Good Morning, Dears!

I'm so sorry for how long the wait has been between this chapter and the last. My mind has been far from this crazy family's energy and I've had to find their voice again to get the ball rolling.

It's a bit of a short chapter today, but the good news is that I wrote over 10,000 words yesterday for this story exclusively. It's flowing again, and I should (fingers crossed) be able to post this story daily again until it's completion.

Thank you so much for your patience! This chapter is not beta-read.

Chapter Forty-Six: Bella

December 21, 2022

Cambridge, England

I have been crying in some form or another for the last hour. Whether it's in relief and happiness to see my best friend, from laughing with my family, or the sudden sadness when I realize Rose and Em are not joining us, tears have been leaking from me nonstop.

It would be annoying if everything wasn't so perfect.

"You look amazing." Alice can't stop reaching out to my stomach. I look down at my little bump and shrug.

"Spawn is about the size of a mango, according to my doctor over there," I say, shooting Edward a look across the flat. He doesn't look up from his conversation with his mom. Alice snickers.

"I can't believe my niece or nephew is being known as Spawn."

"Oh, that's just a nickname."

Alice shoots me a look.

"Please do not refer to Esme's first grandchild as Sperm Spawn in front of her."

I can't help my cackle.

"I've really missed you," I tell her. She sinks a little into the sofa, smiling and moving her hand from my stomach to my own hand.

"I've missed you too," she whispers. "It's just not the same without you guys around."

Here come the tears again, and before they can get too out of hand, I take a deep breath.

"So what sort of trouble can you possibly be getting into without me?"

Alice laughs, but begins telling me about her latest project that has managed to get some actual financing. "It's nothing major, you know? It won't be released in theaters or anything like that, but in the indie world it's a pretty big break."

I actually tear up with how proud I am of her.

Before the waterworks can get too out of hand, Edward comes over, his hand landing on my back. I look up at him as he rubs soothing circles between my shoulder blades. "Are you ready for dinner?"

Alice and I nod, standing up from the sofa. I turn to my amazing husband, overcome by emotions once more.

Before he can step away, I yank him into a hug, squeezing the hell out of him.

"Babe," he laughs, sounding slightly breathless. "Can't breathe."

I giggle, but burrow into his chest deeper. "Thank you," I whisper, knowing that even if he can't hear my words, he'll feel them.

His arms tighten around me, and he drops a kiss on the top of my head.

"Come on, Love. Let's get some dinner with our family."