A/N- t&a- Thank you for all your patience and support as we brought this to you. Real life reared its ugly head. Once again, you all amaze with all your support and love. We'd make you all caramel apples if we could.

The characters aren't our original creations, but we do enjoy the twists and turns we add to the mix…

For you they'll be no more crying

For you the sun will be shining

Cause I feel that when I'm with you

So right

I know it's right

To you I would give the world

To you I'll never be cold

Cause I feel that when I'm with you

So right

I know it's right

Songbird- Rosie Thomas

There are a lot of signs that a relationship is healing. Lots of small markers that show the progress we've made. I've come to accept that there is no such thing as getting back to 'the way we were', but we're trying really freaking hard to create a new level of happy that might just be better than before. Sure there are still moments that the tear in my heart aches with remembrance, but the stitches held, and the wound is almost healed.

The moment I was most anxious for was the sex. I knew that once I could trust him, there, once he could wag his eyebrows at me and make some stupid remark about making sure the equipment still worked, we would be ok. The hesitancy in his eyes disappeared slowly and I finally had the man I had walked into that bar for, back.

I swallow and lean back a little, keeping my eyes on Edward's. It took some convincing for him to get me on top, but there was no way the missionary was working with the ever-expanding balloon in my stomach.

"Oh god, baby, you feel so good," he almost moans. I feel like all my words are stuck in my throat, held down by the emotion, the pleasure of this moment. My hands fall to his thighs, using them for leverage.

The friction between us grows steadily, and my body tenses in anticipation. I let my eyes slide closed, savoring the feeling. Edward reaches up and brushes my bangs from my eyes. I smile at him just as he tilts his hips and rubs me in that spot that sends me falling apart every time.

I feel him thrust up towards me, coming undone just as I tense around him. The pleasure rolls through me, my body still rigid. My breath panting as Edward relaxes beneath me, spent, but I'm still tense, a throbbing in my back and…lower.

He reaches his hands up and rubs them over my belly tenderly before groping my boobs a little less tenderly.

"That's it, let it go," he encourages. I swallow again and clench my eyes shut, waiting for the ripple that releases me from the tension, but its not coming. I ease off of him, curling into a ball. Good lord, is this labor? No wonder the women are always screaming during these scenes.

Not that I can even curl into a ball. Whoever named this thing a baby 'bump' was being humorous. Cause this is not a bump, at all, it's a planet, molded to the front of my body.

"Baby? Bella, what's wrong?" And just like that, he's pressed up against my back, tentatively rubbing my lower back like he knows I love. The pressure releases just a little and I uncurl a bit.

"I don't know, I've obviously never done this whole, grow another human thing, but I think I might be in labor. Or something like labor, or something I really hope is labor cause it feels pretty awful," I stammer. I had this game plan. One where I was going to be that woman who smiled through the pain. Edward was never going to know when I had a contraction and Finn was going to be in the delivery room because it was going to be all sunshine and bliss. So much for that plan.

"You're in labor? Bella? Oh my God. Let me call the hospital. Shit. Fuck. I totally caused this, didn't I? I knew this shit wasn't safe, fuck. Hang on, baby, let me call the doctor," Edward rambles. I watch, in what would be amusement if my stomach didn't feel like it was holding rocks. He rushes the around the room, stubbing his toe no less then twice as he tries to get everything ready.

Turns out all those books he reads have lists. Lists on what we need to do before that baby comes, things we need to take to the hospital, things we shouldn't do if the grass turns brown on the second Tuesday. That many lists and Edward takes them very seriously. Checking them off meticulously.

"Just get me some clothes and get me to the hospital," I say as I sit up. My words stop him in his tracks.

"What clothes do you want? You want my sweatshirt? God, Bella, I don't know what to do," He stammers. I reach for him, pressing my forehead to his and then brushing my lips over his. I would have thought he would be the calm one in this situation. When I played this part of the story out in my head, he was cool and collected, while I was slightly panicking.

"Your sweatshirt and some leggings are fine. And don't forget clothes for you too, unless you want to show the hospital what you're working with," I try to chuckle. Deep breathes help, making the pain more like an extreme ache. He smiles at me, which helps more than anything.

"You don't think the nurses would give us priority if I went like this?" he asks, posing like some ridiculous Greek statue. The chuckle makes my stomach clench. I wince.

"Probably, but most likely to take you to the psych ward. And I kind of need you present for this," I answer. I lift my arms and let him slip his sweatshirt over my head. Instead of buying maternity clothes, I've simply taken over his wardrobe. If he minds he doesn't complain, even when I spilt peanut butter and nutella down his favorite flannel. Though he did grind his teeth a little.

After the sweatshirt is in place, he helps me shimmy into leggings, then he pushes my hair back, kissing my forehead and cheek. I close my eyes and sigh.

"I'm sorry," he breathes. I shake my head.

"No sorries allowed. If you could push this kid out your….thing, then you would. Or I would make you alternate with me at least. Just no sorries," I insist. He cracks a smile and I try to match the expression.

"Bella," he laughs and shakes his head, "My thing helped make that baby. I think we can start calling it what it is."

I chew on my thumb as we make our way to the car, grateful that Finn is already with Savannah. Even if he has made clear demands to be there when the baby is born. He thinks there will instantly be a first birthday party. Which in planning, he is torn between the themes of Harry Potter or Phineas and Ferb.

"What would you like me to call it? Your penis? Your cock? Your love stick? Your Johnson?" I list off all the names I can think of. I guess I could include more. Some of the girls in the goodie file have very creative names for it.

Edward chuckles as he eases me into the car, going as far to buckle my seat belt for me. As soon as he is satisfied that I am secure, he rushes around to the other side, sliding into the seat.

"First of all, you sound like some twisted Austin Powers saying love stick," he chides as he starts the car, "But I like cock. A lot. Like. More than I should because I think if I try to have sex with you again, our girl's gonna pop out. Right in the middle of it."

I can't help the laugh that works its way through me. The mental image of the baby popping out mid sex sounds like an awful scene from a horror movie, or the kind of extreme porn they keep locked away.

"Can you imagine that?" he shudders, back out of out of the drive, "She'd probably turn into a porn star. Her first impression of the world would be of my bone piece."

All this does is make me laugh harder. It's like he read my mind. And just like that another marker is met and I'm even more sure that he's the one I want. He's the one who will be present in all my most important scenes.

"Don't think things like that. There is no way the baby can just appear mid sexy times," I assure him, still giggling. Even though I'm 97.3% sure, I've never done this and everything about this feels like anything is possible.

By the time I calm down my giggles and we're more than half way to the hospital, the pain disappears, like vanishes. In all the urgency and panic I should have remembered the false labor pains. I've read the chapter at least three times. It can be triggered by anything, food, vigorous movement. What we were doing was most definitely vigorous.

I mention it to Edward, but he's in full, the doctor knows best mode. He makes us go to the hospital, only to have the nurse tell us what I figured out in the car.

The sun is peaking over the horizon as Edward drives us home. I sink low in the seat, feeling terrible that I stole away his sleep. He eases me out of the car, just as carefully as he eased me in hours ago and all but carries me back to bed. I curl around him, my eyes heavy with sleep.

"I'm sorry. I really thought the baby was coming and I didn't think about the fact that we had Mexican for dinner or that our sex might have triggered the false pains," I whisper, the tears pool in my eyes and I don't even try to hold them back. Crying is like breathing, it happens so naturally now-a-days.

"Don't apologize," he hums and kisses my nose before pressing his lips to mine, "It's because of my…..thing, that having sex hurts you. So, I'm sorry."

I shake my head against him.

"Your….thing, didn't hurt me. It felt really good until it all just felt like too much. No blame. Let's just blame it on the bean burrito and call it good. Deal?" I offer. He laughs and spoons around me. I scoot back into him, his heat and familiar scent already luring me into sleep.

"Fine. But, I don't care what Dr. Shit-for-brains says. We're not having sex til after she's born," he insists. I scoff and sigh. Well, that's just another reason to hope this baby is born soon.

~pco~

"Macie at school saids that my baby looks like a frog. She's telling a liar, right Issybella?" Finn's voice breaks my out of my slight daze. I smile at him and motion for him to come to me.

The chalk in his hand falls to the ground as he rushes to me. I glance at today's masterpiece before pulling him to me as best I can. We decided to paint one wall of the baby's room as a chalkboard. Partly because I didn't want four walls of yellow and mostly because I wanted Finn to help decorate too.

So every day we spend hours here. Me in the glider and Finn at the wall, where he is constantly perfecting his picture for the baby. It started with what I think is Harry Potter on a broom and has evolved little by little. Today, he is working on bugs.

"Your baby most certainly does not look like a frog. He looks like you, and like your daddy and maybe a little like me," I assure him. His eyes search mine as I speak, looking for confirmation. He nods and places both hands on my stomach pushing slightly.

"Is he ready to come out now? He's been in there forever and ever. I hafta show him the toys we bought him and I want him to come to the new Harry movie," Finn informs me. I grin at him and help him to be gentler with his touches. The idea of a baby is as foreign to him as it is to me. I'm pretty sure he thinks this baby is going to arrive ready to be his playmate. I can only hope he's not too disappointed.

"Well, he told me last night that he's excited to see you too. But, I think it may be a little while before he's ready for the movies big guy. Remember? Babies start out very small," I remind him. He nods seriously and locks his eyes on my stomach. The baby kicks at his hands and Finn beams.

"He likes me bestest, huh Isssybella? Don't tell daddy cause he thinks Harry's a girl and it mights make his feelings hurt if he knowd'ed," he tells me. I nod back solemnly. I really shouldn't encourage the gender feud between my boys, but how can I not side with Finn?

"Big brother's are very special. The baby will love you an extra lot," I agree. Finn stretches up to place a smacking kiss on my cheek and my eyes tear up. This baby is going to have the best big brother in the whole world. He scampers back to the wall and starts in on what looks like the incredible blob from here.

I rock back and forth slowly, savoring the moment. I'm ready for this baby. I may be nervous to the point of panic at moments, but I am ready. I want to introduce he or she to the amazing people who already love it. I want to show off this product of mine and Edward's love.

I've gotten past the fear that I am going to drop it, or pass off some weird disease simply by not knowing enough. And I know Edward is going to be amazing. He's itching for this baby, brimming with the love he's ready to shower on it. And that alone is enough reason to be excited.

The door slams downstairs and Finn drops his chalk again.

"Daddy's home!" he announces and is off like a shot. I chuckle and stay in my seat. They will make their way back to me after they've had their reunion. And they need the time alone. I get so much more time with him than Edward, and I know he misses Finn.

The rocking chair glides silently as I move my eyes around the room, trying to picture a back in the crib, on the changing table. I squint trying to dress the baby in blue or pink, but still no feeling either way. The anticipation makes my stomach flutter a little.

Both my boys are so sure in their prediction, but someone is going to have to be wrong. I just hope the baby will win everyone over regardless. Which I have no doubt about, it's Edward's child and Finn's sibling. Who will be able to resist?

The floor creaks slightly and my face breaks into a smile. They are constantly trying to sneak up on me, but Edward makes sure I can hear them coming.

"Damn shadow. You've really let yourself go."

My head snaps around at the familiar, but unexpected voice. Emmett leans against the doorframe, his eyes doing the same inventory of the room that I made moments before. I wonder if he can see blue or pink. I stand as quickly as I can, but before I even push myself all the way up, Emmett is there helping.

"Don't be straining yourself and popping that baby out early, girl. Your boy would have my head," he chuckles. I grin up at him and hug him as best I can with a beach ball between us. The tears spring up again and I wipe them away with Emmett's shirt.

"This baby should have popped out 4 days ago. Anything to make things hurry along would be welcome. In fact, let's do that all over again and see if it'll get something started," I say, started to settle into the seat again. He laughs again and pulls me back to his chest.

"You look pretty damn good shadow. Apparently I did a good thing not beating Ed to a pulp when he showed back up at your door," he states. I chuckle and am delighted to not feel a pang when that time is mentioned. Another marker.

"You have a thing for pregnant women, Emmett? I'm pretty sure that's what they call a fetish and even though we're friends, I don't need to know that about you," I chide playfully. His laugh fills the room.

"If you don't get your hands off my baby mama, I'm going to beat you to a pulp," Edward's voice break through and I lean around Emmett to see him in the doorway, Finn perched on his hip.

"Please, she's only yours cause I gave you permission. You're lucky she likes your pretty face. You would have looked good mounted on my wall," Emmett snickers. Finns squirms in his father's arms, wanting to be put down.

"Huck, did you hear what your Uncle Emmett just said? Go defend my honor," Edward says as he sets Finn down. Finn hurries to my side, pushing Emmett away. Emmett humors him, backing away.

"You can't push the baby out like that Emmett. Bella says Harry will come when he's all done grow'ding," Finn scolds him. He wraps his arms around me protectively. Emmett holds his hands up.

"And you can't have my daddy for you walls. I needs him to play Harry with me and buy Bella pickles," Finn adds. Emmett and Edward both shake with held in laughter, but I simply wrap my arms around him.

"That's right Emmett," I say. Simply because I can't think of anything more to add. Finns grins up at me.

"Ok, little man. I got it. You're the boss," Emmett laughs. Finn smirks at him and looks so much like Edward I am a little shocked. I'm so busy watching the interaction I don't see Edward approach. He smoothes a hand over my hair and kisses me gently. I smile up at him.

"My girls need anything?" he asks. My smile stretches wider. I hear Finn's small whine of protest. Edward never tires of the banter over the sex of the baby, and Finn never stops taking the bait.

"No daddy, the baby is not a girl. It's a boy. Like me and you and Emmett and Harry and Walt and Nemo," he argues.

As if they know they are being talking about, both dogs skid into the room, curling at the foot of the crib. I smile at them fondly. They've been my shadows since I've been back. As if they knew I needed someone around, to feel a little less alone sometimes.

"My baby isn't going to be anything like Emmett," Edward argues, shooting Emmett a mock look of disgust. Emmett chuckles and settles into my rocker.

"Please dude, she's not going to be anything like me. But if she's anything like shadow, you better watch out in 16 years," he says with a wag of his eyes brows. I can feel Edward tense next to me.

He glides back and forth a few times, his eyes lighting up.

"Good lord this chair is kick ass. I would have a baby just to get one of these!" He announces. Edward is still bristling next to me.

"What the….F, is that supposed to mean? In 16 years what?" Edward seethes. Emmett grins huge at him, leaning back in the glider. He looks like a giant in that chair.

"Well, isn't that the legal age now? I figure you're girl's gonna be a looker and I'm only getting better with age," Emmett offers. I am holding back the laughter. He would know just how to push Edward's buttons. Finn moves to the dogs, leaning against them like pillows.

"That would make you like 50. Are you fu-freaking kidding me?" Edward hisses. Emmett simply grins back.

"Better with age. Like cheese and wine, my friend," Emmett replies. Edward almost lunges for him, but I hold his arm. I turn his face to mine, still battling the giggles with every breath.

"He's just teasing you. I would never let Emmett or any other adult with the mental maturity of a four year old near our baby," I assure him. His eyes dart over to Emmett, glaring one last time.

"He'll be 50, bella. He wants to….I don't even know what with our daughter when she's 16 and he's like, 50," he argues. Emmett chuckles and Edward glares again.

"Let me have at him," he pleads. And his last words do me in. The laughter slips from me, escaping my lips. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes as I laugh, leaning on Edward for support. It feels good and so…free, to laugh like this, with these people who have changed the course of my story in so many ways.

I start to catch my breath, wiping at my eyes and then I feel it. A pain, low across my back and abdomen. Distinct, in the right place. I grip my belly and it's gone almost as fast. I swallow and straighten, my hand still on my belly.

"Leave the big pervert alone. By the time the baby is 16, he won't be able to do anything with out a little blue pill. Now, lets feed this baby before it eats its way out of me," I say, pulling Edward towards the door. My movements are slow, awkward, but Edward follows. As soon as we're to the doorway Edward turns back and throws Emmett a pointed look.

"Watch yourself," he states. Finn scampers to catch up with us and turns to give Emmett an exaggerated scowl.

"Yeah, watch youself," he echoes. I laugh again and the pain comes, I hold my belly even tighter and feel a hand cover mine. I breathe through it and look up when it passes. Edward's mock anger is replaced with worry.

"Bella?" he asks. I nod and bring my thumb to my mouth to chew.

"Yeah, this feels like the main event. And we didn't even eat burritos today," I breathe. And I can feel the new chapter beginning, after this nothing will be the same.