Christmas Eve - 7 Years Later

"Come on, Bella, why don't we pull over for a minute?" Edward murmured, using the red light as an opportunity to steal a few more kisses.

Bella laughed a bit breathlessly before shoving him away. "You're going to make me have an accident."

He raised an eyebrow and sat back in his seat. "If you put even a single scratch on my Volvo…"

"Oh, please," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "It's a rental. Besides, if you were so worried, you should have just let me take my truck."

"Yes," Edward said, his eyes wide and innocent. "What a pity it didn't start."

Bella shook her head, barely managing to suppress the smile trying to curve her lips upward. He thought he was so smart, but she knew a disconnected battery when she saw one. Jake promised that the truck would last the cross country trip, but the morning they were due to leave it wouldn't start. Then Edward magically produced two plane tickets for a flight out to Washington the morning of the 24th.

She had relented, only because she really wasn't looking forward to such a long drive. Plus, it gave them an extra four days to just lie around the house together. They just didn't see each other as much as they wanted. He was busy with grad school and work, and she was busy with her class of kindergarteners.

She hated to see him spend money on frivolous items, though, because he was already funneling so much into her infertility treatments. Over the course of three years, Bella had undergone two surgeries and countless cycles of treatments, and met nothing but disappointment. It had almost happened once – but she miscarried very early on. She was getting ready to throw in the towel.

Bella felt butterflies in her stomach. As far as Edward knew, she had her period two weeks ago. They were both so in tune to her cycle; they needed to know when she was ovulating and when she was most fertile, so it was just common knowledge when her period was due.

Except she hadn't gotten it.

She didn't want to get his hopes up. In all honesty, her hopes were already up, but she hadn't taken the test yet. Bella was terrified.

Edward behaved for about two minutes and then leaned into her again. "Come on, Bella… Once we get to my house, everyone will be all over us. We won't have a minute alone."

"Oh, poor baby," Bella teased. "You won't be able to last until tonight?"

"It's been, like, a week," he grumbled. Edward placed his hand on her thigh, and Bella could feel the heat burning right through her jeans. "I don't want to wait."

"I'm really tired," she hedged. "Can't we just wait until we get home?"

"I'm sorry, baby," he frowned, sitting up in the passenger seat. "I didn't realize you were so tired. Are you feeling okay? Do you want me to drive?"

Bella sighed happily when his hand came up to rest on her the nape of her neck. His strong, long fingers began massaging the tight muscles gently.

"Pull over," he urged. "I'll drive the rest of the way. You haven't been sleeping well lately."

"It's only another twenty minutes," Bella shrugged. She rolled her shoulders and practically purred as he continued to knead her neck and shoulders.

"You've been too stressed lately," he said softly. Bella looked over at him and smiled. "I'm serious. My classes don't start until the middle of January, and I have some time coming to me at work… Why don't we get away for a while?"

"I thought that's what we were doing," she laughed weakly.

Edward laughed. "You know what I mean. Just the two of us, on some deserted island somewhere. You can break out that little bikini I love."

"Keep dreaming," Bella grimaced.

"Well, think about it, okay?" Edward stared at her, watching her grip tighten on the steering wheel. "I know you've been stressed out lately, but please stop thinking about money. I'll happily put every cent I have into the treatments. Anything you want, Bella. I just want you to be happy."

Her mind immediately turned to the calendar. Fifteen days late. Was this it? Or was it just another disappointment? She wished she could tell him, but the last time Edward had been so excited. Bella couldn't bear to see his disappointment a second time.

"I think if this isn't…" she trailed off, catching herself. "I think in a few weeks we should start looking into adoption."

Edward was quiet for a moment, then covered one of her hands with his. "I'll talk to Carlisle tonight and get the name of his friend."

She nodded and turned the radio up, effectively ending the sad conversation. She didn't want to think about her inability to have children, not on such a happy day. They would visit with the family, eat until they were so stuffed that they couldn't move, and sleep late the next day. And then, they'd do it all over again the following day.

"Edward and Bella are here!" Esme yelled, wiping her hands on her apron. "Emmett, Carlisle, go help them with their bags."

Carlisle met them on the front walk, pulling Edward into a one-armed hug. "Edward, Bella, Merry Christmas! How was your flight?"

"It was good," Bella replied, smiling widely. "We're starving, though."

"Esme just took the roast pork out of the oven," Carlisle winked. "Perfect timing. Let's get you inside. It's far too cold out here."

Edward agreed and ushered Bella inside, hoisting one of their suitcases off on Emmett. They all crowded in the foyer. "Hey, ma! Smells good in here."

"Good to see you, bro," Emmett said. He smiled at Bella, who gave him a big hug. "Thanks for letting me crash your holiday dinner."

"Not a problem," Esme interjected, hurrying down the stairs. "You know we're always happy to have you, Emmett. You're part of the family. Where did you say your mother is? Hawaii?"

"Yeah, new boyfriend," he rolled his eyes, exchanging a knowing look with Edward.

Esme hugged Bella tightly, giving her a kiss on the cheek before turning to her son. She smoothed his hair back and eyed him critically. "Too skinny. You need to slow down, Edward! Don't worry; I've made all of your favorites."

Edward laughed and simply wrapped his arms around his mother. "Where's Alice?"

"I sent her out for more sweet potatoes. She should be back shortly. Oh, Bella, did you see the picture?" Esme asked excitedly, gesturing to the wall behind them.

Bella turned around and gasped. Esme had blown up one of the photos from their wedding to poster-size, and framed it in a rich, mahogany frame. Edward was whispering in her ear, and a huge smile lit up Bella's face.

Bella blushed at the intimacy of it. She had no idea at the time that someone was taking a photo. They looked so happy. It was a gorgeous photo, made even better by Esme's thoughtfulness.

"It's beautiful," Bella gushed.

Carlisle waited until Esme had launched the third degree on Edward, then sidled up next to Bella. He nodded towards the hallway and she smiled, looking over her shoulder at the family before following him to his study.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, sitting down at his desk. He leaned forward eagerly.

Bella bit her lip and hesitated. The urge to tell Carlisle that she was late was overwhelming. He had been her champion, scouring the medical journals for the latest news in the fertility world. Carlisle secured them the best doctor in New York City. It was only a train ride away from Poughkeepsie, where Bella had attended Vassar, and now taught kindergarten.

"I…" she felt a flicker of excitement, knowing what she was about to tell him. Bella immediately squashed the excitement and the hope that came along with it. "I'm two weeks late."

Carlisle sat back, stunned. "Have you taken a test?"

"I'm too afraid," Bella confessed.

He sat back and pulled open a drawer. Carlisle handed her a nondescript paper bag. "Here. I stocked up last summer, just in case."

"Carlisle – I, I don't think I can," Bella stammered. She looked at the doorway expectantly, waiting for Edward to show up.

"He'll be fine either way," Carlisle said knowingly. "You shouldn't be under any undue stress, Bella. Not knowing is a stress. And if you are pregnant…we need to get you to the doctor. They'll want to monitor you pretty closely."

"You can use my restroom," he prodded. Carlisle handed her an empty scotch glass. "It's clean. Go ahead."

Bella took three of the tests and walked slowly to the bathroom. She looked back and saw Carlisle shove the bag back into his desk, glancing guiltily at the door.

"Dad?" Edward called. "You in there? Charlie's here."

Carlisle jumped up from his desk, his guilty mindset making him jumpy. "Charlie! Good to see you."

"Carlisle," Charlie said, embracing him. "Merry Christmas."

"You too," Carlisle smiled. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good. Two more days and I'll hit my two year anniversary," Charlie said proudly. "Two years, clean and sober."

"That's fantastic, Charlie," Carlisle replied genuinely. Everyone knew that Charlie's battle with alcoholism wasn't an easy one, and he had slipped up many times. Three years ago, when he proposed to Sue Clearwater, things had changed for the better. Her influence on him had been life changing.

"So Bella isn't in here?" Charlie scratched his head. He looked at Edward. "I thought you said you saw her come in here."

Edward shrugged. "I thought I did."

Carlisle cleared his throat uncomfortably. "She's uh, using the bathroom."

"Oh," Charlie nodded. "Okay. Say, Carlisle, if it's a problem having Bells stay here, she can use her old room. I know she said she didn't want to inconvenience me and Sue, but it's no hassle."

Edward coughed to cover his laughter. What Bella told him was that she'd rather sleep outside in the snow, than hear Charlie and Sue engaging in newlywed behavior again. Apparently, they were very enthusiastic.

"It was only that once," Charlie reddened, glaring at Edward.

"Carlisle! " Bella exclaimed, throwing the bathroom door open. She froze at the sight of her husband and father.

The three men stood there, staring at her. Edward took in her flushed cheeks and wet eyes, and immediately stepped forward. "Bella?"

The hand at her side was clutching something tightly but she quickly moved it behind her back.

"Bells, honey, are you okay?" Charlie asked, a tinge of anxiety coloring his voice.

Bella looked at Carlisle, her eyes welling up with tears. She smiled.

"Bella?" Carlisle stressed, his voice disbelieving.

She nodded and Carlisle practically shoved Edward aside, wrapping his arms around Bella in a big hug.

"What's happened?" Esme asked, peeking into the room. "Why is everyone in here? Carlisle, no cigars, I told you."

She stepped inside and cocked her head to the side, frowning at Bella's emotional state. "What's going on?"

"That's what I'd like to know," Edward said irritably. He stepped by his father to pull Bella into his arms. "What's wrong, Bella?"

Edward looked at his father just in time to see Carlisle brush his hand over his eyes, inconspicuously wiping away tears. Seriously bewildered now, Edward looked at Bella with frantic eyes.

"I was planning on waiting a bit longer to tell everyone," Bella sniffed. She tucked the hidden pregnancy test into her back pocket so no one could see it, then wiped her own eyes. "I haven't even been to a doctor yet."

"Bella…" Edward whispered, not daring to breathe.

Esme gasped and her hand flew up to her throat.

Charlie put a hand on Carlisle's desk to balance himself.

"I just took three pregnancy tests and they were all positive!" she blurted out.

In the next second, Bella was crushed against Edward's chest. She could hear Esme crying and Carlisle and Charlie congratulating each other. Edward was kissing her and telling her how much he loved her.

"What's going on?" Alice yelled, trying to be heard above the noise. Emmett stood next to her in the doorway, practically blocking out the light from the hallway.

He elbowed Alice. "Dude, I think Bella's knocked up!"

Alice let out a screech and elbowed her way through the soon-to-be grandparents. More hugs, kisses and tears were shared by all.

"I told you we shouldn't have gotten rid of the stuff in the nursery," Alice said to Esme. "I knew we'd need it someday!"

Esme rolled her eyes. "So did I, Alice. But it was needed sooner, by someone else, and it was put to very good use. This just means we get to decorate again."

"Does this mean you're going to move home?" Alice chirped. "Aww, Eddie will come home, too! New York is just too far away."

"Alice, hugh," Carlisle said softly. "They have a lot to think about. Decisions will come later."

Bella sniffled and wiped her eyes again. Edward's big hand was still resting on her stomach, caressing it almost protectively. Her emotions were too big for her heart, and it felt like they were exploding out of her. She couldn't remember ever feeling so complete.

"We're actually having breakfast with Jessica and Tyler on Wednesday," Bella told Esme. "Bree told her that she wants to make me pancakes."

"That little girl is such a sweetheart," Charlie shook his head. "I can't believe how big she's gotten. She comes by to visit Tyler at the station at least once a week. And I've got to say, I think Tyler could be Chief one day. He's a damned fine deputy."

A week after Bree's birth, Bella went to visit Jessica at home. Esme and Alice accompanied her. They borrowed Jasper's truck and loaded it up with every bit of furniture, clothing and toys from the nursery. They spent the entire day decorating the Stanleys' empty guest room, while Bella sat with Jessica and talked.

An unlikely friendship was formed that day, and even after Bella and Edward left for New York, their friendship remained strong. Bree, now seven years old, considered Bella an aunt.

The two girls were able to give each other support in ways that no one else could. Bella understood what it was like to live with an alcoholic parent, and Jessica found it helpful to have someone who could relate to that. In those years when Bella yearned for a baby of her own, it was Bree's pictures, videos and funny little stories that helped fill the gaping hole in her chest.

Esme snatched a tissue from the box on Carlisle's desk. She wiped her eyes hastily and then began ushering everyone out of the room. "Come on, let's get eating, while the food is still hot."

"We'll have to start thinking of baby names!" Alice said excitedly, clasping her hands together. "Oh my God, I have to call Jasper!"

Emmett rolled his eyes and moved her along.

Esme waited until everyone left the room, except for Bella and Edward, then winked and shut the door behind her. Edward took the opportunity to kiss him wife, hard and passionately, trying to convey the overwhelming emotions he felt.

"Edward," Bella murmured. "Wait."

She pulled away to look at him. Her brow was wrinkled and she looked nervous.

"What is it?" he whispered. Edward leaned in to kiss away the worry lines.

"It's just, really early," she said anxiously. "I was late, and Carlisle had the tests, so I took them…but I didn't want to tell everyone. What if, you know…"

"Hey," Edward said firmly, cupping her face with both hands. "Don't even think about that. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen, and we'll deal with whatever comes at us. For now, let's just be happy."

"Are you happy?" she asked softly.

His eyes softened and a smile tugged on one corner of his mouth, making that infamous crooked smile. "More than ever. I'm so happy I feel like I might explode."

Bella closed her eyes as his lips met hers, and it was as exciting as their first kiss, all those years ago. She remembered everything – that summer of firsts, her cottage, their first apartment together, graduating from college together, their first night in their own home…

Now, she cherished this moment. Edward's hand massaged her belly gently and his mouth nibbled along her collarbone. When he lifted his head and looked at her with that mischievous gleam in his eyes, she simply knew he was going to say something dirty.

"Bella, did you know pregnant women have an increased sex drive?" he grinned.

"Actually, I did," Bella rolled her eyes. She let one hand slide from his hip to the front of his jeans. "And you know what?"

"What?" he exhaled loudly.

"I think I've started to experience the joys of pregnancy already," Bella murmured, her hand reaching into his pants. "Do you want an early Christmas present?"

"God, yes," Edward groaned. "Let me lock the door, and we'll share presents, okay?"

Bella laughed and released him. Edward made quick business out of the lock, then turned and leaned against the door. His voice was silky smooth. "Come here, Mrs. Cullen."

Her heart grew another thirteen sizes and Bella practically ran over to him. Edward wrapped his arms around her, then dropped to his knees, holding her hands. He pushed her t-shirt up and gazed at her flat belly.

A huge, aching lump formed in Bella's throat. Her vision blurred with tears as she watched her husband place a perfect kiss onto her stomach.

"Hi baby," he whispered. "I'm your daddy. I can't wait to meet you."

Tears spilled onto her cheeks and Bella tugged on his hands. Edward stood up and brushed away her tears. He smiled at her weepiness.

"Looks like we're in for another adventure," he teased.

"Edward, I love you so much," she said fiercely, squeezing him as tightly as she could.

"I love you, Bella," Edward said huskily, burying his face in her neck. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

"Never," she promised.

August

Tyler dropped his keys off on the kitchen table and handed Jessica the mail. Bree came flying into the kitchen, hollering for him the entire way.

"Hey Sweetpea," he smiled, bending down for a hug. "How was your day?"

"Good!" Bree chirped. "But my teacher said I talk too much, and that I gots to listen when she's teaching."

Tyler nodded. "That's a good idea. You should really listen to Miss Angela."

"I know," Bree said with a dramatic sigh. "But sometimes I just need to talk to my girls, you know?"

He rolled his eyes and looked at Jessica, who was covering her mouth. Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. Tyler stood up and kissed her. He nodded at the envelopes he had just handed her. "I think there's something from Bella in there."

Jessica squealed and dug through the mail. "It must be…it is!"

She ripped the envelope open and pulled out two pieces of paper. One had a handwritten note scrawled across it. "She says hello, and that they're moving back to Washington at the end of the year. And look, Tyler, it's her baby announcement."

The 5x7 card stock had a large color photo of a baby that undoubtedly belonged to her parents. She had huge, green eyes and a shock of dark hair. Her skin was so fair it was nearly translucent. Her perfect little rosebud mouth was puckered into a tiny kiss.

"I'm so happy for them" Jessica whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She looked up at Tyler with tears in her eyes. "They deserve it so much."

"Let me see! Let me see!" Bree begged.

Jessica pulled her daughter onto her lap and showed her the announcement. "That's your cousin, baby Carlie."

"She's so pretty," Bree giggled. "I think I'm going to be best friends with her."

"I hope so," Jessica smiled. "She's going to be a wonderful little girl, because her family is amazing."

With love, we introduce

Carlie Ann Cullen

6lbs 1oz

August 13th – 4:14am

At that same moment, across the country, a couple was laying down their baby for the night. The baby protested a bit at leaving her father's warm arms, but recognized the comfort of her crib and quickly relaxed.

The husband and wife watched their perfect little baby until they were sure she was asleep. Then, they tip-toed hand in hand to the door, where the over protective father paused. He doubled back to check the baby monitor, blushing at his wife's knowing smile.

They shut the door to the nursery quietly, so they didn't wake the sleeping baby. Even their massive dog knew that when the baby was in bed, the time for games had passed.

The two exhausted parents dropped onto the couch, their limbs tangling together. The dog marched over and plopped down next to them, his tail thumping on the floor until the husband reached down to scratch his ears.

All was content in the Cullen home.

and they lived happily ever after! i hope you guys enjoyed reading the story. thanks for sticking by me through all of the angst...your reviews mean the world to me, and i'm sorry i don't get to reply to more of them. thank you so much. i can't wait to hear what you think of the epilogue!

big thanks to my beta, siouxchef, and the preview team: meg, becks, val and tiff. without you ladies, this story would be nothing.

LUNA