A/N: Woo hoo! 1000 reviews! Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed. I really do read everyone and appreciate them all! Thanks again and I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Celebrations and Surprises

EPOV

Today was our 1 year anniversary. I continued to be amazed at how quickly time had flown by. We had been through so much already as a couple and I could only foresee it getting better with each day.

Bella continued to surprise and astonish me with her strength and determination. She took on each new challenge with the same grit and determination that she showed me when we first met. Being a mother and homemaker was no exception.

She seemed to be so comfortable taking care of Evie, it was like everything came naturally to her. The few times that I had changed a diaper I felt like my hands were all thumbs and I was woefully unprepared. Just like now. I wanted to let Bella sleep in a bit longer so I had awoken to the soft little mews and cries of our daughter. She was in need of fresh clothing so I took it upon myself to changer her diaper and put a clean gown on.

It was near impossible for me to maneuver her flailing arms into the sleeves of the gown, the diaper was starting to fall off and Evie was getting more and more frustrated. Her cries began to pierce the silence I was trying to maintain and I tried to hum and shush, but nothing worked. I looked up then to see Bella watching with a rueful smirk on her face.

"Would you like some help?" She offered.

I wiggled Evie's arm a bit more and finally managed to slip it through the sleeve. "No, I think I can manage." She smiled and nodded as she turned out of the room, "when you're done I'm ready to feed her." I finished dressing the baby and returned to our room where Bella was waiting in the rocking chair.

"I'm sorry she woke you, I was trying to give you a little more time to sleep."

"Yawn, no matter, I was getting a bit full, so it'll be good for her to feed." I handed little Evie to her mother and watched for a moment while Bella began to nurse. I needed to divert my attentions elsewhere. Her more voluptuous figure was trying my resolve and I wondered when she would feel ready to resume our intimacy.

I had hoped that it would be tonight, that we could celebrate our first anniversary in the same way our marriage began. But that seemed doubtful at this point. Bella had given me no indications that she was ready for that next step and I wouldn't push her. I would keep my promise to behave. I dressed and headed downstairs and out to do the chores.

I was looking forward to the supper Bella was planning on making. I was able to do some hunting and we had fresh venison, one of my favorites. We were going to have stew and some of Bella's delicious biscuits. My stomach was already anticipating tonight.

The day passed uneventfully, exchanging looks and terms of endearment throughout the day. By the time I came in for the evening, Bella was preparing our evening meal and it smelled delicious.

I snuck up behind her and began a slow assault of kisses on her neck. She tensed briefly and then melted into my affections. I let my hands float down her shoulders and settle around her waist, savoring the soft skin behind her ear. She delighted me with her responsive hums of enjoyment and I couldn't wait any longer to kiss her sweet lips.

I turned her in my arms and captured her lips in a searing kiss. I wanted to convey all of my longings and need for her in that kiss. When she responded by deepening the kiss I began to grow hopeful that maybe she was ready. My hands began to roam over her back and I lifted her closer to me. I moaned in pleasure as she wove her fingers through my hair.

When we broke apart I was breathing hard and I'm sure the lust was evident in my eyes. Bella seemed to hold the same desire in her expression as well. "Bella," I whispered. She covered my lips with one finger and said the words that made my heart soar.

"Dinner first, baby to bed, and then I am yours." I smiled wickedly and plopped myself down at the table holding my fork and knife at the ready. She chuckled and served the stew.

"Anxious are we?" She smiled coyly, and we both ate quicker than usual. Our conversation was limited and the air around us was filled with an anticipatory tension.

We spent a quiet moment with Evie, she was such a beautiful baby. Her light brown hair was rubbing off in some places and others it was getting longer. Her skin was creamy and white like her mother's, and her eyes were losing some of the blue and looking more and more like Bella's rich brown eyes.

She squirmed and yawned indicating her tiredness and Bella scooped her up to put her to bed. Usually she slept in our bedroom, but for tonight, Bella had moved the cradle into the second bedroom. Bella had changed and fed Evie and I took her from her mother to rock her and sing her to sleep.

I kissed my little girl's forehead and laid her down in the cradle. She still enjoyed being swaddled in her blanket and I made sure she was well covered. When I turned the handle to our bedroom I was not expecting the sight before me.

BPOV

I was still a bit nervous to resume our intimate activities, after all, I hadn't let Edward see me without clothing since Evie's birth. I felt lumpy and unattractive and I was still uncomfortable about letting my husband see me. That being said though, I longed for his touch; to feel his strong hands on my skin.

I knew he'd been peeking at me feeding the baby earlier that morning. I smiled inwardly at how patient he had been. And the kiss before dinner had positively set my soul on fire. After handing Evie to her father, I lit a taper and set it on the dressing table. I quickly undressed and slipped under the covers to wait for Edwards return.

I heard the door opening and lifted my arms above the quilt and let it rest tucked just under my arms. I tried to have a confident and alluring air about me, but I don't know if I succeeded. In some ways I felt even more nervous than the first night Edward and I were together.

His eyes raked over me and he moved quickly to the side of the bed. He leaned in and grazed my shoulders with his warm hands. I shivered in anticipation of his touch. He kissed me quickly and rid himself of his clothing tossing them haphazardly around the room.

In the candlelight I could see the passion burning in his eyes and it made my own desire for him swell. He was as tender and thoughtful this time as he was the first time we made love and I felt more beautiful in that moment than ever before.

I rested on his chest and reveled in the closeness of our connection. I lifted myself up to look down on him and saw nothing but adoration. He began to run his hands up the sides of my torso and my eyes closed. I arched my back into his touch which may have been a mistake. His hands grew bolder and my eyes snapped open.

"I don't think that's a good idea Edward," I said breathlessly. He continued his caresses and I tried to warn him again. That's when my milk let down and poor Edward got a face full. He gasped and groaned in disappointment or maybe frustration.

"Oh Edward, I'm sorry," I rolled off of him and wrapped one arm around my chest trying to stem the drops of milk that were still leaking out.

He wiped his face down with one hand and sat up a bit more. "I tried to warn you...I..."

He chuckled a bit, "I know you did Love, it's my own fault. I should've listened. I've just been wanting to touch you like that for going on a month now." He smiled sheepishly.

"Well, I hope it was worth it." Just then Evie started to cry softly, perfect timing. I threw on my night dress, grabbed a burping rag and went in for one of our many night feedings. She seemed to wake up 2 or 3 times during the night now which made it hard to get a good night's sleep.

When I returned to bed, Edward had dressed in long johns and was waiting in the spot I usually slept in. When I arched my eyebrow silently asking the question he said, "I just wanted to warm up your spot for you." I smiled and snuggled into his warm embrace. As I was drifting off to sleep I remembered that we still hadn't exchanged our gifts.

"Edward," I said sleepily.

"Yes Love?"

"I still have your gift to give you."

"Bella, you've just given me the best gift imaginable."

I giggled at how easily he was satisfied, but said again, "I still want to give you what I picked out for you."

"Why don't we save our gifts for Christmas?"

I was too tired to argue so I agreed and let sleep overtake me.

o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o

December 24, 1863

All of our gifts were wrapped. I was very excited to give Edward his gift. I had worked really hard to make all the staff lines nice and straight. I wanted him to enjoy writing down his music. I was dreading, though, what he'd gotten for me. It would probably be extravagant and way more than I deserved. But he always looked so happy when he gave me presents, I could hardly fault him, because I loved giving him gifts too.

Edward was checking on the herd and I had just come in from tending to Rose, Daisy and Emmet, the chickens, and Jasper and Alice. Evie was still sound asleep, which gave me an opportunity to enjoy the quiet. It didn't last long before Evie was squawking for a meal.

She was starting to grasp objects and I would give her different things to touch and hold on to. She seemed to like the rabbit pelt the best, probably because it was so soft. Her next favorite was a wooden ring that Edward had sanded so smooth it would be impossible to find a splinter.

As I was feeding the baby, the thought that we should go up to Carlisle and Esme's house today, popped into my head. We weren't supposed to go until tomorrow, but I hadn't seen Esme since Evie was born and I was dying to check in on her.

I started gathering up all the things we'd need to make the trip, Edward had taken the bed from the loft back to their house already, so we'd have a bed to sleep in, and the cradle was transported easily enough in the wagon.

I was just about finished with our preparations when Edward came home. He was flushed with cold and the tip of his nose was bright red. He stopped in front of the fire and warmed his hands up a little bit before he encircled me in a tight embrace. "Is supper ready Love? I'm famished."

"In a few minutes, the bread is almost ready to come out of the oven."

"Smells delicious."

"Edward, I was thinking that we should go up to Carlisle and Esme's today. What do you think?"

"That sounds like a great idea. I don't see why we couldn't, you've got everything packed up then?"

"Mmhmm," I responded slightly distracted. I was in the middle of multitasking in the kitchen and that was always a dangerous activity for me. Fortunately I managed to take the bread out of the oven with out burning myself and to stir the soup with out losing the spoon in the kettle. "Let's eat and we can take the left overs with us."

We finished our meal and got everything loaded into the wagon and were on our way in no time. It was a chilly day, but certainly pleasant, the sun was out and cast a lovely glow on the surrounding forest.

When we pulled up to the cabin no one came out to greet us. We looked at each other and Edward simply shrugged his shoulders. He came around and helped me down out of the wagon. Evie was snuggled up under a quilt inside a sling of fabric I wore around my shoulder. We knocked on the door and after a moment a very tired and haggard looking Carlisle answered.

"Oh, Edward, Bella, thank heavens you are here. Esme is in labor and has been for a while now. I couldn't leave her to come get you, I'm so glad you're here a day early!"

We came inside and I quickly shook off my coat and handed the baby to Edward. I hurried past Carlisle and into the bedroom. Esme was leaning on the bed frame looking completely exhausted and I knew just how she felt. I picked up a rag soaking it with cool water, and mopped Esme's brow. She smiled gratefully and gave me a hug. As soon as she did a contraction came on and I did my best to support her weight. She was getting very close to delivery.

The low moans she was using to try and diffuse some of the pain were heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. At that point the contraction had slowed and Edward followed Carlisle into the room. Evie had been placed in her cradle and we all assumed familiar positions. Edward sat behind Esme to support her back, I sat at Carlisle's side and Carlisle was ready to deliver his baby.

It was nearly 3 hours after we had arrived that the shrill cries of a new born baby soared through the room. "It's a boy, Esme, we have another son." Carlisle was sobbing with joy as he handed the baby into my waiting arms.

I cleaned off this new little person while Carlisle tended to Esme. He fussed and protested at the wiping and jostling but as soon as I placed him in the arms of his mother he quieted.

EsmePOV

I was exhausted, elated, overwhelmed but most of all overjoyed. How grateful I was when Bella and Edward arrived. The additional support was just what I needed. And now in my arms was this beautiful child. His little face was flushed with the trauma of the birth and his little lips were swollen. But he was mine and he was perfect.

Carlisle and I had already discussed names, we had both agreed that this baby was a miracle. That I was even able to conceive after so many years of barrenness was amazing, but our ages was even more astonishing. We had decided on the name of Isaac Matthew Cullen since we felt very much like Abraham and Sarah in the Bible. This little boy was our angel, our miracle.

"Hello my sweet little Isaac," I cooed. His eyes were still squeezed shut but he was squirming and wiggling. Carlisle came and sat next to me and cradled us both in his arms. I couldn't believe that he was finally here. And what a Christmas gift, this would be a day we'd never forget.

"Merry Christmas, my dearest," Carlisle whispered in my ear. We shared an emotional kiss and continued to stare at the newest member of our family. I vaguely registered Bella and Edward moving about the room but my gaze was locked on to the child in my arms.

EPOV

What was with the intuition of the women in my family? Bella's idea to come early was certainly inspired, and I felt privileged to be able to help Carlisle in the same way he had helped us. I was starting to feel like a pro at helping women through childbirth. Maybe I could've been a doctor like Carlisle had once suggested.

Bella seemed almost as exhausted as Esme, I'm sure she felt like she was reliving the experience of delivering Evelyn. I washed my hands and settled down next to my two most favorite ladies.

"How are you doing Bella?" I stroked my hand down the length of her hair.

"Mmmm, tired, but so happy we were able to help. I would've felt awful if we had come tomorrow and Isaac had already been born." She was always thinking of others, it was one of those qualities I loved most about her.

"I agree, how's our little one?" I ran my finger along the soft plump cheek of my little girl. Her eyes shifted their attention from Bella to me. I smiled and cooed and made all the silly baby noises you think you'll never make, but here I was trying to elicit a response from our daughter.

"She's fine," Bella giggled. "I think that she finds her pappa, most absurd."

"No she doesn't! She thinks I'm wonderfully amusing."

"I think her pappa is just wonderful." Bella looked up at me and I could see the love shining in her eyes and could do nothing but kiss her sweetly and soundly on her beautiful lips.

o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o

Bella woke up early and made a delicious breakfast for us all. Esme stayed in bed with baby Isaac while we brought chairs into the bedroom to share gifts with each other. Candles were burning and I had placed some pine boughs around the room flooding our senses with the vibrant green and the sharp smell of evergreens.

I was holding Evie while Bella pulled out our gift for my Aunt and Uncle. I smiled inwardly, Bella had purchased a leather bound journal, much like her own but she had made places in it to write down milestones for the baby's growth. She made an identical one for Isaac.

They were both very touched at the effort that went into making the memory book and couldn't wait to start filling it up.

It was now Bella's turn to open her gift. Really it was a gift for all the women in my family. I had gone back to the dress shop and purchased a new gingham dress for Bella and a matching dress for Evie. I also got three matching lengths of ribbon for Alice and Rosalie and Daisy.

Her eyes were reproachful when she saw her dress but positively beamed when she saw Evie's matching one. She then held up the ribbons questioning me with her look.

"They are for Alice, Rosalie and Daisy." I answered. She started laughing and nodding at the same time. I was very pleased that she hadn't been too upset by the dress. I wanted her to have something beautiful, not that her homespun dresses weren't lovely, but this dress was truly deserving of my Bella.

She came over and gave me a kiss and handed me her gift. She took the baby out of my arms and sat right next to my side. I could feel her excitement and nervousness rolling off of her. I shook my head in disbelief, surely she knew that by now I would love anything that she gave me.

As I unwrapped the package, which I appraised to be some sort of book, I had to chuckle when it was another journal type book. But it was when I opened it that I truly understood the personal nature of this gift. We had talked some about how I used to write music when I had my piano, and how I had missed doing that. It was a brief conversation in passing and I was touched that she had remembered and put so much effort into ruling the staff lines of the music paper.

Bella began to softly sing the Carol The first Noel. I listened for a moment to her soft melodic voice. I couldn't help but join in harmony on the chorus. She looked over at me and smiled. As we continued Carlisle and Esme soon joined in. It was a sweet moment watching our children and thinking of the meaning of this wonderful holiday we were celebrating.

At supper Carlisle pulled out a special bottle of homemade apple cider and proposed a toast. "To a most special and wonderful Christmas, and to the very best family a humble man could ask for."

"Here here," I called, and we all clinked our mugs together and toasted a truly remarkable family. Who could've imagined in a years time we'd be toasting two new babies and a family that finally felt complete.

A/N: So there's number three, no I'm not going to be mean and throw all kinds of drama at Esme or Isaac. This story is winding down, we've probably got an epilogue left and then I'll have to think of some other crazy idea to write about.

As always, I'd love to hear from you guys so review review please!