Seattle General - Chapter 22

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream! A special shout-out to my friend, Stephanie, for helping to name the Cheney's son!!

BPOV

Even though Edward and I had been married a couple of months now, we hadn't slowed down in the lovemaking department. In fact, it seemed we desired each other more than ever before. We normally went to bed in pajamas in case Sweetpea needed us, but Edward usually found a way to divest me of my nightgown before the morning light crept int o our bedroom. He said he preferred sleeping next to me naked – and truthfully, I liked feeling his naked form next to me as well. He took such good care of me, both in bed and out. Not that sometimes he didn't leave me gasping for air in bed, but that was so incredibly pleasurable, I could hardly fault him.

It was nearly the end of May and we were looking forward to visiting Charlie and Sue for the Memorial Day holiday. Sweetpea regularly received items in the mail from them – they were spoiling her terribly. My mother sent things as well, but hers were a bit more random. She didn't feel as close to my mom as she did her relatives in Forks.

I had taken Sweetpea to kindergarten this morning after we saw Edward off to work with many kisses. That was our favorite part of the day – being able to be there for him as he went off to work. I didn't know if we'd be able to keep the same schedule once she was enrolled in first grade.

I was working on scrapbooking our wedding and reception photos when a wave of nausea hit me. I ran to the bathroom and got there just in time. As I lost my breakfast, I thought about the conversation Edward and I had a couple of weeks ago about me getting off the birth control pills so we could give Sweetpea a baby brother or sister. I had agreed and stopped taking them. Now it wasn't sounding like such a great idea. I had forgotten how badly my body responded to medication changes. Augh – will the horror ever end? My stomach stopped heaving and I cleaned myself up.

The phone rang just then. It was Ben Cheney. He was calling to let me know Angela had her baby during the night. How exciting! She had a boy and they decided to name him Eric Lucas. She wouldn't be released until much later, so if I had some time today, I could come by the hospital and see them. I told them I just might do that as I didn't have much going on. I didn't tell them I'd just given up my breakfast to the porcelain god in the bathroom, but Ben didn't need to know that.

I grabbed a package of saltine crackers from the cupboard in the kitchen after I hung up from Ben's phone call. The phone rang again. "Hello?" I said.

"Hi!" came the enthusiastic reply from my best friend, Alice.

"How are you?" I asked.

"I'm doing good," she replied. "How about you?" She was really looking pregnant now and happy as a clam about it. She truly was the most adorable pregnant woman I'd ever seen!

"Oh, I'm ok."

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Alice could tell right away when something wasn't right in my little world.

"Oh, Alice, I've just finished giving up my breakfast to the porcelain god. Augh! I should never have agreed to go off the birth control pills. You know how any medication changes really screw with my body."

"Are you sure it's the medication change and you're not pregnant?" she asked.

"Are you crazy? It's only been a couple of weeks. I certainly couldn't be pregnant that soon. Geez!"

Alice continued, "Bella, you never know. How about we get together for lunch tomorrow? I miss you and need to see you! We can go shopping for some baby clothes!"

I agreed and hung up. Leave it to Alice to turn lunch into a shopping expedition. It looked like my stomach would hold on for awhile now that the crackers were settling in nicely. I went back to my craft room to work on more photos.

I worked for about another hour when the phone rang again. It was turning into Grand Central Station around the house this morning. "Hello?" I spoke into the receiver.

"Bella Masen?" the voice on the other end of the line asked. I secretly thrilled at hearing myself referred to as that instead of Bella Swan. My heart may have even skipped a few beats.

Concentrating now, I replied, "Yes?"

"This is Leah Clearwater from your daughter, Victoria's, kindergarten."

"Yes? Is there a problem?"

"Yes. Mrs. Masen, could you please come pick your daughter up? She's fallen off the swings on the playground and the nurse believes she has broken her arm."

"I will be right there," I said. I hung up the phone quickly.

I grabbed my keys, my purse and my cell phone. I called Edward right away, but his cell phone went right to voice mail. Where the hell was he? Fuck! I really needed him to answer right now.

I called Mrs. Cope. She answered on the second ring.

"Mrs. Cope, this is Bella. I really need to get in touch with Edward. Do you know where he is?"

She responded, "Yes, dear. He's meeting with Dr. Cullen at the moment. I will let him know as soon as I see him that you need him to call you back."

"Thank you. I appreciate that so much. Could you let him know I'm bringing Victoria into the hospital? Apparently she broke her arm at school."

Mrs. Cope said, "Oh my goodness. Of course, dear – right away. As soon as I see him."

I hung up from my phone call with Mrs. Cope, still incredibly frustrated that I couldn't get in touch with my husband immediately when I needed him the most. I wasn't going to take my frustration out on her, though. People had done that very thing to me in the past, when there was nothing in my power I could do about it. I'd just attempt to be patient in that regard. Besides, right now, I needed to be strong for our little girl.

When I got to the school, Sweetpea was crying her eyes out. The poor thing. As soon as she saw me, she just started screaming, "Mama!" over and over, along with her crying. My heart was breaking in a million pieces. This was the very first time she'd actually referred to me as "Mama" without "Bella" being attached to it, but I didn't have time to dwell on that right now. I'd file that away in my heart to think about at a later time.

I got Sweetpea installed in her car seat, after hugging her gently to me all the way out to the car. I loved holding her, but seeing her broken was breaking me as well. I kept repeating over and over, "I know, Sweetpea, I'm sorry." I kept trying Edward's cell phone, but it still was going to voice mail. Dammit!

In between her cries, Sweetpea kept saying, "Mama, it hurts so bad." I kept looking into the backseat from my seat in the front, holding onto her foot with my hand and attempting to console her. I was glad we weren't that far from the hospital now. Tears were forming in my eyes as well, although I was trying to keep it together so I could drive in a straight line.

We finally made it to the hospital. I picked my daughter up gingerly and ran with her into the emergency room. Thankfully, one of the nurses I knew was working at the intake desk. She saw Sweetpea's distress and immediately took us back into an exam room. She told me she'd page Edward overhead and see if he could get to the ER stat. I told her "good luck" as he was supposedly in a meeting with the Chief of Staff.

A doctor came in just then – someone I didn't recognize – and he set to work right away. Sweetpea clung to me with her good arm as the doctor proceeded with his examination. She didn't want her "mama" very far away at all. I hoped I was somewhat comforting.

Carlisle POV

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose as I waited outside the Human Resources office. This was one part of my job I absolutely hated – but it needed to be done. The evidence was too incriminating. Dr. Snow had worked at Seattle General a long time. But recently it appeared as though several narcotics had gone missing through the Pyxis machine that were never administered to patients. His name was the only one attached to them. Dr. Snow technically worked for Edward, and this was his first firing, so I was assisting him with it. Knowing how compassionate Edward was, I'm sure he was more on edge than I was.

The Human Resources office was on the second floor of the hospital and from where I stood, I could see the comings and goings through the main entrance, although the people could not necessarily see me unless they were truly looking my direction. One female form in particular caught my attention. What was she doing here – coming here unannounced? That wasn't like her.

Then my attention was focused on Edward, striding down the hallway toward me, and we entered the Human Resources office together.

EPOV

My day had started off so well – waking up way before the alarm went off and making love to my beautiful wife – that part was fabulous. I grew more in love with her every day. I loved how our bodies responded to each other. I loved our goodbye ritual of all those kisses before I had to leave for work from her and Sweetpea – absolutely delicious. Every morning, it made me want to stay in our warm cocoon at home, but I knew I was the breadwinner and I took that responsibility very seriously. I wanted to provide the best for my girls.

Now I was going through this nightmare of firing one of our physicians who'd been around a lot longer than me. I was grateful for Carlisle's help on this one. Stealing narcotics was a very serious accusation. I was wondering what his response would be. I had all the print-out's from the Pyxis machines. The medications were never administered to the patients. I had signed statements from the nurses working the various shifts Dr. Snow had been working. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration as I caught up with Carlisle in the hallway outside Human Resources.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"No, but I suppose I'll get the hang of it," I responded. He clapped a hand on my shoulder in support and we entered the office together.

Lauren, our Chief Human Resources Officer, went over the various forms that needed to be filled out for terminating an employee and the procedures that needed to be followed. That part seemed simple enough. Meeting with Dr. Snow was going to be more difficult. We decided to meet with him in Carlisle's office.

I smiled briefly at Kate on my way through to Carlisle's office as we waited for Dr. Snow. She seemed to be working out great in Bella's place. I could tell he still missed Bella's presence, but I was glad to have her all to myself at home. I know – I'm a selfish bastard at times. Everything she'd done in the office just magnified itself hundredfold at home and I knew I was the luckiest bastard on the planet. Speaking of which, I was going to have to send her some flowers again, just to tell her how much I loved her. But enough about that – Dr. Snow was arriving.

"You gentlemen wanted to see me?" he started.

"Yes," Carlisle said. "Won't you sit down?"

Dr. Snow sat opposite of us and said, "So what's this big meeting about, that I have to meet with the Chief of Staff and Chief of Medicine at the same time?"

Carlisle looked at me and I said, "Well, Dr. Snow, it appears there are some narcotics missing from the Pyxis machines. According to the computerized records, you were the last one to access them. The medications were never given to the patients."

Dr. Snow got red in the face and said, "That's a lie! All those patients received the meds!"

Surprisingly, I didn't rise to the occasion and mimic his outburst. I was just sticking to the facts here. "I have signed statements from the nurses who were on the shifts you were working who verify the medications were never given," I stated calmly. I felt my cell phone vibrate in my pocket. Who could be calling me now? I couldn't answer it now, whoever it was. I would just have to check it later.

"Those nurses are liars!" he stated.

Carlisle interjected, "Dr. Snow, I find it difficult to believe that 10 different nurses would be lying."

Dr. Snow spat, "Fuck!"

"So, Dr. Snow," I continued, "as of today, we'll be terminating your employment with Seattle General. We'll give you until the end of the day to clean your office out. You'll be paid through today. You have the option to resign, of course – which would look better on your record than a termination."

Dr. Snow stared both of us down as my cell phone vibrated again – whoever it was, I'd give them points for persistency. They'd just have to wait. I would hope they'd contact Mrs. Cope and get in touch with me through my office.

In the end, Dr. Snow chose to resign. Records of his case would be kept on file in the Human Resources office in case the hospital ever mistakenly considered hiring him again in the future. Carlisle called someone in the Facilities Management department for them to bring some boxes to Dr. Snow's office within the hour. I escorted him back to his office, then took his office keys from him and return them to Security.

I looked at my watch – holy hell – it wasn't even lunch yet and I felt like I'd been through the wringer! I needed to get back to my office and see if I had any pressing issues.

Mrs. Cope wasn't at her desk. I went into my office and sat at my desk. I turned my chair around to look out at the sunshine streaming outside my windows. Then I took out my cell phone to listen to my messages.

? POV

Of course I knew my way around this hospital. I'd certainly been here often enough. Things had just been so busy and I hadn't been here recently.

My husband wouldn't mind this one little indiscretion with Edward. He was practically family. That thought brought a little smile to my face.

There was the Chief of Medicine's office now. And thankfully, his secretary wasn't in at the moment. Even better. I could see Edward sitting at his desk, listening to his cell phone, pressed to his ear as he looked out at the bright, sunny day. I shut his office door with barely an audible click.

I moved quickly to Edward's side to surprise him. I was certain he'd be glad to see me. I leaned down and kissed his neck. Oh please, Edward, I silently begged, take me. Take me right over your desk.

I heard his breath intake sharply and then his hand gained purchase in my hair…

Seattle General - Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream. I borrowed heavily from Breaking Dawn for the wedding scene, but there definitely is not a "fade to black" for the honeymoon scene! Above is Bella's wedding dress.

EPOV

When I woke up that morning on the last Saturday of March, I was thrilled to see I had a picture message on my cell phone from Bella. It was a picture of her and Sweetpea in all their glorious bedhead-ness. I'm sure Alice had been freaking out as she was very adamant about me not seeing Bella before the wedding. I was never more glad the wedding was scheduled for 11:30 in the morning instead of an evening event. I couldn't have waited that long to have her in my arms again.

After I got out of the shower, I called Bella with a big smile on my face. "Morning baby, my lovely bride."

"Hi yourself, Handsome," she responded. "How are you holding up?"

"I hated sleeping alone, but I survived. I hear Charlie and Sue up and about already. We'll probably leave here about 9."

"OK," she said. "I'll see you at the end of the aisle?"

"With every fiber of my being!" I enthused. "I love you, baby, with everything I have."

Before Jasper came to pick us up, I showed Charlie and Sue where the small gifts we left Sweetpea were stored. We left her a little gift for each day we'd be gone. Bella was an excellent gift wrapper. I was looking forward to unwrapping Bella every night of our honeymoon. Yes, feel free to call me a caveman!

BPOV

Alice had been keeping Sweetpea and me busier than ever this morning. I'm glad we finally got to eat something! My mom came in from Phoenix! I was so glad to see her and introduce her to Sweetpea. Alice said once Jasper arrived, he'd introduce Phil to Edward. Phil was with us as we were getting ready – it was good to see him as well. He had practically raised me along with my mom, after all.

I finally stopped Alice once in all her rushing around and said, "I truly do appreciate you – so much – for doing this for us. I can't thank you enough, sweetie."

Alice hugged me back and said, "I love doing this for you! You're my best friends. It's going to be gorgeous. You're going to be lovely – just you wait!" I just smiled back at her. Nothing could stop this woman on a mission.

The gown I'd chosen was simple. We'd found it in a shop that specialized in vintage items, which I thought was appropriate as Edward had an old-fashioned feel about him at times. The dress was white tea length, the bodice was a darted strapless white acetate with a sheer chiffon overlay that went over my shoulders. There was eyelet embroidery on the waist and skirt. I'm glad I didn't pick something that was overdone with lace everywhere or something with a gigantic full train. Since it was a gorgeous day with hardly a breeze blowing, the dress would be perfect for our outdoor ceremony. I did choose some white "sex shoes" for Edward with a tiny amount of sparkle on them that didn't take away from the dress. I couldn't take away all his fun, even on our wedding day.

Soon, Jasper was knocking on the door with Edward's luggage and Sweetpea was allowed to go out and see Edward. I wanted to pout at the unfairness of it all. Alice assured me I'd get to see him soon enough. I still had to get a bit of makeup on, my hair curled, and then dressed. Unfortunately, even if I looked out the window from the suite, I couldn't see where the ceremony and reception were taking place, so I couldn't see everyone gathered there. Were Jake and Nessa here? What about Carlisle and Esme?

Finally, Alice and my mom helped me into my dress (something old), my shoes (something new), my veil (something borrowed – from Alice), and my garter (something blue – a tiny blue bow adorned one side of it). Sweetpea had her headpiece of multihued flowers on with multihued streamers running down her back. My bouquet matched the flowers in her headpiece, as did Alice's. My mom was trying not to cry as she looked at me. I said, "Mom, you can't! Afterwards, please!" She agreed as she hugged me quickly and left with Jasper to get seated.

I was finally passed from Alice to my dad. Alice said to me, "Don't forget to focus, Bella. Edward is waiting for you out there." I took a deep breath, willing myself into composure.

I gave my dad what I hoped was a winning smile. He patted my hand and said, "Are you ready, Bells? You look beautiful."

"Yes," I said simply. I was ready to head into my future with Edward.

Isabella Marie Swan

and

Edward Anthony Masen

invite you to share in their joy at their wedding

Saturday, March 27

at 11:30 in the morning

Orcas Island, Washington

As Charlie and I followed behind Sweetpea and Alice, I could finally see the location of the ceremony and reception tent. I couldn't see Edward yet, but just knowing he was there – waiting for me – was comfort enough.

Soon we were positioned at the end of the aisle that was a mass of orange blossoms, lilacs, freesias, and roses. I looked down briefly, smiling, to see that Alice was getting Sweetpea started off on the right foot with her basket full of flower petals. Then I looked up and saw Edward – my soul mate – standing at the altar, waiting for me. All I really saw was Edward's face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind. His eyes were a liquid, beautiful green; his perfect face was almost severe with the depth of his emotion. And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation.

Suddenly, it was only the pressure of Charlie's hand on mine that kept me from sprinting headlong down the aisle. Mercifully, the aisle wasn't that long. And then, at last, I was there. Edward held out his hand. Charlie took my hand and, in a symbol as old as the world, placed it in Edward's. I touched the wonder of his skin, and I was home.

Our vows were the simple, traditional words that had been spoken a million times. In that moment, as the minister said his part, my world, which had been upside down for awhile now, seemed to settle into its proper position. I looked into Edward's shining, triumphant eyes and knew that I was winning, too. Because nothing else mattered but that I would be with him.

I didn't realize I was crying until it was time to say the binding words. "I do," I managed to choke out in a nearly unintelligible whisper, blinking my eyes clear so I could see his face.

When it was his turn to speak, the words rang clear and victorious. "I do," he vowed.

The minister declared us husband and wife, and then Edward's hands reached up to cradle my face, carefully, as if it were as delicate as the white petals swaying around us. I tried to comprehend, through the film of tears blinding me, the surreal fact that this amazing person was mine. He bent his head toward mine, and I stretched up on the tips of my toes, throwing my arms – bouquet and all – around his neck.

He kissed me tenderly, adoringly; I forgot the crowd, the place, the time, the reason…only remembering that he loved me, that he wanted me, that I was his.

Finally we ended our kiss as we heard applause and cheers from our family and friends. Edward held me close to him as we looked at the crowd. Sweetpea was there before us. He scooped her up in his arms and we kissed her as well. Today she officially became my daughter.

As we walked back down the aisle together, I finally noticed Edward was wearing a black tudexo. Holy hell – and he was very handsome in that. I couldn't wait to get him out of that later.

Jasper and Alice joined us for formal photographs. Then family members joined us as well as wedding guests moved over to the reception tent. Alice had set every table up with several disposable cameras to catch many candid photos among our wedding guests. It was going to be fun scrapbooking all this!

I was glad to be able to set my bouquet down so I could hug people! Yes, Jake and Nessa were there, as were Carlisle and Esme, and Ben and Angela. My mom was crying again – with happiness, so I hugged her and left her with Phil. I knew she'd be in good hands. I hugged so many people – I don't even think I knew some of them – they must've worked at the hospital.

Finally we sat down to a lunch of pasta primavera, salad, and dinner rolls. Sweetpea was sitting on the other side of Edward, enjoying her lunch, with Edward making her laugh about something. He leaned over to me and growled quietly in my ear, "Baby, I hope you eat enough because I don't plan on letting you up for air later." I just looked at him and blushed. His hand caressed my thigh through my gown and he said, "Love you, baby," and I murmured I loved him back. Damn man and his panty-dropping crooked smile!

It was time to cut our cake. There was a wood "M" for Masen as our cake topper. Alice and I had found that at a bookstore we'd visited the day we'd found my wedding gown. I knew it would be a great addition to our home after the wedding. I noticed something else on top of the cake – a pair of small penguin salt and pepper shakers. Edward grinned at me yet again and said, "Baby, I just had to – you know they mate for life, and now I'm mated to you for life." I just kissed him briefly to shut him up. He was such a nut about penguins!

We each took our requisite bite of cake, then gave some to Sweetpea as well. She went back to the table and finished off our piece as we took to the dance floor and danced our first dance as husband and wife. Edward had them play "Then" by Brad Paisley. I hadn't even realized I was crying again as he was singing the words to me. He whipped out his silk handkerchief from his inside pocket and I had to stifle a giggle. More penguins!

Next the "father-daughter" dance was up. Charlie wasn't as good of a dancer as Edward, so we basically just swayed side to side. However, Edward danced with Sweetpea, and that was perfectly adorable. More dancing ensued after that. I wasn't allowed to rest too much. It was either Edward or someone else – Carlisle, Phil, Jake, Jasper, Ben, or someone else dragging the bride out onto the floor. Sex shoes be damned – my feet were starting to hurt.

Finally we could see Sweetpea was starting to wilt late in the afternoon. Charlie and Sue said they should get going so they could get back on the ferry at a decent hour. I gave my bouquet to Sue in hopes that she would be the next to marry in our group. We kissed and hugged them goodbye and said we'd see them in a week and then they were off to housesit for us. Alice determined it was time for us to go then as well. The wedding guests were on their own to drift away from the party.

Edward and I walked from the reception tent back to our room, amid well wishes from our friends. At the door to our room, he picked me up in his arms, bridal style – my ever-traditional husband – kissed me and somehow got the key in the lock at the same time. He's a little bit talented or anxious – either one or both.

He did put me down inside the room and I was glad to see the housekeeping staff had been in since we had left this morning as we had left things a bit of a mess. The curtains were still open, but our room was up from the property enough that anyone walking by wouldn't be able to see in. But right now, I didn't care about the curtains or if anyone was looking in – all I cared about was Edward.

He whispered my name against my neck almost like a prayer as his arms came around me again. His mouth rained kisses down my throat as I gasped in pleasure. I don't know what it was – the ceremony we'd just been through or the fact that we'd abstained from sex for a week – but I was absolutely ravenous for him. "Edward," I fairly groaned, "please make love to me."

"Are you anxious, baby?" he cheekily grinned back. I pushed him back to the bed so he had no choice but to sit on it. "OK, love, I can't stand one more minute of not being able to touch you everywhere. I want to see what you have on under that dress that's been teasing me all day."

I shakily went to unzip the side zipper on my dress, but his hand caught mine and assisted me. Soon, my dress was pooled around my feet and I was standing before my husband in the white satin and ribbon corset, very tiny satin panties, garter belt and thigh high stockings Alice had dressed me in earlier. Edward seemed to be frozen in shock. I was about to say something to see if he was actually in shock when he stuttered out a "Holy fuck, you are gorgeous" and proceeded to attack me with wild kisses and his hands everywhere.

I giggled nervously and said, "Hey, Handsome, we still have to get you undressed." He may have muttered something about "oh right" and clumsily began ripping off his tuxedo faster than I'd ever thought possible. I smiled up at him and said, "And now who's anxious?"

Yep, the panty-dropping smile was back in full force as his green eyes stared into mine and he unhooked the garter belt hooks from the stockings. He sat me on the edge of the bed and unrolled the stockings down my legs. The garter belt was gone next, and then the panties.

The corset was next. He untied the bow at the top and started loosening the ribbons. Alice had tied it pretty tightly. I was enjoying being able to actually breathe again. As Edward removed it from my body, he could see where the boning had chafed my skin a bit. "Are you hurt, baby?" he asked.

"I'll be ok, as long as I don't have to have that on again anytime soon," I replied. I looked at it as Edward dropped it to the floor with the rest of my clothes.

Edward kissed my naked skin where the corset had chafed me. "I don't like that it hurt you, baby. You did look fucking gorgeous in it. Maybe we could get you one that doesn't hurt you because, as you can see, it did turn me on a lot." His erect dick was pressing into my wet center by now.

"Just make love to me, Handsome," I pleaded. And with superhuman speed, he seemed to have me under him on the bed and was covering my face, my neck, my body, my wetness with his mouth and his fingers. I wanted nothing than more of him – over and over again. When he did slide fully inside me, it felt so incredibly glorious and fulfilling, I knew I'd never want anything more in life than Edward.

EPOV

Lest you think I'm a total caveman, I did let my lovely wife – yes, lovely Bella was finally my wife – eat that night. The housekeeping staff had brought some chocolate-covered strawberries and some other snacks to our room before we came back from our reception, so we didn't have to leave our room. We did make love over and over again – I could never get enough of her.

We spent the rest of our week exploring Orcas Island – kayaking, a trip to the spa, just staring out into the water, talking, spending a lot of time staring into each other's eyes (yes, I'm still a sap and growing more sappy for Bella every damn day!), and finding a lot of great food at their restaurant.

Bella had packed different lingerie for each night, which I loved seeing. She really didn't need lingerie at all, but I loved seeing her in it. She had the sexiest body that was perfect for lingerie and that little blush that came over her cheeks when I made her model it for me was gorgeous. I think she appreciated the after-effect of that modeling as well, as I was always very appreciative. Victoria's Secret really wasn't going to have any secrets left after I got done with them!

Too bad the inn on the island didn't have the same kind of ice cubes we had at home, but I still grabbed a bucket full one night and had Bella screaming with pleasure from them. She was concerned about waking up the neighbors on the other side of us. That's when I told her I'd rented out the rooms on either side of us as well, so I knew no one would hear us. Then I placed that ice cube right on her quivering little clit and made her scream, pant, and beg some more.

Not that we didn't adore our daughter, it was nice to be able to make love and not worry about someone overhearing us. And it was also very nice to be able to just take Bella whenever and wherever I wanted. I was glad Orcas Island offered a lot of trees and seclusion. I was able one day to take her out into a small forest for a picnic and have my wicked way with her afterwards. She kept thinking we were going to get caught, but that was just part of the adventure!

Another day, I rented a small pleasure boat for us to tool around to some of the smaller islands and explore. We did get out of eye range of the main island to a smaller island and dropped anchor and did a lot of exploring – of each other's bodies – but never made it to another island. Something about those gentle waves of the current and our need for each other satisfied us both.

After our honeymoon, we were glad to get back home to Sweetpea. Charlie and Sue had done a wonderful job with her. Sweetpea was genuinely sad to see them go and cried for quite a while after they left. I was grabbing at straws for anything to make her happy again. Thankfully, Bella came up with going to Chuck E. Cheese Pizza to ease her stress. Augh…ok…sitting in a lame pizza place with a big mouse going around bothering people. Anything for my daughter – since I'd just come from a straight week of the best mind-blowing sex in my life with the woman of my dreams! When Sweetpea was being entertained by Chuck E. Cheese, Bella whispered in my ear she'd make it worth my while to be a good sport about this. Then she gently sucked on my earlobe and gave me a wink. God, I love this woman!

Seattle General - Chapter 20

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream!

BPOV

As I sat looking at my little family on this – our moving day – I realized we'd come a long way in a short span of time. I was engaged to the man of my dreams, who thankfully took me back after my panic attack at the beginning of the New Year. My wedding gown was chosen and safely stored at the Whitlock's. We added a daughter. My fiancée was now the Chief of Medicine at Seattle General Hospital here in Seattle. I was enjoying running a household and taking care of Sweetpea. We all were munching on McDonald's breakfast food in preparation for the rest of our moving crew to arrive. Everything else was packed, so there was no way I could make anything for breakfast.

Soon, the moving crew did arrive. It included Jasper, Carlisle, Ben Cheney and some other guys from the hospital. Good thing we'd already planned on buying everyone pizza later to show our appreciation! Alice and Angela arrived as well, taking Sweetpea with them. Neither one of them were in any condition to be lifting anything heavy. They were going to be choosing the cutest little flower girl's dress in all of Seattle. With Alice leading the charge, I had no doubt of that. Esme arrived with Carlisle. She was staying with me to help supervise and place items in various rooms. She had terrific taste in decorating and I was glad to have her help.

With all these guys helping, they had rooms cleared out in no time. I can't say I didn't spend a few moments appreciating the view of my fiancée lifting heavy objects and watching his muscles flex. He caught me looking once, grinned crookedly at me, and said, "Whatcha looking at, baby?" I just blushed and went into an empty room to begin cleaning. We were determined to not have to come back here later to do anything else.

As we drove to our new home, Edward and I were in the front of the rented U-Haul, leading the way. Esme was sweetly driving my RAV4 behind us. Jasper had Edward's Volvo. We still needed to go to my old apartment and load that. Edward reached over, smiled, held my hand and said, "What were you looking at back there, baby?"

"Just you. I was just appreciating looking at you," I replied.

"You like the way I look?" he asked, his chest puffing out a bit.

"Like you didn't already know that, crazy man."

He continued, "You can show me later just how much in that big, giant shower that's now ours!"

I challenged him right back with, "Yeah, I think I'll be just bringing in some of that ice from that new refrigerator that's ours so I can ice you down from all that heavy lifting you've been doing today!"

"You wouldn't!" he exclaimed. I just raised my eyebrow at him.

Since we were at the new address, he backed the U-Haul into the driveway and put on the parking brake. He leaned over to kiss me. I could never get enough kisses from this gorgeous man.

Jasper knocked on the window and said, "Hey – make out with her later, dude. We have moving to do!" We just grinned at each other like teenagers getting caught and exited the vehicle. "Sheesh," Jasper continued to the other guys standing around, "you can't leave these two alone for ten minutes or they're all over each other!" I blushed again and went to unlock the front door.

Esme went into full decorator mode at this point, directing where everything should go. I had full confidence in her, as we had discussed previously where we wanted each piece of furniture. I tried to bring in some boxes, but Edward or one of the other guys always stopped me. "We've got this, Bella," they always said. Nothing like feeling totally ineffective! I made sure the sodas and beer were safely in the fridge and cooling.

Then the guys were back in the U-Haul and a couple of trucks and heading to my old apartment. I had cleaned it one day when Edward was not there to "help" me. Esme and I decided to stay at the house and start putting the kitchen together. Finally – something I could do! I adored her and we had a great chat about all kinds of things. She said once we got settled, she wanted to see some of my scrapbooks as she might be interested in starting something like that. I thought that was a great idea as I was sure she and Carlisle had been on some wonderful adventures over the years.

We had the kitchen almost done when the guys came back. I continued with the kitchen as Esme went to direct traffic with the new furniture and boxes. Edward caught my eye as he brought the bed in. He gave me a wink and I blushed again. Dammit! Would I ever stop blushing? I'd given myself to Edward in almost every way possible and here I was, blushing like a virgin on her wedding night. Him and his damn panty-dropping smiles and winks anyway!

I called and ordered the pizza and concentrated on finishing what kitchen items were already available to me. I knew more were coming in soon from my old apartment. I had gone through things as I was packing and donated duplicates of items we both had.

Soon, I went to get the pizza for the very hard workers. When I returned, they were very glad to see me. I brought out the sodas and beer and they were extremely grateful for those as well. Once everyone was fed, most of the guys left. Carlisle, Jasper, Ben and Esme stayed. Carlisle, Jasper and Ben helped Edward with any last-minute furniture placement and Esme helped me get the beds made so we'd be comfortable in our first night in our new home.

Alice and Angela arrived back with Sweetpea. The dress they chose for her was so adorable – all white eyelet lace. Alice said she'd be getting a flower garland head piece for her on the day of the wedding with ribbon streamers down the back. I couldn't wait to see her in it!

* * *

EPOV

Dammit! I didn't get Bella in the fuck-awesome shower the night we moved in. But she did rub my sore muscles from moving all that heavy stuff. No wonder I love her. Once she got to massaging my back, I fell right to sleep. Why did that have to feel so good?

A couple days later, though, I told Mrs. Cope – my secretary at work – that I forgot my cell phone, so I needed to run home and get it. I took my pager with me in case I was needed in an emergency. Bella had already taken Sweetpea to school. So I came home to find Bella alone, organizing her craft room. I convinced her to get naked and we got to have some sexy time in the shower. It was a bit rushed – I couldn't be away from the hospital all day and I was so damn horny just thinking about it. She was exquisitely beautiful as I bent her over the bench in the shower and pounded into her from behind. And with all those shower heads spraying warm water at us, neither of us were drowned or cold. It was very erotic and I wanted a repeat performance again soon!

That night, Bella announced she wanted to have a house-warming party and wanted to invite her father and Sue to spend some time with us and meet Sweetpea. I thought it was a great idea. Sweetpea also had some news.

"Daddy," she began, "when I was with Auntie Alice and Angela, their tummies are getting big because they have babies inside. When are you and Bella going to have a baby?"

Bella and I looked at each other over that heavy old table. "Well, Sweetpea, we haven't really talked about it yet."

"I want a little brother," Sweetpea announced and then went back to eating her dinner as if her declaring it was going to make it come to pass as easily as her going to bed with a bedtime story that night.

I continued, "Sometimes these things take time."

"OK," she sighed a little sigh, "but that's what I want." Bella and I just smiled at each other.

I heard Bella and Sweetpea in the kitchen later, cleaning up. Bella was saying, "Would you like a pony?"

I believe I almost heard those little eyes roll as Sweetpea giggled and replied, "No, Bella. We don't have a place to keep a pony. We have plenty of room for a little brother, though!"

Bella said, "But you'll have to share your toys."

Sweetpea said, "That's ok. I don't mind. He can even play with my dolls, if he wants."

That little girl – when she gets something in her mind – she doesn't want to let it go! As we tucked her into bed and read to her, she was all smiles like she knew we'd get on her request right away. Just what I needed – two women in my life who were constantly on my case about something! I loved them with my entire being, though, and wouldn't trade them for anything.

As Bella and I sat up, watching some television before bed, I asked her, "So, baby, did you want a baby?

"Hmm," she said, "I'd like to get married first. I'm kind of traditional that way. Not that I don't adore Sweetpea, because I do. But I think if we have another one, it should be after we get married."

"I agree," I said, as I put my arm around her on the couch and brought her lips closer to mine.

* * *

Charlie Swan and Sue Clearwater arrived at our home one Friday evening in mid-March. It was good to see them again. They were here for our house-warming party which was happening the next day. Sweetpea was excited to meet her grandpa and almost-grandma. She took them around to every little corner of the house, showing them her entire world. Then she dragged them outside, showing them her play set and the entire yard. We had just started furnishing the basement with a pool table, some comfortable couches, and a large screen television. We figured with Sweetpea growing up, we wanted to be in the house in the neighborhood that other kids gravitated to so we could keep an eye on them. We could be the "cool" parents.

After dinner, Sweetpea insisted Charlie and Sue play a board game with her. She already had them wrapped around her little finger. I could see it already. Bella took some pictures that I knew she'd be adding to our scrapbooks.

The next day, there were lots of people in and out of the house. It seemed everyone who worked at Seattle General wanted to come see our new house. Guess that's what happens when you're the new Chief of Medicine. Bella was excited to see some of the people she hadn't seen since she'd left Carlisle's office. I was so damn proud of Bella – she'd seemingly made the transition from working woman to stay-at-home mother very easily. I'd have to ask her about that later when we were alone – if she missed it.

Sweetpea curled right up on her grandpa's chest sometime in the afternoon and went right to sleep for her nap. I told him if it got too uncomfortable for him, he could go put her in her bedroom and shut the door. He put his arms more protectively around her and said he was fine. I just grinned and went about, greeting more people. We were hoping to ask Charlie and Sue to stay here with Sweetpea while we were on our honeymoon. It looked like we weren't going to have much of a problem with that.

Later that evening during a quiet dinner, I brought the subject up. "Sweetpea, you know when Bella and I get married, we're going to have a honeymoon, which is like a vacation by ourselves."

"Without me?" she asked, curious.

"Yes," I said.

"Where will I be?" she wondered.

"Well, after the wedding, you'll come back home. We were hoping you'd like to come back here with grandpa and grandma."

Her little face lit right up. "So – I'll get my own honeymo' – with grandma and grandpa?"

I answered with a smile, "Yeah, something like that. But you still have to go to school. They will take you."

She looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, "Will you and Mama Bella still call me and think about me while you're on your honeymo'?"

My heart stopped for a moment, realizing that she just called Bella "Mama," but I tried to recover quickly and said, "Of course, Sweetpea. We won't ever stop thinking about you!" I looked over at Bella just then and I saw the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She got up suddenly, taking some empty plates back to the kitchen.

I followed her into the kitchen a few moments afterward while Charlie and Sue were talking with Sweetpea about kindergarten. I came up behind her as she was looking out the window over the sink. I kissed her shoulder and said, "Hey, baby, are you ok?"

She said quietly, her voice breaking a little, "Yeah. I guess I didn't realize how much it was going to get to me when she actually did start calling me 'Mama.'"

I put my arms around her waist and said, "You're the best mother for her and the best wife for me. I love you so much. I can't wait to make everything official!"

All too soon, it was time for Charlie and Sue to head back to Forks. Sweetpea was sad to see them go, but she was glad she was going to see them again in a couple of weeks for the wedding and then her own "honeymo'." Silly girl! They gave her plenty of kisses and hugs before they set out. I think if Charlie thought he could've gotten away with it, he would've bought a car seat himself and put her in the backseat of their car and hauled her back to Forks.

I finally did ask Bella if she missed being a working woman. She said she missed the people, not necessarily the work. But she was able to keep up on most of the people through stories I told when I got home from work in the evening. She was more than satisfied with being a mom to Sweetpea and my partner in life.

Alice got her hooks into me and Jasper about our tuxedos for the wedding. I was excited about anything to do with our wedding! I insisted on a handkerchief with a penguin print for the pocket of my shirt. Bella wouldn't see it until after the ceremony, but I'd make sure she did. It was our running wedding joke.

Seeing Bella's luggage sitting out as she prepared for our wedding trip unsettled me. She, Alice and Sweetpea were going up to Orcas Island the day before to make sure everything was in readiness. Since that horrible week at the beginning of the year, I hadn't had to sleep a night without Bella. I was tempted to peek inside the bags, but she playfully slapped my hand away. She told me I'd see soon enough. I cautiously asked, "Will Victoria have any secrets left?"

She smirked sexily back and said, "Not if I can help it!"

She wasn't supposed to do that – look all sexy and tempting. She had put a moratorium on sex for the past week. I hated it. I loved being able to hold her all night, but not being able to have any sexual contact with her was frustrating the hell out of me. This was probably how it was supposed to be before you got married – have some resistance built up – but dammit, I could care less about resistance, I just wanted some release.

Bella kissed me goodbye. I wanted to drag it out a lot longer, but Alice and Sweetpea were waiting semi-patiently in the entryway. I had to work today anyway. Good damn thing or I'd be going out of my mind. I had to tie up loose ends at work and appoint someone who would be acting in my stead while I was out next week.

Bella squeezed my hand and said, "I'll see you at the altar tomorrow, Handsome," and then was gone. Damn straight, she would.