A month later, Edward was in their bedroom packing for his 3 month trip to Aerugo for research. Since he had already been to Creta, he was excited to go to Aerugo to see how they differed.
Winry was in Ben's room showing him family photos. She was focusing on baby pictures and pregnancy photos to try to help him understand. "See the baby? That's you when you were a baby. And this one is when you were still in mommy's tummy." Ben looked on but wasn't too amused with old photos.
Edward walked in and leaned over Winry's shoulder to look at the photos. "Wow, look at how little he was." Edward said.
"I can't believe he was that small." Winry said. Ben was bored and was about to play when Winry stopped him. "Wait a second Ben. We have something to tell you." She looked at Edward for a little help but he was clueless how to tell a 2 year old about a new baby. Winry searched for the right words. "Mommy has a baby in her tummy now. It has to grow some more before we can see it. When it's ready, you'll have a new brother or sister."
Ben looked at her and said "Okay," and went back to playing.
Edward looked at his son "I don't think he gets it."
Edward left the next day. He always called after checking in to the hotel to give her the address and phone numbers for emergencies, and they would write each other every week. Sometimes pictures were sent. Winry found this trip was harder. Being pregnant and taking care of a 2 year old was more difficult. Their neighbor had a teenage daughter that would come babysit so she could work and get a break.
Three months later…..
It seemed like an eternity but Edward finally made it home. Eva greeted him outside first. He played with her and then he walked into his house and Winry came over to him. She whispered "Welcome home".
Edward hugged her and they kissed. "Is he sleeping?" Edward asked.
"Yeah, he still takes a 2 hour nap in the afternoons. Sorry we couldn't meet you at the station."
"It's fine. But look at you. You look incredible." He rubbed her pregnant belly.
"I feel huge already. I still have 3 months left to go. Well, I have to check on dinner. Ben should be up soon."
"What's on the menu for tonight?" Edward asked, stomach already growling.
"Your favorite stew. It's in the slow cooker. And I got a pie in the oven."
"You spoil me woman."
"I gotta keep you coming home to me," Winry winked at him. She knew Edward loved her but now that they were stable in their relationship, they could playfully tease each other.
Winry went to stir the stew and Edward started unpacking his suitcase. He was halfway done when he heard some groaning noises from the nursery. 'He still doesn't like waking up' Edward thought. Then he heard footsteps coming. Edward went into the hall and saw his son about to head downstairs. "Hey Ben" Edward said waiting for his son's reaction.
Ben stopped and looked at him. His eyes widened and he started running "Daddy!"
Edward caught him and picked him up. "I missed you so much. Were you good for your mom?"
"Yeah!"
"Good. That means I can give you something." He took out a wooden car from his suitcase. "Here you go. Remember we see the cars when we go to Central."
"Oh wow!" He took the car downstairs to show his mom. Edward followed him "Mommy gets a gift too." He got her a pearl bracelet to match her necklace and earrings that she already had.
"Aww. Thank you, Edward." He helped her put on the bracelet. They had dinner and were happy to be reunited.