I own nothing.

Thank you for being so patient with me. I know I've been incredibly slow in getting these chapters to you, and while it would be easy to make a ton of excuses, I won't do that. Just know that RL is busy with three kids involved in a million things and one of them is in her senior year, so yes, I'm also really weepy most of the time. She's my mama's girl and it's a struggle to think about her leaving me next fall.

Anyway, enough of that! You'll be glad to know that the next chapter is already with Fran, who is incredible at making me look good. She worked her magic in a flash on this chapter. Only about three chapters left and these two will ride off into the sunset.

So, let's meet someone new!

December 10, 1896

"They're so small."

I glanced up to find Edward balancing the tiny booties in the palm of his hand. I'd just finished them and had begun work on a matching cap. The soft, cream-colored yarn would keep our baby warm until the spring brought warmer days. Reaching into the basket beside me, I lifted another pair for his inspection. "These will fit him later."

Edward's eyes widened at the tiny shoes, lifting one to compare with the pair he held. "It's amazing to me that we've created this little person. I know it happens all the time, but this one is ours, Bella. The very best of each of us in a whole new, tiny being."

"Hmmm. And probably the worst of us, too." I grinned as Edward's jaw dropped in mock horror before he laughed and shook his head.

"A true force to be reckoned with, that's for certain." He smiled tenderly once more at the tiny shoes in his hands before placing them back in my basket. "I'm going to hitch the up the carriage and load our things."

I nodded as I set aside the knitting and held my hands out to him. "Well, hitch me up first or I'll still be trying to get up out of this chair when you're done."

With an indulgent smile, Edward grasped my hands and placed them on his shoulders while pressing a soft kiss to my lips. His arms wrapped around my body, holding me close as he pulled me to my feet and held me firmly as I awkwardly found my balance. Truthfully, I had little trouble standing on my own, but I'd be foolish to pass up the opportunity to feel Edward's arms around me. His amused smirk told me he was wise to my plotting, but clearly, he enjoyed it just as much.

Tonight we were attending the Winter Social. It would be a far cry from the broken heart I'd had just a year ago. So much had changed in our lives, most of it just in the last few months. Victoria had married Riley in a small, intimate ceremony followed by a community-wide celebration. They had returned from a wedding trip only a few days ago and would be attending the Social as their first public outing since being wed.

The town had seen a sudden growth in businesses and ground had been broken on several new buildings to accommodate the incoming commerce. Houses seemed to grow out of the ground and the schoolhouse had to be expanded to provide space for the influx of children.

Alice was doing her best to help fill the new schoolhouse as well. She had confirmed to me just last week that she and Jasper were in fact, expecting another child in the early summer. She had also made a suggestion to me that I found at once intriguing, as well as terrifying. Concerned with the growth and the number of young families moving into Maxwell, as well as her own responsibilities to her growing family, Alice had suggested that I consider midwifery. She thought it would easily compliment Edward's practice and made perfect sense as I was already viewed as the nurse in residence with Edward and Marcus.

It was certainly something to consider, but I refused to discuss it with her, or Edward, until after our baby was born and I felt confident in my own mothering ability. Alice agreed and then left me with her excitement at the prospect that I could possibly deliver her baby when the time came. I had to admit that the thought was thrilling to me, yet overwhelming enough that I had to set it aside to consider at a much later date.

Pops had settled into life in Maxwell and had invested in the expansion of the bank, as well as another mercantile and dress shop that were to open after the first of the year. It was obvious he missed Esme, and had been to visit her twice since her departure from town. He had returned from the last visit and came directly to our home to see Edward. They shut themselves into the study for some time, but Edward never told me of what they had spoken.

And I didn't ask.

I had long ago forgiven Esme, but forgiving was different than trusting. I wasn't sure that I would ever be able to trust her, and more importantly, I wasn't certain that Edward would be able to forgive her.

He never spoke of her and on the rare occasion that I brought her up in conversation, he would make every effort to change the subject or even tell me outright that he didn't wish to talk about his mother. I worried for him, knowing that unforgiveness could so easily turn to bitterness and I didn't want that for him. I also worried about my own maternal capabilities never having had a mother to support me. However, I was reticent to voice that fear to Edward knowing the pain he felt at his own mother's betrayal.

I hoped that Alice could give me any answers I needed as I entered motherhood. Edward seemed confident and never gave any indication that he worried about his aptitude to succeed as a father, but he did have Pops to turn to should he need support.

"Are you ready?"

Edward laughed softly as I started at the sound of his voice. So lost in my own thoughts, I hadn't heard him enter the house. Grinning, I shook my head as I turned and slid my arms into the coat that Edward held open for me. Taking my hand, he led me to the carriage and lifted me steadily into my seat. He seemed to do it with such ease, but I knew it had to take some effort due to my ever-expanding middle.

The air was brisk, but Edward had taken great care to bundle us in quilts to keep us warm as we made our way to the Whitlock home. The skies had a solid blanket of clouds and the familiar scent of moisture was in the air.

"Do you think it will rain tonight?"

Edward lifted his head and let his eyes scan the skies above. "It's likely. We might even see some snow before morning." His head turned quickly as he shifted the reins into one hand and began to tuck the quilt in tighter around me. "Are you warm enough?"

I smiled at his attention to my comfort. "Yes, I'm plenty warm. Thank you."

He glanced up to meet my eyes, worry causing his brow to furrow a bit. "Is this too much? You would tell me if I were overbearing and causing you frustration, wouldn't you?"

I couldn't help but laugh then. "Yes, I would tell you. You're perfect, Edward. Honestly, I enjoy your concern. I feel loved and protected. I will let you know if it becomes too much."

Leaning close, he pressed a kiss to my cheek. "I don't know any other way to be with you. Being responsible for this little one is overwhelming, but the thought of something happening to you, Bella, well, I can't even think about it without my heart racing with fear."

His words were sweet, and I wanted to reassure him that all would be well, but my mind couldn't get past the first thing he said. Could he feel as unprepared as I did?

"You're overwhelmed?"

Edward blinked a few times before turning to face me. His cheeks, the tip of his nose, and the tops of his ears were already pink from the chill in the air, but I knew by the look on his face and the way he averted his eyes that he would be blushing if it hadn't been so cold.

"Well, yes. I'm reluctant to admit it, but I'm completely overwhelmed. One minute I feel incredible joy, and yet the next I feel the weight of responsibility for a new little one. Every choice I make for him, every life lesson I teach him, every word I speak to him will shape who he will become. I don't know how you're so calm about this."

"Calm? You have no idea of the turmoil I feel. I've had no one to learn from, and I worry that I will be a terrible mother! I've tried to be confident that you would know how to be a father and could make up for my shortcomings."

Edward pulled the carriage to a stop and turned his body toward mine, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Bella, you could never be a terrible mother. You're kind and loving, and our child will be fortunate to have you. I had no idea you were so worried about this."

"I could say the same to you."

"True." Edward sighed and dropped his gaze to his hands for a moment. When he lifted his head, his eyes were full of love and determination. "We'll learn together. I'm a doctor so his health won't be a concern. You'll have Alice for your health and for learning to care for his body's needs. The rest we can figure out together. It won't be difficult because we love him and we love each other."

His confidence made me feel stronger and I could offer the same to him. "And I know you'll be an excellent father. You're the most nurturing and encouraging person I've ever known. And yes, our little family will know love like no other."

I reached out and pulled Edward's hand into my own, twining our fingers and holding them against the swell of my body where our little one grew safe, secure and well loved.

***HCA***

"You sure ya don't mind, darlin'?"

Alice waved her hand and grinned, "I don't mind if Edward doesn't. He's got a watchful eye tonight."

We all laughed knowing it was true. Edward had promised not to hover, and he wanted me to enjoy the evening, but he was keeping a close eye on me, making sure I wasn't too tired or feeling poorly. I rolled my eyes at Alice and then placed my hand in Jasper's, following his lead to the dance floor. We both laughed at the awkward steps before we finally settled into a hold that would accommodate not only the simplest of dancing but also my oversized body.

"In the interest of honesty, I'll admit to ya that Edward did ask me to spin ya 'round the floor if you were agreeable."

"Don't tell me he's had some sort of medical emergency?"

Jasper laughed and shook his head. "Just a couple of boys tusslin' about. They figured they'd try sword fightin' with the pie servin' silver."

"Oh! Were stitches required?"

"Oh, no darlin'. The Murphy boy tripped over his own feet and knocked into Lauren Crowley. Mr. Banner ran to catch her and wrenched his knee. Doc's just checkin' to be sure there's no damage."

I had to laugh at the scene that Jasper had described. He quickly found the amusement in it as well and we laughed heartily as we spun in slow, awkward twirls around the dance floor. It was toward the end of the song that I caught sight of Edward standing beside Alice and smiling softly as his eyes caught mine.

"That's a far cry from last year."

"What? Edward?"

Jasper nodded and grinned. "I figured I'd have ta hog tie him with the way he was starin' down your suitors. That man was so in love with ya that he couldn't see straight."

"It turned out well, I'd say."

Jasper laughed loudly, drawing the attention of several people around us. "It sure did darlin'. He's not even glarin' at anybody this year and all the men are shyin' away from ya."

"That's because I've done a spectacular job of marking her as mine. Mind if I cut in?"

I turned when I felt Edward's hand on my swollen belly; clearly staking a claim to what was his.

"Not at all, Doc. Enjoy."

In an instant, Edward had me swept into his arms, the hold not at all awkward. His hand rested on what had been my waist and he grinned widely when he felt the baby kick against his palm.

"He's active tonight."

"Is he making you uncomfortable? Would you rather sit?"

I shook my head, "I'm right where I want to be. He's happy. We both are."

Edward's smile faded slowly, and his eyes were filled with tenderness as he continued to move us slowly around the floor. There might have been a thousand people in the room, or perhaps they had all gone and it was only Edward and me. We might have been the only two people left on earth. I had no other focus but the man before me. He consumed my past and held my future and I felt, at that moment, as if I might drown in the love I felt for him. I watched, fascinated as emotions drifted across his face so quickly that it was almost impossible to keep up. Tenderness, joy, amusement, and under all of it – love.

"What are you thinking about?" The words came out in a whisper so as not to break the spell.

His eyes were suddenly dark.

It was a look I knew well.

"Come with me." He stepped back and took my hand in his as he pulled me from the room and into the night. I recognized his destination immediately as we rounded the corner of the barn.

It was the exact spot where we'd shared our first kiss.

There was no arguing this time. Not a single word was spoken as he pulled me against him and covered my mouth with his own. It was nothing like the hard kiss that first introduced our lips. Nor was it like the sweet, tender kisses that followed.

This was a kiss that spoke of the desire between lovers.

Of the power to overcome damage inflicted by unfeeling relatives.

Of the undying, unstoppable love between us.

A throat clearing and approaching footsteps brought us out of our passionate haze.

"Doc."

Edward gentled and then broke the kiss, pressing his forehead to mine. "You can't take her from me this time, Jasper."

A soft chuckle sounded in the dark. "Never intended to, Doc. After watchin' you two dance like that and the way ya were lookin' at each other when ya left the room, I knew ya weren't comin' back. I brought your coats. Sent for your carriage, too."

Edward turned and thanked him as he took our coats and immediately wrapped mine around my shoulders. Within minutes, our carriage arrived and we were headed home to continue what had begun a year ago in that very spot.

***HCA***

January 4, 1897

"Mrs. Banner came to visit today."

"Did she?"

"Edward?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thank you."

He lifted his head from the medical journal he held in his hands. Smiling softly, he met my eyes, confirming what I suspected. "You're welcome, Sweetheart."

Mrs. Banner had, in fact, come to visit, bringing warm cinnamon bread and a basket full of knitting supplies. She claimed that Edward had mentioned what lovely knit work I accomplished and she asked if I might be agreeable to sharing my abilities with her. It might have been plausible had I not previously seen some beautiful sweaters and blankets that Mrs. Banner had made. When I confronted her with this knowledge, she smiled and insisted I call her Sarah.

We spent the afternoon knitting together and she made it clear that she wouldn't allow me to struggle through early motherhood alone. She encouraged me to ask any question and share any concern I had so that she might set my mind at ease.

I knew it had been Edward's doing all along and all was confirmed when she was packing her knitting up to leave. She acknowledged that I had the most considerate man for a husband and that perhaps he should consider taking new husbands under his tutelage. I had no doubt that Edward had mentioned to Sarah that I had no mother to learn from and being the very maternal woman she was, she couldn't resist his invitation.

And for his thoughtfulness and concern, I fell more in love with him every day.

***HCA***

January 11, 1897

I always loved that floating space between dreaming and waking. It was such a pleasant feeling and often the warmth of Edward's arms and soft kisses made it difficult to differentiate between the two. So it was odd to have the sensation of floating, to feel the coolness of an empty space in the bed beside me, and to hear the constant tapping on the bedroom window.

My nightmares had long since ceased. Edward had been patient and insisted that I talk them through with either himself, Jasper or Alice. All three of them had helped me work through my grief and fear on more than one occasion.

But this morning, months after my last nightmare, there was a tightening in my body that had me afraid to open my eyes. I knew Edward had already risen and all I could think was that no one in their right mind would be outside in this cold, tapping on the upstairs window.

This could only mean that I must be dreaming.

I could feel my breathing increase, as fear seemed to creep in. My eyes were tightly shut and my hands pulled the quilts up to my chin and held them tightly as I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. When the door opened, I couldn't contain the whimper that seemed to force its way from my chest.

"Bella?" The sound of something heavy hitting the floor and feet running across the bedroom floor had me cringing beneath the covers. "Sweetheart, open your eyes. Bella?"

I did as he asked, finding his worried, green eyes staring back at me as he smoothed the loose hair from my forehead.

"Are you all right? Are you hurting? Sick?"

I took a deep breath and forced myself to relax. Nodding, I met his eyes once again. "I'm fine. Just a bit out of sorts when I woke. What is that tapping at the window?"

Edward's eyes searched my face as his fingers stroked down my chin to my throat. When they settled just below my jaw, I knew he was surreptitiously monitoring my heart rate as his medical training helped him assess whether I was indeed all right.

"It's sleet. The clouds are building and growing darker so I believe we're in for a full ice storm. Are you sure you're well?"

I reached up, grasping his hand and pulling it from my neck. Pressing a kiss to his palm, I offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm all right. Stop worrying."

He wasn't entirely convinced. "It's my job to take care of you. Sometimes I can't help but worry." His gaze held mine for a moment as his eyes narrowed. "Nightmare?"

"No, not exactly." I sighed; trying to explain what I was feeling was difficult when I couldn't understand it myself. "I'm not sure what to tell you. It wasn't a nightmare, but I feel a bit off this morning. The odd tapping sound on the window, the cold sheets on your side of the bed and the footsteps on the stairs were enough to frighten me in my half-awake state. I'm sorry I worried you."

Edward studied me closely for several minutes before nodding slowly. "All right. You'll let me know if you have any discomfort or feel poorly."

I smiled at his need to take care of me. Of us. "Of course. Now, pull me up before I need to change these sheets. Your child leaves no room for my bladder."

Edward was right. By mid-day, the ground was covered with a solid sheet of ice and it was still falling. Alternating between ice and freezing rain, it showed no sign of slowing anytime soon. I still felt a little strange but decided that is was probably the bitter cold that had me feeling out of sorts. Edward had gone to the barn to blanket the horses and layer more hay into the stalls to offset the cold. I set a pot of soup over a low fire and added water to the kettle so that Edward could have a cup of hot tea when he returned to the house.

That was when I felt the first twinge of discomfort.

My huge, round belly had seemed tight all morning, as though it had been filled with air and the baby would occasionally push hard against the sides. Although it was a new sensation, Alice had assured me that it would be at least a couple of weeks before I would need to watch for signs of labor. I hadn't felt any pain at all, so I had dismissed it as another odd symptom of pregnancy.

Until now.

The kettle was hot and I poured a cup of tea, added a bit of sugar and milk, and sat down, hoping that whatever had caused the discomfort wouldn't come again.

I sipped my tea and waited.

Several minutes later, Edward returned to the house and seemed chilled to the bone. He pulled off his gloves and hat, stamping his feet in the doorway to get rid of the excess moisture before coming into the house.

"You must be frozen. Go and take some heat from the fire while I pour you a cup of tea."

He pressed a kiss to my cheek with his icy lips as he passed, eager to find warmth. I watched him go, shivering slightly as he removed his coat. Once he was out of the kitchen, I stood, waiting to be sure that there were no more odd pains before going to the cupboard to gather what I needed.

It wasn't until I began to stir the sugar into his cup that another tightening occurred. This one was much stronger and caused my hands to shake. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself as I focused on the steaming cup of tea in front of me. It seemed it would never ease.

My concentration on the pain was such that I hadn't heard Edward re-enter the kitchen. When his hand slid around the side of my belly as it had so many times, I felt as though my skin had been burned beneath his touch. My hands caught his wrist, yanking it from my body and holding it tightly in my grasp as though I could focus all my strength on it in order to draw out the pain. My arms shook with the effort.

"Deep breaths, Sweetheart. That's it. Slow, deep breaths."

Edward allowed me to continue squeezing the blood from his hand until the pain had passed. I'm sure it hadn't been but a minute, but it felt like hours. As soon as I released him, Edward led my trembling form to the table and pulled out a chair for me to sit. His hands were light and tender as he pressed them against me, just as Alice had done so many times before, mapping the baby's position.

"When did it start?" His voice was soft but held a slight tremble.

"I'm not sure." I could hear the near panic in my own voice. Edward's head lifted quickly and his eyes never left mine as his fingers stroked ever so lightly against the swell of my body.

"It's going to be all right, Bella. When did you feel the first pains?"

"Umm. Just a few minutes ago. But I've felt a tightening since I woke this morning." I considered what he had asked and what appeared to be the start of labor, my panic continuing to rise as I realized that I was likely going to give birth before the day was finished. "I need Alice!"

The unnaturally high tone of my voice caused Edward to laugh softly as he stood and pulled me to my feet. "Come on, Sweetheart. Let's get you changed into something more comfortable before this progresses any further. I'd like to get you upstairs where you'll be more comfortable. Do you think you can walk?"

Edward's voice was so calm and the words kept coming, but my mind couldn't process their value. All I could think was that I desperately needed Alice and that there was no possible way to get to her. The full weight of that knowledge hit me as we were ascending the stairs.

"I – I need Alice! Edward, I don't know what - I don't know! How will I do this? Oh, God!"

"Bella!" Warm hands cupped my cheeks and forced my eyes to his. "Just breathe, Love."

I kept my eyes locked with his and slowed my breathing as Edward bent and wrapped his arms behind my knees, lifting me into his arms and carrying me up the last few steps. He continued to hold my focus as he helped me out of my skirt and blouse. As I was threading my arms into my nightdress, another pain gripped my body, this one much more intense than the last.

Edward pulled the watch from his pocket, checked the time and then placed it, open, on the top of the dresser. Taking my hands, he guided me to sit on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of me.

"Bella, this baby is coming today. You know I would do anything to make you comfortable, but there is no hope of Alice being here to see you through this. It's just you and me, Sweetheart. I've delivered babies, and to be honest, most of it is a natural process. Your body knows what to do even if you don't, all right?"

I nodded, feeling more secure with his soothing voice and confident words. "I'm afraid; but I trust you Edward."

"Well then. Let's have a baby." His smile was full of excitement and joy and I couldn't help but return it. "Now, this will take a while, so what would make you feel comfortable? Would you like to rest for a while?"

"Alice said it was good to keep moving for as long as possible. She said it will help the baby come sooner."

"So, would you like to walk the halls?"

***HCA***

Nine hours later, the pains were coming every couple of minutes and were lasting almost that long. I had walked the hall and paced our room until I was near exhaustion. My patient husband had stayed by my side, leaving only to remove the soup from the fire and to refill the water pitcher.

Edward had just stoked the fire and turned to face me where I sat against the headboard of our bed, my knees pulled up and my arms wrapped securely around them.

"Bella, please."

"No."

"Sweetheart, I need to know your progress."

"No."

We'd been having the same argument for the last couple of hours. Edward wanted to see. He said it was necessary for him to know how close I was to delivery. I couldn't stand the thought of him looking at me there, not in the state I was in at that moment.

"How are you planning to deliver this baby? Do you think you'll just let him drop out of you when he's ready to come? Let me help you. I've seen you before, Love."

"Not like this. You'll be …. you won't …"

"I won't what? Talk to me, Bella."

I opened my mouth to speak when my body seemed to fold in on itself in pain. I closed my eyes and thrust out a hand, Edward's fingers wrapping around mine in an instant.

"Keep breathing. You're doing so well and I'm so proud of you."

Edward soft words were whispered as he wiped a cool cloth over my face and neck.

"I know it's hard work, Bella. You're so strong. Let me help you, please."

The emotions and uncertainty of the day were catching up with me and I felt the tears well in my eyes as I looked up into his sweet, concerned face. "I don't want you to see. Not while the baby is coming out. I'm afraid you won't see me the same."

Edward's brow rose in surprise as he wiped the stray tears from my cheeks. "You're afraid I won't desire you anymore?" At my nod of confirmation, Edward shifted closer to me, taking my hands in his own. "Well, I don't know if I should be amused or worried that as you're laboring through this unimaginable pain you're attempting to protect my delicate sensibilities. I can assure you, Bella, watching you carry and deliver my child has increased my love and desire for you tenfold. I don't enjoy your pain, but the thought of putting another child in you, creating them in that passionate way that we have, will not be dulled by the sight of you giving me such a precious gift. Please, Sweetheart, let me do what I can to help you."

His words were sincere and I knew he wouldn't lie to me, especially now. I nodded in embarrassed agreement and Edward was quick to adjust the pillows so that I could lie back and be more comfortable. Within seconds, he brought my feet together; knees bent and instructed me to let my legs fall open. I did as he asked while he poured something from a small bottle onto his fingers.

"It's just a little oil so that I don't hurt you. This won't be comfortable, but I'll be quick."

I didn't answer, but watched him closely as he sat beside my hip on the edge of the bed. His eyes never left mine as his hand reached between my legs. His fingers were warm and moved easily within me. He was honest, it wasn't comfortable, but he didn't hurt me. I felt pressure and then nothing as he quickly pulled his hand away when my body began to tense with another pain. My eyes squeezed shut as Edward talked me through it once again. His words were constant and encouraging as they had been throughout the day as I labored, but I could hear and feel him moving about the room.

When the pain had passed, I opened my eyes to find Edward sitting beside my hip once again.

"Your body is ready, Bella. I'm going to move these pillows behind you and sit you up. When the next pain comes, I want you to push against it."

I had no time to respond or question him. He was moving quickly and long before the next pain came, I was propped up against the pillows and understood exactly what he meant by 'push.' I could feel the need for it in my entire body. Edward explained that it wouldn't do any good to push without the tensing of my body and that to do so would just tire me out needlessly. I trusted him, and although I desperately felt the need for it, I waited for the pain to overtake me once again.

Edward had positioned himself on the bed between my spread knees. One hand rubbed gently over my left knee while the other rested flat on my stomach. When he felt the tensing beneath his hand, Edward looked up sharply. "It's beginning again, Bella."

"I know that!" I snapped back at him.

Edward's eyes widened at my outburst and even though I felt intense pain and pressure, I also felt my heart constrict at the harsh way I'd spoken to him.

"Oh, God. Edward, I'm so sorry."

He laughed softly. "Don't apologize, Sweetheart. I'm surprised it took you this long to shout at me. Now, grasp your knees, take a deep breath and push!"

I did as instructed and immediately cried out at the sensation.

"Push, Bella. Push until the pain subsides."

Four more pains passed with me following his instructions and Edward calmly talking me through each one. My whole body trembled with the effort, and during the pain, Edward's words alternated between instructive and firm, to supportive and loving in the short rest between. I wasn't sure which I preferred.

"All right, Sweetheart. I can see his head. When the next one begins, push until I tell you to stop and then just breathe, but no pushing until I tell you, understand?"

"Yes." A whisper was all I could muster.

When the next one came, I gave one mighty push.

"Stop! Don't push, just breathe."

His hands were moving quickly and he pulled a small clean cloth from a stack that he must have gathered earlier.

"I need to push!"

"Not yet, Bella."

"Edward!"

His eyes stayed focused on what he was doing while my body felt as though it was shredding from the inside.

"Edward!" I was shouting and pulling my knees toward my chest, begging him to let me finish this.

"Deep breath, and then one more push. Ready?"

My only response was to drag as much air into my lungs as I was able and push with all my strength. A sudden rush of release was felt and I dropped back against the pillows. My eyes never left Edward's face and fear gripped my heart as tears rolled down his cheeks.

Then I heard it.

A tiny gasp of a cry.

Edward grasped another cloth and looked up into my eyes as he lifted a squirming bundle onto my chest. A fresh round of tears coursed down his cheeks as he pulled aside the cloth to reveal wide, blue eyes staring, unfocused in my direction. Tiny fists flailed in the air as the room was filled with another high-pitched wail.

I couldn't take my eyes off of the beautiful creature lying on my breast. I shifted the cloth once again to uncover the baby's body and quickly lifted my eyes to meet Edward's proud grin.

"Edward, we have a daughter!"