A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend, theglamourfades, for her birthday. :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Downton Abbey.

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR SERIES 6

"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching." –Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

It seemed like everyone was making announcements these days. Thomas finally found a new job, and now Lady Edith was engaged to Lord Hexham again. Things were falling into place.

Anna and John had made their own announcement just a few weeks ago. The time finally came when even the loosest of her clothes were significantly snug across her middle, and even though she still had some worries, buying maternity dresses was a sure sign that it was also finally time to tell everyone else. And as each day passed, and the bigger she got, the worries were getting pushed to the back of her mind.

They were met with a chorus of "I am so happy for you" and it made John grin from ear to ear. The female staff was ecstatic – Miss Baxter of course already knew – and Anna got the feeling based on the knowing quality of Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore's smiles, they had discussed that she was seemingly becoming round in just the right place. Well, it was more than seemingly and now their suspicions had been confirmed.

"What do you think it is, a boy or a girl?" Daisy asked, grinning excitedly.

"Well, it's a fifty percent chance for either," interjected Mr Molesley. "Unless it's twins." His eyes grew wide at the thought.

"Not as far as we know, no," said Anna with a chuckle. "I'm betting on a boy, but Mr Bates swears it's a girl." She beamed, looking up at her husband, who was looking pleased as punch. She didn't always like being the center of attention, but everyone's excitement for them was infectious and she was never happier. And she dared to hope that she'd be happier yet.

"But what do you want?" Daisy pressed.

"Just for it to be healthy." Her most fervent wish. She suddenly was worried that she'd managed to give something away with her face or tone. Even with times spent apart, she and John had been married six years and they all knew that… She didn't want to dwell on it, or what the others might be guessing right now. To lighten the mood, or at least her own, she dared to give her expanding belly a quick pat. Mr Carson was already sulking off to the side, shocked that Lady Mary was keeping her on "in her condition," and surprised that her husband had no objections. But both she and John agreed that it was safer for her to be at work than home alone in the cottage. And Anna didn't want be away from him anyway, and work was always a welcome distraction from her nerves.

"Of course," replied Mrs Hughes, with a light touch to Anna's arm and a warm, reassuring smile.

Seeing everyone's grins and their joy for them overwhelmed her heart, which she felt was already too full with the love for her growing family. The circumstances of the last time they all had celebrated something about her were completely different, but now, especially remembering the timing, she could think only of a happy path ahead.

The telephone had rung as John was just getting his lordship dressed in his pajamas. Lord Grantham was full of excitement that his daughter was engaged to the Marquess of Hexham once more. John shared with news to Anna as they walked home, who was delighted.

"They are going to Brancaster on Friday to meet his mother and make the formal announcement," he said, as they entered the cottage. He grimaced though as he helped her off with her overcoat. She noticed his pause and turned to him. "What's wrong?"

"Well, I realize that we'll be apart. His lordship made it sound like it would be just him and Lady Grantham going." He shrugged off his own coat and followed Anna into the sitting where she sat down on the sofa to take off her shoes.

"All the better Lady Mary doesn't go," she commented, rubbing one of her aching feet. He set to work lighting the gas lamps.

"Yes, but I'm not sure about leaving you behind, home alone at night. I'd say stay at the house for a few nights but I don't want you climbing all those extra stairs, and servants' mattress are as hard as bricks—"

"John, I'll be fine. I can call on the neighbors for help if I need to." She patted the space beside her. "Now come sit with me."

He did as asked, and placed his hand on her ever-growing bump, as she snuggled up to him. "It's not as if he doesn't know that you're expecting and need a little extra…."

"Cherishing?" she filled in grinning, linking her hand with his over her stomach.

"Yes. If I tell him I can't go, he won't mind, he'd understand." It would be the first time they'd be spending a night apart since she had gone to Dr Ryder for her ligament pain (which luckily had not lingered), and this would be first time he's been the one to travel since learning she was pregnant, leaving her home alone. They had gotten to go together for the Brooklands race, but with Lord Grantham's health, John hadn't had any reason to take a trip.

"Don't be silly," she said softly. "It's settled and you are going. I'll miss you terribly of course, but it's only a few days, and I will be fine."

"It's only that… I don't like being apart if we can avoid it. Not after everything." His tone was even softer than hers. He guided their hands together over the swell in circles.

She sighed. "To be honest, nor do it. But it's part of our jobs. At least for now."

"And when this little one arrives, then we can plan again for a life where it's not." They had decided to put their hotel search on hold for a little bit, until the baby was at least six months old, so that there would be less strain on her when they first settled into their new place.

"It's still surreal that he'll be here in almost three months."

"You mean, 'she'll' be here." He first raised his eyebrows at his correction and broke out into a grin.

"You smile now, John Bates, but this time your wife will be right," she said, coyly.

"Oh, I think I'll be smiling all the same." He leaned down and their lips met.

Breaking apart she said, "Oh, I know you will." They might have joked about it, but they would be happy whatever may have come.

Anna followed him into the courtyard, him turning to see her before he went up to the drive to make sure everything was loaded into the car for their journey to Brancaster.

"Let me see you off," she said, dusting off invisible lint from John's jacket lapels. It was warm enough that day that he didn't need an overcoat.

"Remember, you are not to hesitate to ask Mr Chirk or the Tripps if you need help at night."

She almost rolled her eyes. "I know." She paused for a beat. "Will you miss me? Us?" she added, cheekily.

"I will miss you both." He cupped the swell of her abdomen. "And you be good for Mummy while I am gone," he directed to their child within her.

The baby kicked in reply.

She placed his hand over his, pressing it to the spot. "I do hope that is a 'yes, Daddy,'" she said. They giggled happily in their bliss, even if Anna could feel tears welling in her eyes. It wasn't that he had to take this trip that bothered her – she knew he'd return in a few days – but more that she was so overwhelmed with love; hers for him and his for her, but mostly importantly, for their unborn child. "We will await you patiently," she managed to get out without her voice quavering too much.

They kissed, and he squeezed her hand before he departed. Anna waved him off, smiling. She's had to wait for so many things for so long, but she knew that soon that wait would be over for her greatest dream.

A/N: Thank you for reading! And happy birthday again, my twin!