The Promise
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 19
“Okay sweetheart, take some slow, deep breaths and relax until the next contraction. You’re pushing very effectively and he’s moving along,” Carlisle encouraged as she collapsed back against the pillows.
Jasper brought his full attention back to her as he wiped the tears and sweat from her face. He had just said her name when Carlisle, who had a sharp eye on the monitor, spoke up again. “Okay Bella, deep breath and push!”
This time, his words had no effect. She shook her head as she sobbed, “I can’t. I can’t do this… I need Pete.. Where is he?”
“I’m right here sugar.” He moved to her side and took her hand as Jasper stepped out of the way and Bella couldn’t believe her eyes.
“You’re really here,” she choked out through her tears.
He leaned down and kissed her lips softly and she buried her hand in that sandy hair she loved so much as she sobbed in joy.
He backed away a bit and gave her a tiny smile. “We have a son to meet darlin’.”
She nodded with a teary smile and focused on Carlisle as he spoke again. “You ready now Bella?”
Pete supported her shoulders as she sat forward. “Okay big breath and push!”
Carlisle counted and looked up with a smile. “He’s crowning Bella. Well done! Rest for the next one. You’ll be meeting him very soon.”
She panted and squeezed Pete’s hand. “It burns!”
Carlisle glanced up. “That’s your skin stretching to accommodate the baby’s head.”
She whimpered and laid back as Pete kissed her quickly and smoothed her hair back.
Carlisle glanced around the room to take stock of how all the vampires were doing and noticed Alice had left. He also noticed Edward, standing in a far corner. His eyes were once again black. “Edward son, leave. I’ll speak with you again when we’re done here.”
Edward stepped forward and Pete pinned him with a deadly glare, his every muscled coiled and ready to protect his wife and baby in an instant. “I don’t know what you’re doin’ here boy, but ya look like you’re about to lose it. Leave. Now.”
Edward curled his lip at Pete. “I live here.” He cut his gaze to Carlisle who shook his head.
“Edward Cullen, now is not the time. Use your common sense and leave. I’ll discuss things with you later.”
He clenched his fists and growled, but turned and left, slamming the door as he did so.
Carlisle breathed out and shook his head. He looked at Esme and Jasper. “How are you two?”
They both nodded and he was satisfied with that combined with their light gold eye color.
He saw another contraction starting and met Bella’s pained eyes. “All right my dear, he should be here with this next one. Deep breath and push!”
He chuckled as he delivered the baby’s head. “Stop pushing and pant Bella.” He suctioned the mouth and nose, gently grasped the head and nodded. “Okay Bella, push gently.” He tilted the head down and delivered the shoulders and then the rest of him. He held him in one hand as the baby began crying and clamped the cord. His eyes met with those of Pete’s, assessing the vampire’s state for just a moment before speaking. “Would you like to cut the cord?”
Pete looked at an exhausted but smiling Bella for a beat before moving toward his son. “Ye…” he choked on emotion and cleared his throat, “Yes, I would.”
Carlisle handed him the surgical scissors. “Right between the clamps, that’s it.”
Pete handed the scissors back but couldn’t take his eyes from his fussing son. “He’s beautiful,” he murmured. He looked at his exhausted wife and smiled, that dimple in his cheek finally making an appearance. He went back to her and kissed her as they both laughed quietly, with their heads together. “He’s just beautiful Bella. Ya did good sugar.”
He moved back a bit as Carlisle laid their son on his wife’s chest. “Meet your son Bella.” He draped a blanket over the baby as she held him to her.
“Oh god,” she murmured to her little one. “Your daddy’s right, you are beautiful.”
She looked at her husband as fresh tears flowed. “He’s perfect,” she placed a kiss on silky, sandy-blond hair, “just like his daddy.”
Carlisle looked up from suturing Bella, his eyes full of more joy than Bella could ever remember seeing in them before. “What are you going to name him?”
Bella locked her gaze with her husband’s as she reached up and caressed his cheek, memories of their discussion right before he was taken running through her mind. “I want to name him Peter Holden Whitlock.”
He leaned down and rested his head against her’s as they both touched and held their son and for the first time in over a hundred years, he felt complete; the raw, throbbing ache in his chest gone completely, replaced with immeasurable joy. “I’m here baby doll, and we ain’t never gonna be apart again… never.”
Though she was loathe to spoil the moment, Esme stepped forward. “Bella, I need to take the baby and bathe him while Carlisle finishes up with you.” She looked at Pete and smiled. “Would you like to come with me while I bathe and diaper him?”
Bella smiled at him when he glanced at her uncertainly. “Go watch over him Pete. I’ll be fine. I just need to get situated. Bring him back to me when he’s ready and we’ll talk.”
She watched as he glanced up and his expression darkened as he stared at Jasper. “I ain’t leavin’ ya here alone sugar.”
She took his hand and drew his attention back to her. “Baby, I’ll be fine here. Jasper helped me through this whole thing until you got here. I understand your mistrust…”
She trailed off when he scoffed. “I don’t believe ya do sugar. There’s just no way ya could. He took everything from me and now here he stands and you’re askin’ me to trust him?” He dropped her hand and looked away as his jaw twitched with tension. “Ain’t no way in hell that’ll happen Bella.”
She reached out to him. “Please Pete, I was mad at him too, but he’s changed…”
Pete’s anger was rising with every word Bella spoke and Jasper felt every bit of it. He had to do something or things were going to get out of hand very soon. “Bella,” he said, getting her attention. “It’s all right. I know how he feels and why and I can’t say I blame him.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll leave ya to your privacy.”
When he was gone, Carlisle cleared his throat as he began clearing things away and cleaning up. He finally spoke as he reassembled the bed. “Perhaps you could bathe the baby in here Esme? I’ll examine him when you’re through and we can leave them to rest.” He looked to Pete who was still very tense. “Is that agreeable to you?”
Pete ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, that sounds like a better option to me.”
Esme took the baby and Bella made her way to the bathroom after Carlisle had removed her IV. She cleaned up and changed into fresh pajamas and when she came out, her bed had fresh linens and blankets and Pete was sitting in the chair next to it with his freshly swaddled son in his arms.
She climbed into the bed and Carlisle laid it flat. “One more quick exam to make sure your uterus is contracting as it should, and then I’ll examine the baby.” He met her eyes with a smile. “After that, Es and I will leave your new little family to get acquainted. The baby will need to nurse soon too. Have you thought about that?”
She nodded and grimaced as he palpated her lower abdomen, massaging a bit as he did. “Sorry Bella,” he apologized. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but we don’t want you bleeding out.” He finished and raised the head of the bed as he smiled at her. “You’re doing very well. Now,” he turned to take the baby from Pete, “let’s see how this little one fares.”
Within minutes, he handed the baby to Bella with a wide smile. “He’s a very healthy eight pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches long,” he nodded his head at the baby who was busy rooting at his mother chest as he fussed. “He’s also hungry, so we’ll take our leave but I’ll be in periodically to check on you.”
Bella smiled. “Thank you,” she murmured as Carlisle took Esme’s hand and they left the room.
As soon as they stepped out, Edward was there, still looking livid. “I need answers Carlisle—real answers, not that crap story you rushed out earlier.”
He sighed and stared at his first son as Esme squeezed his hand and murmured, “I’ll be in our room dear—give you two time to talk.”
He smiled softly and kissed her cheek. “Thank you my love. I’ll join you shortly.”
She nodded and turned to Edward, caressing his cheek as she spoke. “It’s good to have you home sweetheart. I know this will be difficult for you, but keep an open mind and try to understand?”
His brow furrowed and he scoffed. “How could you ask that of me Esme, especially after that fantastical story I heard earlier?”
She glanced at her husband and he shook his head so she sighed and left them as Carlisle spoke. “Edward, you may have been changed at seventeen, but let’s try to overcome that obstacle this evening, shall we? You’ve had years to mature beyond your human age. Try to remember that, if nothing else, and act accordingly.”
He watched as his son’s jaw clenched at the mild reproof before he answered. “Fine. Can we just get on with it?”
Carlisle heaved a sigh and gestured down the hall, his tone clipped as he began walking. “My office please.”
Edward followed but both stopped short at the sounds of an argument coming from the living room. Carlisle glanced at him. “You may wait for me in my office. I’m going to see what that’s all about and I’ll join you after.”
He headed down the stairs and Edward hesitated for a moment before deciding to join him. Perhaps he could glean some information from Jasper and the girl he was arguing with. Alice was always a good one to pay attention to also, especially when she got a vision he could catch before she blocked him.
He made it into the living room just behind Carlisle who threw him a glance and a thought, ‘Remember to control your temper and actions, son. There’s nothing to be gained by adding to the strife.’
Edward looked away but gave the barest nod and Carlisle turned to the others who had now ceased their argument when he’d entered the room. “What, may I ask, is going on here?”
When no answers were forthcoming, he sighed and took a seat in a nearby chair as he spoke. “I’m certain we can sit and solve this like the adults we are, can we not?” He met all eyes in the room and gestured to the couch and chairs. “I insist.”
Jasper and Alice took the couch while a scowling, petite blonde girl took the chair opposite Carlisle. Edward, unsure as to his welcome, remained standing until her heard Carlisle’s thoughts. ‘Son, you may as well sit. From the looks of things, this may take a while.’
He walked over and took the remaining chair and Carlisle began speaking. “I believe introductions are in order. I am Carlisle Cullen, the leader of this coven.” He met the blonde female’s gaze. “You are?”
“I’m Charlotte,” she said, her tone clipped, her manner defensive.
Carlisle held onto his scant patience as he responded. “A pleasure to meet you Charlotte.” He gestured to Edward and continued. “This is my son Edward and forgive me if I’m in error, but I assume you know Jasper and Alice?”
She glared over at them a beat and looked back at him. “Yeah, I know ‘em all right.”
Sighing, Carlisle continued. “Good, now that’s out of the way, we can progress to your reason for being here. Did you arrive with Peter Whitlock?”
She fidgeted. “Not exactly.”
He raised a brow. “Would you elaborate please?”
She now looked like she’d been sucking a lemon. “Fine. I followed Pete. He told me not to, but I wasn’t about to let ‘im ditch me.”
“I see,” Carlisle said, now very intrigued at what her relationship was with Bella’s husband, so he asked. “This may seem forward, but under the circumstances, I believe candor is necessary. What is your relationship with Peter Whitlock?”
She scowled at him. “It ain’t just forward, it’s downright nosey!”
Carlisle raised a brow in challenge. “You neglected the part where I stated it’s necessary. Please answer the question so we know what we’re dealing with.”
If vampires could turn red with anger, Carlisle was pretty sure this girl would have rivaled a tomato, such was the anger radiating from her. “Fine! Ya wanna know? I’ll tell Ya! I’ve lived with him since he rescued me from Maria’s army when that asshole,” she pointed at Jasper, “was gonna destroy me.”
Carlisle rubbed his forehead, dreading the answer to the next question, even as he spoke the words. “And the nature of your relationship?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked, her tone smug as she said, “Simple, I’m in love with him.”
“Okay sweetheart, take some slow, deep breaths and relax until the next contraction. You’re pushing very effectively and he’s moving along,” Carlisle encouraged as she collapsed back against the pillows.
Jasper brought his full attention back to her as he wiped the tears and sweat from her face. He had just said her name when Carlisle, who had a sharp eye on the monitor, spoke up again. “Okay Bella, deep breath and push!”
This time, his words had no effect. She shook her head as she sobbed, “I can’t. I can’t do this… I need Pete.. Where is he?”
“I’m right here sugar.” He moved to her side and took her hand as Jasper stepped out of the way and Bella couldn’t believe her eyes.
“You’re really here,” she choked out through her tears.
He leaned down and kissed her lips softly and she buried her hand in that sandy hair she loved so much as she sobbed in joy.
He backed away a bit and gave her a tiny smile. “We have a son to meet darlin’.”
She nodded with a teary smile and focused on Carlisle as he spoke again. “You ready now Bella?”
Pete supported her shoulders as she sat forward. “Okay big breath and push!”
Carlisle counted and looked up with a smile. “He’s crowning Bella. Well done! Rest for the next one. You’ll be meeting him very soon.”
She panted and squeezed Pete’s hand. “It burns!”
Carlisle glanced up. “That’s your skin stretching to accommodate the baby’s head.”
She whimpered and laid back as Pete kissed her quickly and smoothed her hair back.
Carlisle glanced around the room to take stock of how all the vampires were doing and noticed Alice had left. He also noticed Edward, standing in a far corner. His eyes were once again black. “Edward son, leave. I’ll speak with you again when we’re done here.”
Edward stepped forward and Pete pinned him with a deadly glare, his every muscled coiled and ready to protect his wife and baby in an instant. “I don’t know what you’re doin’ here boy, but ya look like you’re about to lose it. Leave. Now.”
Edward curled his lip at Pete. “I live here.” He cut his gaze to Carlisle who shook his head.
“Edward Cullen, now is not the time. Use your common sense and leave. I’ll discuss things with you later.”
He clenched his fists and growled, but turned and left, slamming the door as he did so.
Carlisle breathed out and shook his head. He looked at Esme and Jasper. “How are you two?”
They both nodded and he was satisfied with that combined with their light gold eye color.
He saw another contraction starting and met Bella’s pained eyes. “All right my dear, he should be here with this next one. Deep breath and push!”
He chuckled as he delivered the baby’s head. “Stop pushing and pant Bella.” He suctioned the mouth and nose, gently grasped the head and nodded. “Okay Bella, push gently.” He tilted the head down and delivered the shoulders and then the rest of him. He held him in one hand as the baby began crying and clamped the cord. His eyes met with those of Pete’s, assessing the vampire’s state for just a moment before speaking. “Would you like to cut the cord?”
Pete looked at an exhausted but smiling Bella for a beat before moving toward his son. “Ye…” he choked on emotion and cleared his throat, “Yes, I would.”
Carlisle handed him the surgical scissors. “Right between the clamps, that’s it.”
Pete handed the scissors back but couldn’t take his eyes from his fussing son. “He’s beautiful,” he murmured. He looked at his exhausted wife and smiled, that dimple in his cheek finally making an appearance. He went back to her and kissed her as they both laughed quietly, with their heads together. “He’s just beautiful Bella. Ya did good sugar.”
He moved back a bit as Carlisle laid their son on his wife’s chest. “Meet your son Bella.” He draped a blanket over the baby as she held him to her.
“Oh god,” she murmured to her little one. “Your daddy’s right, you are beautiful.”
She looked at her husband as fresh tears flowed. “He’s perfect,” she placed a kiss on silky, sandy-blond hair, “just like his daddy.”
Carlisle looked up from suturing Bella, his eyes full of more joy than Bella could ever remember seeing in them before. “What are you going to name him?”
Bella locked her gaze with her husband’s as she reached up and caressed his cheek, memories of their discussion right before he was taken running through her mind. “I want to name him Peter Holden Whitlock.”
He leaned down and rested his head against her’s as they both touched and held their son and for the first time in over a hundred years, he felt complete; the raw, throbbing ache in his chest gone completely, replaced with immeasurable joy. “I’m here baby doll, and we ain’t never gonna be apart again… never.”
Though she was loathe to spoil the moment, Esme stepped forward. “Bella, I need to take the baby and bathe him while Carlisle finishes up with you.” She looked at Pete and smiled. “Would you like to come with me while I bathe and diaper him?”
Bella smiled at him when he glanced at her uncertainly. “Go watch over him Pete. I’ll be fine. I just need to get situated. Bring him back to me when he’s ready and we’ll talk.”
She watched as he glanced up and his expression darkened as he stared at Jasper. “I ain’t leavin’ ya here alone sugar.”
She took his hand and drew his attention back to her. “Baby, I’ll be fine here. Jasper helped me through this whole thing until you got here. I understand your mistrust…”
She trailed off when he scoffed. “I don’t believe ya do sugar. There’s just no way ya could. He took everything from me and now here he stands and you’re askin’ me to trust him?” He dropped her hand and looked away as his jaw twitched with tension. “Ain’t no way in hell that’ll happen Bella.”
She reached out to him. “Please Pete, I was mad at him too, but he’s changed…”
Pete’s anger was rising with every word Bella spoke and Jasper felt every bit of it. He had to do something or things were going to get out of hand very soon. “Bella,” he said, getting her attention. “It’s all right. I know how he feels and why and I can’t say I blame him.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll leave ya to your privacy.”
When he was gone, Carlisle cleared his throat as he began clearing things away and cleaning up. He finally spoke as he reassembled the bed. “Perhaps you could bathe the baby in here Esme? I’ll examine him when you’re through and we can leave them to rest.” He looked to Pete who was still very tense. “Is that agreeable to you?”
Pete ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, that sounds like a better option to me.”
Esme took the baby and Bella made her way to the bathroom after Carlisle had removed her IV. She cleaned up and changed into fresh pajamas and when she came out, her bed had fresh linens and blankets and Pete was sitting in the chair next to it with his freshly swaddled son in his arms.
She climbed into the bed and Carlisle laid it flat. “One more quick exam to make sure your uterus is contracting as it should, and then I’ll examine the baby.” He met her eyes with a smile. “After that, Es and I will leave your new little family to get acquainted. The baby will need to nurse soon too. Have you thought about that?”
She nodded and grimaced as he palpated her lower abdomen, massaging a bit as he did. “Sorry Bella,” he apologized. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but we don’t want you bleeding out.” He finished and raised the head of the bed as he smiled at her. “You’re doing very well. Now,” he turned to take the baby from Pete, “let’s see how this little one fares.”
Within minutes, he handed the baby to Bella with a wide smile. “He’s a very healthy eight pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches long,” he nodded his head at the baby who was busy rooting at his mother chest as he fussed. “He’s also hungry, so we’ll take our leave but I’ll be in periodically to check on you.”
Bella smiled. “Thank you,” she murmured as Carlisle took Esme’s hand and they left the room.
As soon as they stepped out, Edward was there, still looking livid. “I need answers Carlisle—real answers, not that crap story you rushed out earlier.”
He sighed and stared at his first son as Esme squeezed his hand and murmured, “I’ll be in our room dear—give you two time to talk.”
He smiled softly and kissed her cheek. “Thank you my love. I’ll join you shortly.”
She nodded and turned to Edward, caressing his cheek as she spoke. “It’s good to have you home sweetheart. I know this will be difficult for you, but keep an open mind and try to understand?”
His brow furrowed and he scoffed. “How could you ask that of me Esme, especially after that fantastical story I heard earlier?”
She glanced at her husband and he shook his head so she sighed and left them as Carlisle spoke. “Edward, you may have been changed at seventeen, but let’s try to overcome that obstacle this evening, shall we? You’ve had years to mature beyond your human age. Try to remember that, if nothing else, and act accordingly.”
He watched as his son’s jaw clenched at the mild reproof before he answered. “Fine. Can we just get on with it?”
Carlisle heaved a sigh and gestured down the hall, his tone clipped as he began walking. “My office please.”
Edward followed but both stopped short at the sounds of an argument coming from the living room. Carlisle glanced at him. “You may wait for me in my office. I’m going to see what that’s all about and I’ll join you after.”
He headed down the stairs and Edward hesitated for a moment before deciding to join him. Perhaps he could glean some information from Jasper and the girl he was arguing with. Alice was always a good one to pay attention to also, especially when she got a vision he could catch before she blocked him.
He made it into the living room just behind Carlisle who threw him a glance and a thought, ‘Remember to control your temper and actions, son. There’s nothing to be gained by adding to the strife.’
Edward looked away but gave the barest nod and Carlisle turned to the others who had now ceased their argument when he’d entered the room. “What, may I ask, is going on here?”
When no answers were forthcoming, he sighed and took a seat in a nearby chair as he spoke. “I’m certain we can sit and solve this like the adults we are, can we not?” He met all eyes in the room and gestured to the couch and chairs. “I insist.”
Jasper and Alice took the couch while a scowling, petite blonde girl took the chair opposite Carlisle. Edward, unsure as to his welcome, remained standing until her heard Carlisle’s thoughts. ‘Son, you may as well sit. From the looks of things, this may take a while.’
He walked over and took the remaining chair and Carlisle began speaking. “I believe introductions are in order. I am Carlisle Cullen, the leader of this coven.” He met the blonde female’s gaze. “You are?”
“I’m Charlotte,” she said, her tone clipped, her manner defensive.
Carlisle held onto his scant patience as he responded. “A pleasure to meet you Charlotte.” He gestured to Edward and continued. “This is my son Edward and forgive me if I’m in error, but I assume you know Jasper and Alice?”
She glared over at them a beat and looked back at him. “Yeah, I know ‘em all right.”
Sighing, Carlisle continued. “Good, now that’s out of the way, we can progress to your reason for being here. Did you arrive with Peter Whitlock?”
She fidgeted. “Not exactly.”
He raised a brow. “Would you elaborate please?”
She now looked like she’d been sucking a lemon. “Fine. I followed Pete. He told me not to, but I wasn’t about to let ‘im ditch me.”
“I see,” Carlisle said, now very intrigued at what her relationship was with Bella’s husband, so he asked. “This may seem forward, but under the circumstances, I believe candor is necessary. What is your relationship with Peter Whitlock?”
She scowled at him. “It ain’t just forward, it’s downright nosey!”
Carlisle raised a brow in challenge. “You neglected the part where I stated it’s necessary. Please answer the question so we know what we’re dealing with.”
If vampires could turn red with anger, Carlisle was pretty sure this girl would have rivaled a tomato, such was the anger radiating from her. “Fine! Ya wanna know? I’ll tell Ya! I’ve lived with him since he rescued me from Maria’s army when that asshole,” she pointed at Jasper, “was gonna destroy me.”
Carlisle rubbed his forehead, dreading the answer to the next question, even as he spoke the words. “And the nature of your relationship?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked, her tone smug as she said, “Simple, I’m in love with him.”
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.