Stephenie Meyer created the world and characters of Twilight. I just borrowed the characters, no copyright infringement intended.

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 24

Fathers and Daughters

BPOV

With Halloween just a few days away, I spent most of the time I wasn't working or sleeping, shopping with Alice. Kate and Brady are planning to attend the dance ant the high school, Irina is going to the bonfire at First Beach with Jared and his boyfriend as well as a few friends from school. Alice and I had been trying to find appropriate costumes for the girls that wouldn't raise Edward's blood pressure. We were also planning a small gathering at the McCarty house for Halloween night.

After the barbecue, when she had started contracting, Rose was placed on bed rest by Todd, just to give the baby a few more weeks to develop. This had ruined Rose's plans for a Halloween party, but Emmett was not taking chances and was keeping her still. So we (Alice, Jasper, Edward, Riley and I) are invading Casa de McCarty with a Mexican Beach Fiesta themed party. We found a flowing sarong for Rose and the rest of us would be in beachwear. It was one of the weirder ideas considering the temperatures at night were starting to dip into the 40s.

As a show of support for the mom-to-be, Alice and I dropped the bomb on the guys that the party would be a 'dry' one. All drinks will be non-alcoholic. They were not pleased but knew better than to try to talk us out of it.

Edward had been wonderful. After everything that happened at the party then with Jacob, I thought for sure he'd try to rip Jake's head off for some of the comments made at the diner. My father wasn't as reserved in his reactions as Edward. After I told him that Billy had been the one to give Jake the information about me meeting with Edward in Seattle and that he'd known from the beginning, Charlie lost his calm, laid back 'Small Town Police Chief Persona' and turned on his best friend.

He's not speaking to Billy now, but we've all heard from Sue that Jake is pressuring Billy to move to California to live with him.

O~O~O~O~O

"Hey Bella…let's check out that costume shop around the corner for Katie's costume."

I had met Alice in Port Angeles on Wednesday afternoon to finish our shopping. We had almost all of the party supplies; we really just needed our costumes. For us that meant new bathing suits and some sort of cover up, for the guys- Riley included, it meant new board shorts and t-shirts. I really wanted to find matching outfits for Edward and Riley, thinking they'd be adorable.

Irina had been easy to dress for Halloween. She was crazy about Grease, both the movie and the musical, so we found a cute 50's 'Sandy' cheerleader costume and will pull her blonde hair up into a high ponytail. Katie wasn't so easy, after an hour I gave up and called Kate asking her to be ready to leave school the next afternoon to drive up here and look with me. She asked if we could bring Brady as well, I agreed and we made plans.

Alice still shopped like a mad woman and I was ready to drop after another hour picking out bikinis and shorts for the guys. Mission accomplished though. I found navy board shorts for both Riley and Edward that had white piping on the legs; Riley would wear it with a white t-shirt, Edward a muscle shirt. Alice even found cute little Baby Wayfarer sunglasses that matched his dad's along with matching baseball caps.

"They are going to be all kinds of adorable, you know." She said as we paid and gathered our bags. Just thinking about them made me ache to speak to Edward.

He and Mrs. Cope were watching Riley and I couldn't help but check on my boys regularly.

E~ Your Sister is killing me. We've been to 10 stores this afternoon. Thankfully I think we're almost finished. Miss u! ~B

B~ Love, just go with it, she'll tire out eventually just don't give her sugar or caffeine. Hurry home, Ry's almost down for his nap and I am lonely ;) ~E

I'm convinced the man is trying to kill me. He's been planning a weekend away for just the two of us after Thanksgiving and has been whispering everything he wants to do when there is no one around to hear us. At this rate I may not make it three more weeks.

After loading everything into our cars, Alice left to meet Jasper for dinner and I headed home to Forks and my boys. Edward was standing on the front porch with Riley on his hip, as I drove up to the house. I could hear Riley squealing for me as I grabbed only the bags with our costumes, leaving the rest to take to Em's house later.

"Mammaaa….Mammaaa. Up! Mammaa up!"

I rushed up the stairs, taking Riley into my arms and covering him in kisses, before reaching up for an Edward kiss. "Mmm, missed you."

Edward laughed, "I can tell, love. We missed you too. Riley's been asking for Mamma all day."

"He's picking up more words…soon he's going to be saying full sentences." I kissed Riley's sweet chubby cheeks again.

"You're growing up so fast, sweet boy. Were you good for Daddy today? I bet you were."

"Daddaa, Mammaa, Daddaa"

Edward took my bags as we walked back into the house.

"He's already eaten and had his bath. We were waiting for you before putting him down for the night." The house was unusually quiet for a weeknight.

"Where are Kate and Irina? Shouldn't they be upstairs playing their music too loud or talking to friends on the phone instead of studying? It's too quiet in here."

Edward nodded in agreement, "Yeah, but they were invited over to the Snow's house tonight for a sleep over and to watch some concert on cable. They wanted to watch it with their friends so I agreed. I figured we could find something to keep us busy." He grinned, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Oh really? Well then we need to get this little one to bed then don't we, Daddy?"

We managed to keep each other occupied well into the night. I reluctantly dragged myself from Edward's embrace and our warm bed early the next morning. Charlie had asked that Riley and I meet him for breakfast before his morning shift at the station, so with a gentle kiss to his lips I left Edward sleeping and got myself and Riley ready to meet Grandpa.

We arrived at the diner at the same time Charlie did. "There's my little man. How's Grandpa's boy?"

"Paa...paa."

"Morning Dad, don't I get a kiss too?" He flushed a little and gave me a one armed hug and kiss on the head.

"Morning, baby girl, sorry, I just miss seeing Riley in the mornings."

We sat down at a booth and ordered our breakfast while I gave Riley some cheerios and applesauce.

"So what brought on this early breakfast, Dad?" He looked tired and I knew it was more than an early schedule that caused it.

"I'm so sorry, Bells. I feel responsible for Billy tipping Jake off about your relationship with Edward." All of this was wearing on him, I knew.

"No, Dad…you didn't know anything about it. You are not responsible in any way, for Billy's actions. I just wish he had confronted me at the time, I could have straightened him out about everything and at least we would have known then. Billy made his own decisions, Edward and I don't blame you at all."

Charlie ate his breakfast while I fed Riley. After he was full and I had cleaned him up, Riley sat in his grandpa's lap while I ate. "So what's next for you, Bells? I know you've got that get together at the McCarty's and I'm going to be keeping an eye on the high school during the party, Friday. I don't want you and Edward to worry about Katie getting hurt there. Sue's son Seth and his best friend will be monitoring the younger kids at the bonfire as well, so Irina will be safe, too."

He was blushing again when I looked up at him. "Oh, Dad...It means so much to me, and Edward that you worry about Kate and Irina, too. It's nice to know you are looking out for them."

There was a soft smile crossing my father's mouth. "I feel like I'm not just Riley's grandfather, but the girls' grandfather as well. They are good kids and are crazy about you and Riley. They are my family now, too, you know."

Charlie cleared his throat and then shot a pointed look my way. "You and Edward are taking about the future, commitment and all, right?" His blush deepened to a maroon. "And you are being safe, right? I mean as much as I love Riley, I'd rather you be a Mrs. Cullen before any other little Cullens come along."

I felt my face heat. "Yes, Dad, we're covered there. Edward and I have just been waiting for my divorce from Jake to become final, which it will be on Monday, before moving ahead."

Charlie's eyes got big. "Really? So I can expect a visit from Ed before too much longer?"

As Brandi left our check, Dad grabbed for his wallet to pay, then stood up, passing Riley back to me. "I don't see you enough, baby girl. Can we arrange a time for just us to get together each week?"

I smiled at him, nodding, as we walked out the door. "That would be great, Dad. What about meeting for breakfast, just you and me, once a week? But, I also want you to join us for dinner a couple of nights a week as well. I want you included in our family dinners."

Charlie's face lit up at the mention of family dinners. "Sure thing, Bells. I love you, kid, and I'm just so damn proud of the woman you've become." I let Riley give his grandpa a sloppy kiss on the cheek before giving Dad a hug.

"Be safe, Daddy. I love you!"

"You, too, baby girl, I'll talk to you later. Love you."

He waved to us as he climbed into the cruiser and drove away.

Just as I finished strapping Riley into his car seat my cell phone began to ring. "Morning, love," Edward's sleep roughened voice greeted me as I answered. "You left so early this morning. How is Charlie?"

"He's alright, wants us to start meeting for breakfast once a week. I guess I really have been neglecting my father lately. I've also issued an open invitation to dinner at our house, whenever he wants. I don't want him to feel lonely and left out." I could hear Edward chuckling quietly over the phone.

"What?"

"Nothing, love, it's nice that you invited him, he's more than welcome for dinner or whatever, anytime. It's just that I don't think he'll be over all the time or as much as you think he'd be, from what I heard at the barbecue." He was still laughing.

"Why's that?"

"Well from what I heard, your father has a girlfriend or lady-friend. He's been seeing Sue Clearwater for a while."

Really…Sue, I wonder why Charlie had never brought it up. I'd have to ask him the next time I spoke to him.

"Bella, love, are you alright? Did I upset you by saying that?"

"No sweetheart, I'm ok. I guess I just hadn't thought about that happening. Sue's a good woman and had been a friend of both of my parents. I'm ok with it, if they really are dating."

I told Edward I would be home in a couple of minutes and hung up the phone. Riley was talking up a storm in the backseat.

"Hey buddy, we're almost home. You get to spend the day hanging out with Daddy again while Mommy helps Auntie Rose and then takes Katie shopping."

Shelly was waiting just inside the door as we walked in. She immediately scooped Riley from my arms to give him kisses and cuddles. "I was wondering where you two had gotten off to."

"Morning, Shelly. We had an early morning meeting with Grandpa Charlie, didn't we little man." I felt Edward approaching before he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Mmm, you smell like pancakes and syrup." He nibbled on my earlobe as he reached out to tickle Riley's tummy.

"Good morning, love." I turned in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him down for a long lazy kiss.

"You taste like syrup, too! Yummy." I just laughed at him, "Is that a hint, baby? You want me to make you pancakes for breakfast?"

He flashed that killer grin of his at me. "Well…if you are offering, sure."

I just reached up and pulled him back down for another kiss and then pushed him away, giggling. "Come on, Romeo. Let's get you fed."

I whipped up a stack of pancakes for Edward and as he ate I set the extras I made on a rack to cool, and then placed them in a freezer bag. I was just closing the door to the freezer when Edward asked what I was doing.

"Riley loves to snack on my pancakes and since I had the extra batter I made a few to freeze so he can have them later." I walked over and joined Edward at the breakfast bar. We could hear Riley playing in the den under Shelly's watchful eye.

"He's so happy here, Edward. Thank you for that." He leaned over and gave me a syrupy kiss, "No, thank you, love." It was nice to just sit and enjoy a peaceful morning together.

After he finished, Edward walked around the bar and cleaned his dishes. "So what's on the agenda for today, Bella?"

"Well I'm expected over at Rose's in a couple of hours to help her out until Kate and Rini get out of school. Before that I'm here working on one article. I know you have work that needs to be done, so I'm going to keep Riley and myself occupied and out of your hair the rest of the morning."

He walked back around the bar, taking my shoulders in his hands. "Hey, I like having you in my hair. This is your home, too. Work on your article then bring Riley up to the studio until you need to leave. I can work with both of you there. You are my muse after all, my happiness."

~O~O~

Shelly kept an eye on Riley while I edited the article I had planned on as well as two others that were in my inbox. After emailing them back to the reporters, I closed out my laptop and decided to take Riley out to the yard to run off some of his energy, before going up to the studio. He toddled around the yard, picking the few remaining wildflowers that withstood the late October weather in Forks. It was nice just to enjoy time with him. It was easier than I ever thought to picture all of us out here, in the backyard, a few years from now.

I could see Edward chasing Riley around, maybe with a dog or two. Kate and Irina would sit with their boyfriends just hanging out. Maybe there would even be a baby in a swing.

It felt surreal; I couldn't believe that I was finally getting what I had always wanted.

"Hey… I thought you were going to bring him up?" I looked over my shoulder to see Edward looking down at us from the deck.

"I wanted to give you a little more time and maybe tire him out for you, before I left."

Riley saw his daddy and headed for the steps.

"Wait a minute Champ. I'm coming."

I walked over to where Riley was trying to negotiate the first step, just as Edward reached us.

"I guess we are going to need a gate for this staircase as well." Edward picked up Riley and we walked back up the stairs and into the house. I locked the door before following the boys up to the studio. Edward stopped to wash Riley's hands and I grabbed a change of clothing and a few diapers before walking into the studio.

"Ok, back to work, sweetheart. I'll change Ry, you start playing." I loved to hear Edward work on new music, especially as he was trying to break the piece down for the various instruments in the orchestra.

It didn't take long for Riley to fall asleep, so I put him down in the playpen Edward kept beside the sofa and just relaxed as he played. I didn't even realize that I had dozed off until Edward was gently shaking me awake.

"Sorry, love, but its getting late and I know you needed to get over to Rose's by noon. She'll be expecting you."

I sat up quickly, "Oh, I really didn't mean to fall asleep. I've got to get over there, I'm making her lunch and staying until Em gets back. I'm taking Kate and Brady to that costume shop in Port Angeles, so I may not be back until dinner time."

Edward laughed, "Slow down love. Everything is alright. Riley and I will be fine and I'll ask Shelly to make dinner for us incase you run late, so we can eat when you get back. Go, and hurry back to me." He helped me up before kissing me, he never let us part with out a decent goodbye kiss.

I called Rose, as I left the house, to see if there was anything special she wanted for lunch. "God, Bella, I'm craving Nutella. I want it on everything, but I think we're out. Could you possibly pick some up on the way over?"

"Sure, how would you like stuffed crepes for lunch? I can use the Nutella with strawberry sauce and sliced bananas and berries. Does that sound good to you?"

"I'll name this child after you if you will make that."

After a quick trip through the grocery store, I made my way to Rose's house and let myself in. Rose was lying on the sofa with her legs propped up on pillows and surrounded by everything she could possibly need except for the bathroom.

"Hey, how are you feeling? Do you need to get up to use the restroom?"

She gave me a half-hearted smile. "Nah, I just went two minutes ago, though it took me 10 minutes to get up. I am so ready to just have the baby already."

I felt so bad for her, to be confined to either bed, the sofa or a chair for all but fifty minutes during the day, it had to be terrible.

"Well let me know the next time, ok? I'm going to make your lunch and you'll be happy to know I've stocked you up on Nutella. I grabbed the last five jars they had.

Fifteen minutes later I set a plate with two stuffed crepes loaded with fruit and the tasty hazelnut and chocolate spread, topped with whipped cream and strawberry juice.

"It looks fantastic, a word of advice, don't ever let Em know you can make this, he'll be at your house begging for breakfast every morning."

Alice and I had been planning to surprise Rose with the party, but after thinking it over we didn't want to cause her to go into labor, so we told her the basics. She knew we were all coming over, and that we'd informed the men that there would be no alcohol allowed that night, but that was really all. Emmett had taken Rose to Cabo San Lucas for their honeymoon, so we were bringing a little of that beach vacation to her.

"You don't need to worry about anything to do with the party Rose. It's just the six, well seven of us. You get to sit on the sofa and play with Riley while we pamper you." I let her eat while I started laundry and picked up a little. Rose protested, but she couldn't do it and Em was running himself ragged. Thankfully Carlisle and Esme would be coming on Sunday and staying for a while. We still needed to explain the cottage situation to them, but Edward wanted to wait until they were here.

It was just after 2 when Emmett burst through the door. "Honey I'm home." He bellowed. I walked out from their room just in time to see Rose throw one of throw pillows and hit him right in the forehead. "Inside voice, Em, don't scare Bella. She's been cleaning since she got here." Emmett looked up and whooped when he saw me "Bellaboo! How are you?" He grabbed me and swung me around.

"I'm great Em, but I need to run. I'm taking Katie and her boyfriend costume shopping. Em take it easy on her, she's at the point of wanting you to sit on her stomach until it pops so she can have this baby."

After quick goodbyes and assurances that we'll be ready to party the next evening, I left to pick up three teenagers at the high school.

Irina came rushing over to the car as soon as I drove up. "Kate and Brady got in trouble today, Bella. Mr. Green caught them kissing during lunch. Dad's not going to be happy when she has to serve detention next week." Oh, no. This wouldn't go well. "Um, he'll blow his top right, Rini?"

She nodded. I'd have to do something quickly; otherwise he'd put his foot down and not let Kate go to the dance.

I dialed Esme's cell number, hoping she'd give me something to work with.

"Bella dear, is everything ok?" She always had a calming effect on me. I felt the tension recede as quickly as it had come on.

"Hey Esme, we're all fine, but I think I have a situation brewing here that only you can help with. Irina just told me that Kate and her boyfriend were caught kissing at lunch and have to serve detention next week. You know your son, he's going to over react and I need to defuse this before it heats up."

There was weird sound from Esme, kind of a blend of a groan and a laugh.

"Yes, I do know Edward. How can I help?"

I just loved her. "Was Edward ever busted at school with a girl doing anything they shouldn't have been doing?"

"Hmmm, let me think a minute. Edward never really got into trouble at school, but I remember he was caught at band camp the summer before his junior year in high school. What was her name…oh, it was Susie. I remember Carlisle got a call from the camp director asking us to come pick up Edward a week early because he and Susie had been caught skinny dipping in the lake. That might help keep Katie from missing her date tomorrow, but you tell her to call me as soon as she can. I need to give her a piece of my mind about this."

"Sure thing, Esme, I'll see you Sunday with lots of new pictures of Riley and the girls from Halloween."

"See you then, Bella, love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Just as I ended the call Kate and Brady climbed into the backseat. "Bella…"

"Nope, you are going to have to tell your father, when we get home. Tell him everything that happened."

Brady looked embarrassed. "Really, Ms. Swan, I'm sorry about this. We kind of forgot where we were."

That declaration wasn't going to help their situation at all. "Look, I'm sure Edward is going to want to speak to you once we get back, but let's get this trip to Port Angeles out of the way before we deal with that."

Watching Kate and Brady on the drive up was hilarious. He'd look at her, she'd look away, she'd look at him, and he'd look away.

Thankfully we got to the store without much trouble and there wasn't a crowd. Brady found a Zorro costume he liked, essentially a black shirt, pants, cape, mask and sword. Kate however was looking at the 'princess' costumes. There were several that ranged from sluty Snow Whites to really regal Tudor era gowns. She finally settled on Buttercup's red gown from The Princess Bride, one of my all time favorite movies.

"Brady, lose the cape and add a black head wrap. You could be my Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts." When he put the cape away I knew he was gone over her.

We paid the rental fees and promised to return the costumes by Sunday, then left to drive home and face the music.

After dropping Brady at home, knowing it was better that he not be in Edward's presence until it had blown over, I drove the girls back to the house.

"Rini will you take Ry up to your room until after Kate and I talk to your father? He may get a little loud over this."

"Sure, it's no problem. I don't want to be anywhere near this conversation. I could get in trouble just by association."

I knew Daddy Edward was going to over react, but I really hoped I could diffuse it a bit. I knew there would be new rules going into effect, for the girls, about dating.

"Edward?" I called as we all entered the house. "We're in the den, Bella." I knew Shelly was gone for the day, as it was almost 6 o'clock. I passed through the kitchen on my way into the den and noticed the oven was on warm. Inside was a pan of piping hot lasagna. Good, that would help his mood.

"Mammaa"

Riley walked over to me and patted my legs. "Mamma up!" His little arms were reaching for me so I picked him up and kissed his nose. "Hi, baby. Did you have fun with Daddy?"

Riley pointed to Edward saying, "Dada"

"Yes, that's Daddy. Baby, go see Rini."

I handed Riley to Irina.

"Neeee"

Irina greeted Edward before taking Riley upstairs. Edward noticed her leaving and the smile dropped from his face. "What's going on?"

I walked over and sat on the sofa beside Edward and took his hand. "Hear her out before saying anything, please?"

I knew that probably didn't help his tension level, but until Kate told her father, he'd just assume the worst.

"Daddy, I had detention at school today and I have it Monday afternoon as well."

His breath sped up, brow furrowed. "Why would you have detention, Kate?"

She walked over to stand right in front of Edward as she said, "Mr. Green caught Brady and I kissing when we were supposed to be in the cafeteria for lunch. That's all we were doing, just kissing, but it's against the school rules about PDA."

Edward looked at me. "Why didn't you call me, love."

"Sweetheart, I just wanted to think it all through, really it's not horrible. Yes they were caught kissing at school, but that's what teenagers do, I'm sure you did it, I did it, a few times, but really I wanted to wait until we were home before telling you."

He slowly stood up. "Katherine Elizabeth, what am I to do with you. I really should ground you, cancel your date tomorrow, and forbid you to see Brady."

"No, Daddy, please. I'll take the grounding, I'll…I'll miss the party, but please don't forbid me to see Brady. I care so much for him." Katie was crying and collapsed into my arms. "Please Daddy, don't. It won't happen again. I promise."

I could see Edward's resolve waver. "I'm not going to stop you from seeing him. He's a good kid, but you will have new rules to abide by when you go out. Also, after tomorrow you are on restriction for one week from Brady. No phone calls, texts, emails…nothing, understand?"

She sniffed, but nodded her head with a shaky "Yes, Daddy."

"I love you sweet girl. It's hard for me to accept that you are growing up, but there is a lot going on out in the world and you aren't ready to face it with a baby at your age."

Kate shook her head, "No, Dad I'm not and you done need to worry about that cause we aren't doing anything like that. I've got plans for my future."

Edward opened his arms and Kate flew into them. "I love you Daddy."

"Love you, too, Katie-bug."

~O~O~

That night as we lay in bed, Edward asked me again why I had waited to tell him. "Truthfully, I thought you'd lose your cool and ground her for life. It's what my dad would have done to me. Anyway, I'm glad you didn't lose it, and you were wonderful, though I am a little disappointed that I didn't get to bring up Susie the Skinny Dipper."

The shocked look on Edward's face sent me rolling with laughter. "How in the hell did you find out about that?"

I tried to calm down so I could answer him. "Es-Esme, I called her to see if she knew anything that would help diffuse the situation. She told me all about you and band camp. How American Pie of you, such a bad boy swimming naked with a girl and getting caught."

He laughed as he blushed. "Well at least they didn't catch us before we were in the water. If they had I would still be grounded. Susie didn't only have talent playing the clarinet, her mouth could play other things as well."

Oh. My. God, I didn't need to have that visual. "Edward! I don't want to hear about some teenage girl blowing your cock."

"But baby… it didn't mean anything. I didn't know what I was missing out on until you came into my life."

"And you had another teenager giving you a blowjob. Oh boy."

He sobered up, laughter fading. "Bella, you know it wasn't like that with you. What we did meant the world."

I kissed his jaw, "I know sweetheart, and I was just kidding you. We better get to sleep; Em is going to run is all ragged tomorrow night."

The next afternoon I was taking picture after picture of Irina in her 'Sandy' costume along with Jared and Paul who dressed up like those vampires from the book series that Irina and Katie loved. Jared was wearing a long blonde wig pulled back into a pony tail and had red contacts in his eyes while Paul had sprayed a bronze/coppery color into his messy hair and had yellow contacts, whatever floats their boat I guess. We sent them off to First Beach, only after telling Irina what Dad had told me about Seth and his friends. She knew if there was trouble to find Seth and then call us.

Kate and Brady, after getting lectured by Edward, Brady's parents and Esme, were ready to head over to the gym at the school. Kate knew Charlie would be close and keeping an eye on the goings on during the party. They looked adorable in their costumes and after patiently waiting for me to take enough pictures, they too were off.

Edward looked a little sad. "They're growing up so fast."

"Baby, the girls are still really young. You've still got a few years left before Kate goes to college, and Riley hasn't even started school yet. Don't forget that."

"I won't. I want to enjoy time with them all, and any others that may come along."

I guess now would be the time to tell him. "About that, sweetheart, my period started this morning, so I guess we don't need to be…worried…about that right now."

I had been a little disappointed when I saw that I had started. I knew it wasn't the right time, but it was hard to keep the hope from flaring.

"Are you ok with that, love?" He looked at me like he knew what I was feeling.

"Yes, I mean I want to have more children with you, but really we just got back together, my divorce isn't even final until Monday, and it's just not a good time. Still I was a little sad. I know we'll get married one day, but I don't want to wait forever to have another child."

We were in our room getting ready for the party. I had just gotten Riley dressed in his t-shirt and board shorts to match Edward. When he saw that Riley was dressed as his Mini-Me, Edward's smile lit the room. I was changing into my white bikini top, but in difference to my period I wore white shorts instead of the bikini bottoms.

"Mmm, love, I love this party more each minute. You look wonderful." He took my hands and pulled me over to the bed.

"Bella, I want to make a suggestion and get your feelings on it, ok?"

I nodded, wondering where he was going with this.

"I don't want us to have to wait long after we get married to expand our family. If you go on the depo shot, doctors advise you wait 6-9 months before trying to conceive. Can you just go on birth control pills, love? Just until after we're married?"

I smiled and my chest swelled with the love I felt for this man. "Yes, definitely, I'll talk to Todd and get back on the pill until we're ready." I knew we'd be married before long, just from the way Edward was reacting.

"I can't wait for us to be ready, love."

I kissed his lips then said, "Right now we need to get ready for the party. Em is counting on a little male bonding time tonight, though I don't know how you'll do it without beer."

"We'll manage, love."

We loaded everything into the car and wrapped in our winter jackets and a blanket for Riley we headed over to Emmett and Rose's house in our beachwear. It was a balmy 45 degrees as we drove up to the house.

We had not even gotten Riley out when Em came running outside. "It's time, her water broke. I have to get her to the hospital." Edward ran inside to help Rose get to the car while I directed Em to his car.

"You alright to drive? Emmett, answer me. Are you alright to drive Rose?"

"Yeah, I'm going to be a daddy tonight." I laughed and gave him a big hug as Edward came out guiding Rose to the passenger seat. "Where's her bag?"

"It's already in the car, Bella. You guys are coming to the hospital too, right? Please?"

"Yeah Em, we'll follow you over." Edward got back into the car as I dialed first Esme and Carlisle to let them know, then Alice and Jasper, so they could meet us at the hospital.

"Em is pretty freaked out. Are you sure he's ok to drive, Edward?"

He nodded, "Yeah, something kind of takes over and makes sure you get there."

We were quite the sight walking into the hospital that night. Thankfully I was in shorts and not just a bathing suit, but still we were severely under dressed. Edward managed to get a couple of sets of scrubs for us while we waited. Alice and Jasper just went home to change before coming to the hospital.

Four hours later just before midnight, Emmett walked into the waiting room wearing the biggest smile I had ever seen.

"I've got a girl. Emmaline Belle." Everyone was congratulating Emmett and my eyes were filling with tears.

"Congratulations Papa Bear. How's Rose?"

He swung me up in an Emmett sized bear hug. "She's tired but good. Little Em's a big baby. Ten pounds, 4 ounces and 22 inches long. I've got to get back to my girls, but I just wanted to let you all know."

Edward, holding a sleeping Riley, said that we should get home. We'd all be back the next afternoon to see Rose and baby Emmaline, after they got some much deserved rest.

We passed the nursery as we left. The curtains were pulled for the night, but I still couldn't stop myself from looking over at it. Edward pulled me closer to his side, kissing my hair. "Soon, love, soon."

I couldn't wait.

O~O~O~O~O

So what'd you think? Next chapter is Edward's day out with his daughters and Carlisle and Esme come to town. Oh yeah perhaps a little celebration of Bella's divorce, Edward Cullen style.

Thanks to all of you for continuing to read and review, it is appreciated greatly.