evident that she adored Esme, and she too, listened intently to the stories, and it sorta saddened me that they hadn't had this before. Elizabeth never talked about our roots. That was always something Esme took care of, which was why I always longed for her visits. And Carlisle doesn't have a compassionate bone in his body. It's all work, money, and reputation for him.
So, I have to say I'm curious to know why and how Emmett chose Regan's name. And how he knew the meaning behind it.
*O*O*O*
That night, Bella told me that we should build a small guest house in the garden. Just something small… like a cottage with a small bedroom and maybe a bathroom. This, because Rosalie had told her that there was no chance in hell that this was a one-time visit. She wanted us in their life, and that was that.I told Bella that we'd get started on that guesthouse as soon as possible.
Our garden is huge after all.
*O*O*O*
The next few days passed quickly, and I was thrilled that I had decided to take the month off.We spent the days in pretty much the same fashion that we spent the first one, although Esme insisted on taking Rose shopping.
That was when I learned that Bella and Rose were very similar. They both loved online shopping, but Esme wouldn't have that. She took both Rose and Regan out for an entire day, and when they returned, Regan fell asleep on the spot, and Rose announced that she now had clothes to last for the next ten years.
*o*o*o*
I woke up in the middle of the night.I was alone in the bed.
And I heard panting.
"Angel?" I said, my voice heavy with sleep. "What are you doin? S'everything okay?"
"My water broke an hour ago," she breathed, pacing by the bed.
"W-what?" I choked out, shooting out of bed faster than a bullet. "Why the hell didn't you wake me up, Bella!"
"Cause it's still a long way to go… The contractions are eleven minutes apart."
"I don't give a flying fuck about that. And you know that shit can change quickly," I told her as I located a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "We're leaving in five minutes. I'll go wake Esme up, and then we're off."
She nodded, got dressed in her shorts, a t-shirt of mine, and then I walked her down the stairs before I headed to my study where Esme slept.
Knocking on her door, I told her that it was time, and she emerged not ten seconds later already dressed. She proceeded to wake Rose and Regan up as I helped Bella into the Volvo.
"Do you have the bag?" she panted, holding her stomach.
"I have it all, baby," I assured.
"Yeah, you do." She smirked.
That sure is my wife, I chuckled to myself.
As I backed out of the garage, Esme, Rose, and Regan locked up before going with Esme, and I chuckled when I saw how excited Regan was.
I was too, but I didn't allow myself to embracing any feeling until I knew Bella was safe and sound, lying in a hospital bed.
I would freak out soon enough.
"I think it was the sex that did it," Bella gritted out. "Before we fell asleep, and we had… sex… fuck, it hurts… I think it was that that set everything in motion, 'cause after you fell asleep, I felt different."
I said nothing. Just held her hand and squeezed it in acknowledgement that I've heard her.
I will not freak out now. I will not freak out.
Not yet.
Focusing on her breathing instead, I managed to calm down slightly… until her contractions came faster in a rapid speed.
"How far in between now?" she whimpered.
Fuck, I hated that she was in pain.
"Five minutes," I murmured, kissing her hand. "You're doing so great, baby."
When we got closer to the hospital, I called in, announcing our arrival, and I was glad to see medical personnel meet us at the entrance with a wheelchair for Bella.
"Come here, angel," I said, carrying her out of the car and settling her in the chair.
"Dr. and Mrs. Cullen?" a nurse inquired.
"Yes," I replied, taking the bag before locking the car.
"Okay well, welcome. Dr. Stevens will be here in ten minutes."
"Thank you," I said.
Papers were filled out, a room was given to Bella, and vitals were taken.
Shit went down, basically.
And then when Bella's doctor finally arrived, her contractions were only a couple of minutes apart.
I was nervous. I was freaking out. Biting on my nails, something I've never done before. Dragging hand after hand through my hair. Knees bouncing impatiently. Getting ice chips to Bella. Texting Jasper about where we were. Epidural was given, and we could relax a little. Taking a call from a pissed off Alice who wondered why the hell Bella couldn't wait until tonight when they were home. More knee bouncing. Kissing Bella. Telling her how thankful I was for everything she was giving us. My thumb nail was officially gone. Seven centimeters dilated. Shit. Letting Esme and Rose know how Bella was progressing. Telling Bella that Regan asked if she could make sure that Ailín came first. She laughed but it was cut short by another contraction. Pinching the bridge of my nose. Telling Bella how much I loved her. She told me she didn't love me at the moment. I didn't mind. I wouldn't love me either. I got her more ice chips and Bella told me she loved me. Another contraction hit and she didn't love me anymore. Lunch time. Nine centimeters dilated. Double shit. My nails are gone. Bella told me to stop bouncing my knee. I apologized and told her I loved her. She said I was okay. I was okay with that. A fierce contraction hit and I was far from okay – not in Bella's book, and not in my book…
… because my wife was ten centimeters dilated.
It's time.
