"Love, we should really think about getting around. We still have to pick Tyler up from Zander and Stella's before we go to your parent's," Tobias softly murmurs, his mouth close to my ear. His smooth, sexy voice sends a jolt of desire straight to my core but I'm too tired to do anything about it right now. I'm sprawled across his naked chest, fading in and out of consciousness while he lightly draws concentric circles down the center of my bare back, which isn't helping me hold my eyes open. We just finished making love yet again.

"I know you're right," I mumble against his chest, "but I don't want to move just yet."

"That's fine. We still have time," he says. "Did I wear you out?" I can actually hear the cocky grin spreading across his face. I'm too tired to roll my eyes even though I want to. He's always so damn proud of himself when he makes me come too many times to count. And that he did. I'm exhausted and the incessant ache between my thighs undoubtedly will last for days.

"Yeah," I finally admit. "But I'm not complaining. I just need a little nap to get my second wind." He continues the gentle caress, and the next thing I know he's very carefully moving me off his chest. I grunt, which only makes him chuckle.

"I'm going to take a shower," he says against my ear. "You keep sleeping."

"You said we have time," I mutter.

"That was over an hour ago, sleepyhead," he says as he presses his lips to my forehead. I pry one eyelid open and try to focus on the clock. He's right. We really need to be getting around if we want to make it to Abnegation on time.

"I'm getting up," I say, rolling over and stretching my tired, achy muscles with a wide yawn.

"Damn! I wish we had another hour," he mutters under his breath, "or two." His voice sounds strained. When I look up at him his eyes are glazed over with lust as he takes in my naked body.

"Unfortunately, we don't, baby," I say, getting to my feet. "Come on." I take him by the hand and lead him into the bathroom. We quickly work through our routine then go into our closet to get dressed. As he pulls on a typical black jeans and t-shirt combo, I contemplate what to wear.

"How about this?" Tobias asks, holding up a simple black and gray floral sundress. I bought it before I found out I was pregnant but the empire waistline will ensure I'll be able to wear it all season long.

"Yeah. That's perfect," I say as the doorbell rings.

"Expecting someone?" he asks.

"No, but it could be Stella bringing Tyler home if plans changed. I haven't looked at my phone all day."

"Neither have I. I was a little busy," he says.

"I think we were a lot busy." He laughs lightly but agrees with a nod.

"I'll see who it is while you get ready." As he exits into our bedroom after a quick kiss, our impatient guest rings again. I hope nothing's wrong. As I slip into a comfortable pair of black sandals, I hear hurried footsteps on the staircase.

"Mommy! I'm home!" Tyler calls out, immediately bringing a smile to my face.

"Hey, buddy," I say as he launches himself at me. I hug him tightly then set him on his feet. He beams up at me.

"I missed you, so Zander bringed me home."

"Brought you home," I correct, "and I missed you, too." I place a single kiss on the top of his head. "Are you ready to see Grandma and Grandpa?"

"Yeah! I can't wait to see them. I also want to see Tess and Teags. I missed them," he says, thoughtfully, but then he frowns. "Don't tell them I said that." I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

"I would never tell them that." He grins up at me, obviously relieved, then wraps his arms around my legs, nearly knocking me over with his hug.

"Are we ready to go?" he excitedly asks.

"Well, I have to do my hair first," I say. "How should I wear it?"

"What about a braid?"

"That's easy enough," I say. "Do you want to watch?"

"Sure," he says then takes off for the bathroom.

"Where is your Daddy?" I ask Tyler as I lift him onto the countertop next to me. I'm surprised Tobias hasn't joined us yet.

"He said he had to talk to Zander," he says. His eyes are following my hands as I brush my nearly dry hair. "You're pretty, Mommy." Tears wet my eyes at his unexpected compliment. Damn pregnancy hormones!

"Well, thank you, my sweet boy," I say as I place another kiss on top his head. He then proceeds to tell me all about his visit with Zane while I put my hair in a simple French braid. He definitely had a good time with his best friend and will more than likely nap on our way to Abnegation since it sounds like he didn't get one earlier. "Let's go find Daddy."

"I'm right here," Tobias says as he comes in the bathroom. "You look lovely, Tris. I like this dress."

"Thanks," I say. "You picked it out."

"I must have good taste," he says with a sexy grin. "You better go potty before we go, Tyler." Tyler looks up at his father with a befuddled look.

"How do you know I hafta go?"

"You can't stand still," Tobias says causing Tyler to giggle.

"I'll get some ginger ale while I wait," I say. "My stomach isn't feeling too well at the moment."

"Have you taken your medicine?"

"Yeah, I have," I say. "And the nausea isn't too bad but it's definitely there."

"We can cancel," Tobias says.

"No," I say. "I want to see Mom and Dad. Besides we have to pick up the girls."

"If you're sure."

"I am," I say. I get a travel cup out of the cupboard and fill it with flat ginger ale then get a few stale ginger cookies and put them in a baggy. I've found they help me better than saltines so I like to keep them on me even if I don't really need them.

"I'm ready, Mommy," Tyler says as he bounds down the stairs, stopping at my feet.

"Please don't run," I say, exasperatedly.

"I'm sorry," he says. He sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know why I forget." That makes two of us.

"You're going to fall one day and get hurt," Tobias says as he joins us. "I think you're old enough to remember now. The next time you run on the stairs, Mommy and I are going to take your computer away for one week." Tyler's eyes widen and his bottom lip starts to tremble. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, Daddy," he says. "I'm sorry." He comes over to me and wraps his arms around my legs.

"Why don't you go get the car and we'll meet you out front," I say to Tobias.

"Okay," he says, sulking. I don't know who is taking this harder, Tyler or Tobias.

"I'm sorry," Tyler says, tears running down his face. "Is daddy mad at me?"

"He's not mad at you," I say. "He wants you safe. We both do."

"I-I don't w-want him t-to take m-my 'puter a-away," he sobs. He's having a hard time catching his breath.

"Come here," I say. I lift him onto my lap and hold him close, gently running my hand up and down his back. I don't think he would be this upset if he wasn't so tired. "If you don't run in the house you won't lose your computer but if you break the rules you need consequences. That is how you learn. Daddy and I have been very lenient up until now, and we have to tell you all the time not to run. Maybe if you don't get to play with one of your favorite toys for a week you'll remember."

"I'm sorry," he cries.

"Let's go down and wait for daddy," I say. "Okay?"

"Okay." My poor little guy sounds miserable. I doubt that he makes it more than two blocks in the car before he's out like a light. I'm close. Tyler falls asleep waiting for Tobias to pull the car up.

"I'll get him," he says. He carefully lifts him from my lap and places him in his car seat.

"Are you going to mope all night?" We're nearly to Abnegation and I haven't been able to coax a single word out of my husband. He grumbles incoherently. I cross my arms over my chest and narrow my eyes at him. "I'm sorry. I'm not fluent in grunt."

"I'm not going to mope all night."

"I know you don't like disciplining the kids. Neither do I but if we don't, how are they going to learn? The only reason he got so upset was because he was dead tired. He didn't have a nap today. Tyler is a good boy but even he makes mistakes. You can't get all brooding and moody." He stares straight ahead. I sigh. I know what's going through his head. "You're not Marcus." He stiffens in his seat but still doesn't acknowledge me.

I stare out my passenger window and surreptitiously wipe away the moisture escaping my eyes. I don't want to cry but I'm very frustrated right now. Tobias has the tendency to shut down emotionally when he has to discipline one of the kids. It's always the same thing. My guess is he remembers his fear landscape, more precisely his fear of becoming is father. He hasn't been in his fear landscape since that terrible day two years ago when he experienced the death of his entire family but the memories are there. And they are potent. I wish I knew what to do to help but I'm at a loss. I jump a little when Tobias rests his hand on my knee.

"I'm sorry, Tris," he says, sounding too much like Four for my liking. I make sure there is no moisture left beneath my eyes then I slowly turn to look at him but he's concentrating on the road, which is probably a good thing because the road along this stretch is worse than it's ever been. I make a mental note to talk to Dad about it. Road construction could be added to the list of jobs for the work release details.

"If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you, Tobias," I say. "I know that whatever this is runs deeper than just giving your son some discipline. I know you'll never hurt him." He stiffens again and I realize I hit the nail on the head.

"If I didn't hurt him, why did he cry?" Oh, my poor Tobias. Sometimes I truly despise my in-laws. They left him broken, and it's my responsibility to put him back together.

"Because he's 5, and because he was exhausted," I say. "And most importantly, he never wants to disappoint you and he knows he did." We pull up behind Caleb and Cara's car in front of my parent's house, and Tobias turns off the engine. I fully expect the silence to wake Tyler but he's still sound asleep. "Tobias." He meets my eyes and the tortured look on his face wets my eyes again.

"I keep seeing Tyler and Tessa in my fear landscape," he says. "They were so scared … of me. How do I stop seeing that, especially when my boy looks up at me and has tears in his eyes?" I take his face between my palms, caressing his cheeks with my thumbs.

"I'm sorry for every bad thing your parents ever did to you. No child deserves a childhood like yours," I say. "But I think it's past time for you to realize that you are not Marcus Eaton. You are a good father. You are a good husband. You always have your family's best interests at heart. You are nothing like Marcus. You are a good man."

"I know you get tired of my insecurities," he says, his voice teetering on the edge of calm. "Hell, I'm tired of them myself."

"I just hate that you are so hard on yourself, baby. You saw Tyler's tears and jumped to conclusions," I say. "He asked me if you were mad at him." This news makes him cringe. "I explained why we did what we did. He said he understood before he had his meltdown."

"We?"

"You know, disciplining our kids doesn't fall squarely on your shoulders," I say. "Please don't think it does. We're in this together."

"And I couldn't be happier with having you as my partner," he says. He gently cups the back of my head and draws me forward across the empty space. His lips graze mine once, twice, then he molds his mouth to mine, kissing me passionately. He slips his tongue between my parted lips when I drag in a ragged breath and slides it along mine. "I love you," he pants against my mouth. After another quick and surprisingly tender kiss, he pulls away. "And I'm sorry for acting like a jackass on our way here, love. It was juvenile of me, and you deserve better."

"I can't say it's okay but I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand," I say. "Next time just talk to me. That's all I ask. We may solve nothing but," I shrug my shoulders, "I am a good listener." Mom and Dad's front door flies opens interrupting our conversation, and Tessa and Teags come running out. Tobias' chin drops, and he shakes his head.

"I guess we need to remind them to walk also," he says. I wave at Mom who returns the gesture then goes back inside.

"Mama! Dadda!" they both yell as they sail toward the car, talking over each other a million miles a minute trying to get the most attention.

"Hey hey hey!" Tobias says as he quickly gets out of the car. He picks them both up and quiets them down but it does nothing to quash their excitement.

"Mommy?" Tyler groggily says sounding very confused. I turn in my seat and see him rubbing his eyes.

"Did you have a nice nap, buddy?" I ask.

"Where are we?" he asks, ignoring my question.

"Grandma and Grandpa's house," I say. I watch as his eyes light up at the news. He turns his head towards the window, beaming.

"I need out," he excitedly says. It looks like his earlier meltdown is long forgotten.

"Just a second," I say. I get out and lean into the backseat to unbuckle him. Not wanting him to lose computer privileges for a week, I remind him not to run as I let him out of the car.

"Okay, Mommy," he says before he calmly walks up to Tobias and his sisters.

"Hi, Daddy!" he says. "Hi, Tess. Hi, Teags."

"Hi, buddy," Tobias says sounding genuinely surprised. He looks up at me with an emotional smile. I think he honestly thought Tyler would hate him forever just because he was being a parent and a good one at that.

"Hi, Ty-Ty," the girls say at the same time. "Come see," Tess adds. Tobias puts the girls down, and they each take one of Tyler's hands and lead him toward the house. I quickly take my phone out and snap a photo. That's definitely a keeper.

"What's this about?" I ask Tobias.

"I'm not entirely sure but they're both very excited about whatever it is," he says with a chuckle. We close the door behind us and I immediately know what all the hoopla is about … cookies. I can smell them. When we walk into the kitchen my mouth hits the floor. It's more than cookies … it's cookies, breads, and cakes.

"We've been baking all afternoon since it was raining," Mom says, noticing my expression. "We're going to take it to the soup kitchen."

"The factionless will be eating very well tomorrow," Tobias says, eyeing the baked goods.

"And my grandkids will be eating very well tonight," Dad says as he enters the kitchen with Caleb trailing behind him. Cara is sitting at the kitchen table looking a little green.

"Hi, Dad," I say.

"Hello, Beatrice. It's so nice to see you. Thanks for letting my gorgeous granddaughters spend the night last night. We had such a good time."

"And they are both such good little helpers in the kitchen," Mom adds.

"They not 'pose to be in the kitchen, Grandma," Tyler says, completely serious.

"Oh, Tyler," I say, once again trying to hide a chuckle. "They can help Grandma. They just can't play in the kitchen by themselves."

"Why is that?" Caleb asks.

"The terrible two get into everything," Tobias says. "And it still amazes me how two such little girls can make such big messes." We all laugh and Tessa and Teags frown. "We're not laughing at you, girls." This seems to appease them for the moment. I hear a soft moan and look toward the sound.

"Cara, are you okay?" I ask. She really doesn't look well. I can't help but hope that my kids don't come down with what she has.

"Ugh," she says as she hurriedly leaves the room, Caleb following after her.

"Did I say something wrong?" I ask.

"No, Beatrice," my mom says.

"I'm going to check on her," I say. I wander out to the living room but find it empty. Near the top of the stairs, I hear the telltale sounds of vomiting. When I reach the open bathroom door something clicks into place for me. "How far along are you?" Caleb turns at the sound of my voice. His worried face brightens as he smiles widely.

"12 weeks yesterday," Cara says, although she isn't smiling. "I thought the morning sickness was supposed to end by now. And why the hell do they call it that anyway when you feel like shit 24/7."

"It's been rough, I take it."

"Hell," she mumbles. Caleb wets a washcloth and gently swipes it over his wife's face as she rests on the toilet.

"I have something downstairs that might help with your nausea," I say.

"Is everything okay up here," Tobias says as he appears in the already crowded bathroom.

"Can you bring me my ginger cookies?"

"You all right, love?" he asks, instantly worried.

"You, too?" Caleb asks, staring at me.

"Too?" Tobias asks but then understanding dawns on his face. "I'll be right back and congratulations."

"Thanks, Four," Caleb says. "Right back at you." The proud papas shake hands then Tobias goes to retrieve the cookies. "You look good, sis."

"I'll be honest, it's been rough. I couldn't keep anything down there for a while. I got dehydrated. But Zander gave me something earlier this week and I feel much better. I've barely needed the ginger ale and cookies but I keep them with me at all times."

"I haven't found anything that helps," Cara says. "I don't get sick very often but I'm in a near constant state of nausea. If I'd have known it was going to be like this, I might have told Caleb no when he wanted to start a family."

"If I'd have known, I wouldn't have asked." I didn't know my brother was so sweet. It's obvious he loves Cara very much.

"Here you go," Tobias says, handing me the bag of cookies.

"I discovered these at Amity's farmers market," I say. "They're not the tastiest things in the world but they do the trick. I hope they help."

"Thank you," Cara says. "So how far along are you?"

"10 weeks," I say.

"Does Mom and Dad know?" Caleb asks.

"I don't think so," I say, "but since the girls spent the night, it's hard to tell. They told the nanny. We tried to keep it a secret but Christina has a weird sixth sense about these things. Then I accidentally told some of our other friends."

"And I did too," Tobias adds.

"So, we decided to just make the announcement a little early since we couldn't remember who knew and who didn't," I say.

"Mommy," Tyler says. "What are you doing in the bathroom?"

"We were just talking." He looks around then shrugs.

"Grandma sent me to tell you supper is ready," he says. "Come on."

Tyler takes my hand and leads me to the kitchen. I help the girls up to the already set table and then find my own seat between Tyler and Tobias. We have a nice, simple supper surrounded by the people I love most in this world. The conversation flows easily. Mom tells us about her week. Dad reminds Caleb and me about the council meeting later in the week. It was scheduled for Abnegation but has changed to Amity, which more than likely means an overnight trip. I give my suggestions for adding road construction to the city improvement list, and Dad ensures me that it's already on it but toward the bottom. Once supper is over, we all file into the cramped living room and sit down. Tessa climbs up on my lap as Teags does the same with Tobias. Tyler sits at our feet putting a puzzle together over and over.

"Mom, Dad, Cara and I have some news for you," Caleb says when there's a lull in the conversation. They both look on expectantly. I'm sure they've guessed what their news is already. Cara barely ate anything during supper. She sipped my ginger ale and nibbled on the cookies. "We're having a baby! She's 12 weeks yesterday."

"Oh! I was wondering but I didn't want to ask," Mom says as she gets up and hugs both Caleb and Cara. "How have you been feeling?"

"To be honest, just terrible, Natalie," she says. "It's been the longest 12 weeks of my life."

"Pregnancy isn't always easy," she says. "When I was pregnant with Caleb I didn't even have morning sickness. But with Beatrice, oh my! I could hardly stand the smell of food let alone eating it. And the smell of Andrew's cologne. I finally took the bottle and buried it out back."

"I got the hint," Dad says, pulling Cara in for a hug. "I hope things get better for you soon."

"Thanks, Andrew," she says. "I hope so, too."

"When are you due?" I ask.

"February 2," Caleb says.

"That's by my birthday!" Tyler says.

"It sure is, buddy," I say. "Are you excited to have a little cousin?"

"Only if it's a boy," he says.

"Tyler," Tobias says. "You'll love your cousin whether it's a boy or a girl."

"I'll love him more if he's a boy," he states matter-of-factly.

"Mama?"

"Yes, little one," I say.

"Auntie have baby in her tummy like you?" she asks. I think that's the plainest sentence she's ever spoken. I'm glad we had planned to tell them our secret.

"Yes, Aunt Cara has a baby in her tummy."

"Otay!"

"Beatrice?" my father asks. I look at Tobias and he smiles at me then nods.

"Four and I have some news, too." Mom literally squeals then covers her mouth. "I'm around 10 weeks pregnant."

"Oh, my goodness!" Mom says, tears in her eyes. "Two more grandchildren within a couple weeks of each other. We are so blessed, Andrew."

"We most certainly are, my love," he says as the hug each other tightly.

"So, are you due around February 16?" Caleb asks.

"Actually, my due date is January 23," I slowly say. I grasp Tobias's hand, preparing to give my family even more news.

"How is that possible?" Cara asks in disbelief. "You just said you're 10 weeks."

"Well, Tris is pregnant with twins," Tobias says.

"Twins!" everyone exclaims at the same time.

"Yeah!" my girls say wanting in on the conversation.

"Yes, twins," I say. "We were floored when we were told the news." Tobias and I move the girls off our laps to get up and receive hugs and congratulations from everyone.

"Was this planned?" Mom quietly asks against my ear.

"Failed birth control," I say. Again.

"But you're happy." It's not a question. She can tell that I'm overjoyed.

"Over the moon actually," I say. "We had just started talking about having another one when I was hit with some weird bruising."

"Anemia?"

"Yeah," I say. "We were shocked when Zander gave us the news, especially about the twins. We weren't expecting that in a million years. I'm already starting to show." I tighten my dress across my abdomen showing off the subtle bulge between my hip bones. Maybe it's an optical illusion but I like to think I'm showing.

"Five children, Beatrice Grace. I can't imagine," she says. "But I know you can handle it. You are a natural and so good with Tyler and the girls."

"Thanks, Mom," I say. "It isn't easy but being a mother is the most wonderful, rewarding job. I wouldn't trade my set of hooligans for anything." Tyler, Tessa, and Teagan start laughing wildly.

"What about the preeclampsia?" Dad asks.

"We have a plan in place to monitor her bloodwork and blood pressure," Tobias says, all humor gone. This is his greatest fear, and I won't take it lightly. I love that he worries about me. "Zander will be her physician of record instead of Isobel. She's a wonderful nurse and a great friend but this is a high-risk pregnancy, and we want everything to go as smoothly as possible."

"Well, I think we need some cookies to celebrate," Mom says. "Who would like some milk, too?" The kids' hands all shoot up. Tobias and Caleb decline but Cara and I accept.

"You look like you're feeling better," I say to Cara.

"I am. These stale cookies are magic. I wish I knew about them about nine weeks ago."

"I have several boxes at home," I say. "You can have those. I can send you some more if you would like."

"I would like that, Tris."

"Hey, does Will know about this?" I ask.

"Not yet," she says. "We're having lunch on Tuesday. I plan on telling him then."

"I won't spoil your surprise then," I say. She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tightly.

"I'm so lucky to have you as my sister-in-law," she says. "I'm lucky to have your whole family. Poor Caleb has to deal with my mother."

"Oh, she's not that bad, babe," he says as he hands Cara a glass of milk and a plate with two snicker doodle cookies on it. "We have an understanding, and I'm sure once we tell her about the baby that things will be even better." A look flashes across his face saying it better or there will be hell to pay but as soon as it's there, it's gone. I didn't know he was still having problems with Dara.

"Here you go, love," Tobias says, handing me an identical plate and glass. "I'm going to sit in the kitchen with the kids."

"Okay," I say. I tilt up my chin and receive a quick peck before he abandons me for the kids.

"So, my little sister is having twins," Caleb says. "It's hard to believe."

"I can't believe it sometimes but I saw the pictures of Button and Bean."

"Button and Bean?" Cara asks.

"Yeah the twins looked like a button and a bean in my ultrasound just like Teagan looked like a peanut."

"Hhm. What do you think our baby looks like, Caleb?"

"Um, a blob," he slowly says, real fear in his eyes. He obviously has been on the wrong end of irrational pregnancy hormones. Cara immediately starts laughing.

"I agree," she says. "I had a hard time making it out at all. It just looked like a little blob. But it's our blob." A single tear slides down her cheek. "So, Tris, tell me everything I need to know about being pregnant." For the next hour, the conversation is about everything baby. She fires question after question at me, and I answer them to the best of my ability. The only subject she doesn't broach is the labor and birth itself and I understand why. If you focus on the delivery the entire time, you're probably going to make yourself crazy.

"Love, I hate to do this but we have three kids who are almost down for the count," Tobias says. "I think we should go now."

"Of course."

"Up, Mama," Tessa says when I walk into the kitchen. I lift her into my arms, and she promptly falls asleep with her head resting on my shoulder.

"You weren't kidding," I quietly say. "Tyler, can you walk?" His head is bobbing while he fights sleep.

"I'll get him," Dad says. "Come here, big guy. Grandpa's got you." Tobias picks up Teags and she starts crying.

"Sshh, baby girl." She mutters something about not being a baby then finally closes her eyes and she too falls asleep.

"I'll bring their diaper bag," Mom says. We all file out of the house and to the car. We put the kids in their seats while mom puts the bag in the trunk. When the kids are secure, we say our goodbyes. After a final round of hugs, Tobias and I pull away from the curb heading home.