"Was it a secret?" fretted Alex, wringing his hands together.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed everyone's smiles dropped. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm down, knowing the boys didn't mean any harm. "No, it wasn't a secret, but Dad and I wanted to be the ones to tell everyone."
"Oh." Anthony pulled his bottom lip in between his teeth, shifting his eyes guiltily to the ground. My heart broke, knowing they only told everyone because they were excited. "Sorry, Momma."
"Hey, guys, don't be sorry," chuckled Edward. "Just remember that next time we have something big to share, that Mom and I get to be the ones to tell everyone, okay?"
"Like with the next baby?" beamed Alex.
Everyone began to laugh. I shook my head. "Let's have this baby, before we even think about having another one," I quipped.
"That's okay," started Anthony, shrugging his shoulders. "You're going to have two babies this time, anyway."
The moment his words were out of his mouth, everyone turned their attention back to us, their smiles returning. "We are not having twins,"' announced Edward, putting his hand up. "There is only one baby, trust us."
"You'll see," muttered Anthony, huffing and turning back to Esme. "Nana, how much longer until dinner. I'm starving."
"Half an hour, sweet boy," she cooed, patting his face.
Nodding his head, he and Alex took off down the hallway toward the playroom, or the game room as he, Alex, and Elliott insisted it was called now. Only Little Ivy still referred to the room as her own personal playground. Feeling everyone's eyes on me, I blushed and grabbed the cake from Edward, shuffling into the kitchen with it. Placing it on the counter, I took a deep breath, trying to relax. Edward and I had wanted to make the announcement special, do something unique, I suppose.
"Is that for me?" asked Charlie.
Smiling, I turned to face my father, resting against the counter. Leaning against the door frame, he had a huge smirk resting on his face. "No, it's for Sue."
Rolling his eyes, he pushed off the frame and walked over to me, pulling the cake in front of him, and lifting the lid off. "Double chocolate?"
"Chocolate and caramel," I replied.
Nodding, he covered it, shifting his body toward me. The last few years had changed my father in a lot of ways, almost all of them were for the better. His dark hair had started to gray around the edges, thinning on top. He and Sue had married just over a year after Edward and I did. After years of holding onto the ideal that my mother would suddenly come home, and not be a raging bitch, he'd found happiness with Sue. Now with him having just retired from his job with the Forks Police Department, I worried less about him getting hurt. Just one more reason for me to smile.
"So," he began, "a baby, huh?"
"Yeah," I murmured, sliding my hand to my stomach. "You ready to become a grandpa again?"
"You bet your ass I am," he chuckled, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I smiled. "Are you excited?"
Nodding, I drew in a deep breath. "But I'm scared, too."
"Of what?" Charlie wondered, frowning.
"I don't even really know," I confessed, feeling foolish. "I remember how hard it was with Alex."
"Everything's different this time, though." He smirked. "You're old now." I elbowed him. "I meant, older," he groaned, rubbing his ribs. "You've got Edward this time, and that boy won't be going anywhere."
"I know," I mumbled. "Just feeling really overwhelmed."
"You always did worry too much," he grumbled, leaning over and kissing my cheek.
Edward stumbled into the kitchen, running a hand through his hair and shaking his head. "Is it safe in here?" he chuckled, turning to me and my father. Seeing the tears swimming in my eyes, his amused look faded, replaced by one of concern. "Baby, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," I whimpered, unable to keep the tremor out of my voice. Charlie stepped out of the way, mumbling something about going to go see the boys, and left us alone.
Crossing the kitchen, Edward slipped one arm around my waist, and bringing his hand up to my cheek. "Why do I keep finding you in tears?"
"I don't know," I whispered, gripping the front of his shirt.
"What can I do to help?" he asked, pressing his forehead down onto mine.
"You're doing it now." I smiled, sliding my hand around to the back of his head, weaving my fingers into his hair.
Edward leaned in to kiss me, but a couple of little giggles stopped him. Feeling my cheeks turn red, we looked over to see Ivy and Esme standing in the doorway with their hand over their mouths. Smiling widely, I held my arms out toward Ivy, who squealed and ran to me. Wrapping her arms and legs around me, she buried her face into the side of my neck, just like she'd been doing since the moment I first held her.
"Aunt Bella, did Uncle Eddie make you cry?" Ivy frowned, reaching up and wiping my tears away.
"No, sweetheart," I tried to reassure her, ignoring Edward's grimace at being called Eddie. Ivy was the only person he allowed to refer to him that way. "Now, tell me how school has been going?"
Laying her head back on my shoulder, Ivy began babbling on about her first few weeks of preschool, talking about some little boy named Gavin, who liked to play with her on the slide, but never actually talked to her. Other than with me, Ivy was a shy little girl. With long, shiny black hair, and bright blue eyes, she quite the little beauty. Settling on the couch with her, I listened to every word she spoke, vaguely aware of everyone piddling around us.
"Dinner," hollered Esme, walking back into the living room, dishtowel laying over her shoulder. Turning to Ivy, she smiled. "Baby girl, will you please go get the boys?"
"Yes, Nana," sighed Ivy, climbing off of my lap and rushing down the hallway.
Standing up, I groaned, feeling the room spinning around me. Falling back on the couch, I took a deep breath. "Whoa."
"Baby, what's wrong?" While it was Edward who asked me, Emmett was the one who knelt in front of me, planting a hand on my forehead.
"She doesn't feel warm," he muttered, always assuming a fever to be the culprit.
"Get your hand off of me," I groused, pushing his hand away. "I just got a little light-headed."
"Are you sure?" Shoving Emmett out of the way, Edward took his place, brushing my hair out of my face.
"Yes," I mumbled, feeling embarrassed. "I'm sure I'm just hungry."
Nodding, he stood up, pulling me to my feet. "Okay, I'm sure you just need some cake."
"That cake is mine, little girl," quipped Charlie.
Laughing, I rolled my eyes. "Ha, you know the rules, old man," I teased. "You have to eat your veggies first."
Grumbling under his breath about it not being fair, Charlie followed all of us into the dining room. Settling into my usual seat between Carlisle and Edward, I reached for the mashed potatoes, only to have Edward swat my hand away and grab the bowl first. Before I could say anything, he scooped a hearty helping onto my plate. He proceeded to add food onto my plate, giving me more than twice the amount I'd normally eat. In the kitchen, we could hear the boys, Elliott, and Ivy laughing over something Elliott was telling them. While we couldn't hear everything, a few of his words, including fart, football, and monkey, drifted out to us. Sharing a look with Rose, she shook her head. "It's better you don't ask."
"Figured as much," I giggled, picking up my forks and scooping up some potatoes. The moment they hit my taste buds, I groaned. Esme made the best mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery.
"So, Edward, you knocked Bella up, eh?" barked Emmett.
Gasping and swallowing at the same time, I choked, covering my mouth with my hand to stop from spraying my food over everyone. "Damn it, Emmett," yelled Edward, patting me on the back.
"What?" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up. Picking up my glass of ice tea, I managed to suck half of it down before I glared at him.
He opened his mouth, but I held my hand up, stopping him. "First of all, I'm pregnant, not knocked up," I snarled. "Second, you can't say stuff like that when I am taking a bite or drink."
"Sorry," he muttered, but I could see the smile playing on his lips. "Been puking everywhere?"
"Emmett!" scolded Esme, frowning, "we're trying to eat here."
"Oh, sorry," he grumbled, dropping his eyes to his place.
Making mindless conversation throughout dinner, I managed to eat half of what Edward put on my plate. Ivy came tottering in five minutes into dinner, climbing into my lap and drifting off to sleep with her head against my chest. Stroking her dark hair, I rocked her while I ate, even though Jasper tried to pull the girl out of my arms. Like she'd always done, Ivy whimpered at her father's attempt, nestling herself closer to me.
"She's fine," I insisted. "You eat, I've got her."
"You need the food more than I do," groused Jasper. Shaking my head, I smiled. Sighing, he put his fork down, turning his body to face me. Just like I knew he would, he stuck his bottom lip out, pouting.
"Jasper," I whined, looking away, "you're not playing fair!"
While everyone began snickering as he took advantage of my weakness, he reached out for her again. "No, Daddy," wailed Ivy, throwing her arms around my neck. "I want my Auntie Bella!"
He started to argue with her, when Alice reached out and placed her hand on his arm. "Give it up, Jas. You know she's not going to let go of Bella until she's ready."
Sighing, Jasper nodding in defeat, falling back in his chair. "Thank you, Bella."
"You're welcome," I murmured, kissing her forehead. Rocking her gently, I ate in silence, enjoying the feeling of her in my arms. Barely weighing more than thirty pounds, Ivy had always the most incredibly beautiful little girl. She had a huge heart, loving so freely. Smiling to myself, I brushed her hair out of her face. She had the Cullen spirit.
Ten minutes later, Alex, Anthony, and Elliott came rushing through the dining room, yelling about being full. Sharing a look with Rose, she nodded and went into the kitchen to check how much they actually ate. More than once, we'd found their plates full and had to deal with them being hungry the minute we got home. "They actually ate this time," announced Rose, sliding back into her chair. "Except for the peas. Not a one of them ate their peas."
"Because peas are nasty," Emmett retorted, shuddering. Shifting his eyes over to me, he smiled wickedly. "Can you imagine puking peas?"
"Emmett!" exclaimed everyone, putting their forks down on the table. However, I threw my head back, laughing so hard I woke Ivy up.
Rubbing her little eyes, she sat up and looked around. "What's so funny?" she demanded.
"Nothing, little one," muttered Esme, standing up and reaching for her. "Let's go see if those boys want some desert."
Shrugging her tiny shoulders, Ivy took Esme's hand and followed her out of the room. Still giggling to myself, I picked up my tea, taking another drink. "Is it time for cake yet?" Charlie's restlessness made me laugh again.
"Sure, Dad," I giggled. "Go for it."
"Oh, Bella, you shouldn't have told him that," teased Sue, watching her husband rush into the kitchen with Carlisle right on his heels. "He might eat the whole thing."
"He better not," I yelled, knowing full well that he'd hear me.
"I make no promises," he shouted back, causing everyone to laugh. Walking out of the kitchen with his fork already in his mouth, he moaned. "Bella, this is so good."
"Eww," I whined. "Dad, don't talk with food in your mouth."
"Oh, sorry," he laughed, but made no effort not to show everyone his food.
Edward grabbed me a large piece of cake, choosing a smaller one for himself. Sighing inwardly, I scooped up a fork full, groaning the moment the sweet chocolate hit my taste buds. Around me, everyone laughed, but I didn't care. I'd been looking forward to this cake since I started making it early this morning. A smile slipped over my lips when I thought about everything that had happened today; seeing our baby squirming, knowing that he or she was okay, finally being able to tell the boys and our families. I shook my head, feeling my eyes fill up with tears.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" Carlisle reached over, taking my hand in his, causing everyone to look over at me. Shaking my head again, I tried to tell him that nothing was wrong, but the words ended up coming out strangled. Sliding out of his chair, he knelt down next to me. "Bella, breathe."
Taking a deep, shaky breath, I lifted my eyes up to his. "I'm sorry, just really tired."
"Don't be sorry," he insisted, smiling. Shifting his eyes over to Edward, he added, "Why don't you let boys stay with us for the night. We'll drop them off at school in the morning, give you two a chance to sleep in."
"Oh, you don't have to do that, I'm fine," I fretted.
"I know we don't have to, sweetheart, but I'm going to insist," he replied. "Do I need to pout? Because I totally will."
"That's cheating," I grumbled, rolling my eyes. He smirked. "Fine, they can stay."
"Huh, that was easier than I expected," he chuckled, while I scowled. "Go home and rest. Enjoy the silence."
"Okay," I sighed. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he kissed my cheek, "and congratulations."
Esme insisted on sending leftovers with us, so while she got everything ready, Edward and I headed down to the playroom and said goodnight to the boys, Elliott, and Ivy. Loading into the car, I rested my hand on Edward's thigh while he drove us home, enjoying the peaceful quiet.
When we got home, Edward put all the leftovers up while I locked up the house and headed into our bedroom, kicking my shoes off just inside the door. Reaching down to the hem of my t-shirt, I slipped it over my head, tossing it into the hamper, following a moment later with my jeans. Pulled the rubber band out of my hair, I tossed it onto the dresser, running my fingers through my dark tendrils.
"There you go, teasing me again," purred Edward. Smiling, I looked over my shoulder, finding him leaning against the door frame. "Are you still feeling lightheaded?"
"No," I murmured, removing my earrings and placing them on the dresser. "Maybe, it was just all the excitement."
"Could have been." With a click, Edward closed the door, moving over, and wrapping his arms around me, letting his palm cover my covered breast. I moaned, letting my head fall back onto his shoulder. "Are you tired?"
"No," I gasped, stifling a yawn. In truth, I was exhausted, but feeling his hands on my body spurred me on. Dropping his hand down my stomach, he cupped my center outside of my panties. "Baby, don't tease."
"Like you teased me before," he growled, a shiver rocketing through me.
"I didn't," I whimpered, feebly. Rolling my sensitive nipple between his fingers, I moaned. "Edward, please!"
Attaching his lips to my neck, Edward slid his hands to the sides of my panties, lowering them down my legs. They pooled at my feet so I stepped out of them, kicking them out of the way. Ridding me of my bra, he guided me over to he bed, laying me in the middle. Feeling exposed, I blushed, feeling his eyes traveling over me. Only Edward made me feel so vulnerable and beautiful.
Standing at the edge of the bed, he began to unbutton his shirt, letting it fall down his arms, and onto the floor. Reaching for his belt, he began to pull on it. Smiling, I pushed his hands away, removing his belt myself. Trailing my fingers along the top of his jeans, I tugged on the button and lowered his zipper. Letting them drop, Edward kicked them off. Shrugging off his boxers, he placed his hands on my shoulders, pushing me back onto the bed.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, moving so that he hovered over me. Ghosting his fingers along my skin, I moaned. "Oh, God, baby, when you moan like that," he groaned. Words failed me when he lowered his lips to my neck again, kissing and sucking on every inch he could find. Arching into him, I begged for more. Always needing more of him.
Nestling himself at my center, he gripped my thigh, pulling my leg up over his hip. Positioning himself at my entrance, Edward's mouth found mine, swallowing my cry when he thrust himself into me. My hands found purchase on his shoulders, nails digging into his flesh. Tearing his lips from mine, he buried his face into my neck. Pawing at my skin, his movements became harder and faster, yet we weren't rushing. Tightening my arms around him, I held his body closer to mine, silently begging him not to stop.
"Oh, God, baby," he growled against my fervid skin. "I'll never get enough of you."
"I...hope...not," I gasped, pushing my hips up to meet him.
Snaking his arm under me, he lifted my body off the bed, bringing his other hand to rest under my head, cradling me against him. I clung to him, desperately needing more. Always needing more. My toes curled as a wave of pure, arrant pleasure rocketed through me, sending me over the edge. Clamping my lips shut, I struggled not to scream. Edward's mouth found mine, swallowing my cries.
"Oh, fuck," grunted Edward, tearing his lips from mine. "Sweet, holy fuck."
Stilling his hips against my thighs, Edward found his release, shuddering against me. We stayed wrapped in each other, allowing our breathing to calm. Leaning his head back, he smiled. "Come on, let's shower and get to bed. It's been a long day."
Unable to find my voice, I nodded, allowing him to lead me into the bathroom. We showered together, letting our hands roam freely over the other, our eyes only leaving the other when absolutely necessary. Turning off the water, Edward wrapped a towel around me, before stepping out of the shower. He took my hand, making sure I didn't slip when climbing out. Drying off, we put on our pajamas and climbed into bed, snuggling close.
Resting his hand over my belly, Edward leaned down and kissed my shoulder. "I love you, Bella."
"I love you, too," I whispered, feeling my tears beginning to build. Grabbing his arm and hugging it to my chest, I closed my eyes. "Don't leave me alone."
"Never," he promised, and I believed him.
