A/N: Oh my goodness! I was literally astounded at the number of reviews I got from the last chapter! I'm still picking my jaw up from the floor! And you've taken me over the 1000 review mark which is simply astonishing. Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you.

I've rushed this chapter out to you for a couple of reasons. One, because you deserve it and the other I will talk about at the end of the chapter. Please make sure you read the AN at the end as it could affect all of us.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 24

Bella lost track of the amount of time that passed as she sat there crying and smiling at the same time. She couldn't stop running her hands over her stomach, still unable to really believe that deep within her womb lay a tiny human being. The proof of Edward's and her love for each other.

Over and over, she would pick up the test sticks and stare at the blue line as if checking to see that it was still there. A part of her was terrified that she was imagining everything, that she would look down and the window would be clear. At least an hour had passed and the line was still there.

How was she going to tell Edward? Did she blurt it out as soon as he got home or did she ease him into it? Before, during or after dinner? How would he react? If she had trouble believing it, how would he feel?

An image of a tiny baby with his eyes and hair appeared in her mind and she couldn't suppress the squeal of glee that burst from her mouth. Unable to contain it, she stood up and bounced around the room.

A baby! They were going to have a baby!

"Oh my god! I'm going to be a mom! Did you hear that baby? I'm going to be your Mommy. And Daddy is going to be so happy. We're going to love you so much, baby. All of us, your grandmas and grandpas, your auntie and uncle. You'll even have a little cousin to play with. Oh baby, I so happy right now, I could fly!"

A short time later her phone announced she had a new message. Picking it up, she saw it was a message from Edward letting her know he was on his way home.

In all the excitement, she had totally forgotten to get anything for dinner so it looked like they would have to eat out. Bella felt too excited to eat but her baby needed nourishment so she would eat as well as she could.

As she waited for Edward's arrival she decided that she would ease him into it. She remembered her reaction to Renee's suggestion that she was pregnant and her immediate disbelief that it was possible so she didn't think Edward's reaction would be any less shocked. He truly believed he was incapable of fathering a child naturally. Bella decided that she would sit him down and tell him her news. She wondered whether there were any smelling salts in the apartment, she thought with a grin.

When she heard the key enter the lock, Bella stood up and went to greet him. "Okay baby. Let's do this."

Edward came in and went straight to the bedroom to take off his coat and shoes before looking for Bella. She followed him in and took him by surprise when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a deep, passionate kiss. Responding immediately, his arms pulled her close as he returned her kiss for several minutes.

Finally lifting his head, he looked at her with a quizzical smile on his face. "Wow! That was some hello," he grinned.

"I know. I love you so much I just had to kiss you," she smiled back.

"That's nice. I love you too. What's going on?" he asked.

"I have some very important news. Get changed and come outside."

"Why? What is it?"

"Just get changed," she insisted as she left the room, Edward staring after her.

A few minutes later, Edward came into the lounge and sat down next to her, taking her hand. "Okay. What's the news?"

Turning to face him, she took both his hands in hers. "You know how I've been really tired lately?" He nodded. "Well, I thought it was because of the events of the last couple of months until Mom gave me another possible explanation. She pointed out some things that I'd been ignoring."

"Bella, are you ill?" he asked worriedly, his heart thumping in fear.

She shook her head with a smile. "No, it's nothing like that. When you said that I was acting strange for the last couple of nights it was because I kept thinking about what she had said to me."

"Bella, for god's sake, what is it?" he demanded, all sorts of awful scenarios playing out in his head.

Bella reached behind her and grabbed something from the side table and held them out to him. He looked down and instantly recognised the pregnancy testers in her hand. Each one was showing a positive result.

"Who's are these?"

"Mine. Edward, despite everything we believed, we're going to have a baby."

"We're going to have a baby." At her words, a roaring sound seemed to fill his ears, blocking out anything else Bella was saying. His brain seemed to shut down and he just sat there mutely for ages. A baby? A baby? How could that be? He couldn't get Bella pregnant. It wasn't possible.

His mind was whirling now. How? What? Where? Images assaulted his mind. The doctors telling him the treatment had rendered him infertile. Carlisle assuring him he could still father children. Watching fathers with mild envy as they met their child for the first time. Bella's acceptance that he couldn't give her a child as nature intended. Bella telling him she loved him more than anything in the world.

The thought that the baby wasn't his flashed through his mind before he instantly dismissed it. He knew Bella. Knew how honest and loyal she was. He knew that she would never hurt him like that. Which simply left two options: that the baby was his or that the test kits were wrong and there was no baby.

And he desperately wanted there to be a baby.

"We're going to have a baby." He looked at Bella's face, realising how much time had elapsed since she had spoken those words. She was biting her lip, a worried look on her face as she still held the pregnancy testers.

"A baby?" he choked out the words. "That's not possible."

"We thought it wasn't Edward, but we've been proven wrong. I did three tests Edward and they all say the same thing," she told him gently, holding out them out for him to take.

With shaking hands, he took hold of them and looked at them closely. Sure enough, each had a blue line in the window, indicating a positive result. They had to be wrong. All three? These testers were known for their accuracy which was why the hospital used them.

"But...how?" he asked dazedly.

Bella smiled and reached out to touch his cheek. "I think you know how," she teased him gently.

"When was your last period?"

"I'm not sure but I think at least six or seven weeks ago."

Edward nodded slowly. He knew he was in a mild state of shock. Forget mild. He was in a total state of shock. Of all the things she could have told him, this was the last thing he expected.

"Edward? Are you okay? I know we never expected this, but..."

"I don't know, Bella. I'm struggling to accept this is real. My thoughts are all over the place." He reached out and took her hand, using it as a lifeline.

"It's real Edward. Three tests can't be wrong."

His mind clearing, he stood up, pulling Bella with him. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he led them to the door.

"Edward? Where are we going?" she asked, baffled.

"To the hospital."

"Why?"

"You're going to get a blood test done. Pathology's staffed until late so we can get the results straight away."

"Don't you believe me?" she asked, her voice hurt.

Turning to her, he took her face in his hands and gave her a gentle kiss. "It's not you I don't believe. It's the testers. What if they're wrong? A blood test will be definitive."

"How can all three be wrong, Edward?"

Looking into her eyes, he silently begged her to understand. "Baby, please understand. I...I can't let myself believe it's true until it's proven beyond doubt. I...I can't. It would hurt too much if it wasn't true. I've never let myself even hope something like this was possible. It's like being told everything I ever believed in was wrong." Taking a deep breath he told her what was deep in his heart. "And I so badly want this to be true."

Her eyes filling with tears of understanding, she nodded. "Let's go."

He drove silently to the hospital, holding her hand tightly. Once there he led them to Pathology and greeted the technician on duty.

"Hi Ray. I need a really big favour from you," he said.

"Sure. What do you need?"

"We need you to do a blood test on Bella. To confirm a pregnancy."

The silence was deafening for a few moments as they looked at each other. Ray suddenly broke into a grin. "Hey, no problem. It should only take a few minutes to get the result. Come sit here Bella and I'll draw some blood."

Bella sat down and held out her arm to allow blood to be taken. Edward stood next to her, holding her hand, his thumbing stroking her knuckles.

"Okay. This will take a few moments. Do you guys want to go and get a coffee or something while you wait?"

Edward looked questioningly at Bella, who nodded. They went down to the cafeteria where Bella got herself a tea instead coffee. "It's better for the baby," she informed him.

He kept hold of her hand, needing the touch of her skin to convince him this wasn't just a particularly vivid dream. If it wasn't real, he didn't know how he would cope. He wanted it to be real so much it hurt.

Neither of them really wanted their drinks so they tossed them in the bin and went back to Pathology. Ray waved them over as he took a print out from the machine. Scanning the results quickly, he handed it to Bella, a wide grin on his face.

"Congratulations Mom and Dad," he said with a flourish.

Edward looked down at the results, reading the words as he felt his chest tighten. There on the page was irrefutable proof that Bella was pregnant with his baby. He saw a drop of moisture drop on the page and realised that it had come from him. He shakily reached up and felt the trail of wetness on his cheek. Looking at Bella he saw her cheeks stained with tears as well.

"Thanks a lot, Ray. I owe you one," said Edward huskily as he pulled Bella out of the room.

"Hey, no problem. I'm happy for you guys. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul. Patient confidentiality and all that, you know," he grinned at them.

Once in the car, Edward felt like his chest was so tight he had trouble breathing. He drove a little way and knew he couldn't go any further. Pulling into a small park, he stopped the car and turned off the engine.

Unbuckling his seat belt, he got out of the car and came around to her side and helped her out. He could see confusion in her face before he took hold of her in a bone crushing hug. It was the trigger for all the emotion he'd been holding inside to be set free. Lowering his head onto her shoulder he gave a shuddering sob as the tears began to flow freely. He cried with the pure joy of knowing he and Bella had created a miracle. He cried for all the years he believed this would never happen. He cried for the sadness he'd hidden when he believed he wouldn't ever be able to give his beloved Bella this gift.

Throughout the storm of emotion he'd unleashed, Bella held on to him for dear life, her hands and lips letting him know she would always hold him when he needed her. He felt her tears fall on him too and he knew they needed this.

As the storm gradually subsided, he pulled back and they looked at each other, both with gentle smiles, their eyes wet from their tears. He gave her a soft, tender kiss of thanks before kneeling down before her. He pulled up her shirt to expose the soft skin of her belly. Her hand held her shirt out of the way, allowing him to take hold of her hips.

Slowly, reverently, his leaned forward and kissed her stomach over where his child nestled within her. Bella's hand reached down and gently caressed his hair.

"Hello baby. I'm your Daddy. I didn't believe I would ever get to do this but your Mom and I somehow created a miracle. I can't wait to meet you. I love you both so much," he whispered against her skin, kissing it again before resting his cheek on her stomach.

They stayed like that for several moments, both of them cherishing the tender moment. The quiet was only broken when Bella's stomach growled in protest at the lack of nourishment it had received tonight.

The sound seemed so incongruous at this special moment that Edward couldn't stop the chuckle that left his lips. Bella burst out laughing as well and in the next moment they were laughing joyously in each other's arms. Lifting her into his arms, Edward spun them around, pure joy radiating from his eyes.

"We're having a baby! We're really having a baby!" Unable to control himself, he cried out to the heavens. "WE'RE HAVING A BABY!"

They stopped on the way home and picked up some Chinese for dinner. As they ate, Edward couldn't stop touching her. He would touch her cheek, her hair, her arm, her hand. His eyes were so full of tenderness that Bella felt like crying again. Every opportunity he got, he would kiss her, either on the mouth, cheek or hand.

They were now sitting on the lounge, Bella on Edward's lap, arms wrapped around her as his hands rested on her stomach, her hands lying atop his.

"Happy?" she asked.

Kissing her jaw, he nodded. "I can't remember feeling this happy. Maybe when you said you'd marry me. I'm still struggling to believe it though, even with the evidence."

"I know. Every time I think about it, I almost need to pinch myself to prove it's real."

"A baby," he said with awe. "How did my body heal itself enough to create a baby with you?"

"You said yourself that the doctors had said there was a slim chance this could happen. And it's been four years since you were last tested. You eat well, don't drink much. You're fit and healthy. Obviously that was enough to start producing sperm again."

"You know doctors say stuff like that so that you don't lose hope," he scoffed. "They don't really believe it themselves."

"Edward, how many times have you seen something at work that you know logically shouldn't be possible? A baby that survives being born way too early. Someone pulling through a surgery that by rights they shouldn't have. We see minor miracles every day. This is one of those times."

They kissed languidly for a few moments, his hand tracing gentle circles on her stomach.

"Maybe you should get yourself tested again," she suggested. "Find out just how fertile you've become."

"Yeah, I should. I'll give my specialist a call and see if he can suggest someone in Seattle for me to see."

"Now, we have a really important task we need to do," she told him in a serious voice.

Alarmed, he stared at her. "What?"

"We need to break the news to Alice," she replied, breaking into giggles at his horrified look.

"Oh god! I'm going to need ear plugs. You too, baby," he called out to her stomach. "I thought it was going to be bad enough when we told her we wanted her to organise our wedding. When she hears about our baby..." he gave a mock shudder.

"I just want to tell our families at the moment," declared Bella. "I don't want to make it generally known until I'm at least three months."

Edward nodded. "Yes, I agree. It will be a bit difficult though." At her questioning look he continued. "You'll need to see Bernard for your initial check up. Unless you want to go to a private OB?"

"No, I'd like to have Bernard look after me. I'm sure we can work something out with him where he can do my check up while letting as few people know as possible."

"I'll have a discreet word to him. Do you have any idea how far along you are?"

"I'm not certain. I really did forget to pay attention to myself the last few weeks. Before Billy's funeral at least."

"So maybe six or seven weeks?"

"I think so. An ultrasound will tell us though."

"A baby!" he said in wonder. "Can you believe it? I wonder if it will be a boy or girl?"

"I don't care either way."

"Me neither. I can't wait to see you growing big with my baby. To feel it kicking. You'll be so beautiful, my love," he said tenderly.

"So you'll still love me when I'm big and fat?" she teased.

"You'll be like a goddess. A beautiful, sexy, sensual goddess and I'll want you like crazy."

Their lips and tongues met, caressing each other tenderly before the passion rose and their breathing and pulses began racing. Edward's hand reached up and cupped her breast, understanding now why they were so sensitive to his touch.

Bella turned to face him fully and pressed herself against him, feeling his arousal underneath her. A few more minutes of kissing and Edward stood up with her in his arms. He walked to the bedroom and laid her down gently, as if she were made of porcelain.

He made love to her slowly and tenderly, driving her crazy with desire. When she was naked, he kissed his way down her body, kissing her stomach softly, murmuring words of love against her skin.

He was so gentle that Bella was forced to plead with him. "Edward, I won't break. Please love me. I need you."

Not able to deny her anything, he did as she wished and they were soon lost in the delirious pleasure of each other.

Later, Edward lay with his head on her stomach while her fingers ran soothingly through his hair. They were relaxed and satiated from their lovemaking.

"Do you think we should get married earlier than September?" he asked.

Her fingers stilled in his hair as she considered his question. "I think we should. I mean, by my rough calculations, I'll be around seven months along by then. I would be a lot more comfortable, physically I mean, if we got married earlier."

"You mean you don't want to waddle up the aisle," he teased, earning himself a gentle yank on his hair.

"Meanie!"

Edward moved up and pulled her into his arms, kissing her gently. "Am I forgiven?"

"I suppose so," she grinned. "And I'm not going to waddle."

"Okay then. So, when do you think we should have the wedding?"

"June I think. I'll be in the second trimester and will be feeling energetic and frisky," she laughed, remembering Alice's comments a couple of months before.

"Frisky, heh? I like the sound of that," he grinned, an amorous glint in his eye. "Feeling frisky again now, by any chance?"

"You are insatiable, you know that?" she scolded.

"And you love it, don't you?" he murmured into her throat before proceeding to show her just how insatiable she made him.

o-o-o-o-o-o

The next morning they went to see Bernard in his office. They explained the situation and how they wanted him to give Bella her first check up, preferably with as few people knowing as possible. Once it became common knowledge, Bella would just schedule her appointments during her working hours at the clinic.

"Congratulations to both of you!" beamed Bernard. "This is fantastic news. Fantastic news." Taking Bella's hand in his, he beamed at her. "And I would be most honoured to look after you during your pregnancy."

"Thank you Bernard," she replied with a wide smile. "Edward and I are over moon." She looked at Edward who was struggling to contain his happiness this morning.

"So, do you think you can do the initial check up discreetly?" asked Edward.

Bernard considered their options for a moment. "I think the best thing to do would be to do it during lunch just before the clinic starts next week. If you can find out which clinic you're rostered on for Bella, it'll be easier to disguise as you'll be in there anyway. I will need a hand though, so is there someone you trust enough to tell?"

"I can ask Sue. I know she can keep a secret and I trust her," she replied, remembering how Edward had enlisted her help for his proposal.

"Okay then. Let me know which clinic you're rostered on for and we'll do it then."

Promising to let him know as soon as she found out, they left his office. Edward pulled her into his office and shut the door before taking her in his arms and holding her close. Their kiss was slow, loving and tender. "I love you so much," he whispered against her lips. "I'm so happy I want to burst but I've got to act as if nothing's happened and it's going to kill me."

Bella smiled at him. "I know. If I could I'd run up and down the main street shouting out the news."

"Best not to do that, my love," he teased. "We could lose some patients that way."

Bella giggled and kissed him again. "How about we release some pressure by telling our families?"

"Good idea. I'll call them and organise a get together."

"Let me know what's happening. I'd better get to work."

"Okay. See you later. Love you."

"Love you too," she replied, giving him a quick final kiss before leaving the office. She schooled her face into a normal expression as went to greet the other staff on duty.

She managed to pull Sue aside during the afternoon and led them into one of the empty delivery suites.

"What's going on Bella?" asked Sue curiously.

"I need to tell you something in confidence and this seemed the best place where we won't be overheard." Checking the door was shut, Bella continued. "Sue, I'm pregnant."

Sue gave a startled gasp, her hand covering her mouth. When she recovered enough she asked the first thing she thought of. "Are you happy about it?"

Bella luminous smile was all the answer Sue needed. "Ecstatic. We didn't think we could have children so this is like all our Christmases and birthdays coming at once." Bella was enveloped in Sue's hug.

"I'm so happy for you both. You'll make the cutest family, I swear!" cried Sue.

Bella laughed. "Thanks Sue. The other reason I got you here is because we don't want to tell everyone until I'm at least three months along."

"Of course I won't tell a soul," promised Sue.

"I know you won't. That's why I wanted to ask a favour."

"Anything. Name it."

"Bernard's going to give me a check up, on the sly so to speak before one of the clinics next week and he needs someone to give him a hand. Will you come along?"

"Of course I will. Oh, I'm so excited." Sue took Bella's hands in hers. "How did Edward take the news?"

"He was pretty shocked, as you can imagine. He actually dragged us back here and had me take a blood test to be sure."

Sue shook her head in amazement. "Well, this news has made my day. My week. My year, actually."

With one last hug, they left the room before anyone commented on their absence. All afternoon, as Bella chatted to the new moms she kept thinking that by the end of the year, God willing, she would be holding her own precious baby.

Edward found her just as she was giving a handover to the next nurse and followed her to the staff room.

"I talked to Mom and she's asked us over for dinner tonight. Alice is coming along too."

"Great, we can break the news all at once."

"Get your earplugs ready, okay?" joked Edward. Bella just rolled her eyes and they left the hospital grounds.

o-o-o-o-o-o

"I've got to ring Mom," she told him when they arrived home. "She had a 'feeling' about this but I didn't believe her. She's the one that urged me to take the test."

"Renee is going to be over the moon," he replied with a smile. "Bella, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you thought you could be pregnant?"

Taking his hand and holding it to her heart, Bella looked at him, wanting him to understand her reasoning. "Because I really didn't believe it could be true and I couldn't bear to see the disappointment in your face if the tests were negative. I didn't want to see you hurt."

"If it had been negative, would you have said anything?" asked Edward, already knowing the answer.

Bella shook her head. "No."

"So you would have borne the disappointment all alone?"

"That's better than seeing the pain in your eyes when our hope was dashed."

Taking her in his arms he held her against his heart. "Oh my love. Please don't keep anything from me. We're in this together, for the good times and the bad times. Together we can get through anything, you know that. I hate to think that you would have hurt all alone. Knowing you're hurting is worse than anything the fate could throw at me. Promise me you'll share anything like this with me. Please."

Bella felt the tears spring to her eyes at his words. With a sniffle, she nodded. "I promise. I was so scared when I did the test."

"Scared of what?"

"Scared that it was going to be negative. Scared at how much it would hurt to have my hopes dashed."

"And you did that alone? I would have held you. We would have held each other and we'd have gotten through it."

"I'm sorry."

Raising her chin, he kissed her moist eyelids tenderly before placing the softest of kisses on her lips. "I know I've told you over and over how much I love you, but it's true. I'd do anything for you. Anything. Don't ever shut me out. I can take anything but that."

"No, I promise. And I love you so much that sometimes it actually hurts. Like I can't hold that much emotion inside me. I think our love for each other created our little miracle. How can that much love not manifest itself in some way?"

"You're right. And I understand. I sometimes wake up during the night and simply lie there looking at you and wonder what I did right to have you in my life."

Her heart melted at his words. "I think we both did something right, something good, and we are each other's reward."

"I like that thought." With a final tender kiss he let her go. "Ring Renee while I shower. Tell her I said hello."

Dialling Renee's number Bella steeled herself for the first of their family's reactions.

"Hi Mom," she greeted her mother.

"Well, tell me. Did you take a test?" asked an impatient Renee. She hadn't needed a test but it was still nice to be proven right.

"Yes I did. And you're going to be a grandmother."

Bella held the phone away from her ear as Renee crowed in delight, calling out to Phil and giving him the news.

"Oh my baby! Oh my God, I'm so happy! I knew it, I knew it! My 'sixth sense' is never wrong."

"I'll never doubt you again Mom. You don't want a job at the hospital do you? It would save them a fortune in pregnancy test kits," she joked.

"No thanks," laughed Renee. "Oh, I'm so excited."

"And Mom, Edward and I are planning to get married sometime in June so I hope you'll be able to come over for that."

"Of course! As if I would miss my baby getting married. Oh Bella, I'm just so happy that you're so happy. Edward is a wonderful man and you'll both be such wonderful parents."

"Thanks Mom. I am happy. More than happy."

They talked for a few moments more. "I'll call you when we settle on a date."

"I'll be there with bells on," promised Renee. "I love you baby girl."

"I love you too Mom."

"Give my love to Edward. I couldn't have wished for a better man for you."

"I will. And he sends his love to you too."

After a quick shower, they left for Carlisle's house. Alice and Jasper were already there.

"Ready, my love?" asked Edward kissing her hand.

"Let's get this show on the road."

Esme greeted them warmly, telling them that everyone was in the kitchen. Bella loved this kitchen and hoped one day to have a similar one. She could picture herself and Edward, with their child or children after a day's work or school, the homely smells of the kitchen filling their senses as they talked.

"Bella! How was your trip?" greeted Alice, giving her a hug.

"Great. It was great to see Mom. You're looking good Alice," she said, taking in Alice's dress which showed off her gently rounded belly.

I'll need to get maternity clothes, thought Bella excitedly. Thank god she had Alice to help her navigate her way through the world of maternity fashion.

"Thanks. I feel good although junior has grown. I'm finding I'm needing to go the toilet more often and I can't sleep on my stomach anymore which is a total bummer," she grimaced before breaking out into a grin. "I'm hoping I'll have some good news about the wedding?"

"After dinner. We'll tell you after dinner."

Bella turned as Victoria came into the room. The difference in just over a week was remarkable. She had put on a bit of weight and her hair was now soft and shining. Her face had lost some of the haunted look that James had put there. It was replaced by the calm glow of an expectant mother.

"Victoria! How are you? You look so much better than the last time I saw you," exclaimed Bella.

Victoria smiled and looked at Esme with something close to adoration in her eyes. "Yes, it's all thanks to Esme. She's taken such good care of me. I feel like I've gained a mother, something I never had."

"I'm so glad. And how are you feeling?"

"Tired and heavy, but that's normal I suppose. Dr Haas said the baby's head's engaged so I could go into labour at any time."

"That's true, so make sure you have your bag packed, okay?"

Victoria nodded with a smile. "Esme hounded me until I packed one. She took me shopping the other day and we got some clothes for the baby. I've even got a cradle in my room now." Taking Bella's hand, Victoria continued. "Thank you. For all you did for me. You and Dr Cullen."

"You don't need to thank us. I'm glad you're happy and I'm sure Esme is happy you're here too."

"Can I ask a favour of you. You and Dr Cullen?"

"Please, call me Edward," he said as he walked up behind them, his hand on the small of Bella's back. "I think we're way past the formal stage, don't you think?" he smiled gently at the girl.

"Okay. I wanted to ask if, when I have the baby, you and Bella would be the ones to be there, at the hospital?"

"To deliver the baby, you mean?" clarified Edward.

"Yes. I...I trust you both and it would mean a lot to me. I'd feel safe with you there," pleaded Victoria earnestly.

"Of course Victoria," replied Bella.

"Yes, we'll let the staff know to call us when you go into labour," said Edward. "I'll have Esme call me too."

"Thank you!" cried Victoria. "This means so much to me."

Esme got everyone to sit down at the large family table while dinner was served. Edward and Bella told them about their trip, everyone laughing at the tale of Renee's inebriation. The conversation around the table was full of laughter and Bella was so glad that her child would grow up in a family like this.

When they went into the sitting room, Edward pulled Bella down onto his lap as they prepared to tell their news.

"If I can have all your attention for a moment, Bella and I have something we want to tell you."

"You've decided on a wedding date?" cried Alice, clapping her hands excitedly.

Edward glared at his sister. "Yes, that is something we want to talk to you about but there's something else."

With everyone's faces turned towards him expectantly, Edward took a deep breath and looked at Bella. She smiled reassuringly and kissed him before nodding.

"Bella and I have found out something wonderful. Something amazing."

"What Edward?" asked Alice impatiently.

Bella spoke up. "What Edward is trying to tell you is that we are having a baby. I'm pregnant."

And all bedlam broke out with those words.

o-o-o-o-o-o

A/N: I hope you're happy at Edward's reaction. When I first started the story I had thought about making him think Bella had cheated but as the story developed, I felt it would have been OOC for him. That didn't mean he couldn't be disbelieving though.

On a serious note, I need to advise you that there is a chance that "Babies" could possibly be deleted by FF. Unfortunately there is a group call Literate Union who have taken it upon themselves to be the self appointed arbiters of what you should be reading. They have decided to target stories that are rated M and it is their mission to have them removed because they don't like them. Apparently we are too stupid to decide if we want to read something. Any story with smut, sex, violence, etc is being targeted and many stories have been pulled. These people are basically nothing but bullies. Taliban, anyone? Apparently it isn't my job to police what my kids reads, it's theirs.

A very sad person has decided to report "Babies" because of the sexual content. It doesn't matter that the sex is in the context of a loving relationship between E & B, it offends their sensibilities. People in love tend to have sex. Go figure! This means 'Babies' could just suddenly disappear from your alerts and favourites with no warning, especially if one of those literary thugs reads this AN.

Anyway, if it does disappear, I have the story over at Twilighted(dot)net. My penname is Aussiemum1204 and the name is the same. I urge all of you to head over there, sign up and read from a website that doesn't try to censor people's writing. I'm also considering adding it to The Writers Coffee Shop. I didn't want you to think that I've abandoned the story because I wouldn't. Unfinished stories are one of my bugbears. I won't be pulling the story voluntarily because that would mean they win.

Shortbritches85 has started a petition to lobby for MA and NC-17 ratings to reinstated and to have stories pulled arbitrarily. It seems the Twilight fandom is being particularly targeted as there are numerous explicit stories on other fandoms which haven't been touched. If you disagree with this sort of censorship and support the right to free speech head to the following link and sign the petition (before the thugs pull that too). The link is http(dot)/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5734048/1/petition