Chapter 44

Small Baby

Bella

Four months have passed since the wedding. Edward's tattoo of the locket I always wear around my neck—with the words "Forever taken" and my name underneath it—still makes me wet every time I see it; much to Edward's pleasure.

Edward officially adopted Garrett the first week in January as soon as the courts were open after the holidays.

We didn't know, but Ant had purchased a plot of land for us to build our dream home. It even had the privacy we had dreamed about.

Riley, as a gift, drew up the plans for the house, while Esme, Peter, Ant, Mr. and Mrs. Masino, gave us money to build a house. We couldn't believe their generosity.

We couldn't wait to break the ground, but we lived in Washington; we were told we'd have to wait until April before work could begin. We visited the site every Sunday, and the children were excited once they realized construction had begun.

The kids told us how they wanted their new rooms to look, and Katie drew pictures and cut up magazines. Edward asked me to let his mom design the interior, but I explained to him that my taste wasn't the same as hers. I had no problem with her helping, but I wanted to do it with just the two of us. We'd already begun to look at furniture, and discuss the color scheme.

Edward and I noticed how tired Esme was looking. We felt she was taking on too much, and decided that we should be looking for a receptionist, and a manager, who could also do the accounts.

Anthony could ride the bus again to and from school. One of us could slip out and pick Katie up from Pre K.

"Bella, honey, we have been told that Penny Collins' parents don't have insurance anymore. Should I send them the bill? It is a lot of money. Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis is expensive." Esme sighed.

"I was afraid this was going to happen. I had heard gossip that Cora's husband had left her and her four kids. No, don't send a letter or the bill. I'll go over and see her. I'll just go and tell Edward," I replied.

"Mom, you're up to date with the invoicing. Why don't you go and get packed for your trip? We can manage, and by the time you get back we will be fully staffed. You're not letting us down." I hugged her.

Walking down the corridor, I knocked on Edward's door, pushing it open. Edward was on the phone, holding up a finger, before he pointed to the chair. I sat and waited for him to finish talking.

"Bear, we have a bit of a problem. It appears that Penny Collins' parents no longer have health insurance. Esme wanted to know if she should send the bill. I've told her to hold off. What do you want to do? Although, I thought we might pop over to see if we can help," I proposed.

"Whatever happens Penny will still get her treatment. I don't care if they don't have insurance. I don't want a bill sent, either. If there is a problem I don't want us adding to it. You go over, smudge. You have known her for years. It might be a little intimidating if we both go," Edward instructed.

"When was the last time I told you that I love you," I asked, walking around the desk.

"It had to be at least three hours ago. We'll have to do something fun this date night, what do you think?" Edward said as he kissed my neck.

"That sounds like a plan." I smiled. "I'll go over to the Collins now before the kids get out of school. While I remember, I've told Mom to go home and get packed. We are really going to have to look for staff. I hate that Mom is so tired."

"I know. We'll deal with it whilst she's away. It might be easier." Edward groaned.

I placed a kiss on Edward's lips, then headed to the Collins home; grabbing a Starbucks on the way.

Knocking on the door, I waited on the step. I knocked again; I knew Cora was in because I could hear her trying to get Rory, her youngest, to be quiet.

Feeling sad for her, I walked around the back, knocked on the door, and called out her name. I peered through the window and waved to her. She looked tired and really stressed.

"Hi, Cora. I brought us coffee and a couple of muffins. I wanted to see how you have been doing. Edward and I have been worried about you." I smiled.

She reluctantly came and opened the door.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I know the insurance has been canceled. Can I set up a payment plan to pay the bill? I will be taking Penny to the free clinic." Cora sobbed.

"Come on, Cora. What's happened?" I softly asked as I pulled her to the sofa.

She began to cry.

I pulled her into my arms, and let her cry it out.

"That's better. First, we will still be seeing Penny in the clinic, regardless of your money situation. There will be no charge, and I'm sure Emmett will still treat her, as well. Secondly, you will not be setting any payment plan up as you don't owe us any money," I whispered into her hair.

"Josh left me four months ago. I owe three months' rent. I got a letter telling me I have until the end of the month to pay, or I'll be evicted. I don't even have the money to pick up Penny's medication," Cora cried. "We have next to nothing in the cupboard, and the electricity has been turned off, because I couldn't pay the bill."

"When was the last time Penny had her meds?" I anxiously asked.

"Two days ago." Cora wept.

I pulled out the phone from my pocket, and dialed Edward's number.

"Sweetheart, I'm at Cora Collins' house. Penny has been without her meds for the past two days. Could someone bring some over, and maybe some other bits?" I asked him.

"Why hasn't she picked it up? She is going to be finding it difficult to breathe. Are things that bad over there?" Edward questioned.

"Yes, unfortunately. I'll talk to you later," I replied.

"Emmett has just been through. She has missed his last two appointments. I'll send her meds with him, and he can check her lungs while he is there. Do they need food?" Edward sighed. "Get whatever she needs, Bella. None of them are going without."

"Yes, if you can. Ask Rose to help. She is good at getting money from people who leave their children," I chuckled. "See you later.

"I'm on it. I'll ask Rose to buy some food. Bye, sweetheart," Edward responded.

"Edward is getting her meds together now. She'll have it before she comes home from school." I smiled.

"I'm asking children services to take the kids. I can't provide for them." Cora sniffed.

"Cora, you need those kids as much as they need you. Let Edward and I help you. How much is the rent and the electricity bill? Once that is paid you will be able to get back on your feet. We can figure something out," I pleaded.

"I can't let you do that." Cora snuffled.

"Come on. We're friends—you're the first person I actually made friends with when I came to live here. Friends help each other out," I begged.

She walked over to the table, passing me the letters. I folded them, putting them into my pocket.

"Have you ever worked?" I inquired.

"No, I got pregnant as soon as I came out of college." Cora blushed.

"What did you study?" I smiled.

"Business and management," Cora replied.

"How would you like to be our clinic manager? Esme is going on a cruise, and I don't want her worrying about the office while she's away. She is looking tired, and I feel like I'm taking advantage of her. You will really be helping us out. I don't want to advertise the job. We ended up with a receptionist that hit on me last time. Come and work for us and help me out?" I begged.

"Really? Honestly, you're not just saying that, are you? But what about the kids?" Cora asked, biting her lip.

"We can work something out. Come into the office tomorrow, and we'll go over the contract." I beamed.

For the rest of the visit we just chatted about the kids and the clinic, while I was careful not to talk about our new house.

"I'm back. I've just offered Cora the job as the office manager. She has a degree she has never used. I told her to come by tomorrow to do the paperwork. Thank you for getting some medicine over for Penny—and some food. She owes rent and has no electricity. Josh left her four months ago," I informed Edward after returning to his office.

I moved around his desk and sat on his lap.

"I'm so glad we have been able to solve a few problems at once. Did you send a check to Cora's landlord?" Edward asked.

"Yes, and I paid the arrears, and two months up front. I also paid the electric bill over the phone. They will have her supplied on by the end of the day. Rose is going to talk to Cora about getting herself a lawyer to get child support. I can't believe he left her for a younger woman." I sighed.

"It will work itself out. I was going to suggest an advance on her first paycheck. We can split it up over a few months, then it won't leave her first check too short. She needs to get the kids food, and pay her utilities," Edward suggested.

"You're such a wonderful man," I said into his neck. "Mom and Alistair will be able to go away like they wanted to now."

"Smudge, you're getting really cuddly. The weight you've put on really suits you," Edward replied as he kissed my wrist.

I quickly jumped off his lap—not believing what he had just said.

"Edward, did you seriously just call me fat?!" I seethed.

"No, I'm just saying the bit of weight you have put on looks good on you. I told you last night your breasts are bigger—more than a handful now," Edward replied.

"Edward Anthony Cullen, I can't believe you," I said with tears in my eyes, as I walked out of the door.

I left the office, waving at his mother, before climbing into my car to go home. If he thought he was going to get around me that easily, he had another thing coming.

"BELLA! WAIT!" Edward shouted as he ran out of the office.

I looked in my rear view mirror, and saw him pulling on his hair.

We had always said we would never argue in front of the children, and we always did it behind the closed door of our bedroom. During dinner, I glared at Edward; he knew what was coming once the kids went to bed. He'd hugged and kissed me, telling me he loved me, when he came home from work.

"Edward, are you going to read Katie her story tonight?" I asked as I took some washing out of the machine.

"I'll do it, and then I'll check on Garrett," Edward mumbled.

As I threw another load in the washing machine, and loaded the dryer with more force than I would normally, I noticed Edward gulp.

"I'll see you in the bedroom, dear," I snarled.

"Okay, sweetheart, give me about half an hour. Don't go to sleep," Edward replied.

Gritting my teeth as I smiled, I made my way to the bedroom and sat on the bed getting myself worked up. I knew I was overreacting, but I just couldn't let it go; which was, and has always been, my failing.

The door opened, and Edward walked in.

"Before you start shouting at me, I want you to do something for me," Edward requested.

"What?" I snapped.

He walked over to his messenger bag, and pulled out a bag, and a sterilized cup from the office.

Handing me the cup, he said, "Could you pee in this, and bring it through, or I can come into the bathroom when you're finished."

"What? You want me to pee in this? Why would you expect me to do that?" I gasped.

He emptied the contents of the bag onto the bed. Looking down I was shocked to see three pregnancy tests.

"I can't be pregnant, Edward. I have an IUD in," I stated, puzzled.

"How long have you had it in?" Edward inquired.

"I hate when you go Doctor Cullen on me, and the answer to your question is five years ago—to help with heavy periods," I muttered.

"When was the last time you saw your gynecologist?" Edward further asked.

"I don't know. Seven, maybe eight months ago," I whispered.

"Did she check that she could still see the string?" Edward smiled as he pulled me into his chest.

"I don't know," I answered.

"Okay, you can either take the test, or I can examine you? But I will say, I haven't felt the string of the IUD while we have been fucking, and I've got long fingers, as you know. I would have felt it." Edward smirked.

"You're such a man, Edward. I'll take the test. I'll pee on the sticks in private, and then you can come into the bathroom." I grimaced.

With shaking hands, I went into the bathroom, and did as Edward requested.

"It's going to be ok, Bella. If you're pregnant, we can go to the office, and I can do a scan just to make sure it's not ectopic," Edward reassured me.

"What if it's an ectopic pregnancy? I will have to have my tube taken out, and it will make it harder to get pregnant?" I sobbed into his chest.

Edward held me in his arms, singing 'Songbird' into my hair waiting for the alarm on his phone to go off.

As the alarm sounded, he turned it off. Then pulling my chin up with his finger, he softly placed his lips to my mouth. "It's going to be okay, sweetheart."

I held my breath as I looked at the sticks; the first test had two blue lines, the second said the word "Yes", the third told me I was twelve weeks pregnant.

I felt Edward pick me up, and swing me around. "Thank you so much, smudge. I'm going to be a daddy again. We can experience what it's like to watch your stomach grow with our baby. I'm just calling Rose to see if she can sit with the kids for half an hour."

Everything was a blur. I was in the office before I knew what was happening.

"Right, sweetheart, we're not going to see much, but I only want to reassure us both that it's not ectopic. You ready?" Edward announced. "Look, smudge, the tubes are fine, and there is the baby all snuggled up safe and sound. If you're happy with your OB/GYN, then we will see if we can get an appointment tomorrow. Do you want to keep it between ourselves, or are you up to telling people?"

"Can we keep it to ourselves for now—just until we have everything confirmed," I explained.

"I love you so much, sweetheart. Thank you, for making our family bigger." Edward sniffed.

We couldn't get an appointment the next day. Edward anxiously asked if I wanted to find another doctor, but Yvette Jacques had been my doctor since I came to live in Lakewood. We did, however, get an appointment for the following afternoon.

We sat anxiously waiting to be seen, hoping to get back to the office before Edward's afternoon appointments.

"Isabella Cullen," a nurse called out.

"Do you want to come? They'll just weigh me, and take my blood pressure," I questioned.

"I know the procedure. I did OB/GYN in my rotations. I want to share every minute of this experience." Edward smiled.

I discovered, I had in fact put on two pounds since my last appointment. My blood pressure was fine, but I already knew this, as Edward took it last night.

"Hi, Bella, how are you?" Doctor Jacques asked.

"I'm okay. This is my husband, Doctor Edward Cullen," I introduced.

"So, as you're here, I want to say congratulations. I can understand that you must be anxious about the IUD. I would imagine you know how rare this is. About two in every thousand women will have a failed IUD. It might have fallen out without you realizing, or it will be in the placenta. Shall we have a look at this little one?" Doctor Jacques informed us?

"Pop up on the bed and flash your belly. The gel might be a little cold. The heater broke this morning." The technician nodded towards the bed.

As the picture came on the screen, four pairs of eyes looked at the monitor. Two of them looking to see if the IUD was visible, and two others looking at the baby.

"You're twelve weeks and three days. Everything looks fine. Let's put the speaker on, and you can listen to the baby's heartbeat." The technician winked.

Both Edward and I had tears in our eyes as we listened to the heart beat. This had suddenly become real.

"These pictures are for you. Your expected due date is October fifteenth. We can't see the IUD, but I'm confident that it isn't attached to the baby. If there are no questions, I will give you some vitamins, and an appointment for a month's time, but if you are worried at all please call the office." Doctor Jacques grinned.

"Thank you, doctor, we're fine. We did some research last night on the internet. I also read a couple of articles in the medical journal," Edward informed her.

"Now the fun part—telling the kids, and everyone." I snickered.

We sat the kids down that night to tell them about the baby.

"Can you remember when we talked about why we have extra bedrooms in the new house?" I began.

"That we might be blessed, and have other brothers and sisters coming from your belly to make our family bigger." Garrett smiled.

"Well, we have been blessed, and we are going to have a baby come and live with us in October. Now, the baby is growing in Mom's tummy," Edward added.

"Can it be a boy? Then I'll have someone who isn't annoying to play with," Garrett excitedly said.

"Well, buddy, we can't choose what we get. We have to wait until the baby comes to find out what it is." I laughed.

"How do you like the idea of being a big sister, Munchkin?" Edward chuckled

"I get a new doll, please?" Katie asked.

"I think it might be a work in progress with her, sweetheart." Edward beamed.

"We have to tell your parents, yet." I grinned, wishing I could tell my gran.

"I'm not telling Peter. Only because I don't think he would be that interested." Edward shrugged his shoulder. "But I sent Mom a text message with the scan picture attached. It's a shame they aren't here enjoying the news."

"We can tell Rose and Emmett, and the staff at the office, but everyone else can find out as time goes on," I clarified.

When we told Rose and Emmett, they were pleased for us, but I later found out that Rose and Emmett had been trying for a baby since they got married, almost a year ago.

Time went by quickly. Edward loved to talk to my bump whenever he could. He started to read bedtime stories to bump—as Katie called it—every night. I even caught him under the quilt once chatting to it, but every time the baby heard his voice the little darling would flip and squirm until I needed to pee.

I was lucky I had no morning sickness, no bloating, and minimal mood swings. Edward enjoyed the boost in my sex drive until one day I found him hiding in the bathroom. To quote him, "My dick is sore from overuse."

I laughed so hard I peed myself.

We decided not to find out the sex of the baby. I got a little annoyed at the fact people were demanding we did to make it easier for them. But to us, it was like opening Christmas presents before Christmas.

The move into the new house went smoothly. We had fun decorating, and getting the house how we wanted it. I found out Edward was a good artist after he painted a mural on the nursery wall.

With six weeks to go, we decided, as a family, we would go to our cabin for a few days; it needed closing for the winter.

"Come on, Bella. I want to get on the road before it gets too late," Edward yelled up the stairs.

"I forgot to bring my pregnancy pillow. I need it to put bump on, or I won't be able to sleep." I pouted.

"Sorry, sweetheart. I forgot to put it in the car. Have you got everything?" Edward gently asked.

"Yep, ready to go," I chirped.

After climbing in the car for the two-hour journey, Edward put in the well-used CD, and as soon as the first chord played Katie started to sing the songs from Frozen. Thankfully Katie fell asleep. I knew she would have been cranky if she didn't. I forgot how bumpy the road was up to the cabin, making me need to pee.

Thankfully, we had packed a pre-made dinner as all of us were tired. Fridays were always busy in the office, and it didn't take long for everyone to go to bed.

I had felt a little uncomfortable during the night; the baby was lying on my sciatic nerve. The first time it happened I panicked, which in turn had Edward taking me to the hospital. He did it again when I had Braxton Hick pains. Now, I just don't say anything.

I decided to have a bath. Bump floated; which eased the pressure on my back. Though, the pain didn't get much better.

I sorted through the cupboard, and washed the pots. But my back ache was getting worse. I suddenly got the biggest pain shoot across the bottom of my stomach; it took my breath away.

"Stupid Braxton Hicks pains," I muttered.

Making myself a cup of tea I sat on the porch, with the throw around me, looking out on the lake. Another pain shot across my stomach. I began to time them. I knew the nearest hospital was half an hour away, but I knew Edward would insist on getting checked out if I mentioned it. I had another six weeks, and the pains weren't that bad.

I stood up to go inside, and as I picked up my cup, the pain took away my breath, before a gush of water hit the decking floor.

Shit! My water broke.

"Shit! Shit, shit, shit!" I screamed as the pain became so intense.

I could hardly walk, and I had the urge to push. Holding on the side of the furniture I grabbed my phone and rang Edward.

"Hello," Edward muttered.

"Edward, I need you! I'm downstairs—shit!" I screamed as I panted through the pain. "Come quick! My waters broke, and I want to push."

"Fuck, I'll be there in a second!" Edward exclaimed. "Don't push, Bella. Breathe."

I heard a commotion as I grabbed the back of the sofa.

"Honey, let's have you lay on the floor," Alistair said.

"Emmett, can you sit her between your legs, and support her back? Mom, Rose, can you grab a leg each, please?" Edward instructed.

"I've got everything ready to deliver the baby. Once the baby is delivered you take care of the baby, and I'll take care of the placenta, to check it for the IUD," Alistair clarified.

"I can see the head, sweetheart. When you get the next contraction, push as hard as you can," Edward coached.

"It's coming," I yelled, and pushed for all I was worth.

"Good girl. You're doing well. Do it again when you're ready," Edward directed.

I pushed but was so hot.

"I'm too hot Edward." I cried.

Within moments, Emmett placed a cold, wet cloth to my head and neck.

"I'm getting another one."

"Good girl. The head is almost crowning."

That's when we heard, "What are you doing to my mum?" A shocked Garrett asked.

"She's having the baby. Come over here and help me hold her," Emmett told him.

I pushed again.

"The head is here. Start to pant, but don't push. The cord is around the neck," Edward calmly said

It felt like an eternity, and the urge to push was overwhelming.

"Okay, when you're ready, push again. Alistair, are you ready with the towel?" Edward asked.

"I'm ready, Edward," Alistair replied.

"I'm going to push," I screamed.

That's when I heard the most beautiful sound of our baby crying.

"It's a boy, Bella," Edward tearfully said.

I saw Edward cut the cord, and moved to the table with him. He was checking him.

"Bella, I need you to give me one more push, then we can sort you out. I don't think you will need any stitches," Alistair coached.

I pushed once more, as Edward came over with our son.

"Here we go. He weighs four pounds two ounces, and is forty-one centimeters."

Edward placed him into my arms, then picked us both up, and placed us on the sofa; which had been covered in plastic.

"He's beautiful, Edward. It looks like he has your hair coloring," I whispered.

"He has your face, though. Thank you so much, Bella." Edward choked.

What we didn't know was Edward Junior, or EJ as he became known, was the first of our six children, three adopted children and a foster child. But thankfully we never had another birth like this.

We got what we always wanted. A house full of kids.

As always I would like to thank my beta Mr.G and Me, for her support and encouragement, and make this readable. Also to Klcivinski for pre-reading this story, even though she is busy. Any mistakes are all mine.

I gave birth to my first child down the toilet. Like Bella I didn't really get any labour pains.

We have one more chapter, we will find out why Brad has Becky so frightened.