Because we are reaching the end of this story I won't be focusing on the pregnancy step-by-step. We'll literally have a new character in 2-3 chapters time.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

BELLA - 10 weeks pregnant.

Edward had stepped up a level.

I came home from work last night to see that he had bought me a present. I was tired, emotional and, most importantly, hungry, and he surprised me with a present that he just knew I would enjoy. Bossman got me a fucking shower radio! Yes, you heard me; my showers will never be the same again. I have the Spotify playlist all set up, even when I'm in a down mood and all I want is to stand against the tiles and wallow in my self-pity, I have a song for that. Or the times when Bossman decides to join me in the shower... I have a song for that too. Several songs to be exact, 'cause we take our time.

This morning, for example, I was killing the moves to the Cha Cha Slide. Like, killing it. It makes washing my hair so much more enjoyable, but I can't lie - it's not easy to shave your legs whilst sliding to the left, right, and hopping once, twice and five times.

"Bella?"

"How low can you go? Can you bring it to the top? Like you never never stop? Can you bring it to the top, one hop."

"Bella, love, I'm coming in."

"Right foot now, left foot now ya'll, cha cha real smooth..."

Edward opened the shower door suddenly. He had an amused grin on his face and he stood with his arms crossed over his chest. "Do you realize the time?"

"It's time to get funky!"

"Correction, it's time to go to work. The car is waiting outside for you..."

Fuck! Alice is going to kill me if I'm not there before she arrives.

I leapt from the shower, accepting the towel Edward was holding out for me. "Who's driving today?" I tied my damp hair up into a messy knot on the top of my head and took my folic acid and vitamin D tablets before I forgot.

"Trent."

Good. He's one of the nicer ones.

"Can you tell him I'll be ten minutes? Fifteen at most."

"Of course, love," Edward kissed me sweetly on the cheek, "and I'll have Siobhan make you some breakfast for the car."

"Thank you!" I called as I ran back into the bedroom in a rush to get changed. Fortunately I am the queen of getting ready in a rush. Unfortunately, Baby Bossman now makes that slightly more challenging. My pants have started to feel very tight around my waist and most of my work clothes are tight fitting, so half way through the day I feel very uncomfortable. The biggest change is in my tits though. Holy Goddamn, it's like they went up a cup size over night! I now only have one suitable bra and even that is starting to get a little snug. I definitely need to go clothes shopping.

You won't hear Bossman complaining however; that horny bastard can't take his hands off them. I wouldn't mind if they weren't so sensitive and fucking sore.

I finally picked an outfit and went for something I knew would be comfortable but also appropriate for work - a smart floral skater dress which cinched in just under my tits, therefore floaty around my 'bump'. Okay, so I wouldn't call it a bump, perhaps 'bulge' is a better word, but the few people who knew I was growing something in there could see a difference; to others it probably just looked like I was bloated. I matched the dress with a black blazer and a pair of black tights.

I started to doubt my outfit, and wondered whether it was too casual for the office, but then I thought screw that, I'm fucking pregnant dude. I may not be nine months and bursting at the seams, but I should still be allowed to wear clothes that make me comfortable, right? Or am I simply taking advantage of the situation?

Either way I stuck with my outfit - because I didn't have time to find another one - arranged my damp hair in a much neater-styled bun and applied a small amount of make up. By the time I got down the stairs everyone else was ready and waiting for me. Lily was dressed in her school uniform and was looking at something on her phone and Bossman was in his smart suit talking to Siobhan. He was coming to the office today for a meeting with Princess and my new friend Carlisle, so he promised he'd be there for me when I tell Alice. I wasn't sure how she would react, but I wanted his support anyway.

True to her word Siobhan had made up a breakfast which was a slice of wholemeal toast with the tiniest spread of butter - too much makes me sick, and God knows I'm throwing up enough already. My craving right now is for dates; I couldn't stand the wrinkly fuckers before but now they are the only things I want to eat, so Siobhan put some in a small tub for me as well.

God she's good.

"How are you feeling, Sweetie?"

"Not as bad as yesterday," I answered honestly, "at least I haven't thrown up yet, but it always hits once I've eaten something. Thank you for the breakfast."

Siobhan shook her head at my gratitude, "I like to look after you three. Have a good day, and make sure you bring me a copy of the scan later!" Bossman and I had a 'dating scan' that afternoon, so we were going to finally see Baby Bossman twenty leagues under the sea and find out an estimated due date. Momma Bear looked like she was about to piss her pants with excitement.

"Of course, Momma. Love you!" I sang as I collected my bag and headed for the door. Despite running exceedingly late we still made it on time. Lily got to school in plenty of time to hit the gym before classes start and Edward and I were in Manhattan and pulling up outside the office block at fifteen minutes before Alice usually arrives which meant that I could have the computers on and coffee brewing. Alice has this thing where all technology has to be on before she arrives so she can get straight down to business without the need to sit and wait.

"What time does your meeting start?"

Edward looked up at me from his phone, "it's planned for ten o'clock, but it all depends on whether Rose is out of her conference call by then."

I saw the time on my computer screen - 8:45, "so that means you can..." my words were interrupted by a well-known sensation rising in my throat. "Oh shit," I groaned and stood quickly in order to run to the bathroom. I made it just in time for the toilet to catch my vomit, and not even a minute later the same thing happened again.

"Here love, take this." Edward passed over my water bottle; the cutie had twisted the cap off for me and he had a packet of Life Saver mints in his hand. "Are you okay?" He rubbed my back soothingly and flicked away the flyaway hairs from my face.

"I feel horrible. I'm not a fan of morning sickness." Fortunately I'm only sick once I've eaten something and my appetite is practically nonexistent. Unfortunately Edward makes sure I eat at least three-four times a day. They aren't big meals, but they are enough to cause damage.

"I know Sweetheart. We're nearly in the second trimester, so you won't need to deal with this for too much longer."

I looked up at him with my best puppy eyes and a small pout on my lips, "promise?"

Bossman just laughed and kissed my head, "you're adorable."

Alice was standing outside the bathroom when I was thoroughly convinced that my breakfast was going to stay in my stomach. "Good morning, Edward. I didn't realize you were coming in today."

"Yes. I have a meeting to attend, plus Bella and I have to go somewhere this afternoon, so I thought it only made sense if I joined her this morning."

"Oh really? And this place you have to go to today, does it have anything to do with the reason why you keep running off to the bathroom to be sick?" Alice had a smirk planted firmly on her smug little face. We were so busted.

"Um..." I tried to think of what to say, but nothing came out.

"Do you think you were really that sly, Bella? The fact that you are ghostly pale every time you leave the bathroom gives it away a bit. Exhibit A." She pointed to my face. "Not only that, but I've never seen you wear so many dresses then you have in the last few weeks, so what could you be hiding?"

Fuck. Moral of the story kids; never try and hide anything from Alice.

She's got eyes and ears everywhere. Or so it seems.

"Um..." Again, that was all I could say. Lame, I know.

"So how far along are you?"

Edward linked his fingers with mine. I was so thankful that I had him there to give me his support. "Ten weeks..." I squeaked out, to which Alice responded with an almighty squeal and flew herself over to me. Had Edward not been there holding my hand, Alice's force would have knocked me clear to the ground.

"Oh my God!" I think somebody's excited... "I'm so happy for you guys! This is such amazing news, and I cannot wait to meet the little one!"

"Alice," Edward put a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her down, "please. And can you make sure that Bella doesn't do anything too strenuous? I don't want her gallivanting around the city running errands or carrying large amounts of work from floor to floor."

Bossman's protection made my heart burst, however I didn't want to seem weak and unfit in front of Alice. "Edward I'm perfectly capable at the moment. I have months until walking becomes a struggle."

"No, no, no - Edward is right." Of course Alice would side with him. "You may be capable at the moment, but these next six-seven months will go quickly. I won't have you sit down and do nothing all day, but I will be keeping an eye out and watching how much time you are on your feet."

Oh, goodness me. Don't you just hate it when people treat you like an invalid? Yes I am currently growing a human inside me, but that doesn't mean I can't do my regular day job.

Ladies, am I right?!

"And so you are aware, Alice, I will be speaking to my father today to find placement once Bella goes on maternity leave."

"Absolutely," Alice agreed once again, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Edward started talking again, I think it was about our appointment but I couldn't say for certain because nausea hit me once again. "Edward," I mumbled, took his hand in mine and pulled him with me to the bathroom. I needed him there beside me.

No only did he stay with me, he also sat on the floor behind me so that I could cuddle into his chest in between puking - I'd definitely picked a winner in Bossman. "Do you want to go home? I'll find someone to cover you today."

I didn't even have to think about my answer. I was trying to show them that I was strong enough to work; I couldn't fall at the first hurdle. "No, I'm fine. You'll be here anyway, so if I need you I can give you a call."

"Please make sure you do, I don't want you up here suffering alone."

"I won't be alone - I've got Alice."

Edward chuckled, "you know what I mean."

"I do. And thank you, I love you."

"I love you too, Sweetheart." Just like before he brushed he flyaway hairs from my face and then kissed my cheek, "I would give you a proper kiss but, er... maybe once you've brushed your teeth."

0-0

Work went surprisingly well - I didn't throw up again after my last episode in the bathroom so I managed to get work done like normal. I even managed to find a spare ten minutes to give my Mom a call. Ever since I started to notice things weren't quite right with her I started to phone a few times a week instead of only on Sunday evenings. I had looked into special care for her, but my Step-Father, Phil, was dead set on Mom staying at home with him. They had a very good doctor who helped them out whenever they needed it and until Phil feels like he can't offer Mom the care she needs, she wasn't going anywhere. I accepted that. I mean, I can't say Phil and I ever got on hugely well but I know that he loves Renee and only wants what is best for her, so I have to believe him when he says that everything is going okay.

However I did notice a big difference in her when I phoned later that morning, and that wasn't in a good way. "Hello Mom, it's Bella."

"Bunny! How wonderful it is to hear from you after all this time!"

It had been three days, but I chose to ignore that. "I know, it's lovely to speak to you too. So how are you? What are you doing today?"

"Oh, you know me Bunny - fit as a fiddle! I'm just pottering around the house and catching up on all my television dramas."

"That sounds like the perfect day," I smiled down the phone, "is Phil working today?"

"Yes, yes - he and the boys have a big game this weekend so they are putting in as much practice as possible." I hadn't spoken to Phil recently, so I couldn't say whether Mom's statement was true or not. "And how are you, Bunny? Working hard?"

"Of course. Edward and I have our first scan this afternoon; we're both very excited but nervous for it."

"Scan...? Bunny... are you expecting a baby?"

My hands balled up into tight fists. She was one of the first people we had told and I had hoped that news like this would stay in her mind, but I guessed wrong. "Yes, Mom. I am currently ten weeks along. It was a big surprise to us both, but we couldn't be more happy."

"Ten weeks... Oh, I remember when I was ten weeks with you." Do you Mom? Do you really? "Are you showing yet? And the morning sickness, is that bothering you?"

"I have a slight bump, but nothing too obvious. Yes, the sickness is the worst part about it so far, but it's nothing too alarming."

"Good, I'm glad. And... um... um... Edward, yes, how is he? Is he looking after you? Because I remember Charlie fussed morning, noon and night until the day you were born."

"Yes, he has been brilliant."

"But I bet you don't like being fussed over, eh? A stubborn thing like you."

"That is all too true. Maybe you can make the trip out here for when the baby is born?"

"Oh, Bunny I would love to! Do you know the sex yet? Are you having a girl or a boy?"

"I won't find that out for a while yet, Mom - it's too early to tell."

"Oh yes, of course - you are only ten weeks."

"Well I better get back to work now, but it was great speaking to you."

"You are a busy girl, Bunny. I will speak to you soon, but please send me a copy of the scan when you get one."

"I'll make sure to do that. I love you."

"I love you too, Bunny."

0-0

We arrived at the maternity hospital with plenty time to spare before our appointment. I mentioned to Edward that we could get a coffee before hand and he agreed... just as long as I had decaf. Shit, that was going to take a while to get used to. According to the books I should have no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, and that is the equivalent to about 1-2 cups off coffee. There is nothing wrong with decaf - I still get the taste that I am after; I just don't get that needed buzz.

"I spoke to Renee today." I said, once we were seated and waiting on our turn.

Edward looked up from his phone, "really? And how did that go?"

"Um... okay, I guess. She had forgotten about Baby Bossman but I suppose I was only getting my hopes up that she'd remember. I offered for her to come and stay when the baby is born... if that is alright?"

"Of course. She can even come earlier than that if it would put your mind at ease."

What I noticed when throughout that short conversation was that I had just assumed Mom and I would be staying at Bossman Manor. Edward and I had never made official plans about our living arrangements but it was like my actual house didn't exist anymore. I really needed to sort that out, because I can't see myself going back there anytime soon.

With twenty minutes still to go before our turn, I decided to use that short time wisely and found comfort by resting my head upon Bossman's shoulder to get a little shut eye. I knew babies drain the energy from you, but I had expected it to be a lot later on the pregnancy, not the first trimester. To be honest though I am a lazy shit anyway, so me being tired isn't a huge shock to the system. Bossman wrapped his arm around me and his hand softly stroked my bulging stomach, I was never a fan of someone touching my stomach before and I always felt very insecure when they did so, but everything's changed now and I knew that he did that so he could feel closer and offer comfort to the baby. Our baby.

"Oh, shit..." My eyes had instantly welled up with tears and they began to fall before I could do anything to stop them.

"Bell? What's wrong?"

"Just ignore me," I continued to sob.

Edward cradled my face in his hands, he sported the cutest concerned expression. "But you are crying. Why? What's happened?"

"It's just... it's just... Bossman we're having a baby! Like, an actual living and breathing human being! One that is part of me and part of you!"

Despite the fact that I was crying my eyes out and having some random fucking emotional breakdown, Edward chose that moment to laugh. Laugh! My crying is not something you should be laughing at, thank you very much! How dare he laugh at me when I'm in this state!

"It's not funny." I cried even harder, gloopy snot began to dribble from my nose. What a beautiful sight.

"Sweetheart I'm not laughing at you; I'm laughing with you."

Does it look like I'm laughing to you, Bossman?!

Our names were called before I could lose my shit any more than I already had done. The sonographer's name was Lucy Hart - we'd met her before when we had are first appointment and she seemed like a lovely lady who knew exactly what she was doing, which was very reassuring. She greeted us with a smile and welcomed us into her room, I think she noticed the mascara that ran under my eyes but chose not to say anything. She would have been all too familiar with emotional, hormonal outbursts.

"How are we today?" Lucy made herself comfortable at the opposite side of the desk and opened up a paper file with a pen in hand at the ready.

Edward answered for us both, "we're both very well. Things are definitely starting to hit and become real now."

Lucy nodded her head as she noted something down. "And Bella, how are you feeling?"

"Sickness is a bitch, and I've been feeling very tired, but you warned me on that anyway."

"Have you noticed any changes? Are you being sick more than you were, or has it died down at all?"

"Er, no; I'd say it has stayed the same. It does depend on what I eat that day, but usually it's the same."

"Good, that's good. Now, if you want to get yourself prepared Bella, and then we can get started." She handed me over a hospital gown and then left so I could get changed. I followed her orders and dressed myself in the God-awful gown. Nobody can pull that outfit off - not even Ruby Rose, and that beautiful specimen can pull off a beige jumpsuit!

"Would you still be attracted to me if I wore this and nothing else for the rest of my life?" There is no way Bossman could resist me in this, I mean, come on.

"Bella, you could wear a burlap sack and not shave your legs for months and I'd still be attracted to you. Especially if you are pregnant with my child."

Oh that man, what his words do to me.

"You might not have long to wait for that last one - once this belly begins to grow there is no way I'm heaving my leg up to shave it, especially not every day."

Edward laughed, because he thought I was joking. I definitely was not.

Lucy reappeared a couple of minutes later, I made myself comfortable on the bed and she began to explain the procedure. Due to Baby Bossman being too small and too low in my abdomen she had to do a transvaginal scan, which is exactly what it sounds like... using a probe that is wrapped in a condom she inserted it through my pee shoot in order to get a better look at the baby.

"Relax, Bella," she soothed.

Relax? Relax?! I have a probe currently stuck up my vagina and you are asking me to relax?!

There is only one thing I want up there which is wrapped in condom, and that probe is not it.

But despite the fact that it was very uncomfortable and I had never felt more vulnerable, all of that vanished once the monitor came to life with a picture of my baby. Two arms, two legs and a tiny little head. I tried to compose myself and keep the tears at bay, but one look at the tears in Bossman's eyes had me weeping like a baby. He kissed the back of my hand, but he couldn't look away from the screen. It was when the probe picked up a heartbeat that I really lost my shit.

My baby has a heartbeat. I had never felt love like it before, and that scared the life out of me; how something so small could make such an impact in a heartbeat - pun intended.

Edward and I were to engrossed watching the baby jerk it's limbs and bob about like a jelly fish that we almost missed what Lucy was saying. "Everything is looking good," she was pleased to announce, "your baby is roughly 3.6 centimeters, which is the average size at 10 weeks. At this stage their nails are starting to form and they have hair on their skin which is somewhat like peach fuzz." I simply could not get my head around what she was saying. Baby Bossman isn't even the size of my little finger, yet they had a fully formed heart, finger nails and hair on their skin. Life, man - it just blows my mind.

Once Lucy was pleased with the scan and we had snapped some pictures, the monitor went blank and I was finally able to say goodbye to the probe stuck between my legs. I hated the fact that the monitor had to be switched off though, I could have sat watching my baby jiggle for days on end. Lucy allowed me to get comfortable again and change back into my clothes whilst she typed away at her computer.

"That was incredible." I whispered into Edward's chest as he wrapped his arms around me.

"It makes me think of what I've missed with Lily. I never got to experience this hype and excitement with her, and that's one of things I'll never forgive Lauren for." There was a break in his voice, like he wanted to let his emotions take control, but he was trying his damn hardest not to let that happen.

"We've got her now - that's the main thing. Don't let these thoughts ruin this moment, and remember you are going to experience every step with this baby and that's not going to change."

"I love you." He whispered before he dropped a sweet kiss on my lips.

Lucy broke me off before I had the chance to respond, "if you two want to take a seat and we'll go over a couple things?" Edward and I sat on the same chairs we were previously sitting on, our hands linked together between us. "Am I right in saying, Bella, that the first day of your last period was January 20th?"

I thought back to what I recently mentioned, "yes, that's correct."

"Brilliant!" Lucy beamed and clicked at something on her computer, "then in that case we are looking at Wednesday October 26th as your due date."

Everything seemed to stop suddenly, and then one by one tears began to drop and slide down my cheeks. Edward was quick to notice the tears and didn't hesitate in sliding his chair over an inch to console me, "that's Charlie's birthday," I whispered.

Lucy must have asked if everything was okay because the next thing I heard was Edward explaining the situation. "Charlie is Bella's father. He passed away a few years ago and she finds it very hard to cope with."

I wiped away at my cheeks and sat up properly in the chair, Lucy smiled sympathetically at me. "I'm so sorry to hear that, all I can hope is that this baby behaves themselves and becomes the perfect way to remember him."

"I just pray Baby Bossman doesn't inherit his personality, otherwise we'll all be screwed!" I joked, to add light to the situation.

"Bella," Edward scoffed, "I don't think we need to worry about that. If what I heard is true then you, my love, have already filled those shoes."

I suppose he's right; I can be a sarcastic asshole sometimes.

0-0

We had the perfect end to the perfect day.

As Edward and Lily spent a couple hours in the gym working out, I enjoyed a luxurious bubble bath with Netflix playing on my laptop. I don't think I need to tell you what I watched, do I? I am just that predictable. But after my bath and their session in the gym we all sat down to dinner which Siobhan had graciously made for us - roast chicken, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It really was sex on a plate, but unfortunately I could only eat a small amount.

Once dinner was over and done with, Edward, Kid and I snuggled up to watch a movie and coo over the scan photos from earlier that day, it was nice to see Lily really get involved because even though I knew she was excited about a brother or sister, she still seemed a bit wary of the whole situation.

We chose to watch San Andreas - a film about an earth shattering earthquake and the drama that unfolds. And as much as I enjoyed the film and I managed to successfully stay awake through the whole thing, it had a few too many cheesy moments for my liking. Like isn't it a coincidence that Dwayne Johnson can fly or drive any vehicle he gets his hands on? Goddamn, what can that man not do?

You know those evenings where everything seemed right? You didn't have a weight on your shoulders, you spent it with the people you love the most and you just had a damn good time? Yeah, it was one of those evenings.

But there is always someone that pisses on your parade, right?

0-0

I didn't just leave it there, did I...? I wonder what that might mean?

But thank you very much for reading, I would love to know what you thought and what your favourite scene was?