Sorry it's taken me a while to get this out. My Internet decided to punk out on me last week, so I wasn't able to post anything, though I had all my chapters written.

So, without further ado, our story continues…

BPOV

Just when I thought finally having my baby girl around couldn't get any sweeter, she opened her eyes one day to reveal a pair of soft, light-brown orbs which shone back at me joyfully. Though I would have been happy had she been blessed with her father's green eyes, there was something extra special about her having almost all of my traits. It was as though she was a mini me in every way. I changed her diaper one afternoon while watching some Disney Channel show on our new TV. I know she's not really able to understand any of this crap yet, but I figured I might as well get myself acclimated to it now.

She made cooing and gurgling noises while I snapped her onesie back into place and rested her on a pillow next to me. Sadie held onto my right index finger as I leaned over her and sang her the song my mom used to sing to me.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / you make me happy when skies are grey..."

Even though her eyes still couldn't really focus on anything in particular, she gazed in my direction and I could have sworn a little smile spread across her face. My moment of joy was interrupted by a phone call.

"Hello," I answered, mildly annoyed.

"Bella? It's Aro. How are you, dear?"

"I'm fine. Is there something wrong?"

"Absolutely not. In fact, everything is very, very right," he replied smugly. "Turns out that brother-in-law of yours has more power than I would have initially given him credit for."

"What happened? Did you get some new lead?"

"Better than that," he said. "It seems someone has convinced Mike Newton to step forward and admit he's the father of Jessica's baby. I think informing Mike of that photographer's plan to go public with the photos of him and Jessica may have motivated him some."

"Oh my God, that's great!" I said as Sadie gazed at me curiously with her wide eyes. "What is he going to do?"

"He's sitting down with People Magazine and Access Hollywood for interviews," Aro said. "And, I'm sure once the other media outlets pick this up it will be splashed over the covers of a few more publications."

"Thank you, Aro," I said, almost on the verge of tears. "I knew you'd take care of this."

"My pleasure, Bella," he told me. "I do anything to protect my friends and family."

I hung up the phone and wept tears of joy, muffling my sobs against the pillow Sadie was resting on. This whole awful situation was finally going to be resolved. Jessica would be shown as the liar she is; and Edward, Sadie and I can go on with our lives. Mom, who had been napping in my bedroom, walked out to find me crying.

"Baby, what's wrong?" She gasped as she hurried to my side.

"Aro did it," I said as I regained my composure. "He finally managed to prove Edward's not the father without Edward being forced into a paternity test."

"That's wonderful, sweetie," Mom said. "Does Edward know?"

"He must. I would assume Aro would tell him before calling me," I replied. "Either way, we're going to be able to move past this drama."

Mom placed a kiss on my forehead before sitting down next to Sadie's pillow on the couch. She had a strange look on her face that made me ask what she was thinking about.

"Nothing," she replied, indicating there was more to her answer. "It's just...if I were you, I'd give that Jessica a good beating for messing with my family."

I rolled my eyes. "Believe me the thought has crossed my mind. However, that will only make this situation worse. Now, if neither one of us was famous and she tried to pull this crap on me, I'd definitely pummel her into oblivion."

"You could always pay someone to do it," Mom suggested.

"I'm still going to have to pass," I said. "And besides, the embarrassment she'll endure after she's proven to be a lying whore will be all the satisfaction I need."

Mom laughed. "Well, as long as you get something out of the deal."

"I have this little girl," I said, brushing my hand softly over Sadie's head. "And, I have Edward. I don't need anything else."

"What about your mother?" She asked with a pout.

"OK, I have my family," I amended. "And that's all I need."

"Good girl," Mom said as she flipped the TV channel. She landed on E! and there it was already: Mike Newton's confession. The news anchor said the interview is being taped in two days, and will air on TV next Friday. I smiled and heaved a big sigh before turning back to Sadie. She had shoved the index and middle fingers on her left hand into her mouth and looked seconds away from falling asleep. She seemed so calm and peaceful, I didn't have the heart to take her little fingers out of her mouth; although, I'd really rather she not pick up a nasty habit like that. I can only imagine what her teeth will look like in a few years should she continue to do this. Instead, I lifted her gently and took her to the nursery for her afternoon nap.

I was glad my mom had decided to stay an extra few weeks until I really got the hang of the whole motherhood thing, but I was also a bit relieved she would be going home tomorrow. Maybe I was selfish, but I thought it would be great to have Sadie all to myself during the day when Edward's at work. And then, when my hubby gets home we can finally have alone time, as well. I'm still a little over a week away from being able to have any truly intimate moments with Edward. But, we can at least get into some serious makeout sessions without worrying about Mom bursting in and asking how to use the espresso machine at five in the morning. Oh, that eccentric mother of mine; you've gotta love her.

When Edward arrived home, he was in the best mood I had seen him in for the past few months; well, other than the day Sadie was born. He ran into the living room where I was feeding the baby before putting her down for the night, and took both of us into his arms tightly. "It's finally over! We're going to get that lying...*bitch* but good," he said, softening his voice on the profanity.

"It was bound to end this way," I said with a heavy sigh. "She should have known she was never going to come out the victor in this situation. Plus, she failed spectacularly to pull us apart. I dare say she must being feeling pretty desperate right now."

Little did I know just how desperate Jessica would get. Two days after Mike's interview aired, I was at the grocery store and spotted Jessica on the cover of her favorite rag proclaiming Mike to be a liar and a fame-whore. Talk about the pot and the fucking kettle. Inside the tabloid, Jessica stuck to her story that Edward was the father of her unborn child. The writer claimed Jessica was in tears asking why Edward refused to accept responsibility for his baby.

"He doesn't really love her," Jessica stated in the story, referring to me. "She's just where the money has always come from. And, he's afraid if he divorces her she'll leave him with nothing and won't let him see their child ever again." Though, she added, he didn't really have any interest in seeing Sadie to begin with.

Concerning Mike's claims, Jessica said, "Mike and I have had flirtations, that much is true. But, I've never slept with him. Edward is the only man I've ever loved." You could practically hear the violins playing in the background. Yes, Jessica, you're such a victim, aren't you?

When it was my turn to check out, I was still reading the bullshit article. The woman at the register, whom I've come to know through my patronage of the store, saw what I was reading and tsk-ed, "Mrs. Cullen, you shouldn't be reading that garbage. It's clear that hussy is just trying to make a name for herself."

"I know," I replied. "But, I like being aware of the lies being spread about me and my husband. It makes it easier for me to refute them."

"Well, soon enough you won't have to refute them," the cashier said. "Once that boy takes a paternity test, it'll prove your husband never laid a hand on that girl."

Actually, there hadn't been any talk about Mike taking a paternity test. Once I paid for my groceries, I pulled out my phone and called Aro. "Is there any way we can make Mike take a test?" I asked.

"He said he would happily do it," Aro said. "But, Jessica hasn't agreed to the test, and that's the most important piece of DNA—the baby's."

"Well, that kind of proves she's lying, doesn't it? I mean, if Edward's the father like she claims, eliminating all other potential sperm donors should help her case, right?"

"Her lawyers called me this morning," Aro said in a grave tone. "They said she won't let them take a DNA sample unless Edward takes the test, too."

Goddammit!!! How does she keep on finding these loopholes? If Edward takes that test, she can still claim he had an affair with her. And it would be her word against his. Then it hit me, "What if we tell them Edward won't give them anything until they prove Mike isn't the father? So, Edward's not really refusing the test, but merely delaying until all other avenues are exhausted."

"We'll give it a shot," Aro said with little enthusiasm. "But, if she gets a subpoena, Edward will have to take the test."

I wanted to cry all over again, except now my tears were out of frustration, not joy. Jessica must have done something like this before, since she seems to be an expert at ruining lives. Either that, or her scumbag lawyer is really adept at evil scheming. She didn't seem all that intelligent when I met her, but damn if she wasn't diabolical. The security guard with me drove us home while I sat in the back seat with Sadie. She slept softly, and I realized them how grateful I am that she can't understand anything going on with her father and me right now. Maybe when she's older, and we're all able to sit back and laugh about the situation, we'll let her know about the crazy woman who tried, unsuccessfully, to tear me and Edward apart.

At home, I placed Sadie gently in her crib and turned on her monitor before putting the groceries away. Though, I left out the ingredients I would need to make dinner tonight: French onion soup with a nice big salad. I put some Chardonnay in the fridge to chill. I'm so happy I get to have at least one glass of wine a day. I feel like I need it now more than ever. Although, replacing a habit like drinking with having a beautiful baby girl was definitely worth the depravation.

I started making the soup around 6 p.m., anticipating Edward's 8 p.m. arrival from work. It was a nice little routine we were working ourselves into. And, I truly enjoyed my new role as Domestic Goddess. I never thought I'd be the type to play the Donna Reed role, but it was great in a novel sort of way. However, once inspiration hit me again, it would be back to writing furiously during the day (while still making time for Sadie, of course). And, once that happens, I don't know how diligent I'll be about making a big production out of dinner every night. I may end up making a lot of frozen lasagna. Ain't it always the way?

While the soup was simmering, I sat on the couch with Sadie in my lap and sang some more lullabies to her. It's amazing how we spent thousands of dollars on this new TV, and I couldn't care less about watching it most of the time. Not when I have this little angel to absorb all of my attention. Edward waltzed in at 8 p.m. on the dot, just as I had set Sadie in her rocker on the table. I was putting the individual soup bowls under the broiler with bread and gruyere cheese sprinkled over the top as my husband went directly to Sadie and gently lifted her out of her seat. He kissed her forehead before resting her against his shoulder. I closed the oven door and walked over to him. "Rough day?"

"Yep," Edward replied before placing a kiss on my lips. "I suppose Aro already told you the news."

I nodded. "I called him this afternoon when I was at the grocery store. I saw the article on Jessica while I was there, and I wanted to know if he had any updates."

"Well," Edward said with a heavy sigh. "For now, all I can do is sit back and hope Jessica can't serve me with a subpoena. Aro said it's a long shot on her end, but she does always seem to find a way, doesn't she?"

"That she does," I agreed. "You know what, Edward? Even if you do end up having to take a paternity test, it won't be the worst thing in the world. Sure, people might claim it proves you had an affair somehow—like you're admitting some kind of guilt—but, as long as you and I know the truth, what does that matter? I say go ahead. I believe in you and I'm standing by you no matter what."

Edward's eyes grew a little misty as he pulled me closer to him. "I know you are, love. And, if you think that's what I should do, then I'll do it. You're right, who cares what other people think? I know what I did and did not do—in every sense of the word. I'm going to call Jessica's attorney tomorrow and tell them they can have all the DNA they want. It won't prove a thing."

"That's right," I said, giving him another kiss. "The only little miracle your DNA is responsible for is this angel right here." I stroked Sadie's head softly. She yawned and stretched a little arm over her head. "Oh, I think someone's ready for bed."

"Alright," Edward said with a wistful sigh, "Let's go put this little one down."

EPOV

It was a Friday during my lunch break when I went to give some DNA samples to the doctors who would be running the paternity test. Aro tried to convince me this wasn't a good idea, but I was going to put an end to this drama once and for all. The lab technicians took some hair samples and a couple swabs from the inside of my cheek. It was all so simple I almost felt bad that Jessica had to have a huge needle jammed into her abdomen for the prenatal testing. But then I remembered she was the one going to great, idiotic lengths to try and ruin my life, so I couldn't feel too bad for her. Who I really pitied was her poor child. Even after we straighten this whole mess out and determine Mike is in fact the father, the kid still doesn't have a very good chance of turning out well-adjusted. Not with Jessica for a mother. With any luck, she'll just dump the kid on a family who'll actually love it.

Aro kept a close eye on the paternity test proceedings, claiming since Jessica's lawyers suggested the laboratory we would be using there's no telling how or if they might be able to tamper with the results. I had to admit, that did worry me a great deal. And, it certainly was within Jessica's MO to try something so sneaky. But, when the results came back six days later I breathed a big, hearty sigh of relief. They hadn't been tampered with, and they proved once and for all that I wasn't the father. Aro was on the phone with what seemed like every magazine in the western world as soon as we got the news. Jessica was a damn liar, and I was finally free of her twisted little game. Within a week, every magazine, tabloid and gossip blog had slashed the news across their front pages. Bella and I celebrated with a bottle of champagne, while Alice surprisingly volunteered to watch Sadie for a night.

"Are you sure?" Bella asked nervously. "I mean, you've never babysat before."

"Bella, your lack of faith in me is insulting," Alice said. "We'll be fine. We'll have a regular girls' night in."

Bella reluctantly handed our daughter over to Alice for the night, but it still took about an hour of reassuring her that Sadie would be safe after the door closed. "Sadie will be alright. She's already two months old, Bells. As long as Alice doesn't forget to feed her, our daughter will be fine."

"But, Alice couldn't even keep her pet Beta alive," Bella whined. "She had one of those two years ago, the thing died within a week. And those are hearty fish, they can live through almost anything."

"Bella," I said in a slightly stern voice. "It's going to be fine." I tried a different method of taking Bella's mind off of things then — I pulled her in for a big, passionate kiss. Even though Bella had been able to make love for the past couple of weeks, we had been too consumed by the Jessica situation to even think about being intimate. Tonight, however, I was going to change all of that. I popped open the bottle of champagne and asked Bella to put on one of her favorite negligees. As I poured the champagne into glasses and pulled some pre-cut strawberries from the fridge, Bella strutted out of our bedroom wearing a jade-colored nighty I had never seen before.

"When did you get that?" I asked as she twirled and gave me a little glimpse that confirmed she wasn't wearing any panties.

"Alice gave it to me," she said sheepishly. "She told me it would come in handy right about now...when we're ready to get back into the ...swing of things, so to speak."

"Naughty little Bella," I teased as I handed her a glass. "That nightgown is enough to make me want to give Sadie a new brother or sister tonight."

Bella gave me a huge smile. "Well then, Daddy, we should get started." With that, she set her glass down and jumped into my arms. As she wrapped her legs around me and covered my face in kisses, I took us into the bedroom. I hastily ripped all my clothes off before jumping back onto the bed and beginning to ravage my wife. Bella's moans and whimpers filled the air just like they used to, and I grew so painfully hard that I was forced to apologize for my lack of foreplay before impaling her roughly. However, I don't think Bella minded. We both needed this release more than anything — except how much we needed each other, that is.

Once we caught our breath, Bella curled herself against my side with her head on my shoulder. We lay there in the afterglow of that perfect moment while I ran my fingers through Bella's lovely, soft hair. Suddenly, she looked up at me with those big, brown eyes inquisitively. "Did you mean that? What you said about wanting to have more kids right away?"

"Of course," I said. "I definitely want to have at least one more. And, I think Sadie would love having a sibling close to her age while she's growing up."

"Did you?" She asked understandably unsure considering my sometimes rocky relationship with my brother.

"Emmett and I love each other," I replied. "It was how our dad pitted us against one another that got in the way. I will never do that to our children."

Bella smiled wistfully. "I'd like to have another child soon, as well. Especially if it's a little boy. Though, I don't know much about little boys, since I never had any brothers or male cousins around growing up."

"Trust me, guys are easy to deal with no matter the age," I said as I pulled her in for a kiss.

"Well, if we've decided this is what we want," Bella said, a sly smile playing at her lips. "Then, let's give it at least a couple more tries tonight."

"As you wish, Mrs. Cullen," I replied.

Shooting on the show wrapped a month after Jessica-gate was over, and it couldn't have come a moment too soon. I was ready for a little break. I know that sounds like pitiful belly-aching seeing as how actors usually only work a few months out of the year on their projects, but the amount of hours put in usually adds up to more than the average 9-5 worker accumulates in a year. The long days are exhausting, and they mean I don't get to spend enough time with my wife and new baby daughter when I'm working. Plus, I didn't want to become overexposed so soon in my career. I'd like to be more like George Clooney, and less like some early 90s sitcom actor who faded into obscurity.

We held a small after-party once filming was over, but I only stuck around to give a quick toast and then I was out the door. I had a date with two beautiful ladies. Since we hadn't heard a peep out of Jessica for the past month, I decided to tell Aro the security detail was no longer needed. If Jessica, or anybody associated with her, was stupid enough to come after my family now, it wasn't going to take much to ensure a harassment indictment from that. Plus, the managers of our condo building were now hip to those who would try and get close to us for ill or profit. Bella and Sadie were in the nursery when I got home. My wife sat in the rocking chair feeding our daughter and singing to her gently. I love little moments like these, when Bella sings her lullabies to Sadie. I don't know if Bella knows I'm listening in, and that's what makes it so fun. She probably doesn't even realize she has a beautiful singing voice.

"Baby mine, don't you cry / baby mine, dry your eyes / rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine…" I felt a smile pull at the corners of my lips – that was the song my mom used to sing to me when I was little. I believe it was from the movie Dumbo.

I leaned against the door jam as I continued to listen, but the damn wood squeaked causing Bella to give a surprised yelp and turn in my direction. "Oh, you scared me, babe."

"Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you. I just wanted to hear you sing."

"Why?" She asked incredulously. "My singing isn't anything special."

"Yes it is," I countered. "It's great. Maybe you should consider expanding your career into singing."

"Right," Bella rolled her eyes as she rocked Sadie gently. "I wouldn't even make it past the first audition on American Idol. I don't think I can compete with the likes of Christina Aguilera or Jennifer Hudson."

"Hacks," I said dismissively. "They don't sing with as much heart as you do."

She rolled her eyes again before pulling Sadie up to her shoulder and burping her gently. Once the little one had been fed and changed, I took her into the living room and sat on the couch with Bella by my side.

"So, how was the party?" Bella asked as she rested her head on my shoulder.

"It was fine," I replied. "A lot of people drinking and congratulating each other…mostly congratulating themselves. I toasted the cast and crew, then told them I had places I needed to be."

Bella chuckled, sending shivers through both of our bodies. "Damn straight you had somewhere to be. But, I don't want you to get anti-social with your colleagues on my account."

"I'm not," I assured her. "I just wanted to get home as soon as possible. I'm looking forward to the next couple of months. It's just going to be the three of us for a while, think you'll get tired of having me around all the time?"

"Hell no," she said with a laugh. And then she looked up at me with a sly smile. "Besides, I can always go off to my coffee shop and write if you do manage to get on my nerves."

"Yes, there is certainly that option, isn't there?" I laughed.

"Plus, me taking a few afternoons off could give you some alone time with your little princess."

"Oh, I'm definitely all for that," I replied. Bella grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. I groaned as she flipped the station to E! "Come on, love. More of this crap? Really?"

"I can't help it, I have a problem," she said sheepishly. We watched the entertainment news – me with mild interest, her in intense rapture. Suddenly, Ryan Seacrest's face flashed onto the screen along with graphics which signified breaking news.

"This just in," he said. "Actress Jessica Stanley is in the hospital today after taking a fall during a magazine photo shoot." A photo of Jessica being carried into an ambulance on a gurney popped onto the left corner of the TV screen. "Sources tell us the young starlet fell down a flight of stairs following a shoot with OK Magazine. And, while nothing has been confirmed at this point, the source also hinted the health of Stanley's unborn baby is now in jeopardy. More on this as the story develops."

There was an unspoken yet tangible sense of karma running through the air. Neither one of us wanted to acknowledge it outright, but I knew what we were both thinking at that point – she does, in a sick sort of way, deserve this.

Will Jessica's spawn be OK? Stay tuned.