Hey everyone! I apologize for how long it took me to get his chapter up. Last week was so busy with my art show, papers, tests, and a trip to visit my college that I will attend in the fall. I have had a slight writer's block but I managed to overcome it. This week I am extremely busy with tests and quizzes but I promise to make time for this story. This story was written in parts and so I apologize for my uncharacteristic choppiness if that bothers you. In truth, I am truly anticipating the next chapter and so I had to force myself to get this one done. But I digress, this is the lead in for what is to come and contains a specific foreshadowing so be on the look out.

I just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who read my story, review, and add me to your alerts and favorites. It truly means so much to me knowing that there are people out there who enjoy my story. This story has been such a joy to write, and although we still have a bit of material to cover before it is finished, we are nearing the end. But I predict, don't quote me on this, but I estimate maybe fifteen chapters are left give or take. So this is where I bow down to my soul sister, Keeper of the Covenant. Without her my stories would not be what they are today. Thank you for always being on hand to help me with this story, and in turn I will always offer you the same gift. Thank you for being a friend, a sister, and author. I consider this as your work as well in some ways because several plots within this tale were inspired or encouraged to grow by your talented and creative mind. I look forward to going to school with you in the fall if that ends up being our fate, which I hope it is. Merely you offer authors ideas and critiques in the beginning, but we have grown into much more and discovered how alike we are and have become close. So not only have I gained an intelligent and creative person to use for help with ideas, nor just a friend, but a soul sister.

Playlist:

Something to be proud of by Montgomery Gentry

Mamma I'm a big girl now from Hairspray

Bella Notte from Lady and the Tramp

Viva La Vida by Coldplay

The Riddle by Five for Fighting

Please read, review, and enjoy!

Chapter Fifty-Six

My Big Fat Italian Family

Nationals occurred the next day, and of course Spencer's team had won. Before they knew it they would be off to college soon. But today was all about Mary and she would be spending it with her uncle Carlisle, her father, and Da Vinci. Carlisle was letting Isabella had a meeting and then was going to pick up their baby present for baby Damon before checking on Dean at the bakery. Carlisle warned her about doing too much because soon she should be taking her maternity leave, but she refused. She would not quite working until she went into labor.

"There's my little red headed princess." Carlisle chuckled when he entered Dylan's Candy Bar with Da Vinci faithfully at his side.

He couldn't manage to part with his canine companion and so he brought him along.

"Uncle Carlisle!" Mary exclaimed as she ran towards him, her red curls bouncing as she went.

He opened his arms to her and she collided with him. Holding her close, he kissed the top of her head. She had grown again and in the fall she would be a sixth grader. Sometimes it was hard to remember she wasn't as young as she acted, but no one could ever blame her for that. She deserved this delayed experience of youth and childhood.

"You came, Uncle Carlisle!" She rejoiced and she hugged him.

"Of course I came, Mare-Bear." Carlisle murmured, still hugging her close.

She pulled back to look at him with a big smile and then moved to hug Da Vinci around his neck.

"Hi Da Vinci." She cooed.

Da Vinci licked her cheek and she laughed.

"She's been trying to convince Tanya and I to let her have a puppy." Edward spoke up, putting his hand on Mary's shoulder.

"I see." Carlisle said with a smirk and then shared a manly hug with his brother.

"You'll understand before you know it you'll be a father soon enough."

"Daddy, can I please pick out candy now?" Mary asked ask she batted her eyelashes at her father.

"Go ahead, sweetheart." Edward replied with a chuckle and then pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

Mary ran off to go collect her prized candy, leaving the two brothers alone with the dog to watch. They watched the red headed princess collect her sweets, walking together as they followed her through the store. It had been some time since they spent quality time together, it seemed this family was moving so fast. But it felt right, this pace of growth everyone seemed to undertake. It was amazing how much could happen in a year, although it had not been a full year since Isabella and Carlisle met that fateful day, but Edward had known her for longer since they had met last spring.

Neither brother could have predicted where they stand today. Edward had imagined last year by this time he would be at least engaged to Bella, but that was far from the case for not only was Carlisle Isabella's husband and Edward was in love with Tanya, but he was raising a child with the woman he loved. Carlisle could never imagine either at this time last year just exactly the type of journey he would travel on. Isabella was a miracle, the answer to his prayer. Now he was a married man with a baby on the way.

"I'm proud of you, you know." Edward spoke up, bringing Carlisle out of his thoughts. "Proud that you're not only my Don, but my big brother."

Carlisle turned to look at his younger brother.

"That means a lot, Edward. Thank you." Carlisle was deeply moved by his words. "I'm glad that we can be brothers."

Edward nodded in agreement and then smirked.

"Leonardo would not be happy."

Carlisle couldn't help but smirk as well. Before the wedding he couldn't deal with even the mention of his father angered him even when speaking with Isabella. But now that he was a married man it didn't seem to bother him as much. He would be a father soon and somehow that made his father less upsetting.

"He loved it that we fought." Edward commented. "If anything he encouraged it."

Carlisle wasn't quite sure what to say because it has shocked him.

"Come now, Carlisle. You know it's true."

"I know, Edward, I just never expected to hear it."

"If anything, Carlisle, Leonardo sparked the fights between us. For some reason he loved to see us go at it with our voices and fists."

Carlisle shook his head in shame of his father.

"I never understood it. It's ridiculous."

Edward agreed with a nod.

"I swear to never raise my children that way if Tanya and I have more than just Mary. Picking favorites is bad enough, but to actually want them to fight is another evil I could never conceive accepting or doing."

"I agree completely." Carlisle confirmed. "When my daughter is born although we wish her to be the Donna of our clan in Isabella and my place, but she will be raised as our daughter not merely as Donna. Children should be able to be children. Leonardo denied me that right and I surely will not deny my daughter and other future children that right."

"We've come a long way." Edward stated before trailing off into his own thoughts.

Carlisle just walked along side his brother in comfortable silence.

"Bella is a good Donna, Carlisle. I really think her leading by your side is a good thing. She's bringing a different and much needed energy to the table that gives us an advantage and an upper hand in the game."

Carlisle smiled in agreement.

"Isabella is holding her own quite well. She even talked circles around Max yesterday. It was quite amusing. She's headstrong and doesn't let others push her around. She doesn't give a-" He looked to see if there were children around. "-horse's arse about being the only woman amongst a room full of men. She knows she's powerful and she knows who she is. It's amazing sometimes to think of how scared she used to be when we met and that this woman is the very same woman. I've watched her grow and transform into my eyes and with each ounce of confidence she gains I fall even more in love with her."

Edward looked at his brother with understanding. He knew just how deeply Carlisle felt about Isabella and how she felt for him. Their love was noticed by everyone when they walked in a room, even by strangers. They were a very royal and beautiful couple. They were perfect and everyone knew just who they were to one another just at a glance. It was hard for them to be apart and Edward knew especially with the baby being due so soon he was anxious when away from his wife. Their daughter would be here before they knew it, the heir to the Cullen legacy.

"I am a bit scared, Edward." Carlisle admitted.

At first Edward wasn't sure what in the world his big brother could be afraid of. Then he remembered how he felt when he first took Mary into his home and had the little fireball call him "daddy". He was so afraid of screwing up and not being able to support her and care for her as she needed him to. Carlisle would be raising a child from birth, a newborn, something that was completely new to the world and had no way of defending itself. She would depend solely on the care of her parents.

"You'll be a good father, Carlisle." Edward reassured.

Carlisle continued to look down at the floor and then finally looked over at Edward.

"What if she hates me?"

He looked like a scared child. Edward gaped at his big brother and clapped his shoulder.

"She could never hate you." He reassured Carlisle. "This baby loves you and she's still in the womb. Whom does she want around to make sure she and her mother are safe? She wants you, Carlisle. You calm her. Even in Bella's womb she knows it's you. You both love her more than anything. She can't hate you."

Somehow of all the people in their family at this very moment Edward was the one whom he believed about this issue. He stood up straight and looked his brother in the eyes.

"Thank you, Edward. I guess I am just anxious about her arrival. I mean you are so good with Mary; she adores you. She called you Daddy from day one. And Emmett is so good with Spencer. And now I will have my little girl, my own child. It's scary to think about sometimes because she'll be so fragile. She'll come into the world only know us as her parents and so she'll depend on us. She'll learn from us."

Edward merely laughed because he understood for the most part. There were things parents worried about, screwing up your child.

"She won't know if you mess up her first diaper change." Carlisle reassured him.

"I'm sure Mom and Leonardo messed up yours and you turned out ok."

Carlisle playfully elbowed his brother in the ribs.

"Yeah, well. They did a pretty good job with you too. Though you did give them a scare when you started to write backwards. They were freaking out thinking you might be dyslexic." Carlisle chuckled as he messed up Edward's hair by ruffling it.

"We're grown men." Edward laughed as he pushed his brother's hand away. "And besides, I just thought it would be fun. I didn't understand why they were panicking. Heck, how was I supposed to know I was acting dyslexic?"

Carlisle just shook his head and laughed.

"You nearly scared Mom to death. Thank God you started writing normally."

"I have candy!" Mary exclaimed as she returned to her father and uncle with her prizes in hand.

Not only did she have a huge bag of gummy worms, but a box of chocolate, several lollypops, and a bag of pixie sticks.

"Oh, Mary. You know you can't have that all at once." Edward stressed his fingers through his hair.

"I know, Daddy. I'm going to put most of it in the candy box."

With a look of relief on his face he agreed to buy her the treats. Tanya would kill him if the treats weren't eaten in moderation and he knew Mary would feel sick. She was actually very good about these sorts of things, not that she didn't get her hopes of for more than she could handle every once in a while.

Next they went to Serendipity to pick up lunch that they would have in the park for a picnic. The day in the park included Mary's favorite treat, frozen hot chocolate. They were sitting on the picnic blanket, Mary in between the two men and Da Vinci beside his master staring out into the distance. The three of them laughed as Mary told her stories, and she was very express using her hands and all to tell her tales.

They were so busy being entertained by Mary that they didn't notice the elderly couple passing until they spoke up.

"What a beautiful little family you two have." The woman commented with the sweetest smile.

"Your daughter is precious." Her husband commented.

Then the pair continued to walk away leaving the brothers dumb founded. Their jaws were on the ground and their faces were beet red.

"I think they mistook us for Dean and Riley." Carlisle finally said after pulling himself together

He could not believe he was mistaken for a gay couple with his brother. He was not gay and Edward was not his partner. Edward was his brother and Carlisle was a very straight man with a very beautiful, sexy, and not to mention pregnant wife. Edward burst out in laughter at his brother's comment in agreement.

"Oh, God. This is something we can never let the others know about or we will never live it down." Edward groaned.

"They thought you were gay." Mary laughed her sweet, innocent laugh.

Both men looked at her in shock.

"Mary." Edward gaped. "Where did you learn that?"

"I know that word, Dad. I know I seem four, but I am bout to go into sixth grade. I know these things."

"Do you know what the word means?" Edward asked carefully.

"Of course I do. And I know that Riley and Dean are together like you and Mom are together. But not married like my aunts and uncles."

"Oh." Was all Edward could manage to reply.

Carlisle changed the subject and later on Da Vinci wandered off, though not too far from his sight. He always made sure his best friend was in his range. Edward and Mary made their way towards their car and were headed home so they could spend time with Tanya. Carlisle needed to get moving to meet his wife to meet the Salvatore's and the new baby.

"Come on, Da Vinci." Carlisle called to his dog as he held the door of his car open.

Da Vinci wouldn't move from his spot in the bushes.

"Da Vinci, Isabella is waiting on us so we can go see the baby. Don't you want to see your Mommy? She'll be so happy to see you."

Da Vinci made a low whine and then he heard movement in the bushes.

"Da Vinci." Carlisle repeated, this time with curiosity.

Upon moving away from his car and towards his dog he was shocked with his discovery. Da Vinci was standing with a beautiful female blue Great Dane. He nuzzled his head against the collarless dog and she replied with soft noises of affection. Both of the dogs' tails were wagging. Da Vinci licked the other dogs face and she did in return.

"It's time to go home, Da Vinci." Carlisle murmured.

His canine companion looked at him with sad eyes and then looked back to the female dog. She laid down and he laid down beside her, resting his head on her shoulder.

Carlisle walked over to the pair and petted the head of the female.

"You're a pretty girl." Carlisle cooed.

He let his fingers travel down to her neck where her collar should be and he found she was without one.

"You don't have a collar, pretty girl. Are you lost?"

The female sighed sadly.

"Abandoned?"

She stared at him, it was as if through her eyes her soul spoke to his telling him she was alone in this world.

"Oh, sweetheart." Carlisle cooed.

He looked back over to his car and tried to figure out what to do. He looked back at the two dogs and mused.

"Isabella will kill me if I leave her hear."

He pulled out his phone and called his wife for help.

"Isabella." He sighed with relief when she answered.

"Well hello, Daddy." She giggled happily. "To what pleasure do I owe this call? Are you on your way here?"

He snickered at the sultry yet childish nature of his wife's mood. Their daughter was really ready to get out because Isabella's happy hormones were all over the place as of lately.

"I was about to leave the park and was trying to get Da Vinci in the car, but it seems he has a friend now. A lady friend."

"Does she have a collar?"

"No. She has no identification once so ever." He stroked her side and shivered at the sight of her ribs. "I think she's pretty abandoned, Isabella. She's thin as can be."

"Bring her, Carlisle. We can't leave her."

"Da Vinci won't leave her anyway. This used to be Da Vinci remember, he was so thin. I can't leave her here. When we get off the phone can you call Dean and tell him to get something for her to eat before picking the dogs up and watching them at the house for us."

"Of course, I will love. And Jane will be home as well so she can help Dean with the dogs. I want to see our new dog child. Oh I wish I could be with her."

"You'll see her soon. We'll need a collar and leash for her as well. Oh, and don't forget a name."

"What shall we name her, my lion?" She asked.

He looked into the eyes of the sweet female dog and he smiled.

"Something Disney related, Doll Face." He suggested.

"Flower?"

"No, not the skunk."

"Surely not Pluto." She replied.

He studied the blue female for another moment before a smile curled on his lips.

"Lady."

"From Lady and the Tramp, Carlisle. That's perfect."

He pulled the phone away from his ear for a moment and snapped a picture of the pair together. He sent his wife the photo and heard her coo.

"Oh, Carlisle. Lady is so pretty. I love the name for her, it's perfect. Now please get our doggy daughter home safely."

Carlisle agreed and then they said their goodbyes.

"Hey pretty girl, what do you think of the name Lady."

She lifted her head and he swore she smiled.

"Lady, Da Vinci it's time to go." Da Vinci got up and walked towards the car but Lady didn't follow.

Carlisle went to the car and pulled out a treat. Lady still didn't come.

"Da Vinci, get in the car so Lady will." Carlisle coaxed.

As if the canine understood, he jumped into the car and Lady followed swiftly after, taking the treat as well. Carlisle laughed to himself and got in the driver's seat, he was ready to see his wife again.

Upon arriving at the warehouse Dean greeted him.

"She's beautiful, Carlisle." He swooned.

Isabella followed not long after and she gaped at the beautiful blue dog. She bent down slightly, as much as a pregnant woman could, and stroked her soft fur.

"You're such a pretty girl, Lady." Bella swooned.

Lady went back to Da Vinci's side, standing with him faithfully.

"Awe, that's so cute." Bella swooned. "Puppy love."

Carlisle wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed the top of her head.

"Dean will take good care of them while we are with the Salvatores."

And so the pair departed with Felix as usual. They arrived at the home of Giuseppe and Crocetta and their few weeks old baby, Damon.

"Giuseppe." Isabella chimed when the door opened to reveal her dear friend.

"Isabella, Carlisle. It's so good to see you. Come in, Crocetta just finished feeding Damon so you have impeccable timing."

Isabella hugged her friend hello and Carlisle shook his hand. They were both very excited to meet the new baby boy for their daughter would be here before they knew it. Isabella had yet to meet Damon's mother, but now was as good as any time for she could use a friend who had just gone through what she would soon experience. Giuseppe led them into the living room, running his pale fingers through his golden blonde hair with strands of darker golden hues.

"Crocetta, my love, our guests are here."

The woman was about to stand but Carlisle assured her it wasn't necessary for she had her son in her arms. From the moment Isabella first saw Damon she fell in love with the small child, not in a romantic way of course but in a maternal manner. Like his mother his hair was a dark brown that verged on black, and it covered his head in small, soft tufts. His eyes were smoldering even for a young babe, cat shaped deep brown eyes that could captivate any soul.

Isabella sat down beside the Italian woman who encouraged her to do so.

"This is for your son." Isabella shyly handed the package to the mother.

Crocetta blushed and thanked her new friend before asking her husband to open it. In the package was a bib with a lion's face on it.

"This is adorable." Crocetta swooned. "Thank you, I'm sure it will come in handy. You can never have enough bibs."

Isabella smiled, she couldn't help but agree and the two women fell into easy conversation. They both seemed to feel that they would become great friends. Isabella looked down at the small boy in her friends arms and smiled for he was looking up at her with curious eyes.

"Well hello there." Bella cooed.

Damon looked to Bella's womb and help his arms out, thrashing them around like he was desperate to get closer to the pregnant woman beside his mother.

"Would you like to hold him?" Crocetta asked.

"May I?" Bella asked.

"Of course. It's good practice."

Bella cradled him close when he was placed in her embrace. She was amazed by the small child who captivated her attention with the greatest ease. He was so tiny and delicate, such a beautiful boy with his parents' Italian features and handsome qualities. He looked like Italian royalty and he was in a way, only mafia royalty instead.

Damon gazed at Bella's pregnant woman and tried to touch it, almost snuggling down in her arms to get closer. And when his hand was able to touch her womb he sighed happily. At that time Bella felt her daughter kick and that caused Damon to squeak happily.

"It looks like he's found an eager friend." Carlisle chuckled.

"In time." Isabella whispered as she brushed back a tuff of Damon's dark hair. "They could be friends in deed."

She gazed back down at little Damon and smiled sweetly.

"Just wait a bit longer, handsome boy, and you will have a friend with whom you can play."

Damon formed an O with his lips and stuck out his tongue causing everyone in the room to laugh. He was such a sweet little boy, angelic in some ways but very strong in the others. Isabella knew as she held the child that he was some sort of destiny involving her daughter.

"I love you." She whispered as she lowered her heard and kissed Damon's temple.

The boy smiled and then looked over to his own mother, wishing to be in her arms again. Reluctantly Isabella handed over the child and merely admired him in her friend's embrace.

"Is it scary?" She suddenly asked.

"Yes and no." Crocetta answered. "We didn't have a clue what we were doing when we first brought Damon home. Luckily we understood how to change a diaper and when he needed to be fed. There's no instruction manual for these little ones." She replied with a smile as she touched her son's tiny nose, causing him to smile. "You learn as you go. Damon doesn't sleep very much but enough so that one of us can sleep while the other tends to him. He's not much of a crier, he laughs or tries to instead. He's very aware and wants to know what's going on, but every baby is different." She then looked up at Bella to reassure her. "You can't really mess up as long as you don't drop your baby on its head or press the soft spot. Change his or her diaper when it needs changing, feed it when feeding is needed, and just giving it love." She looked back down to her sleepy son whom could now barely keep his eyes open. "Babies will only stay babies for so long."

A small yawn escaped Damon's tiny lips and everyone swooned at how adorable it was.

"It sounds like somebody is ready for a nap." Giuseppe cooed.

He walked over to his wife and took his son into his arms.

"Let's get you in your crib, Son."

With a kiss on the head, Giuseppe carried his son back to the nursery sound asleep and already lost in dreamland.

What none of the adults knew was that Damon fell asleep with an innocent smile on his angelic face because he had made an unborn friend. Soon he could play with her, and they would be friends until the sun grew cold.

So what did you think? Lady and Da Vinci, everyone needs a doggie friend. What about Damon, anyone catch the role he'll play? Hehe, if anyone is a Vampire Diaries fan you can predict who will follow after the handsome devil in a few years. Oh, and next chapter, the baby will be born! Finally!

So thanks for reading! Please review because it's as awesome as little lion cubs!