Chapter 26: Parenthetical Love

A/N: Sigh. You guys disappoint me in your lack-of-geekyness. Not a lot of you got the significance of Arianna's birth date. What is the majority of the fandom going to be doing on 11/18/2011 at 12:01?

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer I am not. Idk if you noticed.

"Bells, this is a pretty epic set up you got in here. This is bigger than my house in La Push..."

"Please, Jacob," Edward hissed, groaning. "Believe it or not, the room is not actually a selling point for Bella."

Jake rolled his eyes. "Of course not." He shook his head, returning to exploring the two room suite. He was especially enamored of the refrigerator, fully stocked with juice and water bottles. Lizzie had already pointed out to him that these items were just as easily located in the cafeteria, but Jacob insisted there was a difference.

But Bella wasn't thinking about the enormous and unnecessary expense of the suite. Her eyes were watchful, following Arianna as the baby was passed from one set of arms to the next. She bit her lip, wanting to tell her mother to be careful. Renee had the concentration of the goldfish, and Bella could only imagine how easily she could drop Ari. She'd cautioned her mother the first time she held the baby, and Renee had rolled her eyes. "Really, Bella, I have done this before you know." She was only slightly more relieved when Renee handed the baby to Charlie.

A chuckle drew Bella's eyes away from her child. Esme had come to stand beside her, a knowing look in her eyes. "You're worried we're going to drop her, aren't you?" Esme said, soft enough so only Bella and Edward could hear. Bella glanced at Edward, realizing that his arms were crossed tightly, as if he was restraining himself. She realized that he was feeling overprotective too.

"She's just so fragile," Bella admitted fretfully. "Anything can hurt her."

Esme took Edward's hand, and patted Bella's arm comfortingly with her free hand. "Your children create something inside of you that never fades," she said quietly. "I would tell you it gets easier – the worry – and I suppose some parts do. But no matter what you're doing, from here until forever, there's always some part of you that's going to be thinking of her."

Bella smiled tightly, and Edward wrapped his arms around his mother, squeezing.

"You've had your turn," Carlisle's voice made Bella look back to the baby. Her father held Ari tightly, making a face at Carlisle who was holding his arms out expectantly. Bella had to laugh because Carlisle had been more than patient. The night before, he'd let Esme and Rosalie be the first Cullens – other than Edward, of course - to hold Ari for the few minutes the extended family had before they were shooed away to let Edward and Bella bond with their daughter… and try to sleep after the exhausting day they'd had.

"Dad," she called, a warning tone in her voice. "Let Carlisle hold her."

"But he's got three other grandchildren to hold. This one is mine," Charlie protested.

"Dad!"

"Fine, fine," Charlie grumbled, grudgingly and carefully placing Ari in her other grandfather's arms.

Again, Bella watched as Carlisle cuddled the little girl close to his chest. He fingered the fine, plentiful, chestnut colored strands of hair on her head. "Her hair is the same color as Bella's," he noted.

"And mine," Charlie added pointedly.

Carlisle snorted softly. "It sticks up just like Edward's though."

"Your hair was thick like that when you were born," Renee contributed, looking at Bella. "Except it was curly." She reached over Carlisle, tracing a finger over the baby's peacefully sleeping face. "She definitely doesn't have your ears, baby."

"Thank God," Bella scoffed.

"What? I loved your ears." Renee looked over at Esme, putting her fingers up by her head. "Here was this little baby with these huge ears. I loved them. She didn't grow into her ears until she was a teenager."

Bella grimaced, self-consciously reaching up to stroke one ear. Occasionally, her ears still bothered her. Edward caught her hand in his, squeezing as he nuzzled the side of her head. "Your ears are perfect," he murmured quietly. "And Ari is perfect."

Smiling, Bella leaned into him, sighing at his easy, tender touch. "If my ears are perfect, and Ari doesn't have my ears, you're lying about one of us. Logically," she teased him.

He scrunched his nose and kissed her cheek. "You're both perfect. I'm the daddy and I say so. That's the only logic you need." She could see he tried to fight it, but a ridiculous and radiant grin spread across his face anyway. It made her heart grow and warm in her chest, seeing the utter joy and satisfaction written on his face when anyone called him Daddy.

Later that afternoon, Charlie, Renee, Carlisle, Esme, Jake and Lizzie had been replaced by Jasper, Peter, Rose, Alice, Emmett, Tanya and the twins. Part of Bella was glad, given how much family her daughter had, that Edward had reserved the suite. She wasn't going to tell him that, though. It would only encourage more grandiose gestures in the future.

"This basket is epic," Emmett commented, picking through the remains of the fruit and muffin basket the hospital had provided that morning.

"You're worse than Jacob," Bella muttered, shaking her head. She was somewhat distracted, watching from one of the suite's many comfortable chairs as Edward sat between the twins with Ari in his arms.

Katrina and Irina, as they had been instructed, were sitting patiently, waiting for their uncle to settle. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with barely contained energy. Finally, they both leaned over, oooing and awing over the little bundle.

"She's a lil bit scrunchy," Katrina commented, patting Ari's mitten-laden hand.

"She's brand new," Edward explained patiently. "Remember you saw Bella for a few minutes yesterday and the baby wasn't here yet? Well, being born makes you scrunchy." His lips quirked at the word. "She'll smooth out."

"Unca," Irina tugged on his arm. Edward leaned down slightly so she could whisper, in that little kid way that was loud enough for everyone to hear, "I think she's more prettier than Dash."

"Hey. I heard that," Rosalie said, but she was smiling.

Alice sidled over to Bella's side. "You make a beautiful baby, Bella," she said. "How are you doing? Honestly."

"Compared to what you went through?" Bella glanced at her friend and shook her head slightly. "I feel like I shouldn't complain at all."

"But," Alice prompted.

"I'm tired, sore, and I've never been so aware of my tits," she admitted. "I like how close I feel to Ari when I'm feeding her, but damn. It's weird being a buffet."

Alice chuckled. "I know what you mean. Oh, and you know what's a great phenomenon I discovered today? Earlier, when she cried, my boobs started leaking." She rolled her eyes.

"Ha," Tanya contributed. "Try having two of 'em at your breasts at the same time," she shook her head ruefully. Irina got her attention then, squirming and saying she needed to pee. Tanya stood, taking her daughter's hand. "Motherhood is so glamorous isn't it?" she said as she walked off.

"So far," Bella answered, laughing lightly with Alice as they watched Tanya gather up Katrina for a trip to the potty. "Edward has been wonderful though," she said softly, watching as Edward carefully placed his daughter in Peter's arms. "He even chased his parents out earlier so I could nap."

"He's a good man," the other woman agreed.

Bella breathed deeply, her heart so full it was almost painful. "I've never loved anyone like this, Alice. I never knew it was possible to love someone this much. It's... terrifying."

Putting her arm around Bella, Alice hugged her tightly. "Are you talking about Arianna or Edward?"

Bella had to laugh. "Both," she admitted.

A few minutes later, Bella was on the couch, cuddled up against Jasper's side as they watched Emmett make a complete fool out of himself, cooing at his niece. So far, he was the only one that had spoken to the baby in that high pitched baby-speak so many were fond of. Bella was glad of that because she if she had to hear baby-speak for months and years on end, she was going to have to cut a bitch.

"Emmett," she called, "you do realize her name is Arianna, right?" So far, Emmett had not called the baby by her name or the nickname everyone else was using - Ari.

"Pfft, what fun is that," Emmett said, grinning at her with deep dimples. "I've got to set myself apart. I don't know if you noticed, but Nanananana has a lot of uncles. I fully intend on being her favorite." He looked to his wife. "You know what, babe? I still think we should have another baby. Even if it's a girl."

Rolling her eyes, Bella just yawned and laid her head on Jasper's chest, listening to the rumble as he chuckled. He stroked her hair idly, making Bella drowsy. "Peter really wants a baby," he murmured, almost to himself.

"Hmmm," Bella mumbled sleepily. She grimaced slightly. "I told you I'd be your surrogate, and I meant it. Just... you know, give me some time to recover and all." She didn't relish the thought of being pregnant again, but a promise was a promise. Just because it hadn't worked out the way they planned didn't mean that she was going to welch on her side of the bargain.

Her head shook as Jasper chuckled again. "Bella, I told you. It's not even remotely the same thing. I was just talking out loud. Besides, things have changed for you, haven't they?"

"Mmm," Bella assented, realizing she would want to get Edward's opinion before she offered up her eggs and/or her body for surrogacy. So much had changed in so few short months.

"Don't worry about it," Jasper said firmly. "I just might ask to borrow Ari for a test run later."

Bella smacked him lightly, her eyelids drooping heavily. "My baby is not a car."

Again Jasper chuckled, and Bella let the rumbling sound lull her into sleep.

A while later she was aware that she was moving. She blinked, finding Edward had swept her up in his arms. She groaned, not wanting to be carried like a child in front of everyone.

"Shhh," Edward said. "Everyone is gone." He laid her on the bed, stroking her cheek gently. "Just go back to sleep."

And Bella would have, if Arianna hadn't let out a sharp cry right then. Bella sat up, opening her arms as Edward handed her the baby. Soon Arianna was nestled against her skin, sucking away contentedly. Bella smiled down at her daughter, stroking the petal soft hairs on her head.

"Is it weird to wish I could do that?" Edward asked, sitting in the chair by her bedside.

Bella smiled at him. "Maybe a little. But when we get home, and I can pump, you'll be able to feed her too."

They were both silent for a moment before Bella's eyes caught a stack of papers on the nightstand. "What is that?" she pointed with her free hand.

"Oh, um." Edward picked it up, holding it for her. "They're notes. Rosalie wanted to ask you, but she kept getting nervous about it... She wants your help writing a script. Her and Alice's story." He smiled, knowing the next part would please Bella to no end. "One of the other networks approached her to make their story into a TV movie."

"But Aro's been after her to do that since she came out and she's refused," Bella said, furrowing her brow.

Edward nodded. "Exactly. She refused Aro. But she also said she'd only take the deal if she approved of the screenwriter," he said slowly. "Bella, she wants you to do it."

Bella blinked sporadically, sure that he must be mistaken or joking. But no. He was serious.

"Don't answer now. We have the paperwork and her notes. You can look it over anytime and talk to her. If you want."

"Wow," Bella said after a moment. "I knew my life would change completely when I got pregnant. I just never could have imagined how."

Smiling, Edward laid his head carefully on her legs, reaching out to run a finger along his daughter's chubby arm. "I know what you mean."

~0~

Bella's house had never been as full of people as it was when they brought Arianna home from the hospital. The house, she discovered, had been cleaned and the refrigerator well stocked in her absence. There was also a colorful banner welcoming Arianna home and balloons everywhere. Arianna was underwhelmed. She enjoyed the pacifier the hospital had given her.

Everyone fussed and fawned. Both Edward and Bella's parents offered to stay, or to check up on them... however they could help their children. Edward and Bella both declined as politely as possible.

"You can't even swaddle the baby, Edward. Why can you never admit when you need help?" Esme protested, shaking her head.

"Edward can swaddle the baby, Mom. It's not rocket science," Emmett rolled his eyes. He turned to his little brother. "You can do this, man. It's like making a burrito... except with baby instead of meat and guacamole filling."

"Oh, my God," Bella muttered, pushing her way between the brothers. "Give me my child before she gets eaten. Or suffocated."

"I can do it!" Edward insisted. He looked down at his daughter where she was on the couch, her little legs squirming in the air. Furrowing his brow, he folded the blanket around her. With a smug grin he picked her up, cradling her proudly. "There. See? No..." The blankets shrugged down off Ari's shoulders, falling into a puddle that hung off his arm. "Problem."

"Suppose you've gotta be bad at something," Emmett muttered. He pushed Edward aside, quickly and efficiently folding the blanket so that Arianna was snug as a bug. He picked up his niece, grinning at her. "See, Ia? Uncle Em's got you covered." His lips twitched. "Literally."

But when everyone had finally gone home and Ari was sleeping peacefully in her crib, a heavy silence stretched on between them. Bella wanted, desperately, to ask him to stay, but she didn't know how. She couldn't assume that just because they'd spent nearly every waking hour of the last four weeks together that he wanted to be there.

She could make the easy argument. They had a newborn baby who required constant attention. That burden was difficult enough shared between two people. He would stay if she asked him.

But she didn't want to play games. Bella wanted to be able to admit that she wanted him there - not just to help with the baby, but because she wanted him. And dammit, she had never been a coward.

"Will you stay?" she asked quietly. "You don't... please don't feel obligated. I know what we planned but... I would really like you stay. With me. With us." She wasn't looking at him.

Edward was quiet for many long moments, but then she felt his gentle fingers under her chin. She let him tilt her face up, and when she let her eyes meet his, all she could see was the sincere, deep love he had for her. She took in a shuddering breath, lost for a moment in the moment and all the tenderness she felt for him - her baby's father, the love of her life.

"Bella," he said, so softly it was a whisper, "the thought of leaving my precious girls is abhorrent to me. I can't even tell you how much it hurts me to even think about it. I love my daughter." His thumb brushed her lips, his eyes open and entirely vulnerable. "And I love you."

He kissed her then, softly, reverently. "Stay," Bella said against his lips, kissing him back with the same reverence.

And he did.

~Four Weeks Later~

It had been an eventful few weeks. Edward and Bella were tripping and stumbling their way through parenthood, but they were doing it together, which, if you asked Edward, was what counted.

"Arianna," he sing-songed. He was kneeling by the side of the bed while Bella sat on the bed, changing the baby's diaper. His daughter turned her head toward him, rewarding him with a toothless smile. He laughed silently. This had been his favorite game since her little grin had started appearing a couple days before. She responded to his voice more than anyone's. "Nope. Never going to get tired of that."

Bella gave him a soft look from under her eyelashes, and Edward took the moment to stare at her. She had all her hair swept over one shoulder as she got Arianna into a fresh change of clothes. There were bags under her eyes, and her shirt was stained with spit up, but she was beautiful. He was glad that his little girl looked so much like her. Same lips. Same color hair. Same facial structure. His family was gorgeous. And his. And he wasn't intending to let them go ever.

He informed Bella of this in no uncertain terms as he climbed on the bed, leaning over her as she laid back. He kissed her slowly, not rushing because he didn't have to, and he didn't want to. He kept himself propped up on one arm while he rested his freehand on his daughter's chest, making sure she didn't wriggle and roll off the bed. Bella's hands came up, cupping and stroking his face as she sighed against his mouth.

Their lips parted, and Bella looked at him contemplatively, stroking the hair on the back of his neck. "You're kind of useful," she said finally. "I suppose I'll keep you. For now."

Smirking, Edward would have snarked back at her, except that Arianna had wrapped both of her hands around his finger. Her tiny mouth was open, and she appeared hilariously perplexed.

Bella chortled and the look on the baby's face. Edward took the moment to lay down beside her, resting his head on her shoulder. "I guess I'll keep you both," Bella said quietly. She looked happy, and Edward was every lastingly grateful for second chances.

Or however many chances it had taken them to get their shit together.

~8 weeks~

"Ari, look. Daddy's got your toes. What are you going to do now?"

Edward delighted in the squealing giggles his daughter emitted as she kicked. Her fingers were in her mouth but that didn't stop her from laughing. Edward was convinced she was the prettiest baby that the world had ever seen.

"Man, you're a goner," Emmett laughed, watching his brother's antics with a shake of his head.

Making a face, Edward picked Ari up off the couch and held her against his chest as he reclined. "Shut up, Em. Like you're any better." He tickled the little girl under her chin, making her laugh again. "I don't know why Bella insisted on you coming over. It's not like I can't take care of my own daughter by myself." He shook his head.

Emmett scoffed. "It was a year before Tanya trusted me alone with the girls."

"Yeah," Edward remembered, "but that's you!"

It had taken Edward forever to convince Bella it was okay to go. She was getting back into the mindset of work, and the network that was producing Rosalie's story needed her to sign paperwork. She finally agreed to go after Emmett agreed to babysit with Edward.

"Don't worry, man. She's just being a mom." He reached over, putting his massive hands over Arianna's little ears. "Moms can be a little ridiculous," he whispered.

Edward was dozing lightly, his daughter fast asleep on his chest and held securely by his hand, when Bella came back. Immediately, she plucked Arianna off of him, settling the startled little girl into the crook of her arm as she checked her over. Ari whimpered, not amused at being woken up.

"She's fine," Edward insisted, mildly irritated when the baby went from completely peaceful to crying in no time flat.

"Oh, Edward, I'm sorry," Bella said sincerely, rocking Ari to get her to settle again. "I just couldn't stop thinking about her the whole time I was gone."

"Mom," Emmett whispered over her shoulder, and Edward calmed down again.

Luckily, they were able to get the baby to settle again fairly quickly. Bella conked out shortly after Arianna did, falling asleep on top of her bed.

"So," Emmett started when Edward came back to the living room, "when are you two going to give up the pretense that you're not moved in together?"

"We haven't moved in together." Emmett gave him a look. "What? We haven't. I still have a house full of stuff."

Emmett snickered. "Look around you, Edward. I see a lot of your stuff here."

Edward was silent as his eyes darted around the room, landing on the items that had migrated over here in the last few months. He sighed, rubbing his eyes. "It's not up to me, Emmett."

Thankfully, Emmett didn't push the issue. In fact, after another minute, he told Edward to join Bella for a nap. "I'll let myself out when this show is over," Emmett said. "And if Shananana wakes up, I'll get her."

"Em," Edward groaned, "you realize there are no sh-sounds in my daughter's name, right?"

Emmett just waved Edward away. Sleepy, Edward ambled toward Bella's bedroom, practically falling on the bed behind her. He loved the way her body reacted to his, scooting backward and threading her fingers with his when he put his arm around her. Completely content, Edward started to doze off.

He was awakened some time later by the sounds of his daughter's cry, coming from the monitor on the nightstand. Bella stirred, groaning, and began to get up. He clung to her, keeping her tight against him. "Don't go," he muttered into her hair.

Bella's answering voice wasn't all the way awake. "What do you mean don't go? If you're in here, and I'm in here, who's going to get the baby?"

There was a rustling sound, and then Emmett's voice came over the monitor. "Hey there, party animal."

"Emmett's still here?" Bella asked, her voice still just a rumble.

"Yep. And since you trust him more than you trust me with the baby, you should go back to sleep."

"Edward, I didn't-"

She cut off as she listened to Emmett. "Well, you're still dry. Why don't you try to go back to sleep? Would it help if Uncle Em sings you a lullaby?"

He started singing then, a song it took Edward a minute to recognize. "Hush, little girl, sweet, sweet baby don't cry tonight. Daddy is here and he'll sing you a soft lullaby tonight."

That wasn't good. He knew that song. It was a Stephen Lynch song, and not even remotely appropriate for a ten year old, let alone a baby.

With a groan, Edward got up, running out the door and to the nursery. Trying to rescue his daughter from Emmett's arms, he scowled at his big brother. "First of all, you are not her daddy. Secondly, you start singing to my child about ... all those things, you get to explain to her what they ... you know what, you're banned. Go away. If you want to play with a baby, get your own."

"I keep asking Tanya. Until then, go lay down. I'm taking care of my niece," Emmett argued, not letting the baby go.

Just then Arianna interrupted them both by letting out a fart that could have come from a five year old. The brothers stared at one another, and then they started cracking up.

Emmett held the baby at arm's length. "Oh, oh, watch this. You get to deal with stinky baby butt because, this time, you're daddy." He cackled as Edward took Ari over to the changing table. "Payback's a bitch, little brother."

Rolling his eyes, Edward turned back to his teary eyed daughter. "It's okay, sweetheart. Uncle Em is going away. I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to let him take care of you. Sometimes Daddies make silly mistakes."

"I am going to take off, man," Emmett said, laughing and clapping Edward on the shoulder. "You got this." He stroked Ari's chin. "Bye, party animal. I'll see you soon. Don't forget who your favorite uncle is."

Ari grinned at him, clasping his finger in her hand.

Emmett left then, and when Arianna had a new diaper on, Edward put her back in her crib. She was obviously still sleepy, but fighting it. Happy that his brother left, Edward began humming softly. Then he started singing the song that had taken root in his head, watching as Arianna's eyelids grew heavier. "Now and then when I see her face, she takes me away to that special place. And if I'd stare too long, I'd probably break down and cry. Sweet child o' mine."

As he sang to her, the baby began to fall back to sleep. Edward had gotten a little too into the song when a peel of laughter made him stop short. He peeked in the crib, where Arianna was fast asleep, and then reluctantly looked at the doorway. Bella was leaning against the door jamb, a smile on her face and adoration in her eyes.

"What exactly are you doing?" Bella asked.

Seeing the look on her face, Edward couldn't be embarrassed. "Air guitar," he said plainly.

"Air guitar is an odd method for getting the baby to sleep." She took a step into the room as he took a step toward her. "You looked like you were conjuring a spell or having a seizure."

"Ha," he said, taking another step toward her. She was close enough then that he could wrap an arm around her waist and pull her all the way to him. He leaned in, resting his forehead on hers. Automatically, her head tilted up as if she was expecting his kiss. Edward smiled at the thought. "I have some bad news," he said gravely.

Her eyes opened and flicked up to his questioningly.

"I've found another woman."

Bella's lips twitched as she fought a smile. She put on a serious expression. "Oh?"

Edward nodded, wrapping his arms tighter around her so their bodies were flush against each other. "She's a brunette. She is, without a doubt, the most beguiling, gorgeous little creature I've ever laid my eyes on. And I am so completely screwed because I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to tell her no."

Chuckling, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck. "A love like that can't be denied," she said, pretending to sigh resignedly.

Their lips were so close together now they were touching lightly. "Mmmm," Edward murmured. He kissed her once - barely a brush. "Yes. And if that weren't enough, there's more."

She pulled back ever so slightly to look at him. "More?"

"Her mother? A total MILF." He leaned in, silencing her laughter with his lips. When their kiss broke they were both breathless. "I want to have her as soon as possible.

"Ha. Good luck with that." She brushed her nose along his chin and grinned up at him. "I'm never having sex again."

He arched an eyebrow. "No?"

Bella shook her head. Her lips near his ear, she whispered, "I don't know if you know this, but sex leads to babies."

His hands on her waist, Edward kissed Bella again, walking her backward until her back was pushed against the wall. Releasing her lips, he kissed the line of her jaw, and then down to her neck. Bella's breath was coming in wild gasps, and she tilted her head back to give him better access to her neck. "Are you really seducing me in our daughter's nursery?" she whispered.

"Is it working?" Edward asked. He pulled back, his body still pressing her against the wall, and stroked her cheek. "If you're not ready, I won't push you."

Considering, Bella's hands traveled up and down his back. She smelled vaguely of baby skin, and the scent that was feminine and hers. He'd been patient, but he was dying to be inside of her again, and the doctor had given the all clear the week previous. Still, he didn't know if she was ready for it - physically or mentally. Their relationship had never had a rule book to guide their pace.

Tenatively, Bella stood on her tip toes so she could kiss him properly. "I wasn't kidding. I don't want to get pregnant again." Her hands wandered around to his front and she cupped him through his jeans, making Edward gasp in surprise. She smiled. "If you don't have a condom, we can do other things." She kissed him again.

Not needing to hear more, Edward bent slightly, picking Bella up without breaking their kiss. She squealed in delighted surprise, her arms going around his neck as he walked quickly toward the bedroom.

Laying her down on the bed, Edward hovered over her, kissing her. "Stay here," he ordered, mock sternly.

It took him only moments to gather the items he needed. Wanting everything to be right, Edward had actually invested in condoms and lube, following the books' advice that breastfeeding could hinder natural lubrication.

Back in the bedroom he started slowly, kissing Bella as he unbuttoned the dressy shirt she was wearing. When his fingers encountered cool metal he drew back. It was the necklace he'd given her, but there was an additional gem on it: his birthstone.

"Took me forever to find someone who could add a stone," she said quietly.

He stroked her cheek with back of his knuckled. "I love you, Bella."

"You know I love you," she echoed tenderly. Then a mischievous grin lit her features. "No snap to it, Cullen. We're parents now. We don't have time for foreplay."

They giggled and laughed together, playful as their hands tugged unbuttoned, unzipped and tugged clothes off. Edward whispered sweetly to her, telling her how beautiful she was as his hands roamed over her body, touching and seeing the marks on her from where she had grown their baby. And when he finally slid into her, Edward was exceedingly gentle. He let her set the pace, matching the cadence of her rocking hips as he kissed and caressed her, showing and telling her how much he loved her and how much he wanted to stay here forever.

Afterward they lay cuddled together, skin to skin, just enjoying the silence and peace of the house.

"Bella?" Edward asked quietly, fingering the necklace that hung around her neck.

"Hmm?" she sounded sleepy, and Edward began to second guess his intentions. He should let her rest.

But he couldn't. "What would you think about moving?"

That got her attention. She shifted, lifting her head from his chest so she could look him in the eye. "What?"

Edward pressed his lips together, his heart pounding. He lifted a finger, tracing the line of her furrowed brow. "Maybe it's time to sell my house. I'm never there anyway. I don't want to be. I like being here with you and Ari. But I was thinking, maybe we could find a house that would be ours... together. Something with enough room for us both to have an office, and Ari to have a big backyard to play in."

Bella tilted her head, looking amused. "I give it up to you once and now you want to live together in a big house?"

Edward opened his mouth to defend himself, or take it all back, but was silenced when she put a finger to his lips. "I was teasing, Edward." She laughed. Then her face got serious as she snuggled against him again. "It feels like we've known each other forever, but it's been less than a year."

"It was just a suggestion, Bella." His fingers twirled her hair nervously. "I know it hasn't been that long. I just can't imagine ever being without you and the baby."

"I know," she said quietly. "I feel the same way."

Before they could talk further, the monitor squawked as Arianna cried. Then they were pulling on robes and going to attend to their weepy child. A few minutes later, Edward found himself leaning in the doorway, watching Bella as she sat in the rocking chair, nursing Arianna. He thought of how much his life had changed, and how he was more happy in that moment then he ever knew was possible. His girls were beautiful, and he couldn't have been prouder.

Remembering how this all began - a favor so his sister could have a child with the woman she loved - Edward could help but wonder at the way things had turned out. No matter what his intentions were, he'd created a child with a wonderful, caring woman. He'd become a father - a title that frightened him with the prospect that he would fail in any of responsibilities he now had to protect Arianna and guide her, but also awed him. He'd never been so proud of something he'd had a hand in in all of his life. He was endlessly in love with his little girl.

And somehow, through all the drama and unexpected twists and turns, he had found a connection that he didn't think he'd believed in. Bella was like a long lost part of him - written into his heart before he even knew she existed. If he'd known he could feel like this for someone - so alive and entirely happy - he would have been searched the world for her. But love had found him, not as a goal, but as a side note to the domino effect that happened when he made what turned out to be the most important decision of his life.

Bella looked up at him, extending her free hand to him with a gentle smile. Smiling back, Edward went to join his family.

A/n: First and foremost, thanks to jadedandboring and barburella for all they do for me. Thanks to Twitina and jfka06 for letting me ask about their baby experiences. And thank you, THANK YOU, to all of you. I'm sorry – I wish I'd responded to every review. I did try.

This story will have an epilogue – which should post by the end of the week – and at LEAST two outtakes. The first outtake is a Jasper/Peter smut take, and the second is a pre-take from how Alice and Rose got together. The second one will be part of the Fandom Sexual Assault Awareness compilation, but eventually it will be posted here.

So, if there's a scene you'd like to see or a future take or a pre take you're interested in, let me know. It might end up here. I know a couple of you want more Jasper/Peter. Hehe.