Hey Guys,

I am so sorry for the late update this week. I started school again after the summer holidays and it has been absolutely insane. Everything will settle down again soon though. So the next update should hopefully be next Wednesday.

Love you guys,

-x-

iwishiwherebellaswan

xxx

Together Again

At breakfast the next morning, Mae had run around the table, placing the little invitations she'd made the night before onto the empty plates. When their family gathered around the table, Edward back in his seat at the head of the table, they all were confused by the invitations. Before food was served, Edward stood.

"My family, I love you all and I know that I have been the reason for the upset that has fallen upon us. But, I hope that we can all love each other again and be a family. Mae and I both agree that we need to do something together. All of us. So, this afternoon we shall play games, have a wonderful feast and cake. This is the start of our family again. I love you all."

Looking round at his family, he could see the tears in their eyes. All of them had been affected by what had happened. Little five-year-old Clara climbed from her seat and ran over to her Father. He scooped her up and held her close.

"I love you, Princess Clara."

Sitting down in his chair, he placed Clara onto his lap. He'd never done this before. If he held one of his children, all of them would want to be held. But he knew things would be different and therefore, changes would need to be made.

After a quiet breakfast, Edward asked to speak with Elisabeth. Bella had told him that she had something he should know. But he had to speak to Elisabeth about it. He sat back in the armchair, across from her as she sat on the couch in one of the small drawing rooms.

"How are you, Elisabeth?"

She smiled brightly and subconsciously lay her hand over her flat stomach.

"I am well. Tired, and I miss William, but well."

"Good. How are things with William?"

"We are enjoying life. And I love living with him. But I do miss our family. But I knew that would happen eventually."

"His family are more than welcome here anytime. Remind them of that next time you see them."

"I will."

Reaching his hands out, Elisabeth slid hers into his.

"Your Mother says there is something I should know. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is well, Father. I… William and I… We are going to have a child."

Edward gasped, looking to her stomach. Now that he knew what he was looking for, he could see the slight swell of her stomach that he had come to recognise in his own wife.

"You are with child?"

When she nodded her head, Edward moved across to the couch beside her, his arms carefully wrapping around her.

"I am going to be a Grandfather."

"Yes. You are Father."

Holding her gently, he didn't want to hurt her or her child. She gave him a tighter squeeze, needing the love of her Father.

"I love you Father."

"I love you too, Princess. You have made me so happy today. I did not think I would become a Father again and a new Grandfather at the same time."

"I'm scared Daddy."

Pulling back, he cupped her face and stared into her eyes.

"You don't need to be scared. Nothing is going to happen to you. I will not let anything happen to you."

"Thank you, Daddy."

"You are going to be a beautiful Mother, Elisabeth."

They both talked a while longer before going in different directions.

After afternoon tea, the family gathered in the great hall, the tables having been pushed to the side of the room so that there was space for the fame of boules that had been brought out. The young babes were placed into the Queen's arms as she sat in her throne, watching her large family embrace their father again. They all wanted to be beside him, holding his hands and hugging him tightly. After a few games, Elisabeth sat beside her Mother and scooped two-year-old Evelyn into her arms. Four-year-old Robert who had also been on his Mother's lap, was led over to their family and joined in the game along with Bella. They truly were a family in that moment.

Everyone had smiles on their faces, laughter echoing through the stoned room. Bella hadn't been so happy in a long time. Having watched her family at first, she loved seeing the happiness and excitement from each of them at being with their Father again. She hadn't dared dream of this moment happening. But it was. Her eyes occasionally caught her husband's and she couldn't help the grin spreading across her face. When she joined in the games, she continued to gravitate towards her husband, pecking his lips and he would sweep her into his arms.

Their Sons and Daughters would watch their interactions, happy for their happiness. They had everything they could want and each had been brought up to be grateful for the life they have. But when their Mother and Father split up, they would have traded in everything they had just to have their parents back together.

When they had finished playing, they all gathered around the long wooden table as their dinner was served. It had been a long day and Bella was growing tired. She could barely keep her eyes open as her family laughed around her. Edward slid to his knees beside her and placed his hands to her face.

"Perhaps you should retire to bed, my love?"

"Help me to the drawing room armchair and I will be quite alright."

"If you are certain?"

"Yes. I want to be with my family as long as possible whilst we are happy."

"Okay, my love."

Taking her hands, he helped her to her feet before winding one arm around her back. Leading her to the large drawing room, Edward placed her into her favourite armchair and pecked her lips softly.

"It is alright if you sleep. I will carry you to bed tonight."

"Thank you, Edward. For returning to me."

"I am in love with you, my Queen. I could not stay away for much longer."

Kissing her again, he was gentle as he stroked her stomach.

"If you need anything, call for me and I will be by your side instantly."

Nodding her head tiredly, she patted his hand away.

"I will be quite alright sitting in this chair, my dear. And I have Angela close by if I need anything. Go. Be with our children. Be their father again."

"Okay."

He stood up and joined his younger children. They played many games until they were put to bed. The King then sat with his elder daughters, laughing well into the night. He turned to look at his wife in the early hours of the morning only to find her sleeping in her chair. Glancing at the clock, he realised how late it was. Sending his children to bed, he carefully lifted his wife into his arms.

Dismissing her ladies till the morning, he prepared her for bed and held her body to his. He slept peacefully, his arms wrapped around his wife.