Vicki soon discovered her very special child was a miracle indeed. She was smart and alert, much more than any normal infant. Bella could communicate with both parents without speaking and Vicki couldn't imagine what she would be like when she did start talking. As it turns out, she didn't have to wait long. Bella sat up at four months, spoke at six months and walked at eight months. Those not close to Henry and Vicki were amazed at her progress but their inner circle knew she was gifted in more ways than one.

One particular morning when Bella was nearing her first birthday, she called to Vicki, "Mommy, look."

Vicki looked up from her desk where she was working and said, "What my angel?"

Bella smiled and out popped a tiny set of fangs, "Like daddy."

Vicki closed her eyes hoping that's not what she saw but when she opened them, Bella was already in her lap displaying yet another talent-speed.

"Sweetie, we've talked about these things, remember?" Vicki reminded her. Vicki lazily tucked her long wavy blonde hair behind her ear. Bella was so identical to Vicki it was like looking at a tiny version of herself sans the fangs.

"I know, mommy, not tell 'cept for Uncle Mike, Aunt Coreen, you and daddy," Bella kept popping her fangs in and out while talking.

"Stop that," Vicki said softly but firmly.

"Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"Why can't I have a brother?"

Vicki sighed, "Sometimes this whole older than I am thing is rather…"

"Annoying?" Bella smiled.

"No," Vicki grinned, "challenging."

"You did not answer my question," Bella crossed her arms and tilted her head.

Vicki laughed, "You're right I didn't. Why don't you save that question for your daddy?"

"What question?" Henry's voice lilted from Vicki's doorway.

Within milliseconds, Bella was in his arms, "Daddy! Look what I can do!"

Henry's face was full of surprise and pride, "She's got fangs!"

"And she has a question, daddy," Vicki told him, "she wants something." Vicki's eyes twinkled with a smile she was trying to suppress.

Henry hugged and kissed Bella, "Anything for my princess."

"Be careful," Vicki warned.

"Daddy, I want a baby brother, I don't want a sister but it's okay if you get me one," Bella told him.

"Uh.." Henry shrugged and looked at Vicki. She put her hands up in surrender.

"It's not up to me, Prince Henry," Vicki teased.

"We'll see, how's that?" Bella rolled her eyes, in true Vicki fashion and hopped down.

"Alright," she sighed. Bella went into the outer office to chat with Coreen. Coreen and Mike were married and she was expecting a child in a few months. Bella loved Coreen and Coreen adored her as well.

Henry made his way to Vicki's desk so quickly her papers went flying, "Must you do that?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"And what do you think of your daughter's request?" Henry asked.

"What do you think?"

Henry shrugged, "I'm thrilled with Bella but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't like another child."

Vicki stood and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed into him then kissed his lips and moved to his neck for saying, "Strangely, I'd like another too. But no matter what we decide, one thing is certain."

"What's that?" Henry asked as he nuzzled her neck. Vicki's head lolled back, her mouth went dry and she sighed.

"Whatever we decide, we can always practice," she licked her lips then added, "a lot."