Seattle General - Chapter 25 (Epilogue)

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

Shout-outs: To my friend, Becky, for being a sounding board throughout this storyline – thanks bb!

10 years later

Sweetpea POV

I navigated my Volkswagen Bug into the driveway of the house we'd lived in since I'd been 5 years old. I loved this house! I had just ended a cell phone call with my dad. He was being totally unreasonable. I told him that Seth Clearwater had asked me to the freshman/sophomore prom in a month's time. He told me I couldn't go and didn't really give me a very good reason for it either. Geez!

I came through the front door and called out, "Mom!" She answered from her craft room. I had a feeling she'd be in there. She'd made so many beautiful scrapbooks for Emmett and me over the years. She also made several family scrapbooks and lots of home décor objects. She truly made our house a home.

As I entered the craft room and kissed Bella, my mom, on the cheek and gave her a hug, she said, "Hey, Sweetpea, what's up?"

Bella had been my mother since I'd been five years old. My birth mother, Jessica, was nothing more than a fuzzy memory to me – someone who really only existed through photos in my earlier scrapbooks. Bella had been there for me through thick and thin – my comforter, my disciplinarian when I needed it, my teacher, my guide, everything a mother should be.

"Oh," I sighed dramatically (it's a teenager thing), "Dad won't let me go to the freshman/sophomore prom with Seth."

"Why?"

"I don't know. He won't give me a reason," I continued. "Will you talk to him for me?"

"Of course," she said. And I knew she would. If anyone could talk my dad into something, it was Mom. Not that she had to do that a lot for me, but she had done it occasionally over the years and it had always worked. She seemed to have some sort of magic power over my dad. I knew when I grew up and finally got married (if ever!), I wanted a relationship just like theirs. Some of my friends at school came from broken homes and that always hurt my heart. My parents were incredibly mushy with each other at times, and there was no doubt they loved each other with a passion. There also was no doubt they loved me and Emmett and would do whatever they could for us. That's not to say they didn't argue occasionally, but whenever they did, it was normally over by nightfall.

Our family life was very full – we had grandparents who lived in Forks – Charlie and Sue Swan. They came down to visit when they could. Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Sue were my favorites – probably due to proximity, I don't know. I even got to be the flower girl in their wedding! We also had grandparents who lived in Florida – Phil and Renee Dwyer. We'd seen them a couple of times when we went on vacation to Disneyworld in Orlando, and they'd come to visit us a few times as well.

Dad and Mom tried to take us on at least two vacations away from home every year. We'd been to Disneyworld (as I said before), Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, Canada, Mexico, Niagara Falls, New York, we'd even gone to England once to see where Dad was born and raised. Sometimes my dad would want to take these weird trips to see the biggest ball of yarn or something. Mom would just roll her eyes, but we'd pile in the car and go. We usually always had fun – even if things turned into a misadventure. In fact, I think it was more fun if it was a misadventure! Sometimes Mom and I would get the giggles at Dad, looking frustrated and dragging his fingers through his hair. We'd try to stop and then he'd come out with an innocent-sounding, "What?" and then even Em would join in with our side-splitting laughter until we were all holding our sides.

We've also been on two Disney cruises with Uncle Jasper, Aunt Alice, and Rosie. They aren't really our uncle and aunt – but they are my parents' best friends, so they definitely feel as close as that.

In case you were wondering – even though I'm now 16, yes, I still adore my baby brother and I'm so glad my parents had him! I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. He annoys me at times, but I'd still protect him to the death if I had to.

Emmett POV

One thing about football practice, it made me so hungry, I felt like I could eat a bear – seriously! I loved working hard at something I liked so much, but man, it made me hungry. I don't know if it made Mom very happy, but she took it with good humor. She usually just ruffled my hair and told me I was her growing boy or some shit like that. Oops – I'd better watch my language. My parents try not to swear too much around Sweetpea and me and they don't encourage us to do so either – darn friends of mine.

I'm only 10 years old, so most girls have cooties, you know – except for Rosie. Do you know Rosie? She's my neighbor across the street and also one of Sweetpea's best friends. We've been back and forth to her house all our lives and she's been to ours just as much. At first I thought she was just a nuisance, but then I started slyly watching her out of the corner of my eye while I was playing my video games. Yeah, I'm slick like that.

Rosie has beautiful long blonde hair and almost blue-violet eyes. Maybe when I get a bit older, I'll run my fingers through it. I notice my dad do that to my mom. I thought it was too mushy, but Mom seems to like it for whatever reason. And not too far in the near future, I may lay a kiss on her and see how that goes over.

EPOV

Bella and I no longer had to have any discussions about Tanya. After a few years, she got tired of working evenings and nights and moved on to another hospital. Yes, I had everything to do with that. As soon as I found out she was back at my hospital, I met with the Chief Nurse and made sure Tanya would never be assigned to days. I needed her to get the message – loud and clear – that I would never be interested in her again.

Carlisle had recently come to my office to ask me if I'd want to apply for his job. He was considering retiring. I had no clue what the hospital would even be like after he retired – it would be different – he was an institution to this place. I told him I'd definitely need to discuss that with Bella. He understood completely.

Our son is quickly growing into a football and baseball star. Good thing he was lighter on his feet than his father. I was only coordinated when it came to doctoring. He is a handsome kid, too – takes after his father, of course. Insert proud smile here. No, it must've been the combination of my genes with Bella's. I never could've made that handsome kid on my own without her beautiful input.

Now our daughter is trying to put me in an early grave. She wanted to know if she could go to the prom with Seth. It wasn't like we hadn't met Seth – he'd been to our house several times with a group of kids from school. But the prom? I knew exactly what hormonal teenage boys were like. I was one once! Hell, I'm still one almost! I couldn't give Sweetpea an exact reason – I just told her "no." I know she's going to go home and talk to her mother. And her mother is going to use every feminine wile in her arsenal to get me to say "yes." Damn if I'm just not putty in Bella's ever-capable hands. I'll have to remain firm in my resolve.

Sweetpea alluded to some arguments between her parents. Let me give you an example of a doozy. One night after work, I stopped by a place to have my hair cut. Before I knew what was happening, the girl practically scalped me. I must have been totally in my own head – thinking about crap going on at work. She had shaved the sides down pretty much to almost nothing – I was starting to look like I was going in the Marines. Thank God I snapped out of it before she got to the top. She couldn't leave it as it was, though. She had to trim it down quite a lot or it would've looked totally off with the rest of my head, but at least my entire head wasn't shaved. I started to wonder if I could just not come home for the next three months or so until my hair started to grow out. Bella was going to kill me. She loved my "sex hair" almost as much as I loved her sex shoes. Holy hell…

I parked my car in the driveway and mentally steeled myself. Bella was going to freak out – I just knew it. I had to be prepared for the worst. I'd already stopped to pick up a bouquet of flowers, but I knew that wasn't going to help. I stepped in the front door and saw the kids watching TV – Sweetpea was about 10 at this time and Em was about 5. They were engrossed and didn't really notice anything was off. I figured Bella was probably in the kitchen, so I cautiously made my way in there.

She had her back to me, preparing something at the counter, so I came up behind her and put my arms around her with the flowers in front of her. "Hi baby," I said in her ear and kissed her neck.

She smiled at the flowers and said, "Thank you, handsome! These are beautiful! Dinner won't be ready for about another half hour. What do I owe the pleasure?" Then she turned and looked at me. "Edward, what happened?"

"Well," I rubbed the back of my neck with one of my hands, "I was distracted at the place I went to get a haircut. She basically scalped me before I knew what happened."

"Oh…" Bella choked back a sob before she turned and left the kitchen, almost at a run. I heard our bedroom door shut a moment later.

I assessed the kitchen and saw there was something in the oven and the timer was ticking away. I asked Sweetpea to keep an eye on it and she promised she would. I followed my wife into the bedroom. I was glad to see the door wasn't locked.

Bella was sitting on the far side of the bed, her hands covering her eyes and her shoulders were shaking. Was she…crying? Over my hair? I went and sat beside her. "Baby…" I started. Her tears were coming in earnest now.

I slid down to my knees, faced her in between her legs and wrapped my arms around her waist. "It's just hair, love. It will grow back," I tried to say quietly and encouragingly.

She tried to wipe some of her tears with the back of her hand. She said haltingly, "Don't you…understand…how important…your hair…is to me?" I shook my head that I didn't. She tried to recover somewhat, gave me a little smile and said, "When you make love to me, don't you notice that I pull…on your hair? I was hoping that gave you pleasure as well."

Now that I thought of it, she was damn right. She did pull on my hair every time we made love. And it turned me on – a lot. She did it especially when I licked her sweet, wet folds after I unwrapped them from whatever lingerie she was teasing me with. Dammit – that girl stole that from me for the next couple of months.

"Baby, I'm sorry. I should've been paying more attention. I never want to bring you any kind of hurt. And yes, that does turn me on – a lot." I smiled up at her a bit with my crooked smile and said, "Maybe if you pull on the bit I have left, it will grow faster!"

She smiled again tentatively and put her arms around me. I loved this woman – more than life itself – and I would never love another. Since she'd had Em, she had filled out a bit and got a more womanly figure that I'd heard her complain about on more than one occasion, but I never saw anything wrong with the way she looked. She was always perfect to me.

I noticed then she was wearing some sort of thin blue sun dress that seemed to skim above her knees. I brought my hands from around her waist to massage her thighs. "Edward," she whispered, "the kids are just out in the living room!"

"Yes, baby," I answered with another – almost evil – smile, "and they're watching television. So you're just going to have to be a little quieter than normal while I lick your sweet, wet pussy and you start pulling my hair to make it grow back faster."

I captured her mouth with mine and slid my tongue inside. She allowed me perfect entrance. "Lay back, baby," I told her and she complied. I pushed her sun dress up so it was bunched up around her hips.

She was wearing some Victoria's Secret cotton "I love pink" bikini panties. She would look sexy, no matter what she was wearing – I wouldn't care. I slid those aside with my fingers as the fingers from my other hand stroked her entrance, getting her wet. As I slid two fingers inside her, she moaned as quietly as she could. My mouth took up residence on her clit as I expertly sucked and flicked it with my mouth. She was squirming and thrashing around, but her hands never left my head. And hell if she didn't pull on the shorter hair that was now on the top of my head – harder than normal, I think. Giving Bella an orgasm was a huge turn-on for me, but knowing that my hair was a big turn-on for her made me excited as well – but this was about her.

In case you were wondering about dinner that night, Bella and I made it back out to the kitchen with five minutes to spare, thank you very much. I'm efficient – plus I knew I had all night when there weren't going to be little ears so close by and possibly listening.

It's not that she still didn't make me pay for the haircut from hell – she's stubborn as you may know. She didn't wear her sex shoes for me until my hair grew back out to its normal length. That was a long damn time to make me wait. Don't think I've ever had my mind on anything else whenever I go to get a hair trim!

BPOV

Yes, Sweetpea was going to the prom. Alice and I were taking her to get a dress – most likely this weekend. Are you kidding me – how could she not go? She was far more coordinated than I ever was in high school. Seth was a great kid. Why not go to a dance with someone who has had a crush on her since they were in grade school together? I would sway Edward to my way of thinking. Besides, Sweetpea and I had the "birds and bees" talk a while back. That was not territory she wanted to get into quite yet. She wouldn't mind a sweet and innocent kiss from Seth at the end of the night, but that was it. Her father's imagination did get the better of him sometimes.

I kept busy at home, going to my children's games or events, and I also work a couple of 4-hour shifts a couple of times a month at a scrapbook store in town. That gave me a chance to connect with other like-minded women.

I also go out to lunch with Esme Cullen frequently now that both kids are in school. I was surprised when she told me Carlisle was thinking about retiring. I couldn't even imagine it! He always seemed so young to me. Esme just laughed and told me he was young at heart.

Our relationship with Jasper and Alice is never stronger. We'd even gone on a few vacations with them. Edward and I had asked them to be godparents to our children if something ever happened to us – God forbid, of course. They agreed without hesitation. They had asked the same of us for Rosie.

Once Rosie was in school, Alice worked with me at the scrapbook store on my couple of shifts a month. She also volunteers some of her time as a teacher's helper at the school as they seemed to be woefully understaffed. I could never do that – but Alice was always so upbeat and positive, I imagine she gave the kids a run for their money.

Our children are fantastic! That's not to say they didn't get into their share of trouble along the way – but nothing too serious – they weren't breaking the law – just minor children scuffles. After Em was born, we decided not to have any more children, so I just stayed on birth control pills.

After I had Em, my body didn't bounce back into the shape I had before. I grumbled about that a few times. Edward didn't seem to mind, though. Every time we make love, he tells me how much he loves the new fullness of my breasts and my hips. You have to love a husband who tells you things like that. I can never detect a hint of falseness in his words or tone, so he must be telling me the truth. He's never lied to me before – why would he start now?

We haven't steered our children toward any possible career choices. We would rather they make their own decisions about those things. I know they will be great at whatever they decide to do.

Our friend, Jacob Black, and his girlfriend/my old roommate, Nessa, did finally get married. We all went to their wedding in La Push and joined in the celebration. About a year later, they were blessed with twin girls! They have since had a boy and another girl. I wouldn't know what to do with four children – I would be frantic! It's a good thing Jake's mechanic shop keeps him busy and he's hired a couple of guys to help him out there.

And then…there's Edward. Have I mentioned he is the best thing in my entire world? Before I met him, I thought I was so self-assured and didn't really need anyone in my life. I could take care of myself. Once he finally convinced me to go out with him and I fell in love with him, everything in my life changed for the better. Sure, my life was okay before, but now it is so much better than I could ever have imagined. That doesn't mean there aren't days that absolutely frustrate me to no end. Every day isn't sunshine and roses – but I do feel there is that "epic" kind of love I have with Edward – the kind that will last long after we're gone – like Romeo and Juliet.

Edward and I had gone away for a long weekend – just the two of us together. Alice and Jasper were watching Sweetpea and Em for us. Edward had booked our honeymoon suite back on Orcas Island for us. He was such a romantic – I loved him so much and could never get enough of this wonderful man.

Once we'd had our fill of an afternoon lovemaking session, we ate a leisurely early dinner while looking out at the water. Edward suggested a stroll on the beach afterward. I kissed him fully on the mouth – which he returned enthusiastically – as he took my hand in his.

And then we continued blissfully into this small but perfect piece of our forever.

The End

Seattle General - Chapter 24

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

Shout-outs: To my friend, Mindy, for talking me through the birthing process since I don't know nothin' about birthin' no babies! And to Monica for the first-grade crush idea.

BPOV

Our time in Forks was the perfect vacation. It was nice to get out of town and Sweetpea loved spending time with Charlie and Sue.

At the first part of June, Jasper and Alice bought a house directly across the street from us. We helped them move in – along with the same guys from the hospital who helped us. Of course, Alice and I weren't allowed to do anything in our "delicate conditions." Yes, feel free to insert an eyeroll here. Edward snickered in bed next to me late one night after the move that it sucked to be Jasper because he didn't have the fuck-awesome shower we had. I just slapped him lightly in the dark as he drew me closer to him.

It was good to have them moved in before their baby arrived. They already knew they would be having a girl and her name would be Rosalie Lillian. We needed to wait until a little farther along to find out if we were actually having a boy or girl. I knew if you asked Sweetpea, she'd say she would definitely be having a baby brother. I knew I'd be happy with either – just a healthy baby. I knew that's what Edward wanted as well.

By June, Rosalie's nursery was all set up. Sweetpea and I went over one day to look at it. It was gorgeous. With the most professional shopper we knew, there was no way it could be anything less than perfect.

Alice got Sweetpea a snack from the kitchen and then turned to me. She said, "Bella, Jasper is going to be with me during the birth. But I want you to be there, too."

I don't know whether I looked terrified or shocked. "I don't know," I whispered.

Alice took my hand and continued, "Bella, it will be ok. I want you to be there. You're my best friend. There's no one else I'd rather share it with. Plus then you'll know what to expect when Sweetpea's little brother or sister makes an appearance!"

I smiled warmly at her, but secretly hoped I could make it through the entire experience without throwing up or passing out. All that medical stuff was so out of my league. That was Edward and Jasper's world – so not mine.

I ran the idea past Edward. He thought it would be fine for me to be there and explained basically what would happen during the process. I groaned and covered my eyes. Edward took my hand and said, "Baby, I think you'll be fine – truly. Alice wants you there as her best friend. You'll do great. You've read the books already since you're such a fast reader. You know everything to expect."

"I know," I replied. "I'm just nervous." He rubbed circles on my back as I relaxed into him.

About a week later near the end of June, we had all turned in for the night. I had snuggled myself into Edward's arms and he had his arm draped over my waist. I was feeling warm and secure in my little nest of his arms as I was drifting off to sleep when my cell phone rang on the nightstand beside me.

"Hello?" I mumbled sleepily into my phone.

"Bella!" Alice's voice shouted into the phone. "I need you to come now! My freakin' water just broke all over the kitchen floor as I was up, getting a snack. Jasper is at the hospital, doing an emergency surgery. I need to go now!"

"OK Alice! Let me get some clothes on and I'll be right over!"

Adrenaline kicked in and I bounded out of bed like a kangaroo. I hurriedly explained to Edward what was happening. He yawned and said, "OK baby. Two thumbs up!" and flopped back down in the bed. I was instantly jealous of him lying in bed, but adrenaline was a powerful thing and all I could think about was getting Alice to the hospital.

I was dressed and at the Whitlock's faster than I thought I would be. I helped Alice into the car. She was excited, smiling and crying at the same time. I tried to drive like a sane person, but I knew we needed to get her there as soon as possible. She told me she'd tried to call Jasper, but since he was in a case, he wasn't reachable by phone. A nurse had answered his cell phone and told Alice she would let him know as soon as it was safe for her to do so. Crap – I was her only support at this time. OK – I could do this.

A nurse assisted us with getting us installed into a patient room. Thank goodness they were already pre-registered and the skanky whore Tanya didn't work in labor and delivery. I may have to take someone out if I didn't have to be here as a support for Alice.

Alice had to ride out a least a labor pain or two before an anesthesiologist came in and gave her an epidural. Then it was time for her to be moved into the delivery room. I kept wondering where Jasper was. He should be here for the birth of his daughter! Did the nurse ever tell him? Alice was not letting go of my hand for anything in the world. For such a small person, she had a tremendous grip when a labor pain was bearing down on her. Yikes!

Just as her doctor had got her through another round of pushing, he said, "I see the head!" Then, thankfully, Jasper burst through the door. I tried to let go of Alice's hand, but she wasn't having any of that.

Jasper just went around to Alice's other side, gave her a kiss and said, "You can do this, sweetie. Let's give our daughter the best birthday ever!" My adrenaline must be wearing off – I think he was trying to make me cry. He looked over at me and winked. I smiled back at him through the tears gathering in the corners of my eyes as Alice was instructed to push again.

Time seemed to run together, so I don't know exactly how long it took for Rosalie to be born. I know by the time she was weighed, measured, and then snuggled into a beautiful pink hospital blanket and I – as Aunt Bella – was allowed to hold her, she was the most perfect thing I'd ever seen. And that was all that mattered. It felt as though the baby currently growing inside me fluttered when I held her. It must have been my imagination as I knew it was entirely too early for anything like that.

Alice was going to be allowed to rest at the hospital for a while, so I was free to go. Jasper made sure I was all right to drive home and wasn't too tired. I assured him I was fine. I don't really remember much about the drive – I think I made it home on auto pilot.

As I slid in next to my still-snoring husband, my body definitely felt how tired I was. I was almost asleep again as soon as my head hit the pillow, and I could feel Edward's protective arm sliding around my waist. How could he – in a dead sleep – know the second I got back into bed? No matter – I would never tire of sleeping next to him and the way he took care of us.

EPOV

We were coming around to Christmas again very quickly. For some reason, Bella wasn't letting me pick out any "family-oriented" pajamas this year. What's got into her? Was she somehow saying the ones I picked out last year weren't appropriate? If she can insert an eyeroll, I can insert a snort! Bella's been Christmas shopping with Alice and Rosalie while I've been working.

Just because watching her ever-growing pregnant body was a total turn-on for me and I couldn't get enough of it, sue me! I am a doctor and know a thing or two about pregnant women and their hormones. And my lovely wife's seem to be on overdrive. So if she's told you that I'm a bit out of control in the lovemaking department, she's getting just as much out of it as I am – and she's just as ready to go as I am! We've had to resort to some new positions because of her gorgeous belly, but that's ok with me.

Sweetpea, our now 6-year-old, is loving school, although she's trying to give me a heart attack. She came home from first grade one day and announced she had a crush on some boy. I didn't even know this six-year-old, but I wanted to give him a strong talking-to. Bella thought it was adorable. Was she crazy? The boy was Seth Clearwater. Apparently some second cousin to Sue Clearwater, Charlie's love. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I wanted to meet his parents and any other relatives. Bella just put her hand on my shoulder and whispered something in my ear about not being so ridiculous. I'm just trying to protect what's mine!

Bella has been very good about hiding all the Christmas gifts so Sweetpea will think Santa has brought them. She picked out the "appropriate" pajamas. Whatever! So those are the only gifts under our tree at the moment. My lovely wife doesn't know I made a special trip to Victoria's Secret by myself to pick out something just for her. I know she wouldn't go in there anytime recently with her burgeoning belly, but I found a sheer lacy halter babydoll that opened right underneath the bustline. She would look perfect in it. Maybe she'll help out my fantasy on Christmas Eve and wear that with those sex shoes I got her for Christmas last year – I was getting hard just thinking about it.

Apparently Charlie and Sue would be arriving on Christmas day, so I'd have to share Bella with them that day. I promised I'd help out with whatever I could. She'd already done a lot of the baking ahead of time, but I was ready for whatever task she had ready for me.

On Christmas Eve, after a dinner of take-out pizza, we opened our pajama gifts. Bella had got herself and Sweetpea pink pajamas with cupcakes printed randomly on them. They went to change into them immediately. They were actually perfect for them since Bella was always teaching Sweetpea to bake in the kitchen and we all loved cupcakes and baked goods. Then they made me open mine. I tried not to pout as I knew it wasn't going to be anything sexy – although I did bring back the Santa hat from last year for good measure. Bella had got me Scooby Doo pajamas! This was better than sexy! Woohoo!

"Well," she said, "it was either those or penguins. When I saw Scooby Doo, I couldn't resist. So, you still may get penguins – maybe another year!"

"These are great, baby! I love you!" I told her with a kiss as I came back into the room, fully decked out in Scooby Doo. If the doctors at work knew their Chief of Medicine was a sucker for Scooby Doo or even owned these pajamas, I'd get razzed mercilessly. As long as the secret was safe within our family, I was good to go.

We watched a couple Christmas movies, then I explained to Sweetpea the importance of her going to bed and to sleep like a good girl so Santa would come and deliver her presents. She totally understood – maybe the movies helped since they were Santa-oriented. She left out some cookies and Coke for Santa. I explained that maybe Santa gets tired of milk at every house and she agreed. We got her settled into bed and she was off into dreamland pretty quickly.

Bella and I got out all the presents she had stuffed into various hiding spots. I don't even think she had realized there were so many! The space under the tree was packed and was spilling out in all directions. The stockings were stuffed within an inch of their lives and all was in readiness for our little girl to get up in the morning. She usually didn't get up until about 8 a.m. or so if she was allowed to sleep in, but with the excitement of Christmas, who knew what time she'd get up?

And yes, being the good Santa-dad I am, I did eat my cookies and Coke, thank you very much. Then I took my lovely wife by the hand and guided her into our bedroom and sat her on the bed.

I kissed her and said, "Baby, I have a gift for you."

"Edward," she said, "all our gifts are in the other room."

"Nope, not this one. It's a special one."

She looked at me warily, "What is it?"

"Baby, please keep an open mind, ok?" She agreed and I went to get the box out of the closet.

When she saw the distinctive pink box, she was going to protest, but my lips against hers silenced her. "Please," I implored.

She might've grumbled a bit under her breath as she opened the box and withdrew the black lacy babydoll. "Oh, Edward, it's beautiful!"

"Yes, as are you," I said as I reached around her and began unbuttoning her pajama top. "And I want to see you in this."

"Edward…"

My lips found her earlobe and I sucked on it. I whispered into her ear, "Please baby, for me." I was directly behind her now and I knew she could feel my arousal beginning. Her pajama top was unbuttoned now and I slid it off her shoulders. Mmmm…my baby hadn't put a bra on earlier when she put these pajamas on – all the better for me as I now palmed her breasts. I loved rolling her nipples in my long fingers.

I took the lacy garment from her hands and slid it over her head and made quick work of her pajama bottoms. I growled gently in her ear, "Don't move, baby." I was back in a flash with those sex shoes I'd been fantasizing about.

I bent down and helped my love slide her feet into them. Then I kissed my way up her long legs, paying particular attention to the apex, and then to that gorgeous belly of hers. By the time I came back up to her breasts, her breathing was labored. "Are you ok, love?"

"Yes…I just want you, darling."

"Mmmm…I was hoping you'd say that. I've been fantasizing about you looking just like this for about a week now. I have to say, I love the visual. You are absolutely gorgeous. I love you, my sweet girl." I slid one of her hardened nipples into my mouth as I tweaked the other one with my fingers. I absolutely loved that Bella's breasts were getting bigger along with this pregnancy.

My tongue was busy, lavishing attention on both of Bella's nipples while she was busy, stroking my length. She was attempting to divest me of my pajamas. I chuckled, "Are you in a hurry, baby?"

She pulled me to her and breathed, "Yes, Edward. I need you inside me. I'm so wet for you right now."

"Hmmm…I think I should check on the validity of that statement, baby." Two of my long fingers reached down and slid inside Bella's slick folds. She was more than wet – she was positively dripping. "Mmm…you are very wet, love. I want to make love to you right now."

"Please, Dr. Masen," she choked out.

"Baby…" I said with concern. It had been a while since we'd played the dominant "Dr. Masen" card. I certainly didn't want to hurt her now that she was pregnant.

"Just take me," she said.

"Isabella," I said softly, "lean over the side of the bed with only your forearms resting on the bed. Spread your pretty legs so I can get a good view of your beautiful pussy and how wet you get for me." She did as I asked. With her wearing those fabulous shoes, she was at exactly the right height for this. I hurriedly got the rest of my pajamas off and slid into her, grinding my hips. I could feel my release coming from a mile away like a freight train. I slid my fingers around to her slick clit and she bucked back into me with a groan.

"Do you like that, Isabella? Tell me!"

"Oh yes," she panted and she bucked again as my fingers kept up their ministrations. "Oh Edward, I'm so close. I'm going to come."

"Then come for me, baby." And, by some miracle, we did end up coming at the same time or near enough.

I helped Bella up and said, "Baby, I hope I didn't hurt you. I got concerned when you called me Dr. Masen."

She replied, "I know, but I just got so turned on all of a sudden by the nightgown, the shoes and how you were just taking control of everything."

I pressed my forehead to hers and said, "I like taking control but, baby, ever since I convinced you to go out with me, you've really been in control." She just giggled as we got cleaned up and then got into bed.

Our darling daughter waited until 7:30 the next morning before we heard her squeals of delight in the living room. Shortly, we heard her knock on our bedroom door. After Bella told her to come in, Sweetpea jumped on our bed with us and said, "Mama! Daddy! Santa's been here!" We grinned at her in response.

Bella caught her enthusiasm right away and went with Sweetpea out to the living room. I'm not sure when she'd changed back into the cupcake pajamas during the night. Good thing she did because the only thing I was wearing was a smile. My daughter didn't need to see that – yikes! I heard them turning on the Christmas tree lights and getting breakfast items warmed up.

Our Christmas morning was full of wonder and excitement! I don't know who was more excited – me or Sweetpea. Bella could pick out the most perfect gifts. I had stopped by Tiffany's to pick her up a special "forever" necklace to show her she was my forever. That brought some tears to her eyes.

I think the best gift was the special one we'd kept from Sweetpea. We'd known for a bit that we were truly having a boy. Bella had placed a copy of one of the ultrasound pictures into a blue frame that proclaimed "baby brother." When Sweetpea opened that, she screamed in excitement! "I knew it, Mama! I knew it, I knew it!" She ran over to hug Bella. Of course I got all that on film.

The rest of our Christmas was filled with Charlie and Sue coming later in the day and their own presents for Sweetpea. Sue also helped Bella with Christmas dinner. I helped as needed – I wasn't shirking my duties now that Grandpa was here to help with Sweetpea.

Near the middle of February, right after Valentine's Day, I was spooning with lovely Bella in our bed. Suddenly, she withdrew from me. I mumbled, "What's the matter, baby?"

"My back is hurting," she said. I brought my hand down to her lower back and rubbed it for her. After a few moments she said it really wasn't helping. My eyes snapped open and I looked at her. "This is like the worst backache I've ever had," she continued.

"Baby, I think we need to go to the hospital," I said. She gave me a worried look. "I'll take care of everything," I said in response, "Just get dressed and I'll make some calls."

I called our ever-faithful next-door neighbors. Jasper was over in a flash to get Sweetpea. He bundled her up in a blanket and took her over to their house. She didn't even wake up during the transfer. I also called Carlisle to let him know we were on our way to the hospital.

Bella was looking a bit scared as she held my hand in the car on the way to the hospital. Once at the hospital, she was promptly mortified when her water broke all over the bed we just got her onto. I told her not to worry about it.

Time moved rather quickly after that. Bella was a champ the entire birthing process. She may have screamed out a few inappropriate things, like I was never getting near her again, but I knew she wouldn't mean it later. I was glad Carlisle was there to keep the calm. I hated seeing Bella in pain, but attempted to keep my eye on the end result – our beautiful baby boy.

Emmett Dale Masen was the perfect addition to our family. If I ever thought Bella was great with Sweetpea, you should've seen her with Emmett. She doted on that baby something fierce – he was going to be spoiled before he was even out of diapers. I was glad I knew I still had first place in her heart.

Sweetpea also doted on Emmett. It was no wonder after Em learned those basic words like "mama" and "dada," his next one was "'Pea." As soon as he could walk, he followed her everywhere and she lapped up his attention like water.

Seattle General - Chapter 23

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

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

EPOV

What the hell? As the lips landed on my neck, my hand instinctively reached into the mass of hair and pulled it backward.

"Tanya!" I exclaimed, her name almost a curse word coming out of my mouth. "What the hell are you doing here?" I shook her off and backed up in my chair quickly to get away from her.

"Honey, I thought you'd be happy to see me!" she said.

I sighed and stood up, shutting off my phone. "No, I'm not happy to see you. In fact, the only way I'd be happy about you is if I never saw you again. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go see to my wife and daughter."

Tanya eyed me and stated flatly, "Well, well, Eddie, you really do work fast. I've been gone such a short time and already you have a wife and daughter?"

I took her elbow as I escorted her almost forcibly from my office. I needed to get to Bella and Sweetpea as quickly as possible based on the voice mail I just listened to. I saw Mrs. Cope had returned. She said one word, "Bella." I told her briefly I had just listened to her voice mail and that's where I was headed now.

In the lobby area, I told Tanya in a low voice, "You need to get out of this hospital and never return. I don't ever want you back in my life again."

"Well, Edward, that's going to be a little difficult since I just got hired to work here again," she said.

I turned on my heel and left her standing there in the lobby. I didn't really care. I had bigger issues to deal with than some whore nurse at the moment. My wife and daughter needed me.

After what seemed like a very long time, I finally arrived in the emergency room and found Bella and Sweetpea. "Bella!" I said, taking her into my arms.

That's when she fell apart. She wept into my lab coat and I didn't care. I stroked her hair with one hand as I held her with my other arm as she calmed herself and told me what happened. I told her I was sorry I couldn't get to her sooner and gave her a condensed version of what was happening that morning. I didn't tell her about Tanya – I'd save that for a later time.

Sweetpea seemed to be out of it a bit as they gave her some medication so they could set her arm, then cast it for her. She said sleepily, "Hi Daddy."

I reached down and held her good hand and said, "Hi Sweetpea. Sorry Daddy wasn't able to be here sooner. I love you."

"Love you too, Daddy. But Mama was here to take care of me." She smiled dreamily up at Bella.

I looked at Bella. She said quietly that Sweetpea had been calling her that since she got to the school to pick her up.

The doctor who had been treating Sweetpea came in to give us a progress report and told us he was releasing her. I called Mrs. Cope quickly to see what was on my schedule and she told me I was free until 1 p.m. I told her I was taking my favorite girls out for lunch.

We went to a popular restaurant across the street from the hospital. We got there a little before the normal lunch crowd, so we didn't have to wait long for our food. Sweetpea didn't eat a lot as she was still tired and wasn't having much luck trying to navigate having only one good arm. She'd have to learn to work around her cast for the next six weeks. I noticed Bella didn't eat much of her lunch either.

I put my arm around the back of her chair and said, "Are you feeling ok, baby?"

"I'm feeling better than I was this morning," she replied.

"What happened?" my voice was full of concern. Apparently while my life was full of firing asshat doctors and returning whore nurses, Bella had her own set of troubles.

She responded, "I think it's just the medication change that we talked about a couple weeks ago. I'm sure it will pass."

"Baby, you shouldn't still be having side effects from medication you stopped a couple weeks ago. Are you sure you don't need to be checked out?"

"No," she assured me, "it could've just been something I ate, too. It's probably nothing." She gave me a sweet smile and the subject was dropped for now.

Bella returned me to the hospital before she continuing home with Sweetpea, who was already asleep in her car seat. She said she may go home and get a nap in with our daughter as well. This was so unlike Bella that I was concerned, although I didn't say anything to her. Normally she was full of energy and never thought about taking a nap in the daytime. And she certainly hadn't mentioned getting sick before unless she had the flu or something viral. Hmmm…

Before leaving for the day, I stopped at the pharmacy and picked up a home pregnancy test. It was just a theory. I could be wrong, but I was hoping I was right. I wanted us to have a baby. I know both of us loved Sweetpea with all our hearts, but I wanted a baby created by Bella and me – and Sweetpea wanted a baby brother! And you already knew she had me wrapped around her little finger – so how can I not act on her wishes? I didn't know if we could produce a boy, but we could certainly attempt over and over and over again. We may have to buy a bigger house eventually, but that was ok, too. I was certain Bella and I would have beautiful children.

When I arrived home, my lovely wife and daughter had dinner ready for me. They apologized for the lack of a craft project or fancy dessert. Their naps took longer than originally thought. I told them it really wasn't necessary – I was just glad to be at home with them and glad to see they were well-rested.

Later, after Sweetpea was tucked into bed for the night and Bella and I were watching television on the couch, we had freedom to talk.

I started, "Baby, there's something I need to tell you."

Concern clouded her eyes as she reached up to touch my jaw. She asked, "What is it?"

"Well," I gusted out a deep breath, "before I could get down to you in the ER, Tanya was in my office."

"What did she want?"

"I'm never going to keep secrets from you, baby. She kissed me on the neck and I immediately pushed her away. I told her I didn't ever want her touching me. I also told her I'd be happy never seeing her again. Then she told me she'd been hired to work at the hospital once again," I said.

"Oh," Bella said, her voice small.

"Baby," I said as I held her in my arms, "I don't want her. I only want you. You are my life now and forever." I kissed the tip of her nose.

She looked uncertain and then said, "Can I still go kick her ass?"

I laughed heartily as I hugged her to my chest and said, "Of course! Anytime you want. I'll find out her schedule so you can do just that!" I was sincerely hoping I never had to see the whore again, but that's a whole different story.

We went to bed soon after and snuggled into each other's arms.

BPOV

When Edward handed me the home pregnancy test the next morning, I looked at him incredulously. Was he kidding? I agreed to go take it, just to make him happy.

And how undignified was this, I thought to myself…peeing on a stick? Augh! Can it get any worse? Well, yes, probably if I actually was pregnant, it could probably get a lot worse by the time I was finished. I told Edward I'd take the test and he could check the results. He was the doctor – all that medical training should be good for something. I knew those home pregnancy tests could be read by amateurs, but it made him happy – and I wanted him to be the first to know. I'd be glad to know actually being pregnant was causing my stomach to churn later in the mornings and not just a bad medication reaction. I loved being Edward's wife – and to be a mother to his children would only increase my love! I loved Sweetpea completely – but adding more children to the mix would make our lives even better.

I went into the kitchen to start making breakfast. Edward was going to get ready and then wake up Sweetpea. This was his last day of work before we'd leave for the long weekend to go see Charlie and Sue for the Memorial Day weekend. I'd need to get some things packed before Sweetpea and I went to lunch with Alice. We were going to keep her home for the remainder of the school year due to her arm being in a cast. She'd be free to start first grade with a clean slate.

Soon, I heard Edward and Sweetpea at the table. They were laughing about something. I brought in our breakfast. At my place, I saw the home pregnancy test, adorned with a blue bow, sloppily tied around it. Holy crap! I knew right away what that meant – it was positive – and Sweetpea was getting a baby brother or sister. Sweetpea no doubt showed Edward where the blue ribbon was in the craft room. My eyes overflowed with happy tears immediately as I sat the dishes down on the table.

"Momma," Sweetpea said, "don't cry! We're going to have a baby brother for me!"

I couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time as Edward came around the table and held me in his arms. "Congratulations, baby! You're having my baby!" Damn man – has to make a stupid joke at a time like this! I just had to laugh and cry some more. Fucking raging hormones.

After breakfast, we got Edward off to work. Then Sweetpea and I packed our bags to go to Forks. She was excited about seeing Grandpa and Grandma again! I was excited to see them as well – and now we had some news to share with them about our family expanding.

It was great to see Alice at lunch. She was looking adorably pregnant, just as I predicted. She was sorry to see Sweetpea's arm in a cast, but was thrilled to see her in general. I was hoping Alice was having a girl – she would spoil her silly!

Sweetpea opened the conversation, "Auntie Alice, guess what?"

Alice grinned over and her and said, "What, Sweetpea?"

She crowed, "Momma's having a baby!"

Alice looked from Sweetpea to me quickly. I nodded in the affirmative. I continued, "I stopped taking the pill a couple of weeks ago. I've been getting sick a few days and then tired. Edward brought home a pregnancy test. It came up positive."

Alice squealed like only she can and hugged both Sweetpea and me. "Oh, Bella, this will be so great! You'll love being pregnant! Then our kids can grow up together, along with Sweetpea!"

I did have to agree with her on that. Thank goodness for best friends who were near you in child-bearing age. We had a great time at lunch! I told Alice we were going to Forks for the long weekend as soon as Edward was off work for the day.

After lunch, we stopped by the hospital so I could get a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. Anything involving needles was definitely not my thing. I kept my eyes trained on Sweetpea while they were withdrawing the blood sample. We sat in a waiting room while the results were determined.

Soon, Carlisle came striding into the room with Edward. I was surprised to see both of them.

Edward said with a smile as he hugged me, "Hi baby! Yes, you truly are pregnant! I kind of already asked Carlisle if he'd be your obstetrics doctor since he's the only one I'd trust around here with that."

I just laughed and had to agree. Who else would be more perfect? Certainly no one that Edward would need to get jealous about every time I had to have an examination. Carlisle handed me the prenatal vitamins he'd been holding in his hand.

We kissed Edward goodbye then and made our way back home. He was following us home soon afterward so we could get an early start on our weekend away.

Our weekend with Charlie and Sue was a relaxing time. Edward and I let Sweetpea stay in my old room and we rented a room at a nearby motel. We were at their house for all waking hours and they loved having her there. It was sweet to let Sweetpea have some special time with Grandpa and Grandma. And we got to have some sexy time of our own without little ears hearing.

After a particularly arduous lovemaking session on Saturday night, as my hands roamed over Edward's chest and his fingers skimmed over the skin on my back, he asked me, "Baby, are you nervous about the changes coming into our lives?"

"Well, I have to admit, I am a little nervous. I've never had a baby before – so that scares me. But I think it will only increase the love we already have," I replied.

"Of course it will, baby. Because we are Edward and Bella – an epic love story if there ever was one."

I just giggled as I snuggled closer to him. My husband was a total sap and romantic and I loved him for it. I couldn't believe how full my life was with him in it. He brought out the very best in me. I was grateful for Sweetpea and how well she adjusted into our lives. I was looking forward to this new little one to continue on our love story.