BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME! BABY TIME!

**All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All mistakes are my own.

ENJOY!

10/14/2022


Chapter 24

BPOV


I was in so much pain, I could barely stand it. Edward and Emmett had rushed to mine and Rosalie's sides in an instant. When they started helping us out to the car, my dad demanded that he drive.

Alice and Jasper were like wide-eyed freaks. They were so beside themselves that they didn't know what to say or do. I think there was a convoy of cars on the way to the hospital with my dad leading. I wasn't sure where he got it from, but he had a blue light that he attached to the top of his car and had it flashing the whole way to the hospital. It reminded me of Starsky and Hutch. I honestly didn't know if cops still used those lights or not, but it was quite comical.

Rosalie and I were fortunately placed in a room together, per our request, until Rosalie was whisked away from me when her doctor was ready for her in the operating room. She was lucky that her babies would be born before mine. I was still suffering through the pain after she had been delivered and was in her regular room. That was an hour ago.

We had been at the hospital for a total of four hours. I was hoping to give birth before midnight, which would make our babies being born on the same day. I had two hours to go.

Sporadically, people would come and go out of the room. David even visited for a few minutes before he noticed how uncomfortable I was.

James and Victoria weren't leaving my side. The same for my mom. My dad would stick his head in every thirty minutes or so to see how my progress was going then head back to the waiting room with my brother and sister.

I wasn't sure how many people I could have in the room when Avery arrived, but from the looks of it, she was going to have a huge entourage when she was born.

My mom, Edward, James, Vicky and Esme were clinging to me. I didn't care at that point to have my own brother be in the room. He said he'd seen it when Vicky had Maddie, but also promised to stand to the side and not look at my lady bits... thank goodness.

Alice opted out, claiming she couldn't handle watching me be in so much pain. Although she did tell me that when the time came, I better be there for her and help her push.

Carlisle was with my dad and David. They were keeping Alex, Gracie and Maddie entertained. I was positive they were down the hall visiting with Emmett and Rosalie with their two new bundles. I couldn't wait to meet little Jacob and Riley.

I knew Momma Whitlock and John were here, too. The whole family, immediate and extended, was floating around the hospital, somewhere.

The doctor had just left the room and informed me that I could be a while and asked if I wanted to get an epidural. Of course, I said yes. She said it would be about thirty minutes before the anesthesiologist would be able to get to me. He had two other patients before he could make his way into my room.

James came and sat next to me when Edward said he was heading down to the cafeteria to grab a cup of coffee. "Hey, sis, how ya holding up?"

"I'm having a blast," I said sarcastically then realized I was being a bitch. "I'm sorry." I said before another contraction hit me. "I'm glad you and Vick are here for this; saves you a trip, ha?" I winced when my contraction hit its peak. James grabbed my hand and let me squeeze it. Vick was at my other side, immediately, and grabbing my other hand. They had become such a huge part of my life in such a short amount of time.

God bless, Esme, though. She had sat down to rest for a minute and fell asleep, sitting up. Luckily the chair she was in was a recliner. Edward convinced her to recline it back and put her feet up. I only wished I could sleep; I was exhausted and according to the doctor, when she said a while, I knew she meant many more hours. If I had my way, Avery would be here the moment my water broke.

"That one seemed pretty intense," Vickie said as I released my death grip on her hand. "Hopefully they'll be here soon for your drugs. That tiny tube works wonders. You'll be thanking any and all Gods for that miracle drug."

"I'm sure I will," I said, taking deep breaths as another contraction started to ease its way across my stomach. They were starting to get closer and closer. "Where the hell is Edward?"

"He'll be right back, sis," James said, pushing some hair behind my ear. I looked around for my mom and when I didn't see her, I was sure she went to get coffee with my husband. "Just think, after tonight, no more waiting and little miss..." He scrunched up his nose, knitting his eyebrows together. "What's her name, anyway?"

He let me finish breathing through my pain. "We wanted to wait until she's born, but right now, why not. We're naming her Avery Louise and we're gonna call her Avery Lou."

"Awe... Bella, I love it. That's a perfect name for a perfect little girl," Vickie expressed, leaning down and kissing the side of my head. "You're doing great, sis." Vickie had started calling me sis, too. I didn't care; I was everyone's sis or sissy.

Edward and mom came walking back into the room a couple of minutes later, laughing about something. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, I was just telling Edward about how your dad was when I went into labor with Alex and Gracie. He was like a crazy cat chasing a laser pointer when he was trying to get my stuff packed into the car before we left for the hospital." Mom giggled at the memory. "He still ended up forgetting to grab my toiletries bag off the bathroom sink. I even had a list of things that needed to be taken care of, but he acted like the typical first time father and lost his head."

"I think I'm doing pretty well, over here. At least I hope I am," Edward said, defending himself as he took a sip of his coffee.

I smiled up at him. "You're doing great first time daddy." Another contraction started to hit, and I wondered if I would ever get my drugs. Luckily, before the contraction eased away, the anesthesiologist came walking in. Everyone but Edward left the room. They even woke Esme up so I could get my epidural.

He had me sit up on the side of the bed and wrap myself around a pillow. Edward sat in front of me and held my hand while the doctor put the tiny tube in my back.

It took nearly forty minutes before he got the tube in my back. He had tried twice before finally getting it to go in correctly the third time. By the time I laid back down, the world came rushing at me like a speeding bullet. "Oh, my God! I feel like I have to push!"

"I'll get your doctor, but you were only dilated to four before I came in here. I doubt it's time for you to push," he said, while gathering his things. "Actually, just buzz your nurse and let them know."

"I don't know if I can hold it. Edward, look down there," I said while grunting and trying to keep myself from pushing. The pressure was becoming unbearable.

He didn't hesitate to lift the sheet and take a peek. All of a sudden, Edwards' eyes grew wide and dropped the sheet like it was a ball of fire. "Um...shit, I see her head."

"WHAT?!"

I picked up the buzzer for the nurses' station and pressed it multiple times. "Can I help you?"

"I need my doctor immediately; my daughter's coming out. My husband says he can see her head," I said in a rush, plopping back on my pillows and clamping my legs together. "Grrrr...HURRY! I can't hold her in for much longer!"

Edward stood next to me and tried to keep me focused on my breathing. "You're doing good, baby. She should be here in just a second."

"What the fuck do you know? You're not having to squeeze your legs together to keep your child in! It's like having to take a shit and can't find a bathroom!" He took everything I was spewing at him. He knew I was in a lot of pain and didn't mean the hostility I was pushing at him. He decided to keep his mouth shut and kept wiping the hair from my face. I heard him whining a couple of times when I gripped his hand so hard that I could've broken it.

What seemed like forever, but was really only a minute or two, my doctor and two nurses came rushing through the door. My doctor was pulling on the disposable medical coverings to keep anything from getting on her clothes. "Mrs. Cullen, you're a quick one, aren't you?"

"Just hurry, please!" I was rubbing my legs together like a cricket, trying not to open them and push Avery out. "Oh, God, I can't hold it anymore."

Seconds later, James, Esme, Mom and Vickie, came running into the room. Mom took one side of the bed while Edward stayed on the other. Mom took my hand and Vickie helped get my legs up in the stirrups. I saw James standing off to the side so he didn't have any visual of my lady bits. Esme was next to Edward but closer to my head while he had a full line of sight of his daughter's birth.

My doctor positioned herself between my legs and raised the sheet to have a look. "Well, I'd say you're ready to push. Her head is almost all the way out." She snapped on some medical gloves and slipped on a plastic shield over her face. She looked ridiculous, but I knew it was necessary. "Okay, when I say go, I want you to push down like you're having the biggest poop of your life. This should only take a couple of pushes; you've done most the work without me, already." I felt her do something down there then she nodded her head at me. "Okay, go Bella; give me a nice big push. Grandma's, Daddy, count to ten for her."

"Auntie Vickie will help, too. So will Uncle James. Right honey?" Vickie asked, excitedly, over her shoulder to my brother.

"Sure, but I'm staying over here. I really don't wanna see my sister's stuff." James stepped over behind my mom and eased up next to her. He reached over and pushed some hair off my face. "You're doing good, sis. We're all here."

I started pushing and I could feel the burning and ripping pain as Avery started coming out. Edward was holding my hand and looking over between my legs as our daughter was making her first appearance into the world. "Okay, her head's out, Bella. Hold on, don't push. I have to suction her."

Edward kissed my forehead. "She has dark hair, like the both of us. And a lot of it. God, I love you."

"Okay, Bella, one more big push and she'll be here. Ready, go!"

I pushed with all my might and a few seconds later, I heard the cry of our daughter – Avery Louise Cullen – as she came into the world. It was a sound that graced my ears, and I thanked every lucky star that passed through my life, for her.

I started crying the moment she came out. Edward had tears streaming down his face, as well. I glanced around seeing my mom, Vickie and James, crying also. Esme was completely beside herself. She had three grandbabies born in one day. She had already been down to Rosalie's room after Jacob and Riley were born. We were all one big cry fest. "Look at her, she's so beautiful. I can't believe three grandbabies in one day. You gotta tell me her name."

"Avery Louise," Edward said. "She's our little Avery Lou."

"Oh, I love it. C'mon James, Esme, let's go tell everyone." Mom kissed my forehead. "I'll be back in a few minutes." Once mom and James left the room, Vickie took her spot next to me.

Moments later, Avery had been wiped off and laid on my chest. Edward had cut her cord, and I was surprised he could see through the tears that kept falling from his eyes. He was a blubbering mess. Here he was, a big football player/coach and one sight of his daughter, had him crying like baby himself.

"Awe...look at her. She looks just like you, sis; she's beautiful," Vickie said, reaching over and pulling Avery's small cap up to look at her hair. "Her hair's almost black."

"Thank you for being here. I wanted her to be born before midnight and looks like I got my wish," I said, looking up at the clock. "What was the exact time she was born?" It was past midnight, but I knew she was born before it struck twelve.

"11:56 pm. I heard your sister in-law had her twins tonight, too," my doctor asked as she was still fixing me up.

"Yeah, our waters broke about the same time. It was weird. She wasn't due for a few more weeks and was scheduled for a C-section, but I guess the big guy above had different plans for us," I said, looking up at Edward. He had a huge smile on his face with his eyes glued on Avery. "Here, you can take her. Let me get finished over here then we can cuddle together with her."

"You don't need to ask me twice," he said. "C'mon Vick, let's take a better look at this princess."

"Actually, she needs to get her weight and her other testing done. You can just hand her off to the nurse; that's why she is standing there," my doctor said with a chuckle. "Bella will be ready to move to her regular room in about an hour, then you can bring everyone else back. I know it's past midnight, but I'm giving you permission to let your family in. You just need to be extra quiet."

"Thanks Dr. Mulinax. They're probably all going insane out there," I said, wincing when she pressed down on my stomach. "Did I need stitches?"

"Yeah, just a few. Your husband asked me beforehand if I'd give you a few extra," she said, giggling. "I just gave you what you needed." She patted my knee. "Men...always thinking that one or two extra stitches will tighten you right back up."

I was so embarrassed and couldn't believe Edward would actually ask her to stitch me up more. He was lucky he was over watching what they were doing to Avery, or I would punch him in the junk for even asking an asinine question like that.

Mom, Esme and James, stepped back into the room just as my doctor was helping get me situated on the bed and covering me up. "Your Dad and Carlisle took the kids back to the house. David's still here, though. He said he couldn't wait to meet his Great granddaughter. Alice and Jasper are passed out looking like they're trying to catch flies."

"Did you wake them?" I just realized that my legs were completely numb, and they felt like a ton of bricks attached to the bottom part of my body.

"No, I figured I'd wake them up when they got you in your room. Joan and John said they'd be back bright and early tomorrow."

"I'm gonna go ahead and go, sweetie. Vickie and James are gonna go home with me and we'll be back in the morning. You and Edward need some alone time with my granddaughter." Esme leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Not before I find out the statistics on my little Avery, first."

The nurse that had been handling Avery stepped over to give us all the details. "Well, considering she was a couple of weeks early, her weight was down a little. She weighs five pounds, twelve ounces and she's nineteen inches long. Her Apgar is an eight, which is really good. She's perfect and healthy as ever."

"She is perfect. I'll get all my lovin's in tomorrow when I come back. You two try and get some rest. I love you, both." Esme gave us hugs and then hugged my mom before she grabbed her purse and waited for Vickie and James to say their goodbyes.

Once they left, my nurse came back in the room and started gathering my things. They were moving me to my room for the next day or so. I looked up when I saw my mom taking some of my stuff then I knew she wasn't leaving my side. "Mom, you need to go get some rest, too."

"I'm staying just a little longer. I'm driving David to his hotel after he gets to visit with you. He doesn't have his car here," she explained as they wheeled me down the hallway to my new room.

Thirty minutes later, I was all set up in my new room. Edward left to go get David, Jasper and Alice from the waiting room. It meant a lot to me that they stuck around to meet Avery. David and I were still mending our fences and my forgiveness to him is edging its way into my heart. He really did seem sincere about his true feelings and how he wished he had done things differently toward my mom and me. We'll get there and I have a good feeling that he'll be around a lot more in the upcoming future since he got a clean bill of health. He even mentioned moving here to Seattle.

Edward poked his head in through the door to make sure I was decent. "Your visitor's are here." He announced and stepped through the door with David, Jasper and Alice trailing him. David looked apprehensive about stepping close to me until I waved him over. Edward gave him a little push my way to break the tension.

"Come meet Avery Louise Cullen, your Great granddaughter." I patted the spot on the bed next to me for him to come closer. Reluctantly, he did and the brightness in his smile, told me that this was a treasure to him. Alice and Jasper stood back and watched our interaction with each other.

He settled on the bed next to me and looked over at Avery. "She's absolutely the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. She looks just like you, Isabella. I remember when you were first born. I wanted to hold you so badly and do all those grandpa things with you." He began to break down. Tears were streaming down his face as he traced a finger along Avery's little cheek. "I was weak, Isabella. A weak piece of garbage that doesn't even deserve an ounce of your hospitality, right now."

"Can we not do this right now? You're trying and that matters. Let's enjoy these first moments," I suggested and smiled up at him. He smiled back and reached up, pushing the blanket back from Avery's face. "She has her daddy's lips and chin. She's not entirely me."

"I love her, already. Unconditionally and I promise to be there for you from now on and for her, whenever she needs me. I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon," David said, more tears fell from his eyes as he stared down at his Great granddaughter.

I smiled with tears in my eyes. Seeing him cry, made the water works turn on, full force with me. "Thank you, David; that means a lot to me." I sighed before leaning my head down and kissing Avery on the top of her head. "When do you head home?"

"Well," he shrugged his shoulders. "I'm in no hurry." He looked at me, not sure how he wanted to say his next words. "Um...I wanted to ask you how you felt about me moving here to be closer?"

I looked up at Edward and he gave me a small nod, reassuring me that it was entirely my decision whether or not I wanted to build my relationship with David. "I'm actually okay with that. When do you plan on moving?"

"Well, my house is already up for sale. I wanted to sell it regardless of the situation, but I'd like to move the sooner the better," he said, glancing up at me for approval.

"Have you looked into places to live out here?" I had an idea and I wondered how he felt about it.

"Not really. I don't want the responsibility of a house and the upkeep. Maybe an apartment or a condo? I'm too old to be getting out and doing yard work all the time," he said, chuckling at himself.

I looked up at Edward before speaking to make sure he was paying attention to what I was about to say. "Well, I might have an idea. Edward and I will be moving into our new house soon. Definitely before Christmas and from the looks of things, James said we could even be in there by September, which is in a few months." I gauged his facial expression for my next suggestion. "How do you feel about moving into my loft? It's paid for and I really don't wanna sell it. You don't have to worry about yard work, of course and it's been a great place. It holds lots of great memories for me there."

He looked stunned at my words and another bout of tears started flowing from his eyes. "The money you make from selling your house can be banked and all you'll have to worry about is your utilities."

"I don't know what to say. Of course I'm grateful for the offer, but..."

I didn't let him finish his sentence. "David, you won't be putting us out. Like I said, we'll be moving into our house, soon. James said that now that Avery is here, he'd speed up the construction and can have it ready in no time. It would all be up to you. You could either move when we do or come when your house sells. It's up to you."

I never did tell David about the dream I had of Phil. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to. I was afraid to admit that the dream had a lot to do with my decision to give David a chance. So far, I wasn't regretting any of it. I wanted to tell him, but today wasn't that day.

I saw a few more tears fall from his eyes. "I don't know what to say. I don't deserve any of this. I really don't and here you are, giving me a chance."

"David, everyone deserves a second a chance and some may call me crazy for even talking to you in the first place, but that's my choice. It's James' and my moms, too. It's a crazy and evil story, but it's ours and we're dealing with it. It's also a lot to take in for all of us, but know that, it's a forgive but never forget situation."

"I know all that and I completely understand if you never forgive me," he said, patting my hand. "Just know that I do love you and appreciate you letting me be a part of your life now and also giving me a chance to know my Great granddaughter."

"She's right, you know." I didn't even know my mom was in the room, but there she stood, listening to our conversation. "We're dealing with this the best we can. We'll eventually get to the forgiving part, but we'll never forget and we have to come to an agreement that we'll never hold this over your head. It won't make things right. You've dealt with enough over the years as well as us and we'll get there. It just takes time and all we can do is make the best of it and enjoy the new additions to our family. It's a new lease on life for you."

Mom walked over and wrapped her arms around David. "C'mon, little momma needs her rest so we can come back tomorrow. Edward looks like he's about to pass out."

David looked up at me. "Can I hug you?"

Edward stepped over and took Avery from me. "Yes, I'd like that."

David stood and leaned over, wrapping his arms around me. "I love you, Isabella. Never forget that. You did an amazing job with bringing Avery into this world."

"Thank you, David. And just so you know, you can call me Bella. Everyone else does," I said, pulling back from our hug. "I'll see you two sometime tomorrow. It's really late and I'm pretty tired myself."

David smiled at me. "Well, someday I hope you can call me grandpa; I'd really like that."

I nodded at him, not feeling comfortable at that particular moment to address his hopes.

Mom leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Night, sweetie. We'll see you tomorrow." Then she stepped over to Edward and Avery giving Edward a kiss on the cheek and snuggling her face by Avery's.

She and David left, leaving me and Edward with our daughter. Alice took a spot next to me while Edward showed Avery off to Jasper. He was cooing over her and I could see how much he wanted to start a family. He wanted a baby so bad, but was going with Alice's wishes and waiting.

Alice gave me a huge smile before speaking. "How are you?"

"I'm better than I expected. Thanks for waiting; I'm glad you're here," I said, reaching up and pulling her into a hug. "I'm a mom, now. Can you believe it?"

"You'll be the perfect mom. She'll never be left out of anything if I have anything to do with it. Her Auntie Alice will make sure of that," Alice said, glancing over at Jasper. "He wants a baby so bad. I don't know if I can wait. Look at the way he's looking at her. I know he'll look at our kids the same way."

I nodded, agreeing with her. "He'll wait as long as it takes, but don't rush to give him a family if you aren't ready."

"I know," she said. "But after seeing him with her..." we looked over as Edward put Avery into Jasper's arms. "I'm getting that feeling myself that I can't wait. I keep feeling like there's something missing in my life and maybe that's it?"

"Just make your decision wisely. Edward and I were ready and then we accidentally got what we wanted and I'll never regret that condom breaking," I said, chuckling at my own memory of the night, I am positive, that Avery was conceived.

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I'm on the shot, but I'm due for one next month. I don't think I'm gonna get it. I've been researching about how long it might take for me to conceive after the shot is out of my system."

"Who knows, maybe you'll be knocked up by your wedding day," I giggled, thinking about her being pregnant like I was on my wedding day.

Jasper walked over, holding Avery. Alice stood up and peered over at her. She kissed her forehead. "She's so soft. Hi, baby; I'm your Auntie Alice and I'm going to spoil you rotten."

Jasper chuckled. "I think she'll be spoiled no matter what. She has so many people that love her." He looked down at Avery. "Ain't that right, darlin'? You'll have everyone eating out of the palm of your hand. And you have two cousins that'll be right beside you doing the same thing."

"How are Rose and the babies doing?"

"They're doing really good. Jacob Xavier was born two minutes before his sister weighing six pounds, nine ounces and Riley Olivia weighed six pounds on the dot," Edward said, sitting down on the bed next to me. "You can go see them tomorrow. I asked the nurse if you could visit and take Avery with you. They're only four rooms away."

Alice finally got to hold Avery and I could see the light in her eyes as she looked down on her. Her smile was infectious. It wouldn't be long before she was waddling around expecting her and Jasper's first child. I'm happy for them and know for a fact that they'd be the best damn parents ever.

An hour later they left telling us they'd be back sometime the next day. I knew there would be a flurry of activity around us. I was going to suggest that I hang out in Rose's room for most of the day so everyone didn't' have to keep going room to room.

Edward had Avery in his arms. I knew he would be reluctant about relinquishing her over to me. She was sleeping, but I could tell Edward didn't want to put her down at all. "You can lay her down so we can get some sleep. She'll be up in a couple of hours to eat."

"I just can't stop looking at her. I can't believe she's here already," he said in a whisper, staring down at her as he cradled her in his arms. "I feel like if I lay her down that when I pick her up, she'll be all grown and not my little baby girl anymore."

"C'mere. Come closer so we can both look at her for a few minutes. I can barely keep my eyes open, but looking at her will keep them open for a few more minutes."

And that's what we did for about five minutes. Edward finally laid her down in her clear plastic bassinet before he stretched out in the recliner that was in my room. I was asleep in no time.


I stretched and sat up in the bed, leaning against the mound of pillows that was behind me. The room was silent. Edward must've stepped out to let me sleep and went to the cafeteria. The bassinet with Avery in it was situated directly next to my bed.

"She's beautiful," I heard someone say from next to me. I thought I was here by myself.

When I looked up, Phil was standing next to Avery, peering down at her as she slept. "She is, isn't she?"

I wasn't scared that he was in my room. Why he was here, I wasn't sure, but for some reason, it felt almost natural to have him standing so close to me and my daughter.

"I had to come see her," he said, reaching down and pulling the blanket away from her face. "...and you, of course. I know you don't want me here, but I had to see my granddaughter. I have no right to say that, but I couldn't help it. I'll never see her grow up, much like with you. I missed out on everything because I was a weak, pompous, piece of crap that let his mother rule him."

I couldn't respond to him, but I wasn't going to make him leave. "I wish things were different, too."

There wasn't anything else I could say to him, but it was true. I do wish things were different. I wish he loved my mother enough to tell Phyllis to leave us alone and let us live our lives in peace. I wish he loved me enough to be a dad to me.

"But you know Charlie is my dad and I love him like he is my own father."

"I know you do, honey and I'm more grateful than anything for Charlie. I'm sure he'd kill me with his bare hands if I were still alive. Your mother deserves him, and he was perfect for you two, plus Charlie gave her two more children. I knew your mother prevented us from having more and I don't blame her. I would've done the same if I was in her position and I'm glad she did."

"Dad really does love us and would do anything to protect us." I couldn't take my eyes off Avery as we spoke. I felt spooked at little as if he was going to take her. "What's the real reason you're here?"

"I wanted to thank you for giving my dad a chance. He's gonna be around for a while and I'm glad he has you now. And the rest of your family. They seem to be taking him in like he's one of you, already."

"You're welcome. I feel that some people deserve second chances and David is one of them," I replied.

"Would you have ever given me a second chance?" He asked, looking up at me for a split second before putting his eyes back on Avery.

"I can't answer that, and I don't think I can. That's a question that's better left unanswered because we'll never know," I answered, pulling my blanket further up my body. It was cold in the room all of a sudden and I immediately reached for Avery. "It's pretty cold in here. I need to make sure she's warm."

Phil nodded. "I'll leave you then. I won't be back. This is the last time you'll ever see me in all your dreams. It'll be like I never existed." He turned to walk toward the door. "Bye, Isabella. I know you and Edward will be great parents. I've seen it. All of your children turn out to be outstanding individuals."

"Bye, Phil," I said, pulling Avery close to my body for the warmth.


I woke from my dream feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Strangely enough, it didn't seem odd to dream of Phil visiting me. It was almost like the closure I was looking for from him.

"You okay?" I heard Edward ask from next to me. He must've climbed in my bed while I was dreaming. "You were dreaming and mumbling all sorts of stuff about second chances and Phil."

"Yeah, I'm fine, actually. He visited me again. He wanted to see Avery and told me she was beautiful. He also thanked me for giving David a chance. We're apparently having more than one kid, too, because he said all of our children turn out to be outstanding individuals."

"Huh..." He chuckled, giving me a wry smile.

"Let's talk about more kids after Avery's at least two."

"Two?"

"Isn't two a good age..."

So, for the next hour, we talked about what would be a good age for Avery to be before we added to the family. Fortunately, I felt lighter after my dream conversation with Phil. It was like I had a new lease on life and no more worries and hopefully no more bad dreams.


Thanks again,

Reason