If the Boughs Break, Blood Will Flow

Chapter Sixteen ~ Blood Plans

Edward and Bella were on their way back at the apartment with new pictures of their bundles of joy in their hands. Both were quiet as they were driven through the busy, congested city streets. In the front seat was Riley with Phil, with the other guards in either SUV in front of them or the one behind them.

Edward was still reeling from the sight of his sons' faces. He had only seen the one ultrasound picture that had been on Bella's desk at the museum. He was awestruck at the grainy photo. But the 4D ultrasound was almost like he could reach out and touch his sons' faces. If there had been any doubt that they weren't his, which there wasn't, the boys' image was identical to his own. They were Cullen boys and he couldn't wait to see if they had green eyes like him or their mother's stunning brown eyes.

Bella was wrestling with the fact she was leaving a job that she loved. When she was about to graduate, she had prayed for an opportunity to work in a museum, even if it was just as a tour guide. Then Robbie had surprised her with the job as a curator. It was her dream job and she loved every minute of the hard work. At first, she doubted that she would be able to perform the duties, but over time she became more comfortable in the position. Even the responsibility of acquiring money from wealthy donors. Looking down at her copy of the ultrasound picture, she rubbed her finger over one of their cheeks. No job was worth putting her babies' health in jeopardy.

"Bella, are you okay?" Edward asked, placing his hand on her leg.

"Yeah. I am sorry that I was short with you in the doctor's office," she murmured.

"It is fine. I understand that your whole life is changing and I only wish I could do something to make it easier," he commented.

"It is changing, but for the better," Bella declared, placing her hands on her belly. "Our sons are the most important thing in my life and I will do nothing to put them in danger."

Leaning over Edward places a sweet kiss on her lips. "You are going to be a fantastic mother," he declared.

"And you are going to be an awesome father," she admitted.

**o**

Two days later, Bella was at the museum, packing up her office of all her personal possessions. She had called her boss and informed her that due to the high risk of her pregnancy she would be unable to return to work. Ms. Page was disappointed that she wasn't returning but understood the reason why.

Edward had wanted to come along, then he got a call that he needed to care for an issue on the docks. He had been lucky the last few weeks, not having to be pulled away from Bella. However, the attacks on their shipments had begun to increase and he needed to show the fuckers that they didn't mess with the Cullens. Even though he couldn't go, he had confidence in Bella's security detail to ensure she was safe.

Bella had to shake her head. She was here to pack up her office and she wasn't allowed to pick up anything. Mark and Cora were in the office taking direction on which items were hers. They would then carefully wrap each one and place them in sturdy boxes that they had brought. She had been allowed to go through her desk and stack the items that were hers so they could be placed in the boxes. Sitting down at her desk, the first thing she saw was the small silver frame that held the first ultrasound picture of twins. Beside the frame was a folded piece of paper with her name on it. Knowing immediately that it was Edward's graceful handwriting. She loved the way he wrote, with such grace for such a powerful man. Opening the paper, she read the words. "I never meant to put you through pain. I promise to never do it again." Edward. Tears filled her eyes and her heart leaped. He had written it the night they first saw each other again. God, she loved him so much.