Archie and Einstein were playing tug of war with one of his toys at the foot of the bed as Betty dressed for the New Year's party at Cheryl's. The couple was sure Cheryl and Toni would cancel as the realities of tending to the newborn sunk in, but as of four o'clock this afternoon when Betty last spoke to them, the party was still on.

Betty released a heavy sigh as she gave herself a once over in the mirror. "I look fat."

"Betts, you're pregnant, not fat," Archie dropped his end of the toy and rose off the bed to step in behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist to caress her belly.

"I feel fat," she locked eyes with him through the mirror.

"You're still the most beautiful person in the world to me," he pecked at her neck. His mother had warned him when he dropped her off at the airport that Betty would be getting close to that supremely uncomfortable phase where any touching would be shrugged off. He hoped with each day they got closer to her due date that she would sail past that phase.

"We can't even celebrate our engagement," she glanced at the gorgeous diamond ring on her finger. Miraculously, her ring finger was the one part of her anatomy to not be swollen. Even when Archie helped her but on socks a few minutes ago, it was hard not to notice the puffiness of her ankles. Her face was rounder, and her breasts had become engorged. Her doctor had assured her the bloating was normal, but it made looking in the mirror all the more difficult.

"We celebrated," Archie frowned in confusion.

Betty spun to rest her hands on his shoulders, her protruding belly made even giving her fiancé a hug difficult. "Not the way I wanted to," she pouted.

"And how did you want to celebrate?" Archie raised a curious brow.

"By satisfying my physical needs," Betty smiled, "It's a bitch of nature, the desires are still there, but the doctors won't allow me to satisfy them."

Archie chuckled. Her OB/GYN had advised them against having sex for the remainder of Betty's pregnancy just before the holidays. Betty hadn't kept her annoyance about the restrictions a secret. "I'll make it up to you."

"How?" she challenged him, "By the time we can make love again, I'll be too tired to have any interest."

"Even if we have to wait five years, I'll be more than patient," he grinned.

"Five years," she sputtered, "Don't be ridiculous."

"Just remember that our sacrifice is for Frederick," he caressed her belly, feeling the near constant movement of their son against his palm. God, he loved this feeling.

"He's giving me wicked heartburn," Betty told him.

"Did you want me to make some of that ginger tea Toni recommended?" Archie asked.

"Would you mind?" Betty bit her lip.

"Not at all," Archie pressed his lips to her forehead as Einstein rubbed himself against their legs. He wasn't used to being ignored for so long. Since Christmas Day when he first arrived at the Andrews' house, he'd been treated to constant attention by every adult in the house. "Come on, Einnie, let's go make Mama some tea."

Betty rolled her eyes. Archie and Einstein were practically attached at the hip. The only time he had much interest in Betty's affections were when Archie was out of the house. She wondered how Einstein was going to handle their shifting attentions in a few weeks. She made a mental note to ask Beverly for some pointers on how to get the pup through the transition.

Looking at herself in the mirror again, she resigned herself to the fact that she looked as good as she could. "Even though I look like a duplex, I wouldn't trade you for anything," Betty spoke to her baby as she rubbed her belly.

Archie returned in short order with her tea. He plopped down on the bed with Einstein at his feet. He could see in her expression that there was more going on in her head than her physical appearance. "If you really want to stay home, we can. Cheryl and Toni will understand."

"I know," Betty sighed, "Part of me would like nothing more than to curl up with you on the sofa and watch the ball drop."

"And the other part?" Archie asked.

"Wants to announce our engagement," Betty smiled. "Keeping this from everyone because we wanted to tell them together is exhausting. I just want to scream it from the rooftops."

"Me too," he chuckled, "Technically you have already spilled the beans once."

"It slipped out," Betty blushed.

Archie snickered, "It's okay. I knew you wouldn't be able to hold it in around Cheryl and Toni. They are sort of your secret kryptonite."

"They really are. Heck, I call Cheryl all the time to spill my secrets," Betty laughed in agreement before her head turned at the sound of a motorcycle humming down the street. "Sounds like Mom and FP are off to their party."

"How can you tell?" Archie asked, "That could easily be Jughead's cycle."

"No," Betty shook her head, "Jughead's cycle sounds different."

"Must be one of those pregnancy senses kicking in," he smiled. He couldn't tell one cycle's rumbling from another.

"I thought Jug was going back to New York to see the ball drop in Time Square," Betty turned and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as best she could.

"Does Jug seem like the type of guy who would enjoy that type of celebration?" Archie raised a brow.

"Good point."

"He and JB are probably at Pop's downing cheeseburgers before he drops her at a party. Then he's going to go somewhere quiet and read some book I wouldn't have a prayer of understanding," Archie smiled.

"Yeah, maybe," Betty frowned.

"What's wrong?" he noted her change in mood.

"I don't like any of our friends celebrating tonight alone," Betty felt her emotions start to take over. Tears welled in her eyes. "Will you call and invite Jug to Cheryl's party?"

"I can invite him," Archie pulled his phone from his pocket, recognizing one of Betty's hormonal mood swings taking over, "I can't guarantee he'll join us."

"Talk him into it," Betty demanded as she wiped the tears threatening to spill.

"I'll do my best," he promised. "You know I might be wrong. One of the Serpents could be throwing a party. He might go to that."

Betty disappeared into the bathroom to make sure her latest mood swing didn't smudge her makeup and then emerged with a radiant smile on her face, her mood clearly changed for the better.

"Ready to go?" Archie extended his hand.

"Yep," Betty bobbed her head, "I'm starving. I hope they have those little hotdogs in a blanket. I have a craving for them right now."

"I'm sure Toni took care of the food. She'll know what pregnant women crave," Archie smiled as Einstein chased them out of the room.

"Don't forget the present for the baby," Betty reminded,

"It's already by the front door," Archie assured her. Toni and Cheryl were overjoyed to welcome their baby girl just a few days after Christmas. The little princess was going to be spoiled. Betty had already showered her with gifts but couldn't resist another which was what was waiting by the door. They had wait until Toni and Cheryl had announced their baby's name to give them this final gift.

"I love that they named her after Nana Rose," Betty smiled.

"Rose Antonia Blossom-Topaz," Archie nodded. "It's a mouthful, but it's a good name."

"Yeah," Betty replied, "I like that little Freddie is going to have someone he'll be so close to."

"It's too bad Mom couldn't stay through the New Year, but she's got to be in court the day after tomorrow. It's her final case before the baby is due, so she's got to see it though," Archie replied

"I think Grandma Mary left just in time," Betty noted as they passed the nursery that the trio had spent Mary's holiday break decorating.

"She was getting to you, wasn't she?" Archie frowned.

"I know she means well, but she had all these ideas that were just not part of our vision for the room. At least my mom kept her opinions to herself for the most part."

"Alice has learned a lot about keeping her mouth shut over the years," Archie agreed. "She doesn't want to lose you or Polly again."

"Mary's just excited," Betty smiled, "It's her first grandchild. Mom's been through this before...well at least sort of. She wasn't exactly keen on celebrating Juniper or Dagwood when they first arrived, but she's more than happy to spoil them now."

"Dagwood wants a boy and Juniper wants two girls so they can gang up on Dagwood," Archie told her as they walked down the stairs with Einstein chasing them down. He circled in front of the door. The dog hadn't yet grasped that Betty and Archie could leave him home alone.

"Well, Juniper already knows it's a boy, and she's requested a girl with the next one," Betty rubbed at her stomach. Little Freddie was kicking away.

"Smart to put in her order," Archie chuckled as he helped her into her coat.

"Planning ahead?" Betty smiled.

"Absolutely," Archie said, "Freddie's going to need a sibling or two."

"We're making things legal before we have the next one," Betty jabbed a finger into his chest.

"Heck yeah," Archie smiled, "I'd marry you tonight if I could."

"Tempting," she caressed his face as she gave him an adoring smile.

"We could," he said, "Say the word, and we can drive to Niagara Falls."

Betty made a showing of zipping her lips shut and locking them.

Archie couldn't help but laugh. Every now and then she'd do something that would remind him of the little girl he'd grown up with.

"I would, but we were there with Cher and Toni. I want them there with us," Betty said, "And honestly you wouldn't have gotten married without your dad. Your mom deserves the same courtesy."

"You make a good point," Archie picked up the gift bag and then held the door for Betty.

"Now quick, take me to the party before I change my mind," Betty giggled as they walked to the truck.

Arriving at the party, Betty and Archie were greeted by Toni and Baby Rose. Betty immediately gobbled her up. "She's even cuter today than she was a view days ago."

"Yeah, she's not as wrinkly," Toni snickered.

"She has all the favorite features of my beautiful wife," Cheryl gushed.

"I can certainly see the resemblance," Archie smiled at Toni, "How are you feeling?"

"Still pretty sore, but I'm feeling better each day. It helps that I barely have to lift a finger," Toni motioned towards Cheryl, "She's been doing much of the heavy lifting. All I've had to do is breastfeed and change a couple of diapers."

"Take notes, Andrews," Betty motioned for Archie to hand over the bag they'd brought, "We couldn't resist."

"Never resist a present," Cheryl immediately dug into the bag and pulled out a baby sized red leather jacket, "Oh my God. This is just like my old one."

"We saw it in the store, and it was just too perfect," Betty smiled brightly, "We even had her name sown into the lapel."

"I love it," Cheryl ran her fingers over the stitching.

"I'm glad," Betty smiled.

"Here we are standing in the entryway, when we have a pregnant lady who definitely wants to have a seat," Toni reclaimed her daughter and motioned Betty and Archie towards the room where the rest of the guests were already milling around.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted when Betty and Archie stepped into the room. They immediately noticed the streamers and banner proclaiming this to be a baby shower.

"What is all this?" Betty glanced around the room at the decorations.

"This is your baby shower," Polly dashed over and hugged her sister, "We know you said you didn't want one, but it's just too darn bad. We're giving you one."

Betty looked at Archie, "Did you know about this?"

"Not a clue, I swear," Archie shook his head.

"He didn't," JB shook her head as she hugged Betty, "We all know how much he stinks at keeping secrets."

"Hey," Archie protested.

"We've been planning for weeks, and we promise no lame games. It's just presents and food with close family and friends," Alice approached and hugged her daughter, "You look beautiful, Sweetheart."

"Thanks, Mom," Betty hugged her back and then laughed at the look on Archie's face when she hugged him too. Alice hugging Archie was certainly a shift from how she felt about him during Betty's teenage years when he was nothing but trouble.

"Hey, Betty," Kevin greeted her.

"I thought you weren't coming until next week," she hugged him tightly.

"Surprise," he laughed excitedly. "I start a new job in a few days. Had to make it in for that."

"New job?" Betty asked.

"L.A. can just kiss my a-s-s," Kevin chuckled, knowing that he'd have to keep it relatively clean for Juniper and Dagwood's sake, "You're looking at the new drama and music teacher for Riverdale High."

"Oh my god, that's fantastic," Betty gushed, "The students will be so lucky to have you."

"Of course, they will," Kevin smiled.

"Hey, Kev," Archie greeted him. "Congratulations and welcome home."

"Riverdale is not like how I left it," Kevin motioned between the two of them, "Archie Andrews knocking up Betty Cooper before putting a ring on it. Definitely not how I saw that happening."

"Yeah, well, life doesn't happen how it's planned," Archie chimed in.

"I know," Kevin offered his hand to Archie, "You did good, Archie."

"Surprise," Mary ran over to hug the pair.

"Mom, I drove you to the airport," Archie was stunned to see her.

"Yeah, you did," Jughead joined the conversation, "I then picked her up and brought her back to Riverdale so we could surprise both of you."

"Thank you," Archie shook Jug's hand knowing the other boy's aversion to emotional scenes in public places.

"Sorry, Jug, you're just going to have to put up with me hugging you," Betty wrapped her arms around her ex-boyfriend. "I'm glad you're here."

"Yeah, me too," he smiled, "You look really happy, both of you do."

"We are really happy," Betty turned her glanced towards Archie. "Arch, are you going to make the announcement or wait until the ball drops?"

"Announcement?" Polly looked between the pair eagerly, "What more could you announce? Your pregnant, and it's a boy. Everyone here knows all those details."

"Yeah, well, how about the fact that we're engaged?" Betty held up her ringed hand.

"Oh my god!" Polly exclaimed in excitement as she hugged her sister tight, "This is fantastic! I just brought the twins and Hugo over for a playdate, and you never said anything."

"And it was torture," Betty moaned, "You have no idea how hard it was to keep the secret, but we wanted to tell everyone at the same time."

"Oh, my goodness," Alice hugged the pair, "Have you started planning yet?"

"Only a little bit the day Archie proposed with Mary," Betty shook her head, "We've decided to wait until after Frederick makes an appearance to even discuss anything more about wedding plans."

"So much wonderfulness to look forward to," Alice's hand pressed to her daughter's belly.

"Yes, I think this coming year will be my favorite ever," Betty looked adoringly at Archie. Even though they hadn't yet really talked about anything wedding related, she was pretty sure both she and Archie didn't want to wait more than a few months after Freddie was born to have the ceremony.

With their big announcement out of the way, the baby shower went into full effect. Though Alice had promised no lame games, they'd still managed to find some games of the baby variety that actually turned out to be fun, and then they were given a plethora of gifts. Even though she hadn't wanted a shower, she found herself having fun.

After the gifts had been opened, the tone of the party shifted back to New Year's Eve as everyone gathered in the rec room where the television was tuned into the Time Square countdown.

Betty ran her fingers through the hair at the nape of Archie's neck as he sat on the floor in front of her while her head rested on one of Cheryl's shoulders. She smiled when Archie's hand skimmed over her calf lightly.

Archie tilted his head to see his fiancée's eyes drooping. He'd made her take a nap before the party because she was tiring easier as the pregnancy progressed. She looked half asleep. "Are you going to make it, Babe?"

"Trying my hardest," she smiled down at him sleepily.

"If you want to leave, we won't mind," Cheryl told her cousin, "We may even shove everyone else out after you."

Toni giggled from Cheryl's other shoulder, "Or follow you to your place." Rose had been tucked into bed several hours ago, though Toni and Cheryl took turns with the baby monitor.

Betty snorted, "We're pathetic."

"We have a newborn, and you're about to pop," Cheryl pointed out.

"And my parents are showing more energy than us," Betty motioned towards the parental units.

"Again, no bun in the oven," Toni replied, "The last month was the worst for fatigue. I would fall asleep in the strangest of places."

"True story," Cheryl chimed in, "I found her asleep in the pantry. Apparently sneaking a snack was extremely taxing to my pregnant partner."

Betty giggled looking around, "Cher, this was the original Blossom home, right?"

"Yeah, until my great-grandparents built Thornhill. They still had parties here though."

"If walls could talk," Kevin joined them, sitting by Toni's feet.

"Oh, those would be some scary stories," Toni responded with dread. Her wife had filled her head with so many horror stories. She'd wake up in a cold sweat if Cheryl wasn't asleep beside her.

"They can't all be scary," Betty frowned.

"I could make a good living writing horror fiction using my family history," Cheryl said.

"Did Nana ever tell you any stories about parties given here?" Archie asked.

"She would spin a yarn or two," Cheryl smiled, "There was one in particular that she used to tell over and over, how she met my grandfather."

"She met your grandfather at a party here?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah," Cheryl nodded.

"What was the occasion?" Toni asked.

"New Year's Eve," Cheryl nodded.

"Oh, wow," Archie replied.

"What's the story?" Betty felt herself perk up a bit at the prospect of hearing about a happily ever after tale, especially since she currently felt like she was getting her own, "Wait, it's a good story, right?"

"Yes, it's sweet actually," Cheryl said, "They still had mistletoe up, and they ended up underneath it at the same time."

"Awe," Toni and Betty gushed at the same time.

Cheryl smiled, "Nana said it was the best kiss she'd ever had."

"That's sweet," Kevin smiled.

"I always liked it," Cheryl nodded.

Archie tilted his head to look at Betty, "She always liked a good bedtime story."

Betty shoved at his shoulder in retaliation and then leaned in slightly for a kiss, which Archie was quick to grant.

"Mind if I join you?" Jughead sat between Archie and Kevin.

"Bored, Jug?"

"With all the good eats? Never," Jughead smiled as he motioned towards the plate in his lap.

Betty gave Archie a slightly awkward smile. Even though Jughead had been around more and more recently, it still felt a bit awkward when the trio were together.

Archie gave her hand a squeeze, understanding her smile.

"Do you realize that this time next year you'll have a one-year-old, and we'll have an almost one-year-old?" Betty said to Cheryl.

"Yeah, it's going to be a fun holiday season," Cheryl smiled, "Chasing after two toddlers who will get into everything."

"Sounds familiar," Jug snorted as he took a bite from the sandwich on his plate.

"Are you two going to have more?" Betty asked.

"Yeah, but we're waiting a couple of years and then it's my turn," Cheryl said.

"Yeah, Archie doesn't get to take a turn," Betty playfully shoved at his shoulder, "I get to do all the work."

"It's totally worth it, Betty," Toni assured her.

"I know," Betty ran a hand over her stomach, "I can't wait to meet him."

Cheryl smiled, taking Toni's hand as they watched Archie reach up and cover Betty's hand with his.

There was an awkward moment where Jughead had to turn away, but Betty and Archie ignored it. They weren't ashamed of their relationship, nor would they hide their feelings. If Jughead wanted to be a part of the family, he'd have to get used to it.

"Five more minutes," Betty sighed in relief as she spotted the countdown clock on the screen. "I can make it five more minutes…I think."

"We'll keep you awake," Cheryl assured her just as they heard Rose cry on the monitor.

"That's me," Toni was off the sofa in an instant, "Sounds like her hungry cry. I was hoping to get a few extra minutes."

"I'd stop time for you if I could, my love," Cheryl called after her wife.

"Wow, can it get any sappier in here," Jughead quipped, "Between the newly engaged couple and the recently married couple, I'm really starting to regret agreeing to this party thing."

"Where is Tabitha, tonight?" Betty asked.

"She's still visiting her mom," Jughead replied, "She said she was going to be back tomorrow."

"That sucks you guys couldn't spend your first Christmas and New Year's together," Betty frowned.

"It's alright," Jughead shrugged, "Maybe we'll get another shot at it."

Archie lifted a curious brow in his friend's direction, "You guys getting serious?"

"I guess," Jughead shrugged a second time, "I mean I'm not in any hurry to knock her up and put a ring on it."

"Hey," Betty kicked him with her foot, "Be nice."

"Sorry," Jughead grumbled.

"If you can't play nice, Jones, I'm going to ask you to leave," Cheryl eyed him critically.

"Fine, sorry," Jughead repeated, "Tabby and I are having fun. I need something that doesn't have a lot of heaviness. There is so much negativity in Riverdale, and honestly if my dad and Jelly weren't here, I'd have put this town and everyone in it in my rearview window a long time ago."

"Even me and Archie?" tears welled in Betty's eyes.

"Honestly, yes," Jughead admitted, "Tabitha wasn't a part of everything we went through in high school. She may know some of the history, but she doesn't know or ask for details."

"Sometimes fresh starts are a good thing," Betty pushed the tears away.

"That's what Tabby feels like to be," he admitted.

"Then we're all happy for you…truly," Betty glanced at the rest of their friends and family in the room.

After the ball dropped, everyone in attendance began to trickle out with Betty and Archie at the head of the pack. Jughead and FP helped Archie load all their goodies into the back seat of the truck as Betty made quick farewells, taking a few extra moments with sound asleep Rose.

Mary joined them on the ride home as Archie promised he'd drive her to the airport first thing in the morning, and his mom vowed this time that she'd actually get on the plane.

Betty was sound asleep by the time Archie pulled into the driveway. He carried her up to their bedroom and tucked her in. She hardly twitched a muscle. He watched her sleep for several minutes, marveling at how much he loved the woman he was lucky enough to ring the new year in with.

TBC...