Alice's now eight months along and so much has happened. Thackery found someone who loves him completely. Her name is Tanna Cotton and yes she's a hare. Thackery had calmed down tremendously since he started courting her. They're engaged and their wedding will be in two weeks time. Mirana and Carlisle made Alice head supervisor of the rebuilding efforts in Underland. My village in Witzend was the first of Alice's projects. She wanted to rebuild it the way I remembered it and so far it is coming around fast. To Alice and I's surprise, Carlisle asked the builders to rebuild the Hightopp family home. Carlisle and I were extremely busy in our shops. I'm very happy about that. We get to keep each other company when we're finished with our projects. Sophia picked up her trade again which was making shoes. She has her own shop next to me and Carlisle. We have a nickname for ourselves: the triple threat. Alice thought it was silly; so did Absolem. Carlisle, Sophia, and I believed it was wonderful. Alice created a new bad habit of calling herself fat and ugly. If I had a piece of silver of how many times I told her how beautiful she was because she's carrying my children, I could close my hat shop permanently.

It's the day of the baby shower and Alice was not looking forward to it at all.

While we're getting ready, she started fussing, "I don't want to do this. I hate being the center of attention. I'm only doing this for my mother. **Oh…I can't wait for this to be over!** **I hate not being able to bend down and put on my own shoes!**" and she started crying.

I chuckled and helped her put on her shoes, "Love, you need to stop this. You're being very whiny. You know I hate being the center of attention and I'm going through with what Carlisle is planning for me because I don't want you to go through it alone. By the way, you are absolutely breathtaking. Being with child just brings out a beauty in you that I love to see. Everyone else is experiencing it and that's why everyone is telling you how beautiful you look. It's all because you're carrying my children. I shall love you forever for what will happen in two weeks."

I wrapped my arms around her and gazed into her tear filled eyes. She smiled at me and there was a knock at the door. I kissed her swollen belly and I ran out the room to go get the door. I opened the door and it was Sophia.

"Hello _piuthar,_ where's my lovely little niece?" I asked because I miss her.

She laughed at my disappointment and revealed, "She's with her nanny today. I know you wanted to see her and I know Alice wanted to see her. She was not feeling well last night and this morning as well, so I didn't want to bring her and risk getting Alice sick in her condition."

"Is that Sophie I hear?" Alice asked walking into the living room.

Sophia smiled and hugged Alice, "How's the future mother of my nieces and nephews doing?"

Alice rubbed her belly, "They kept me up last night. The talk Tarrant gave them didn't work."

Sophia laughed, "Don't move around too much during the day so the babies can stay up all day. When you go to sleep tonight, they will sleep along with you."

The carriage arrived and I locked up the house. I helped Sophia into the carriage, helped Alice in, and I climbed in. The carriage took off to the castle. I wrapped my arm around Alice and placed my hand on her belly. She placed her hand on top of mine and one of the babies kicked.

I smiled, "Someone wanted to tell me hello."

Alice laughed then decided to pick at me, "Or wanted to say take your hand off mommy."

Sophia laughed so hard I thought she would have fallen out the carriage. Then I felt something that I never felt before, one of the babies moved to where my hand was as if it wanted to feel my touch. I smiled a huge smile then Alice leaned over to whisper something in my ear.

"One of the babies loves your touch," she whispered to me.

I replied, "I know. Should I spoil Sophia's laugh? I should," then I turned to Sophia, "Hey _piuthar_, one of my babies loves my touch because it moved up to my palm after its sibling kicked it. So who's turn to laugh now?"

We arrived at the castle and the carriage stopped. I got up and turned to Alice.

"Have fun at the baby shower. I'll see you when it's finished. I love you," I told her, kissed her on her lips, then knelt down, "And I love all four of you," and kissed her belly.

I hopped out the carriage, closed the door, and ran in to meet Carlisle.

The carriage took off from the castle and I could tell something was wrong with Sophia. She looked out the window and a tear rolled down her right cheek.

"Sophia?" I called out to her and she got up to move to my side of the carriage.

She bear hugged me and started crying. I returned the hug and I couldn't help but wonder why she was crying uncontrollably.

My curiosity got the better of me and I asked, "Sophia, what's wrong? What is it that has you crying this way?"

Sophia gathered herself and she confided in me, "It's what happened to me nine months before Sarah was born. Alice, it was the way Stayne came on to me. He had revenge in his eyes and his expression showed how much he hated me and my family. Trust me, I didn't go down without a fight. When he attempted to attack me at first, I kicked him in his stomach and ran to find me a weapon. He recovered fast and caught me. I broke free and threw a right hook at his nose. He started bleeding after the hit and he back handed me. I fell and that's when he pinned me down. He brought his dagger to my throat and told me to show him to my bedroom so he could do it appropriately. I led him to my bedroom and he told me to lie down and behave so I did what he told me so he wouldn't kill me. He tied my hands over my head to my head board on my bed and my feet to the foot board. He ripped my favorite dress and my underclothes. Stayne pretty much rammed himself up me and it hurt like _Iutharna_. I cried because it hurt so much. He bit my breast so hard it bled. I just closed my eyes and hoped for it to be over. After he finished with me and untied me, he left but I've been so terrified that he would find me one day and finish what he started by killing me. I lived in fear and still do. Alice, how am I supposed to stay strong for Sarah? Every time I look at her, I see his face etched with revenge and I feel him on me. Will this ever go away?"

I took in a deep breath and hopefully, the right words will come, "Sophie, I will never understand what it feels like to be rapped. I've been tortured by him and I'm still scared that one day he will come back for me and finish what he started by killing me even though it's not going to happen. Why? Tarrant killed him. You need to be strong right now for Sarah. You have a second chance of being a mother so take it, and be the best for her even though how she came to be wasn't ideal. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'll always be there for you, Soph."

"Thank you so much, Alice, for listening to me. Oh, we're here!" Sophia exclaimed as she opened the carriage after it stopped.

After I was helped out, I realized where I was; the Hightopp village in Witzend at the family home. I was shocked to see it completed with balloons leading up to the front door. We walked with our arms linked up to the front door. She lifted a hand to me and knocked a code. Someone answered it by knocking the code back. Sophia answered it and knocked a different code. The door opened and it was Mirana. She led us in and when I walked into the living room…I was greeted by my mother and sister.

Again, my curiosity got the better of me and I asked, "How did you two get here before I did?"

My mom answered, "We can't tell you just yet. We got here the same way you got to us; through the mirror."

I questioned, "How did the mirror get here?"

Mirana answered, "All in good time, Alice. Now, let's get this baby shower started," and she led me into the living room with a lot of women holding presents for me.

I ran into the castle and Carlisle was waiting on me. I smiled at him and playfully bowed to him.

"Stop it, _bràthair_! You're mocking me now. It's time for your party. Are you ready?" he asked patting me on the back and leading me to his study.

I smiled and answered, "I'm ready. So what do you have in store for me?"

Carlisle was grinning wickedly, "All in good time _bràthair_," and opened the door to his study.

"**Congratulations!**"

I couldn't believe it. Thackery, Absolem, Lord Kephlar, Lord Nobleston, Lord Mosen, and Nivens were having tea waiting on me. I smiled, walked up to them, and shook each of their hands, paws, and I just tipped my hat at Absolem.

Carlisle got everyone's attention by bringing out his hat and I could hear some shuffling sounds inside it. I already know what we are about to do.

"We all know how to play a little game called Charades. Since Tarrant is the father to be, he will pull first," Carlisle passed the hat to me.

I reached in and pulled out a piece of torn parchment. I unrolled it and _clannadh_ it was Absolem. How do I impersonate him without offending him? So I found something skinny enough to be his hookah and I began the impersonation.

I did like I took a puff, "Who are you? You silly Hatter of course she's the Alice but she's not the Alice at the moment…she's almost Alice. You're making my patience wear thin you idiotic child!"

Everyone was laughing because who I had was very obvious.

Absolem chuckled and answered, "It's me."

Carlisle passed the hat to Absolem who picked up a piece of parchment. He started laughing at what he read. He does the best impersonations. I have a feeling he got me. He was starting the impersonation.

He took in a deep breath and started fussing in Outlandish like I do, "_Dia gonadh gille cù boireann sibh babhdach giorsaid! Sibh airc do bi acarra!_"

Carlisle was laughing his butt off and I started mumbling in Outlandish because Absolem got me to a T but I didn't like how he did it, "_Sibh beagan asal! Fan gu mi cnab bhur ainm a-rithist, sibh riar miann chum mi riar gabh farasta air sibh!_"

Carlisle laughed harder when he heard me fussing under my breath in Outlandish.

He pointed out, "You had Tarrant. Now it's my turn."

He pulled out a piece of parchment and chuckled for a bit. He removed his crown and began his impersonation.

Carlisle took a deep breath and began very arrogantly, "Oh yes, my family dates back to 800 C.A. (Colony Age if you didn't know) Underland. They were the wealthiest family around. Oh the lady just simply adores being the queen's lap dog until Mrs. Alice came along and stole her thunder. I don't understand what she saw in that mad fool of a hatter…"

Everyone, except me and Lord Kephlar, was laughing at Carlisle impersonating Lord Kephlar to a T. Kephlar had a guilty look on his face and I was getting extremely upset. How dare he talk about my wife that way? Lord Mosen guessed right and Carlisle noticed how upset I was. Carlisle pulled me aside to talk with me.

"Tarrant, calm down. I already approached him for saying something like that about Alice and you. Come to find out he's extremely jealous that you and Alice are having children before he and his wife. I told him that he will have to deal with it his own way but if he reprimands my brother and sister-in-law again, he will be exiled in Salazen Grum in the deepest darkest cell in the dungeon. I promise you that he will never do that again," Carlisle whispered to me and I calmed down quite a bit after counting down from ten slowly.

Everyone had a turn except for Thackery and Nivens. Thackery guessed the last impersonation which was the White Knave then he drew a piece of parchment.

Thackery started by jumping up and down, "I'M LATE! I'M LATE! FOR A VERY IMPORTANT DATE! I'M LATE! Tarrant give me my trumpet back I need to announce you in! Mrs. Alice has been kidnapped!" and Thackery pretended to pass out.

We were all laughing hysterics and Nivens got it. He guessed it was him that Thackery impersonated. Nivens drew out the hat and performed his last impersonation.

Nivens started, "So _bràthair_ you want Alice's dress in a gold color but I wonder why you want it in silk?"

I blushed feverishly and Carlisle was almost on the ground rolling because he couldn't contain his laughter. Absolem guessed Carlisle and Carlisle finally calmed down.

"Alright, Thackery, serve the tea for us please. I would like to make a toast," Carlisle waited until everyone got their tea and fixed it the way they wanted then continued, "To my little brother, Tarrant and his wife, Alice, may they welcome four healthy babies safely. May they have the happy family they both deserve. Congratulations, _athair_!

Everyone wished me congratulations and sipped their tea. I sipped mine and I immediately thought about poor Alice at the baby shower. I wonder how it's going over there.

I walked into the living room with my mother, Margaret, Sophia, and Mirana then I looked to see a whole bunch of ladies I didn't know. Finally, I noticed Bielle, only one of the puppies, and Mallymkun. I must remember to hurt Tarrant later for making me agree to do this. I saw the table with all the snacks and a beautiful cake with punch. It was well appetizing and very tempting. I was led to the rocking chair and Mirana cleared her throat. We all looked at her and listened to what she had to say.

"Welcome to Mrs. Alice's baby shower. I want to welcome Mrs. Alice's mother, Helen Kingsleigh and Mrs. Alice's older sister, Margaret Kingsleigh to Underland and thank them for being here today. Let's thank Mrs. Helen Kingsleigh for helping me put this celebration on," she announced then everyone clapped and she continued, "We will start by giving Mrs. Alice her gifts. Sophia, will you help me hand out the gifts to Alice."

I couldn't believe it. I was being waited on by a queen. _Gonadh,_ where's a camera when you need one? The first gift was wrapped in pink paper with a blue ribbon. I opened the gift and pulled out two adorable girl's dresses made by Carlisle. Everyone awed and I picked up two handsome boy's suits again made by Carlisle. I read the name on the tag and it said from Lady Mosen.

"Thank you, Lady Mosen. The clothes are adorable. They will wear it until they can't fit in them anymore," I told her and she started giggling.

Sophia handed me a blue box with pink ribbon wrapped around. I took the box, untied the ribbon, and opened it. I pulled out two little top hats and I smiled. Everyone commented on how adorable they were.

Sophia added, "Like father like sons."

I knew Tarrant made those hats then I pulled out two smaller versions of my engagement ball hat. Again, everyone commented on how adorable they were.

Mirana chimed in, "Like mother like daughters."

I smiled at her and looked at the tag to see who it was from. I looked up and found where Mallymkun was sitting.

"Thank you, Mally, I'm sure you didn't have to twist Tarrant's arm to make the hats," I winked at her and she started laughing.

"Nae he didn't need twistin'. When he found out it was for your shower gift, he put everything else aside just to do it," Mallymkun made me giggle but that was Tarrant.

Mirana handed me a pink box with blue ribbon. I untied the ribbon and opened the box. I took out two pairs of brown high top shoes. The women awed over them and Sophia smiled. I pulled out two pairs of little girl dress shoes in the color black that glittered. Everyone loved them and again Sophia was grinning from ear to ear. I looked at the tag and it was from Lady Nobleston. I looked up and found her sitting next to Lady Kephlar even though I still don't understand why Lady Kephlar came. She really never liked me and neither do I care.

"Thank you, Lady Nobleston; I'm sure Tarrant will have our sons wear these high top shoes all the time," I made her laugh of course about my comment about Tarrant.

I was handed a blue box with pink ribbon. I opened it and a beautiful quilt with the babies' names stitched into it in the pink and blue gingham colors. Everyone awed and I looked at the tag; Tanna. I found her sitting next to Bielle, one of her puppies, and Mallymkun.

"Thank you for the beautiful quilt. I know I'll use it for their crib when it gets cold," I told her and she smiled at me.

She replied, "You're welcome. I'm glad you like it."

I corrected her, "Like it? I love it. It's beautiful! Did you do this yourself?"

Tanna answered me, "Yes, I did. I started working on it when Thackery found out the names of the babies."

I opened everyone's gifts. I got receiving blankets, teething things, more clothing, more shoes, more hats, and all I had left was Sophia and Mirana's gifts.

"Alice, I got this present for Tarrant. Since you already have a rocking chair for the nursery, I decided to get Tarrant one as well so both of you could rock them to sleep," Sophia explained pointing to the rocker I was sitting in.

I smiled, "Thank you, Sophia. I speak for Tarrant for his new rocker. It will mean the world to him."

Mirana smiled and picked up her gift. There was a knock at the door. Who was that to show up this late?

Carlisle knocked on the door to our family home and Mirana opened it up.

"Perfect timing you two. I was about to give Alice my gift. Tarrant, thank goodness you're here. You can open it with Alice," Mirana smiled as she led us to the living room.

It was déjà vous all over again. This house was decorated the way my parents decorated so many years ago. I saw Alice in a beautiful rocking chair and I ran up to her. I plopped myself down in a chair next to her and took her hand in mine.

I kissed her hand and asked, "How did the shower go?"

She rolled her eyes then explained, "It was alright. It went better than I thought it would. This rocking chair is yours by the way thanks to Sophia. I'm ready to dive into those snacks and cake over there."

I chuckled at her comment and I questioned, "What all did you get?"

Alice smiled at me, "Some top hats for the boys and little Mrs. Alice Engagement Ball hats from Mallymkun. You outdid yourself on those. A beautiful quilt from Tanna. Loads of clothes, lots of hats, lots of shoes, receiving blankets, teething things, diapers from my sister Margaret, the crib with the mattress and sheets from my mother, the basinet from my mother and sister and Sophia, and we still have Mirana's gift left."

Mirana grabbed Carlisle's hand and they walked up to us. Mirana handed Alice a small pink box with blue ribbon. Alice and I examined the box and tried to decipher what would be inside that tiny box.

I concurred, "Let's open it together. Ready…one…two…three…"

She and I pulled the ribbon off and opened the box. I pulled out a set of keys. I looked at the key and it had a large black H on it. Alice looked at me and I at her. I smiled and she had a confused look on her face.

I asked Carlisle, "I recognized this key but are you serious? You're giving Alice and I this house?"

Mirana nodded and Carlisle explained, "Well little brother, you and Alice outgrew that house behind Thackery's pretty quick so Mirana and I concurred that rebuilding this house as your shower gift was the best thing we came up with as a married couple. It was so good we…"

"**Gah! Too much information and not in front of the puppy!**" I motioned to Bielle's puppy, Annabelle.

Carlisle chuckled and Alice wiped away the tears from her eyes, "Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to us."

Suddenly, Annabelle walked up to Alice and placed her head and front paws on Alice's left leg. Alice petted Annabelle and was immediately cured from her crying. Bielle smiled and I was dumbstruck.

Bielle decided to clear up my confusion, "Annabelle is your familiar, Alice. She felt how you were feeling and knew you needed her. All of her siblings found their human and now Annabelle found hers. She will be your companion when Tarrant can't and she'll protect both of you and your babies. Plus she really adores the both of you. Bayard and I are so proud to have both of you as friends and now you will be part of our family because of Annabelle."

After eating the delicious snacks and chocolate cake, all the women left and since Mirana, Sophia, Carlisle, Margaret, and Mrs. Kingsleigh were showing people out, Alice and I were alone in the living room.

"Now you understand that we will have to start packing and moving. I don't know how I could in my condition," Alice was worried that we won't be able to move in time.

I reassured her, "Don't worry, between Carlisle and me, we will be moved in before Thackery's Engagement Ball in two weeks. Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?"

Alice giggled and grabbed my hand then placed it on her belly, "I don't recall. Do you feel them? They're very active. They've been active all day. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight."

I chuckled, "I'm sure you'll sleep because they're moving all over. Well, you're breathtaking darling. I love you so much."

"I love you more than life itself," she told me and leaned toward me for a long gentle kiss.

It's been two weeks and Alice was now nine months exactly. We are moved into the Hightopp family home, the nursery was ready, and the waiting game began. It's the day of Thackery's Engagement Ball and so much still needed to be done. I needed to fix the basinet in our bedroom and Alice was putting away the babies' clothes, hats, and shoes. I walked into the nursery and found Alice hanging up clothes.

"Don't forget you need to pack a bag for you so we could be ready when the time comes," I reminded her.

She turned to face me. She smiled and nodded. I left her to go set up the basinet in our bedroom. The basinet was already put together; however, I wanted to add some pink and blue lace to it. I positioned the basinet on Alice's side of the bed and I started stitching the blue lace on the cover. Suddenly, I heard a voice coming from the spare bedroom.

"Over here, mom!" Alice yelled and sure enough Mrs. Kingsleigh and Margaret walked past our bedroom and into the nursery.

They started with the admiring, "Oh how adorable. Alice, this is precious!"

I rolled my eyes as I finished stitching the blue lace in place. I started on the pink lace going around the basinet. I heard Mrs. Kingsleigh ask about me then Alice explained where I was. All three women walked in right when I finished stitching the pink lace and stood up to look at the finished product.

Alice smiled and placed her hands on her mouth with tears streaming down her face. Annabelle was right on cue. She left my side and walked up to Alice.

"Mrs. Alice, are you alright?" she asked being just as concerned as I was.

Alice answered, "Yes, Annabelle, I'm fine. Tarrant, you really do know how to add just the right thing to make something go from cute to amazing. Darling, you outdid yourself on the basinet."

I smiled, walked up to her, and wrapped my arms around her to where my hands rested on her belly. The babies were moving around a lot and kicking very hard. I have this awful feeling that it's getting very close to show time.

"Darling, the babies are moving around a lot and kicking very hard. Does this make you uncomfortable?" I had to ask because I removed my hands fast due to them starting to hurt from being kicked so much.

Alice nodded and sat down on the bed, "I've been uncomfortable ever since I was seven months along. My ribs have been beaten like they're croquet balls. It's funny they didn't break any yet."

She got up and started packing a small bag. Margaret and Mrs. Kingsleigh helped her while I excused myself to go to the nursery.

Mom and Margaret helped me pack my bag then I felt a pain in my stomach. Uh oh, I really hoped it wasn't what I thought it was. It started to hurt really bad and I grabbed my stomach. I groaned then mom called for Tarrant. Tarrant ran in from the nursery.

"Alice…love, let's get you to the midwife. Come on," Tarrant was remaining calm to keep me calm as he led me out the house and into the carriage.

Mom and Margaret got in with me and Tarrant then the carriage took off. All I could remember was mom and Margaret telling me to take deep breaths and Tarrant caressing my hand with his mind in deep thought. Before I could ask him anything, we were at the castle. I was out of that carriage in no time. They had me practically running through the castle. Mirana, Carlisle, and Sophia spotted us coming in then decided to follow us. They led me up the stairs to the midwife. She took me into the room while Tarrant, mom, Margaret, Carlisle, Mirana, and Sophia waited outside.

Lana examined me, "What kind of pain you're having?"

I explained, "The pain started in the middle of my stomach and then it travels up under my breasts."

Lana had me lie back on the bed and she checked me. She told me to sit up and I waited for her to tell me if I had to stay because yes it is labor pains or false alarm.

She patted my right leg, "You have indigestion so false alarm. Now, hop up, and let's go break the news to everyone."

I hung my head in embarrassment due to not recognizing something so common as indigestion. We opened the door and I walked out first. Tarrant, obviously was pacing the floor, came running up to me.

I announced, "Sorry false alarm."

Everyone was disappointed and it didn't make me feel any better. Tarrant embraced me and rubbed my back. I broke the embrace to look into his eyes. He smiled at me, kissed me gently on my lips, and led me out the midwife's office.

"It will be alright, sister. Who knows? Maybe they will come in three days or two weeks. Is tonight special besides Thackery's Engagement Ball?" Carlisle tried to cheer me up.

"Tomorrow will be 10 years since father had died. Wouldn't it be ironic if I had the babies tomorrow?" I asked looking at Tarrant.

I recognized the servant from Mrs. Gillihan's home in Queast. Tarrant noticed he was coming our way.

"Mr. Tarrant Hightopp?" the servant asked.

"Yes…that would be me. Is everything alright?" Tarrant questioned because the servant only comes to our house if it's not an emergency but to the castle if it's really important or if it's an emergency.

The servant handed Tarrant a letter and answered, "Mr. Tobias asked me to give this to you concerning your anniversary trip to Queast and about Mrs. Gillihan's current condition. The letter explains everything."

I thanked the servant and he left.

Tarrant opened the letter and started reading it, "Dear Mr. Hightopp, mother was ecstatic that you and Mrs. Alice will be returning to Queast for your anniversary. However, she might not make it through the night I'm afraid…"

Carlisle, Mirana, Sophia, and I gasped then Tarrant read some more, "She suffered with the crud for two months then it developed into hiphonia. She has been battling that for seven months and it is winning. It should be almost time before she goes. Mother told me to wish both of you well and that you will make wonderful parents. She said she hopes to be the one to die so your babies could live. You know our believes about when new babies are born that means someone died to give them life. Mother believes that Mrs. Alice will have them anytime now because it is anytime now that she will expire. She said she's still waiting on a new family portrait. Best wishes to you and Mrs. Alice and can't wait to see you again. Tobias Gillihan."

I was in tears now and so was Mirana. She took me in an embrace and Sophia joined in with us. Tarrant folded the letter, placed it back into the envelope, and placed it in his jacket pocket. Carlisle embraced Tarrant and I started feeling a sharp pain in my stomach. It was a little bit worse than last time. I groaned and Tarrant tore away from Carlisle and ran up to me. Sophia and Mirana let him get to me and we hurried up the stairs to the midwife again. When Tarrant opened the door, Lana noticed how much pain I was in. She took me to the room and Tarrant stayed outside with my mother, sister, Sophia, Carlisle, and Mirana. Lana had me lie down on the bed and started the examination. She pushed on my stomach and when she pushed in the middle under my chest, I groaned.

Lana chuckled, "Another false alarm. It's indigestion. Drink some tea. It will help you belch."

She helped me up and opened the door. We walked out together and Tarrant stopped pacing then ran up to me.

"Sorry false alarm," I announced and everyone looked disappointed.

After hearing Alice say false alarm, I took her into an embrace and my suspicion might be coming true. I heard my name being called and it was Lana the midwife calling me. I looked in her direction.

She informed me, "It's indigestion. Give her some tea and it will help her belch."

I nodded and led everyone downstairs. Carlisle ordered tea for all of us and led us to his study. I called for Absolem immediately and he arrived without any delay.

"You need me, Mr. Hightopp?" he asked me being blunt.

I decided to get to the point, "I want you to confirm about Mrs. Gillihan being the one destined to die so Alice and I's babies could live."

Absolem shook his head, "I don't have to check foolish Tarrant. I already know that it will happen and it is much sooner than what you think."

That's all he had to say. I knew Alice was due anytime now and it is much sooner than what I thought. Oh snicker doodle; I just hope that Alice will be fine. Absolem laughed and disappeared. Thackery came in with the tea and I began to question.

"Ready for tonight and tomorrow?" I asked being curious.

He chuckled then answered, "Yes, I've been waiting for her for so long and now I don't want to be without her anymore."

After Alice drank her tea, she belched very loudly and we all turned to face her with shocked expressions. I wanted to laugh so hard but I decided to contain myself.

"Hopefully, that will clear up my indigestion problem, excuse me," Alice sarcastically stated and I picked up a cookie then gave it to her.

Alice looked at the cookie and said, "No, thank you. I don't want any."

No cookie? Throughout the nine months, she was a cookie fiend and now she doesn't want one. I remember seeing this with Carla when she was in her ninth month. Alice's very close to going into what they call labor. She's showing all the signs: false alarms, she's starting to nest by placing a pillow all around her when we go to bed, and loss of appetite. She yawned and I decided to bring her home. Right when we were about to leave, here came Sarah and her nanny.

I took Sarah in my arms, "Hello there Sarah. Uncle Tarrant and Aunt Alice miss you so much," I brought her to Alice, "Do you want to go by Aunt Alice? She wants to hold you," and I handed her to Alice.

I watched Alice interact with Sarah and so did Sophia. I have to say that Alice will make a fantastic mom because Sarah was smiling at her and giggling like crazy.

Alice inhaled, "Oh!"

She was grabbing her stomach and was wincing in pain. I ran to her and Sophia picked up Sarah from Alice. I took her and led her upstairs back to the midwife. Mrs. Kingsleigh, Margaret, Sophia, Sarah, Carlisle, Mirana, and Thackery followed us back up to the midwife. Lana took Alice into the room to examine her. I started pacing the floor.

Mrs. Kingsleigh spoke to me, "Tarrant, it will be alright."

I still paced the floor. I won't be told it will alright until I know for certain. The door opened and Lana walked out without Alice. Oh dear…

"Mr. Hightopp, could you come in please?" Lana asked and I followed her into the room.

Alice was sitting up on the edge of the bed fixing the skirt on her dress. I sat down next to Alice and grabbed her hand.

Lana began to explain, "It's still indigestion, but I checked her and she's two centimeters dilated. She could be having these babies either tonight or very early tomorrow morning. I suggest you bring her home and let her rest. You hear Mrs. Alice? No work for you when you get home. You go straight to bed."

"Thank you, Lana," I thanked her and Alice and I got up then walked out the room.

We closed the door behind us and Alice announced, "You think by now I could tell the difference between labor pains and indigestion."

"But strict bed rest for right now until the ball tonight. She's dilated two centimeters," I added and everyone got excited.

We told everyone good-bye and Margaret and Mrs. Kingsleigh followed Alice and I to the carriage to go home.

In the carriage ride home, I glanced at Alice and I could tell she was daydreaming. I started daydreaming as well. Alice and I were outside the house with the children playing with the ribbons on the pole in the middle of the village. The carriage stopped and it brought me out my daydreaming. I opened the door, jumped out, helped Margaret out, helped Mrs. Kingsleigh out, and I helped Alice out. She took my arm and we walked to the front door. I unlocked the door and we walked in.

Alice turned to us and concluded, "I'm going lie down. This has been a long day going back and forth to the midwife and all those times were false alarms."

Margaret answered, "That's sounds like a good idea. I can't wait for tonight. I get to see that Flotchen dance you kept talking about when you visited us five months ago. I bet you and Tarrant dance wonderfully to it."

I smiled and replied, "Alice dances it beautifully. I do a decent Flotchen…"

Alice interrupted, "Decent is not the best choice for your description of how you dance the Flotchen. Why don't we say that your amazing at it. He's a marvelous dancer. I haven't danced the Flotchen in a while but I still remember it as if I danced it yesterday."

Alice and I started walking to our room then Margaret and Mrs. Kingsleigh followed right behind us. Alice and I walked into our bedroom then closed the door. I removed my hat and placed it on the hat rack. I removed my jacket and hung it up. Alice kicked off her shoes and lied down in the bed. I kicked off my shoes and joined her lying down next to her taking her into my arms. We both inhaled and exhaled at the same time. Her stomach was against mine and I could feel the babies moving around roughly. No wonder she had so many false alarms. I would have gotten confused as well due to all that moving around in there. She looked into my eyes and I gazed into hers. My left hand caressed her right cheek and I leaned forward to kiss her. She parted her lips and took mine into a passionate kiss. When the kiss was broken, I leaned in close so our heads were touching. Hopefully, Alice will get some rest just in case something might happen tonight and I might get some rest as well.

I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. It was five o'clock. I turned to look at Alice and she was awake. She smiled at me and I kissed her lips tenderly. I placed my hand on her stomach and the babies were still moving around kicking very hard.

"I need to get up so I can fix my hair," Alice stated and rolled out the bed.

I got up and I walked into the bathroom with her. I combed through my hair, straightening my clothes, and turned to Alice. How beautiful she was in her purple dress and her large baby bump touching the vanity while she was fixing her hair half up and half long. She turned to me and I smiled.

"What?" she smiled back at me after she finished fixing her hair and putting her brush down.

I walked up behind her, embraced her, placed my hands on her belly, and replied, "You are absolutely beautiful. You will be the belle of the ball tonight even though it's not your night."

I managed a giggle out of her as I kissed her neck. I moved back, to the left of her, and grabbed her hand. We walked out our room and Margaret and Mrs. Kingsleigh were waiting on us.

"You're ready?" Alice asked them.

Both nodded with huge grins on their faces and I chuckled while Alice giggled.

"Let's go then," I said and I opened the front door for them.

The ladies stepped out then I closed the door behind me. I locked the door and climbed into the carriage after Mrs. Kingsleigh. I closed the door to the carriage and it took off. Alice seemed different. Her facial expression changed as if something was bothering her. I placed my hand on hers then she looked at me. She gave me a reassuring look that she was fine. Something doesn't feel right though. We arrived at the castle before I could ask her anything. I opened the door to the carriage and I helped Alice out first then her mother then Margaret. Alice took my arm and we walked into the castle.

Nivens blew his trumpet, "Mr. Tarrant and Mrs. Hightopp along with Mrs. Helen Kingsleigh and Miss Margaret Kingsleigh."

The four of us walked down the stairs and stood by Carlisle, Mirana, Sophia holding Sarah, Sarah's nanny, Bayard, Bielle, Annabelle, and the rest of her siblings. Nivens blew his trumpet and everyone looked up at him.

"The couple of the evening…Thackery Earwicket and Tanna Cotton," Nivens announced and they walked down the stairs.

"Mom, you and Margaret go sit. It's time for the Flotchen!" Alice explained and they did what she said.

I whispered to her, "Don't try and turn me on too much on that dance floor."

She laughed and whispered back, "Don't try and turn me on too much. I might ravish you on this dance floor."

I closed my eyes and smiled. I followed Carlisle and Thackery to the men and Alice followed Mirana and Tanna to the women. We all bowed our heads.

"Ready old friend?" Thackery asked me.

"It will be a Flotchen I'll never forget," I replied.

Thackery smiled, "Then hang on because I'm not going to give."

I laughed and we rose up our heads on the drum beat. He started the dance with a kick with his right leg, spin around, walk up twice, hop left, hop right, and criss cross with his feet. The women were interested and I knew Tanna would be a goner. The men followed Thackery to the center and started with begging of the bride to come out. We started by skip, step to the left four times, spin around, skip, step to the right four times, spin around, and Thackery held out his hand begging Tanna to come out. Tanna came out and she started the women by spinning around, moving her hips around in a circle while slowing spinning around counterclockwise, side step to the left twice, and side step to the right twice. Just like the men, the women started by skip, step to the left four times, spin around, skip, step to the right four times, spin around, and Alice held her stomach while doing each move. She was doing a fantastic job for being with child. Tanna stopped and moved her index finger telling Thackery to go to her. He spun to her and I knew he would get her. They started the dance till you give dance. The men and women did the skip and stepping part while Thackery and Tanna danced in the center. I watched Alice like a hawk. She winced and I could tell something was wrong. She caught my eye contact.

I mouthed to her, "Are you alright?"

She mouthed back, "I have a pain in my back and it's sharp. Oh there's another one."

I closed my eyes then mouthed back, "Do you want to sit down?"

She gave me a look and replied, "No, I will finish this dance then I'll sit the next one out."

Thackery and Tanna pushed away from each other and rejoined the men and women. This started all over again. The dance continued for some time and I could tell Tanna was giving. It was the solo dances again. I turned to Alice and again she had that expression signaling pain. Alice got eye contact with me.

I mouthed, "Let's sit down for a while and if it continues to worsen, we'll go to the midwife."

She made an angry expression and replied, "No, I'm finishing this dance."

I rolled my eyes and Tanna pulled Thackery in for the kiss. We all applauded and I immediately walked over to Alice. She looked at me and sure enough she will attempt to persuade me that she's fine.

Alice began, "I'm fine, Tarrant. I'll sit down for a while then if I'm not better, we'll go to the midwife."

We were almost by the table where her mother and sister were sitting then Alice grabbed my arm. I turned to look at her and her hand was on her stomach. Her eyes had pain written all over them. This doesn't look like a false alarm. Her grip tightened on my arm and I was starting to worry.

"Tarrant, I have a riddle for you," she said and there was pain in her voice.

I smiled a non convincing smile and said, "Do tell love."

"What's been hiding for a while and when it's time to come out it's usually painful?" she asked the riddle.

_CLANNADH!_