"You what?!" Suyin exclaimed over dinner that night.

"Manners," Toph chided in a sing-song voice.

Su took a big gulp of water to compose herself. "So you mean you and Tenzin were doing the dirty?"

Lin nodded. "No need to say it out loud, squirt."

"Grandma! Can you believe this?!" Su cried, looking at Poppy Beifong who sat at the head of the table. "Gramps must be rolling in his grave right now."

Poppy smiled, looking wistfully at Lin. "After your mom surprised me by having you girls, I don't think Lin having a baby out of the blue is that much of a shock."

Su leaned towards her sister, trying to get a view of her stomach. "How far along are you, sis?"

"Two, I think. Maybe three? I don't know," Lin replied, watching as Suyin began counting off on her fingers.

"That means… spirits help me – LIN! I'm so sorry!"

"What?"

She pointed at the two scars on Lin's cheek. "I didn't hurt the baby, did I?"

Toph laughed. "It's babies to you, sweetheart!"

Lin looked at her mother, dumbfounded. "Wha – MOM?"

"And here I am thinking I raised you chickadees to be the best earthbenders in the world! I can see my grandkids through my feet, ninnies!" she beamed triumphantly. "I'm quite surprised you haven't heard their hearbeats, Linny."

Lin put a hand and her abdomen, closing her eyes. The vibrations were faint, but they were consistent. "Twins…"

"See what I mean?" said Toph. "I hope they're earthbenders. We could use a few of our kind around."

"Girl earthbenders, mom," Su inserted.

"How about boys?" Poppy said thoughtfully. "We need to keep the Beifong line going after all."

While the three other women bickered on about her coming children, Lin wondered how different things would have been had she accepted Tenzin's marriage proposals – how many had there been? Three? Four?

Lin opened her eyes to see Tenzin's sleeping form beside her. She just turned twenty-four yesterday, got promoted at work, and Tenzin decided to stay the night so they could have a little "celebration". She nuzzled closer to him, closing her eyes and taking in his scent – he always smelled clean, like citrus and new books and mint.

"Morning," he greeted her groggily, kissing her on the forehead.

"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked. "Bacon's mine. You can have all the mixed vegetables you want."

He reached for her waist, pulling her closer. "What if I say I want you?"Tenzin kissed her lips, nipping lightly on them.

Lin pulled away. "Tease."

"Let's stay in bed a little longer," he said, gray eyes looking at her intensely.

Lin metalbent the phone wire from its socket. "I think the boys can handle the area without me for a bit longer."

"Marry me, Lin Beifong."

"Oh come on now, sweetheart," she giggled.

Tenzin looked her in the eyes. "I'm serious, Lin. Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world."

She kissed him, running her tongue through his mouth until she felt him kissing back. She knew a proposal would come sooner or later, but she wasn't ready. She still has bigger shoes to fill – she had to break free from the shadow of her mother. Finally Tenzin pulled back. "Well?"

"There's time enough for that," she replied, breathless. "I have plans, Ten – so do you. We are young, and we have all the time in the world."

He rose from the bed. Tenzin was tall, and despite being a bit on the lean side, Lin admired his broad shoulders and rippling muscles. She even adored the way his tattoos seemed to accentuate his handsome figure even more. "Alright," he said, resignation in his voice.

"I'll always be yours, Tenzin."

"I know."

The first time was the most memorable. If she accepted then, she wouldn't be in this mess. Perhaps she'll be at Air Temple Island, taking care of a son or whatever. But during those times, all she cared about was her career, thinking that Tenzin would understand. Tenzin always understands, but Lin now realized that she pushed him too far.

She stroked her belly, rejoicing with each heartbeat she felt. We'll be okay.