BPOV

I woke up the next morning with Edward's arms wrapped around me. One hand was tightly around my middle, holding me close, while the other laid gently on my belly. His breathing was soft and even and I knew that he was still asleep. I could've stayed like this forever. It had been a long time since I had been this happy. I should've known it couldn't last though when I glanced up at my alarm clock and saw that it was already after 8. I was supposed to be at work by 9:30. I carefully disentangled myself from Edward's arms and padded barefoot to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I was amazed at how much difference the last twenty-four hours made. My cheeks had some color in them and the dark circles under my eyes were already diminishing. I actually looked almost healthy.

After a quick shower I made my way back to my room. Edward was still peacefully sleeping, his arm draped over the edge of my bed. I didn't want to wake him, but I didn't think he'd appreciate being left here alone with Charlie.

"Edward," I called, gently shaking his shoulder. It took a few moments but I was finally able to wake him. When I told him I had to go to work, he immediately hopped up, throwing his shoes and socks back on. He even insisted on driving me to work, insisting he wanted to spend as much time as possible with me. I don't think someone could've wiped the smile off of my face no matter how hard they tried. Edward was back in my life and was going to be a part of our daughter's life. The world finally seemed to turn back upright.

"I'll pick you up as soon as your done," Edward whispered, leaning over to kiss me. We had just pulled up at the grocery store and I did not want to get out of the car. Reluctantly I opened the door and stepped out.

"I love you, Edward," I called as I shut the door. It was muffled, but I heard him call 'I love you too' in response.

The day passed by in a blur. I did take a few minutes to talk to my boss about my new plans to be moving to New Hampshire at the end of the summer. I knew it was going to be hard on them when I had to take off for maternity leave and wasn't sure how they'd feel about me coming back to work for just a few weeks before leaving again. They were very sympathetic to my situation, but in the end we both decided it would be best for everyone if I went ahead and resigned when I took my maternity leave so that they could go ahead and hire someone new.

I was just about to finish my shift when Mrs. Stanley came through my check out line. Of course it would be the mother of one of the biggest gossips in town, and I'm pretty sure it was genetic. I was handing her her change when she suddenly grabbed my hand. "Wow! What a rock," she exclaimed, then with some disdain, and reassessing my pregnant belly added, "I didn't realize you were seeing anyone, Bella."

"Actually, yes, I am," I grumbled, pulling my hand back.

"And who would that be?" she continued.

I sighed, well at least maybe this would quell some of the rumors that I had been messing around on Edward. "I'm engaged to Edward Cullen."

She scoffed, "Edward? Really? I thought you two had quite the falling out regarding the father of your child."

I didn't miss the way she said the baby was mine, like she was pointing out that she knew Edward wasn't the father. "Actually, no. Edward and I are going to get married and raise our daughter together." I gave that a moment to sink in, then added, "Carlisle and Esme are so excited to be grandparents." I think I had her flabbergasted. She just huffed, grabbed her bags and left the store. I just shook my head.

Thirty minutes later I was taking my name tag off and tossing my stuff in my locker. I grabbed my jacket and headed to the parking lot. I was surprised when I didn't see Edward or Carlisle's black Mercedes, he had promised to pick me up. I was surprised when I saw a silver Jaguar pull up and Alice pop out.

"Carlisle gave it to Esme for their anniversary," Alice said, noticing my confusion. "I hope you don't mind, the boys were playing football and it has been so long since any of them have spent time together and been happy . . . ." she trailed off, then started back full speed, "And I really wanted to get to see you and learn more about my little niece in there."

I smiled and climbed into the passenger seat of the car. It was a little awkward at first, but that faded fast. We quickly fell back into our old routine.

"So . . " Alice started, "I couldn't help it." She reached behind the passenger seat and pulled out a beautifully decorated pink gift bag.

I couldn't help but smile as I untied the multitude of colorful ribbons. The first thing I pulled out was an adorable onesie that said 'Momma's Little Angel'. The next item was a gorgeous formal looking dress that Alice explained how honored she would be if it could be the dress she came home in from the hospital. I couldn't help but agree. It was beyond wonderful to have my best friend back again.

We pulled up to the Cullen house a few minutes later and could hear the boys yelling in the back yard clear from the garage. Alice and I made our way through the house, dropping our bags off on the way. I headed out the back door and sat down on the porch steps, watching as Jasper, Emmett, Edward and Carlisle were all playing football.

"It's so good to have you back Bella," Esme said, taking a seat next to me and handing me a cold glass of lemonade.

I smiled and leaned against her. "It's really good to be back. I missed you all so much."

Esme wrapped her arm around me and kissed the top of my head.

Edward seemed to notice me then and immediately came running over. He was out of breath and dripping with sweat, but I didn't care. He immediately bent down and gently kissed my lips, then bent down further and placed a kiss on my expanded belly. "And how are my favorite girls?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Always so much better when we're around our favorite boy."

Edward smirked and took a seat behind me, allowing me to lean against him.

"So, have you all thought about when you want to get married?" Esme asked, taking a sip of her own lemonade.

Edward shrugged, "Whenever Bella wants is fine by me."

Honestly, I hadn't thought much about it. Everything had been such a whirlwind that I hadn't really had a chance to think things through. "What about next summer?" I proposed, tilting my head back so I could look at Edward. "I'd really rather wait until after this one is here and things calm down a little bit."

Edward leaned forward to quickly kiss me again. "Sounds good to me, Love."

Esme smiled, clapping her hands together. I was glad we were having this conversation with Esme and not Alice, she probably would've already had the whole thing planned out.

"Speaking of this little one," Edward started, reaching around to run his hands along my belly, "Have you thought about what you want to name her?"

I covered his hands with my own as he rubbed my stretched belly. "I think we should both think about it and decide together."

Edward's brows scrunched together, "You mean in all this time you haven't thought of anything?"

"I've got a couple of ideas, but nothing I'm dead set on. And I would much rather come to a decision on this with you. You and me together – remember. You promised."

Edward's smile extended and I don't think there was anything that could've wiped it off his face at that moment. "Yes, I did."

"I don't want you to leave," I mumbled through my tears, gripping onto Edward. It was Sunday afternoon and we were at SeaTac waiting for Edward's flight back to New Hampshire. Esme had come with us, not wanting me to have to drive back by myself. Alice and Jasper had both flown back to Texas the previous day.

"I'll stay," Edward mumbled, holding me just as tight and burying his face against the top of my head.

I knew Edward meant what he was saying. All I had to do was say the word and he would forget about his classes and all the work he had done to stay with me. "No," I mumbled, almost incoherent, "You've worked too hard. You have to go."

"I'll be back on Friday, I already bought my ticket." Edward had insisted on coming back practically every weekend from now until the baby was born. I couldn't fight with him much on that, I was being selfish and I knew it. I just wanted to spend as much time as I could with him.

The airline crew was making the final boarding call for Edward's flight, so I reluctantly pushed away from him. "Go. But call me when you get there, and again when you get everything settled."

Edward chuckled, "Okay, Love. I promise." He gave me another quick kiss and turned to head toward the terminal. "I love you," he called before disappearing through the door.

Esme pulled me into her arms immediately, knowing I was going to lose it. "I don't want him to leave," I sobbed into her shoulder.

"I know, Sweetie," she said calmingly, holding me and running her hand down my hair. Esme could be almost as comforting as Edward at times. "He'll be home next weekend though," she whispered, "And before you know it, it will be the end of the semester and you two won't have to be separated again."

I managed to take a few deep calming breaths and followed Esme back out to the car.

As promised, Edward called when his plane landed, and again when he had gotten his stuff loaded up and moved to Seth's. I felt bad that he would be sleeping on a couch for the next month and a half, but I felt so much better knowing he would not be under the same roof as Victoria. Seth had been more than accommodating for Edward to stay with him. Honestly, I think Seth just wanted some company. Most of Edward's stuff ended up in storage, but we would be able to take it out when we found an apartment this fall. Things were actually looking up for once.

Things continued to go smoother and smoother over the next few weeks. Edward and I talked on the phone all the time and when we couldn't, we sent frequent e-mails. He was staying at Seth's but had been looking for a place for us. He seemed so happy. I was absolutely thrilled.