Disclaimer: As usual I don't own it, never have, never will. Damn.

Author's Note: A few things…There's a short story I'm writing with Miztrezboo. It's an Alice and Jasper story, southern and hot. You should check it out, it's called "Down By The Swimming Hole". Check it out, send us some love. You know you want to. You know you do.

And speaking of Miztrezboo…she's our fabulous guest author this chapter. Bringing you some insight on the mind of Alice Whitlock. You should check out her stuff, she's pretty amazing if I do say so myself. Besides her writing, she's an amazing person all around. We feed each other's addiction…whether it be the 100 Monkeys or the fabulous Nicholas Fiske of the New York Fiskes (you guys should really check out Jackson in Beautiful People…you really, really should) or even fanfic, because hale we get so distracted nowadays we hardly read anymore. *gasp* I know right? But when we do, she's the one to recc the good stuff...

So, here we go…some important announcements at the end!

Alice POV:

I could totally understand why Bella loved reading. She read books like they were going out of fashion and it was something I used to tease her about for a long time.

But nothing, NOTHING beat the smell of a fresh off the press Vogue or Elle Magazine.

That smell, the promise, of what was hot and what was not and where I could lay my hands on the next it thing. It was something I craved nearly as much as seeing Jasper's angel face as the sun shone through our bedroom window, making his golden locks shine and simultaneously enhancing the strong outline of his jaw and perfectly formed lips.

Jasper.

I needed that man like I needed air to breathe and having him away from me for any amount of time was too much. Now, two days in, it was almost like a physical ache that I couldn't touch him. It was even worse today, I woke up in the spare room at Bella and Edward's, my hand automatically reaching out like it did every morning to touch his shoulder so I could snuggle into his sleeping form, but yet again he was not there.

I'll admit it.

I cried this morning. I kept it quiet and short because I could hear Leilah up and about and the soft voice of Bella encouraging her to keep it down because I was resting. Then I cried a little more because I couldn't wait for that to be me. Being able to tell my son to keep his voice down because HIS Daddy was sleeping in.

Our son.

I couldn't wait for the day I finally got to see what he really looked like. Would he have my ebony locks or Jasper's blonde curls? Would his eyes turn that amazing shade of blue that I get lost in every time I looked into his father's? Would he have my little upturned nose or the strong aquiline of Jasper's?

Then there was his personality. Would he wear his heart on his sleeve like Jazz did? Would he be constantly on the move like I was, or a perfect blend of the two?

I rubbed my hand over my extremely swollen stomach and headed with my stack of magazines tucked under one arm towards an empty maroon armchair. I sank down in the soft, plush chair and as I tried to shuffle up a little more into it.

I realized this seat, was probably a mistake.

I was stuck.

Well, at least if I was going to be here a while I could make use of the comfort.

Bella would be back to find me soon. She made good on her promise to take me shopping and this morning I was nearly busting at the seams to get in the car and into the air-conditioned, cookie smelling comfort of the stores in Downtown Seattle. We wandered through baby shop after baby shop, looked at a few maternity clothing stores, which I felt were SERIOUSLY lacking in fashion and design. Maybe I could write to a few designers and encourage them to cater for the whale like bodies I myself possessed. Rose and I should have more options than just oversized shirts with horrid floral patterns.

It was wonderful just to be out of the house again, somewhere new with different things to stimulate my mind from its one track missing of my husband. Somewhere where I could let my mind just wander uninterrupted. Somewhere a little more…silent.

Yes, I know that wandering around a mall is anything but silent, but Leilah Ann is loud. Don't get me wrong, I love her beyond what words can describe. But there really are only so many episodes of Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody that you can watch before you curse the day the Disney Channel was born. Then there was the talking. She talked SO MUCH, about anything and everything. The questions and need for answers were relentless. From when she woke up to when she fell asleep after I'd finished reading and then rereading "Snow White" for the fourth time, she was always on. Always there with a bright smile, or an inquisitive look and talking, talking, talking.

I began to realize what I had put my parents through as a child.

This thought.

Worried me.

I missed the quiet of my home with Jazz. I missed the silent, peaceful rest times I had on my own. If I went to lay down for a nap, Leilah would be right there next to me, curled up in a little ball.

Leilah was beyond cute rubbing my back and stroking my hair softly whilst singing along to the lyrics of "Baby Mine" from Dumbo which played softly from the CD player she'd bring into my room. It was the same every time, even if I tried to sneak in without her noticing, she would be there with a grin, patting the pillow beside her then covering me up with a light throw before my body couldn't stay awake any more and I'd drift off, exhausted.

She took her oath of looking after me from Jasper at the airport, extremely serious so I had learned. I loved her for it. How could you not adore a four year old who was constantly putting your needs before her own? Who wanted nothing but to keep you entertained and your mind off your missing husband. But I needed some me time. I wasn't used to being surrounded by family, not since Edward and I had lived at home and that was a long time ago.

So today, after we had given in and let Leilah drag us into Toys R Us under the guise of looking for baby toys, I snuck off. I made a quick detour past the food court and indulged myself in a few helpings of McDonald's greasy delights. Sure, I had a few looks from other patrons. I'm certain it's not every day you see a five foot one, heavily pregnant woman with a tray that held not only a double quarter pounder with large fries, large vanilla thick shake, a super sized caramel and chocolate sundae and a hot apple pie wander to a table for one. Then proceed to eat every last crumb until all that was left were a few wrappers that well, I even scraped the cheese off with my teeth.

I was HUNGRY, okay?

I'm eating for two!

After all that, I grabbed a double choc chip cookie and water for the road and headed to my favorite bookstore.

Borders.

Now here I was, completely happy in my own universe flicking through the pages of Couture magazine and reading up on this delightful Charlize Theron interview and life for a moment, felt good.

TWINGE

Until that.

What the hell was that? This sharp pain in my lower back was unexpected, probably just that last chunk of cookie making settling in my stomach. Great. Heartburn here I come.

Well at least heartburn meant one thing, this baby of ours, was coming out with a HEAD of hair. It's what I read heartburn in the later stages of pregnancy usually signaled. This kid gave me heartburn nearly every day so I figured he had a definite "do" going on in there. Maybe something that would rival his Uncle Eddie's messy locks.

I rubbed my belly again, grinning a little to myself, then went on to read more about the newest Fashion to come from New York.

TWINGE

Whoa, that was a little stronger, then with a kick too?

Thanks little one.

I continued the circular motion on my stomach, hoping to ease our son's incessant need to treat me and my bladder like a boxing bag.

Which now reminded me.

I really, REALLY had to pee.

Yet…I was also really, REALLY stuck in this chair.

Luckily for me, a shop assistant was about two feet away, stacking some books on the shelves there.

"Excuse me miss?" I called out, setting down my magazine stack on the small table beside me, picking up my bag from where I'd dropped it there before.

The assistant turned around with a smile, her honey blonde ponytail swinging side to side as she walked over to me, a slight smile on her lips.

"Yes ma'am? How can I help you?" her voice had a slight hint of accent, kind of a weird mix between Jazz's southern and something like old English.

"Hi uh, Patsy," I checked her name tag, "Patsy, I've gotten myself kind of stuck here. Could you possibly give a woman who forgot how large she's grown in nearly nine months a hand out of this chair please?" I asked my giving her a most sheepish grin.

She chuckled before offering her hands to pull me up. With a few good tugs I was back on my feet. I thanked her and then headed to the back of the store where I knew they had a restroom for their customers hidden. I was at this point busting to go and knew I wouldn't make it to the other restroom in the main part of the mall.

As I maneuvered my way down the aisles, I caught a few snickers and knowing glances from other customers. The snickers coming from a group of teenage boys and the knowing glances from a few older women standing around the romance isle.

I checked my clothes, no, not food leftovers. I didn't have anything in my hair or anything in my teeth.

Then I heard it.

"She looks like a duck…waddle, waddle, waddle."

Deep calming breaths. In through the nose. Out through the mouth. Press back the tears forming in your eyes Alice.

They are only teenagers who have NO idea how it feels to be as fat as this and have pains in places they've only ever dreamt about. The baby's head is engaged, you've talked to Dr Montgomery and waddling is just part and parcel of this, it's completely normal.

Do not walk over there and rip them a new one.

TWINGE

I stopped halfway down the mechanical aisle and pressed my hand into my back.

Should definitely not have stopped for that bag of chocolate pretzels on my way in here.

Heartburn and now, now this feeling like a bowling ball was pressing itself between my legs was really getting too much.

I continued on my way and made it in the bathroom with seconds to spare.

And of course.

My complete and utter urge to pee.

Was nothing more than a few drops.

I can't wait till I have full control of my body anymore and this beautiful boy of mine stops thinking it's a fun game for me to rush to the bathroom and have nothing to show for it.

I struggled back into my tights and now, feeling completely back at ease I headed back out into the store. Then my bag began to buzz.

Oops.

Bella.

I pulled my phone out and saw I had a missed call and a text from Bella.

"Don't think you can hide out on me forever! I know you need some space Ali, call me when you're ready to be "found" and I'll try and keep Leilah under control till then. Love you! Xoxo"

Had to love that soon to be sister in law of mine, she knew what I was up to and why I was doing it without any words needing to be said. I could only imagine what Leilah was saying, trying to convince Bella I'm sure that I needed to be found and watched to make sure nothing bad was going to happen. That she was still taking care of me like she promised Jazz.

Leilah. She really was a perfect angel. I'd have to get her something to make up for ditching her today. A book to read later tonight? Maybe something we could read together that I could share from my childhood. Something just for her and me, something to say thanks a little more than words could.

I wandered down to the children's section and started my search. Surely they'd have the book to the movie I absolutely adored in novel form here somewhere.

TWITCH

Oh come on sweetie, I pressed my hand into my back again. This was really not that funny.

TWITCH

Really not FUNNY son of mine.

TWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITCH

I had to close my eyes and clench my jaw on that last lot of muscle spasms.

Ouch.

That hurt.

I opened my eyes from my half bent state and there it was.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman.

Picking up two copies, because I'd never actually read the book before and also because I'd yet to buy anything for myself today, I made my way to the counter.

"Glad I didn't have to send in the search party for you ma'am" a familiar voice brought me out of my daydreaming as I handed over my selections.

"Well, thank goodness your toilet seats are made of tougher stuff Patsy" I chuckled as I dug around in my bag for my purse.

"How long till your little girl makes an entrance?" she smiled, taking my card and handing over the bag with the books.

"He's due in a two and a half weeks actually. The books are for me and my niece. My husband had to go out of town on business and I've been staying with my brother and his fiancée. Their little girl has been waiting on me hand and foot so I thought I'd get her a little something." I took my card from her hand and heard my phone buzzing again.

I guess my free time was up.

"Well good luck with everything ma'am. Be sure to drop in when your little one makes an appearance now won't you?" Her smile was broad and genuine; I definitely would have to make time to stop in once our little one was born.

"I'll make sure it's one of his first trips out don't you worry!" I laughed, grabbing my phone and waddling out of the shop.

I flipped it open as I considered sitting on the nearby bench to read my latest message or to keep moving. I really didn't need to be asking any more strangers for help today if I got stuck on my butt again.

"Leilah's just about ready to pitch a fit if we don't find you soon. Meet up at the ice creamery in twenty? Xoxo -B"

I checked the time, wow. It'd been an hour since I'd been with them last. I quickly texted off I'd see her then and wandered back towards the escalators to head down to meet them.

I let my mind wander, my eyes traveling over the many brightly colored window displays when I saw it.

The perfect dress.

Sunshine yellow, form fitted with a slightly scooped neckline that on me, would end past my knees but I'm sure with a little creative hemming it could be brought up to the intended thigh length.

It would look so good this summer when I finally lost all this baby weight.

Before I knew it, I was veering off course and into the store. My red kitten heels tapping across the fake wooden floors as I made my way to the rack with THAT dress on it. There was one thing I refused to give up for this baby, and it was heels. These were the lowest in my collection so it kept both Jasper happy at my feet being comfortable and me happy because I still had that little bit of extra height.

Completely needed when you're someone of my stature, I made Oompa Loompas look like giants.

I flicked through the dresses, trying to find my regular pre-baby size when I heard them.

Snickering sales ladies.

"She has GOT to be kidding right."

I stopped the hand that was currently testing the fabric between forefinger and thumb stilled.

"I know. Look at that butt and that belly. She must be delusional."

I felt my lips begin to twitch as my eyes started filling with tears.

"Maybe we should tell her that Lane Bryant is a floor down on the east side," she snickered.

I wasn't fat.

I was just…

I looked down to where my hand had yet again today started moving on its own, protectively over my baby.

Forget it.

I was fat.

My feet in these heels, or what I could see of them were massive and sticking out every which way swollen beyond belief.

I was wearing leggings, I had one of Jasper's old college shirts on, all in my effort to have him close and even that was feeling tight today.

I was a big, fat, whale.

I didn't deserve to be in this shop.

I turned and stomped out of the store, feeling the tears in my eyes threatening to spill.

Then those bitches had the nerve to say "come back soon."

Like I'd ever step foot in there again!

Before I knew it I was in line, well, I pushed in front of the line at the ice creamery.

I ordered the BIGGEST banana split they had on offer with double the toppings, double the cream, double the sprinkles and the biggest cherry they could find on top.

I sat at a booth in the back and settled myself in for the long haul. Bella could pull me out later. Or get a crane in, whatever was easiest.

I licked my lips at the thought of all the GOODNESS that was in front of me.

First.

The cherry.

I could feel the saliva pooling in my mouth at the thought.

I lifted the stem, bringing the round shiny red globe to my lips.

TWINGE

Whoa, not funny sweetheart. You've played with mommy's bladder already today. Let me have the cherry.

I lifted the cherry back up again; its sweet skin touched my lips.

TWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGE

Junior. Seriously.

I opened my lips; maybe if I just popped it in nothing would happen.

TWIIIIIIIIIIIINGE TWIIIIIIIIIIINGE

Look kid. I love you, I'm going to love you, but if you don't let me eat this cherry. You and I are going to have words upon your arrival.

TWINGE TWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGE POP

I dropped the cherry back in the bowl.

Pop?

What the eff was the pop?

I sat there, breathing in and out whilst I tried to decide if that last pop noise meant anything.

No more pain.

I didn't have the cherry in my hand.

Was the cherry the link in all of this?

Surely not.

But did I want to risk that?

Hell.

No.

So I lifted my spoon and took a nice big chunk of rocky road ice-cream that was covered in chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

This time. I got it in my mouth.

And the taste.

Heaven.

GUUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I looked down, spoon still in my mouth.

Water.

Everywhere.

Not just any water.

The water my son had spent the last eight and three quarter months growing in.

"Alice!"

Bella!

"Bella!" I dropped my spoon, finally letting the tears from before spill from my eyes.

Bella and Leilah were standing just outside the flooded area, twin looks of shock on their faces.

TWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGE

"Bella, I need Jazz. I think I'm in labor"

Bella POV:

Here we were Seattle Grace Hospital. After a day that was supposed to be just a simple day at the mall turned into something a bit more crazy. Right in the middle of her sundae Alice went into labor. The entire car ride to the hospital she was complaining and screaming.

"Bella, this isn't supposed to happen yet."

"Bella, I'm not due for another few weeks."

"Bella, this isn't apart of the plan. Jasper is supposed to be here with me. It was a part of the plan."

The mention of Jasper sparked another round of complaints.

"Why can't I get a hold of Jasper?"

"Why isn't Jasper picking up his phone? He said he would always have his phone on him. He said to call him if anything happens and dammit, something is happening!"

"Bella, can you call Jasper? Maybe you'll be able to get a hold of him."

Frankly, I loved my best friend, but she was completely horrid when she was freaking out. I thought it was bad at Jake and I's wedding when she freaked out because the bakery used the wrong shade of white for the fondant of the wedding cake. But this, Alice in labor while her husband was in Texas was completely horrid.

So here I was, playing the role of supportive birth partner as we waited for Jasper to call us back or something. Leilah was with Carlisle and Esme, because there was no way I was going to let my daughter anywhere near Alice as she was screaming profanities at the top of her lungs.

"Dammit, Bella, where the hell is Jasper?" Alice exclaimed as she gripped my hand in pain from a contraction. Her face was drenched in sweat her hair matted to her head.

"Ali, breathe in and breathe out. I've called him, several times. He'll be here," I admitted, a bit scared for my life.

"He better be here! I'm about to give birth to his son, he better be here."

There was a quick knock on the door and I turned around to see who was standing there.

"Hey sis, how you doin'?" Edward smirked from the door jam. His hands were stuffed into the pockets of his lab coat, his hair covered with a skull cap. He just got out of surgery and damn did surgery look good on him.

"Edward!" Alice exclaimed dropping my hand and reaching out for his.

He laughed and stepped into the room taking my position on the bed, pulling Alice's hands into his.

"Alice you look like shit," he said with a smile on his face.

"Gee thanks Edward. You sure know how to make a girl feel special," Alice said smacking him on the arm.

"I'm just telling you the truth Ali. You don't want me to lie to you do you?"

"Well no…" Alice smiled.

"Hey, Edward, are you going to be here for awhile?" I asked.

"Um," he glanced down at his pager, checking the time. "Yeah for awhile unless I get paged. I don't have anything planned for a few hours."

"Do you think you can stay here with Alice? I'm going to try and call Jasper again."

"Dammit, yes! If you get a hold of him tell him that if he doesn't get his ass here ASAP I will rip his balls out and-"

"Oh whoa, whoa, whoa, Alice, no need for such harsh words," Edward said patting her arm trying to calm her down. Then he turned his head towards me, "I'll be here love, go ahead."

"Thanks, Edward." I smiled and walked out of the room.

"Come on, Jasper pick up, pick up," I mumbled to myself as I stepped off the elevator into the hospital lobby with my phone pressed to my ear.

I slowly made it out of the hospital the phone still ringing.

I paced outside the big glass sliding doors in front of Seattle Grace. For the past three hours I've been trying to get a hold of Jasper.

I left him several text messages, he would have at least ten missed calls from me, to match the three voicemails I'd left for him. I was about ready to call the office the meetings were at.

Alice was on the war path and she needed Jasper here with her.

"Hi, you've reached Jasper Whitlock leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!"

"God dammit, Jasper! Where the eff are you?! It's been three hours since Alice went in to labor, three hours since I've been trying to get a hold of you. Sorry if I'm bugging but...Jasper Whitlock the love of your fucking life is in labor, your son is about to come into the world and god dammit you better be here for it," I screamed into the phone earning a few glances.

I ended the call and called the hotel Jasper was staying at in Austin. It's a good thing Alice insisted I program the number in the phone, just in case. I figured I'll try there before calling the offices.

"Thank you for calling The Driskill Hotel in Austin, This is Cassandra how can I help you?" a lovely girl with a signature Texan accent answered the phone.

"Actually, I'm trying to get a hold of a friend of mine. His wife is in labor back home in Washington and he needs to come home."

"Oh, that's a bummer. What's his name? Do you know what room he's staying in?"

"Jasper Whitlock, ma'am. I think he's staying in room seventy-six, yeah I think that's right, it sounds right. He's in town for business with Eclipse Architecture."

"Oh yes, Mr. Whitlock. nice guy, blonde, right?" she smirked.

"That's the one. Would you happen to know if he's in his room?"

"Let me check if Mr. Whitlock has left any notes at the front desk regarding calls and messages," Cassandra said. I could hear the tapping sound of the keyboard echo in the background. "Alright, it says here that Mr. Whitlock will be out in meetings all day, that if anyone calls we've been instructed to take a message. Did you want to leave a message Miss…"

"Swan, Bella Swan and yes I would like to leave a message for him."

"Alright, what did you want it to say?"

"Can you just tell him that Bella called and to have him call me back. Tell him that Alice is in labor and he needs to get home as soon as possible."

"Okay, Bella called, call you back, Alice is in labor, got it. Anything else ma'am?"

"No, that will be it, Cassandra. Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome and thank you for calling the Driskill."

I hung up the phone and sighed.

Jasper was going to die if he didn't get here soon.

I walked back into the hospital and towards the elevator and pressed the button to go back up to the maternity ward.

"Heading up?" a voice crooned from behind me.

When I turned around I was met by the deep hazel eyes and a stupid cocky smirk I could swear I've seen before.

I just smiled as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. I stepped inside and he followed me inside. I pressed the three button.

"Maternity ward?" he asked. "You expecting?" he looked my body up and down looking for any presence of a baby bump. When he didn't find one he smiled.

Pig.

"No, my friend is in labor right now. I was just stepping outside to make a phone call-"

"Oh is that so?" he sauntered over towards me. "Sloane, Mark Sloane."

Mark Sloane.

I've heard this name before.

Mark Sloane.

Head of plastics here at Seattle Grace.

"Head of plastics right?" I asked.

"You've heard of me?"

I nodded my head. "Bella Swan," I extended my hand out towards him.

"Bella Swan," he whispered placing his hand in mine, giving it a quick shake. "I've heard of that name before."

"Soon to be Cullen," I added, I brushed the hair out of my eyes with my left hand, my engagement ring glittering in the light.

"You're Edward's Bella," he gasped.

"Exactly, I'm Edward's Bella."

The doors to the elevator opened up.

"Sloane, what are you doing talking to my fiancé?" Edward asked walking down the hallway as he spotted us walking out of the elevator.

"Cullen, my man!" Mark exclaimed. "This is quite the catch you've got here." He casually draped his arm around my shoulders and I flinched away from him.

I'd definitely heard my fair share of stories about Mark Sloane from Edward. He was a creep, a tool, a total douche bag. He walked around the hospital thinking he was the shit.

"Yes, my catch," Edward said slipping his arm around my waist. "Funny to see you here on the Maternity floor, a bit out of your element isn't it?"

"What about you Cullen?"

"My sister is here, in labor," Edward admitted.

"Mommy!" Leilah's voice exclaimed from behind me. I turned around to see her squirming out of Carlisle's arms and running straight to me.

"Hey sweet pea," I said bending down to pick her up.

"Mommy did Auntie Alice have her baby yet? Did she, did she?"

"No sweetie not yet. It takes a long time," I sighed remembering the twenty-six hours I was in labor with Leilah.

"Daddy, how come it takes so long?" Leilah asked stretching her arms out towards Edward. He took her into his arms.

"Daddy, eh Cullen?" Mark asked.

"Hey Mark, why don't you get lost. Isn't there a nose that needs to be fixed some boo-"

I cut Edward off before he could say anything more. There was no way I was going to let Leilah add words like "boob" to her vocabulary.

"Mark, listen just leave us be," I smirked.

"Yeah whatever. Good luck with your little family Edward," Mark said as he pressed the button for the elevator again.

"Daddy, I didn't like him. He was a meanie," Leilah said sticking her tongue out towards Mark.

Jasper POV:

Loosening the tie around my neck I walked into the Driskill Hotel after a long day of meetings. The longest day I've had in awhile. Everything about it just sucked.

Missed my wake up call, meaning I woke up later than I was supposed to. This meant I didn't get anything for breakfast and was forced to live with the stale bagels and watered down coffee at the office. The rental car I had, had a flat tire so I had to quickly change the tire in my suit. Then on the way to the office when I reached into my jacket pocket to get my cell phone to inform them I was running late, I realized my phone was still sitting on the bathroom sink of the hotel room.

That morning coupled with hours upon hours of meetings and deliberations with the advertising firm I was working with, made for a really long day. All I wanted was to go home, take a shower, and cuddle up next to Alice. Which wasn't going to happen considering Alice was nearly two thousand miles away from me.

"Mr. Whitlock!" The nice girl at the concierge desk called out to me as I walked pass.

I smiled and headed over to her.

What was her name? The past few days she's been so nice to me helping me with anything I might need.

But for the love of God I couldn't remember her name. Cheryl? Christine? Clarissa? Something with a "c". I got closer and started to make out her name tag.

Cassandra!

"Yes Cassandra? How was your day?" I leaned over on the counter to talk to her.

"It was fine, nothing too bad. I just wanted to give you your messages," she said handing me a few pieces of folded paper.

"Thanks, Cass." I gave her a quick smile and walked into the elevator pressing the button for my floor. I started to read through the messages that were left.

A couple from the office back in Seattle about some upcoming projects and then…

"Bella called. She said to call her back. Regarding Alice……"

I didn't even have enough time to finish reading the message as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Something was wrong with Alice and I needed to get to her. Running to my room, I couldn't open the door fast enough.

I started to throw my clothes into my suitcase in a hurry. When I got to the bathroom I picked my phone up and was astounded by the number of missed calls I had.

Fifteen missed calls, ten from Bella, two from Carlisle, one from Emmett and another two from Rosalie. Then I had a few text messages from Bella all saying "Jasper call me, it's important." Then there were the three voicemails.

"Jasper where are you? It's important, you need to come home now! Alice is in labor, she's having the baby. You need to get here!"

Next message.

"Jasper Whitlock! Answer your damn phone! I've called you several times, texted you. Alice is scary, you need to get here. Like you should've been here an hour ago! Dammit, where the hell are you?"

Next Message.

"God dammit, Jasper! Where the eff are you?! It's been three hours since Alice went in to labor, three hours since I've been trying to get a hold of you. sorry if I'm bugging but...Jasper Whitlock the love of tour fucking life is in labor, your son is about to come into the world and god dammit you better be here for it."

Alice was in labor.

I was in Austin, two thousand plus miles away.

I grabbed the last few things in my room, called the airlines to get a ticket home, called the offices and next thing I knew I was on my way back to Seattle to see my baby.

So a lot of you guessed that Alice was going to have her baby while Jasper was gone...and well it's happening. :D Sorry it took so long, but the beta (as much as we all love her...she's a slacker hahahaha jk i heart you darlin') had it. We've got about...two more chapters left...*sniff* I know I'm sad too. You guys have been great and you know what would make ya'll even greater? Reviews...I know I may seem like a review whore asking to hit over 1,000 but there's soooo many of you out there that read (which I thank you from the bottom of my heart) and don't review. I'm curious to see what you think, I really love hearing from you guys. And I'm not shy about bribing either. I'm offering outtakes here guys...outtakes...I've got a few stewing in the brain...surprise me and I'll surprise you! :D

A HUGE thanks to katie for beta-ing...you're a doll you really are and YOU LOVE ME! And a HUGE thanks as well to miztrezboo for guest authoring and letting me bounce ideas off her...that is why you are my cher ami and why you took a dip in the Nine Months pool...Gin&Tonics at the Driskill? :D

Now that I've got that out of my system a few announcements:

First: A bit of pimpage for you. Check out *clears throat* "The Girl Under The Bed" by nostalgicmiss, it's all sorts of EPIC..."Voices Inside My Head" by miztrezboo, my cher ami is epically amazing..."Brotherly Devotion" by goldentemptress, the continuation of her one shot for the Forbidden Love Affair Contest...and finally "Bloody Sexy Boys" by the amazing mischief-maker 1, it's all sorts of fucking wonderfulness. :D

Second: If you don't have me an author alert you don't know, but I've posted a "story" called "Fournikation Foundation Competitions". I'll be updating it everytime we have a new contest going on, like we do now. I suggest you go and check it out.

Finally: Speaking of author alerting...I suggest you do it anyways, because I have some things up my sleeve that will be coming to you in the near, near future. Nine Months In The Making is winding down and I have my new story ready to go. It's called "For Better For Worse" and I've got a bit of peek for all of you:

The woman I used to be would've lived out her dream wedding in Central Park with a simple gown and only her closest family and friends there on her special day.

But that woman was nearly gone, the only remains of her laid in the two women sitting in the room with her picking at her hair, straitening out the wrinkles in her dress. The only remains of her laid in the two men standing outside her door waiting for the moment they got to walk her down the aisle.

The only remains of the happy go lucky, fun loving, free spirited Bella Swan laid in the one person who could make her smile. The one person who wasn't here on her special day. The one person she hoped and prayed would be there.

No.

The woman staring back at me was no longer any of those things. The moment I stepped out of the room, over the threshold I would have to hold tight of the memories of everything that used to be and smile. Smile like my life depended on it.

I would have to become the picture perfect trophy wife, I'd spent the past two years trying to become.

Hooked yet? Well like I said before author alert me and you'll be first in line to check it out when it makes its debut! :D Oh and for those of you who DON'T read "Unintended" (my collab with katiemcullen) I suggest you take a look at it....there might be some teasers lingering around there as well.

On an end note...Montepluciano set pics anyone? Reunion scene anyone? Anyone?

*sigh*

Reviews are better than catching your vampire boyfriend before he steps out into the sunlight to impending doom.