A/N: Thanks so much for your reviews last chapter. It was really touching to read how this type of tragedy has affected so many people. My heart goes out to anyone who's experienced the loss of a baby, at any stage.

On a much happier note, here's the chapter you've been waiting for. Now I spent chapter after chapter toing and froing trying decide what the sex would be. In the end I tossed a coin - literally. So if you don't like it, blame the coin!

Chapter 32

Bella was fed up.

She was more than fed up. She was completely over it. Was this baby ever going to be born?

She was five days over her due date and she just wanted to go into labour already. She was over having to go to the toilet every five minutes, it seemed, especially since the baby's head engaged a few weeks ago. She was over not being able to sleep properly because of aches and pains. Her rib was sore from the baby's well-placed kicks to it. She was over feeling like a baby beluga whale and not being able to see her feet. She was over people ringing her every day asking if she was in labour yet. She'd answered the phone, so the answer was pretty self-explanatory, she thought.

She was just just fed up.

Bella found herself snapping at Edward, then apologising. Edward would just let her be, not taking it personally. He gave her back rubs and massaged her aching feet. He was being a total sweetheart and Bella felt guilty for taking her bad moods out on him.

She went on maternity leave nearly four weeks ago and had done all the 'nesting' she could possibly do. She had washed every single item of baby clothing she had and sorted them out according to colour. Bella also cleaned every single inch of the apartment and now there was nothing left to do. And if she had to watch one more episode of 'Dr Phil' giving advice to some spoilt brat teenager and their over-indulgent parents, she'd scream.

Edward had made her pack her bag weeks ago and it sat near the front door, ready for the trip to hospital. Bella looked at it longingly wondering when she'd finally use it.

"Sweetheart, you can't stay in there forever, you know," she said to her huge stomach. "Daddy's anxious to meet you too. Come on baby, get a move on." Unfortunately, no amount of coaxing these past few days had worked and the baby was happily ensconced in her womb.

Luckily her late pregnancy had been trouble free, helping ease her fears. After the Hollington's tragedy, Bella had seen the hospital counsellor to 'debrief'. She'd insisted Edward go with her and talking about the experience and her fears had helped put everything in perspective. She was still afraid, but she managed to put it to the back of her mind and not let herself dwell on it. Her one concession to her fears was to buy herself a portable baby heartbeat monitor. It wasn't as powerful as the ones used in the hospital but listening to the baby's heartbeat when she was feeling anxious was a great help.

She had seen Bernard for her check-up a couple of days ago and he gave her a date that he would induce labour if she didn't go into labour before that. So there was an end in sight for her but Bella wanted to labour as naturally as possible so she hoped she wouldn't need to be induced.

Over the last few days, Bella had been trying all the old wives' tales that claimed to help induce labour. Edward simply shook his head and laughed when she asked him to take her for a drive along the bumpiest road they could find. It was more difficult and awkward now, but she had made love to Edward every day in the hope the hormones in his semen would do the trick. It hadn't but Edward was certainly enjoying trying it. People had suggested drinking castor oil, but even she wasn't that desperate.

It was just before six in the morning and Bella felt the familiar urge to go to the bathroom. Edward was snoring softly behind her, his hand on her belly. With her bladder pretty well squashed by the baby, going to the bathroom took top priority nowadays, so she squirmed from under his hand and rushed to the toilet. Since she didn't think she stood much chance of getting back to sleep before Edward got up for work, Bella hopped in the shower.

There was only one week until winter began but the apartment was lovely and warm. It needed to be for the baby's sake. If the baby ever came out. There was no way Bella could get a towel around her girth so she simply dried off and walked back into the bedroom naked. She stood in front of the full length mirror and looked at her heavily pregnant body, and couldn't help grimacing.

Her breasts were full and heavy, laced with blue veins, with her nipples darkened and engorged, ready for feeding her baby. They lay on her extended stomach, which held all the hallmarks of pregnancy. Bella grimaced at the stretch marks that she'd tried valiantly to lessen by religiously rubbing cream on her skin. There was a dark line down the middle where her stomach muscles had separated and her skin was criss-crossed with veins.

"You're gorgeous, you know."

"Ugh, I'm like a whale," retorted Bella. "How can you possibly find me attractive?"

She heard the rustle of sheets as Edward left the bed. His arms encircled her, resting on her stomach, his chin on her shoulder. He looked at her in the mirror as he pressed himself against her, showing her exactly how much he desired her.

"Bella, you are the sexiest woman I've ever seen. Can't you feel how much I want you? You, like this, are the embodiment of a real woman. Do you know what it does to me to know that you love me enough to bear my child?" His hands roamed over her skin, making her shiver with want. "You've never been more beautiful to me. I love you so much."

"I'm going to have stretch marks and it'll probably take ages to lose my baby weight," she lamented.

Edward tenderly kissed her shoulder as his hands moved to cup her full breasts, drawing a soft moan from her lips. "As if I care about that. There'll just be more of you for me to kiss and fondle." His hands began doing just that, his fingers rolling her sensitive nipples around. Bella could feel the wetness between her legs that Edward always drew from her. "And every stretch mark will be my reminder of the precious gift you gave me."

"God, I love you. You make me feel so beautiful," whispered Bella breathlessly as one hand moved back down her body.

"You are beautiful," he whispered into her throat as he licked the delicate skin below her ear. "I adore you."

Bella watched as his hand moved between her legs, seeking access that she readily gave. She gasped as his fingers circled her clit before gently stroking up and down.

"I love how wet you get for me," he murmured against her ear. "It's the most erotic thing I can think of."

Bella's breathing became laboured as his fingers worked their magic, slowly pumping into her as his thumb tickled her clit. His other hand massaged her breasts, moving between them.

"Oh god, Edward," she moaned as he inserted another finger, then another. She reached up and wrapped her arm around his neck, turning her head to search for his mouth. He took her lips, his tongue seeking the warmth of her mouth as he mimicked what his fingers were doing while he pressed his urgent erection into her backside.

Bella groaned into his mouth as his fingers increased their pace. Needing to breathe, she pulled her mouth from his. "Ohhh…ohhh…god, I'm gonna come."

"Look," he urged. "Look in the mirror. I want you to watch yourself come. I want you to see how incredibly beautiful you look when I make you come."

Looking into the mirror, she watched her face suffuse with pleasure, the blush spreading over her skin. His fingers thrust into her and when he moved the other to rub her clit, she watched herself open her mouth as the unbidden moan of pleasure left it when her orgasm crashed over her.

"Oh god!" she cried out, her body shaking as Edward supported her weak legs, his eyes glittering with erotic excitement as she convulsed around his fingers.

"Beautiful. So beautiful," he breathed as he stroked her down. He was so turned on it was painful, his hips grinding into her in a bid to ease the pleasure-pain.

Bella's breath was coming in short spurts as she calmed down. God, was there ever a more perfect man? Edward cupped her face and turned it for his kiss, both voracious and tender.

Their lips still locked together, he moved backwards until his legs touched the bed. Letting her lips go, he sat down, his erection throbbing in anticipation. He pulled her down, slowly impaling her, both of them groaning with pleasure at the feel of him inside her. His hands nudged her legs open so that they could both see their joined bodies in the mirror.

Bella gasped at the sheer eroticism of the moment. She watched as he bucked up into her, his finger rolling her swollen nub.

"Ahhh! God that feels good," she moaned breathlessly. Even though her stomach got in the way a bit, she could see him moving in and out of her and she couldn't help rocking back and forth.

"Oh baby," he breathed. "I'm nearly there. Come for me again. I want us to watch you come with me inside you."

"Unngghh...yes...yes...oh god, Edward, yesss!" she hissed, rocking her hips as fast as she could, all awkwardness forgotten as she felt the familiar sensations begin again where they were joined.

"Oh baby, oh...fuck!" he cried out as his penis jerked violently, unable to hold back any longer and spilled himself inside her, his body shaking from the intense pleasure.

Bella felt him pulse inside her and combined with the look of pure pleasure that was almost painful on his face, was the catalyst for her orgasm. Forcing herself to keep her eyes open, she watched as her body shuddered with each wave of pleasure. Edward's eyes watched her in the mirror, his hands roaming and squeezing as he came down from his high.

Thoroughly sated, Bella leaned her head back on his shoulder as he ran lips over and over the skin of her shoulder. They were still joined and every so often, they felt a ripple of lingering pleasure run through them.

"Now do you see how much I want you?" he murmured against her throat. "How utterly desirable you are?"

"Yes."

"Good. Never think otherwise."

They stayed like that for a few moments, letting their heartbeats settle down. Edward kept kissing her skin and caressing her stomach. The baby gave a couple of well-aimed kicks.

"Ohh!" gasped Bella. "That was a good one."

Edward chuckled. "Poor baby. You're getting a real pummelling, aren't you?" At Bella's nod, he rested his hands on her stomach. "Oh little one, mommy's gonna get really cranky with you if you don't make an appearance soon."

"Yep. Really cranky. You hear that sweetheart?" When her stomach moved again, they both laughed.

"I'd better get a move on, love, or I'll be late." Lifting her up, Edward stood up and stretched. He was about to go in for his shower, when Bella pushed past him.

"Gotta go first," she said urgently. Edward chuckled to himself. His poor Bella was feeling so uncomfortable and he really hoped the baby would make an appearance soon. He knew she was totally over running to the bathroom every fifteen minutes.

Bella got back into bed as it was still early to try and get some more sleep. Their lovemaking had made her sleepy. She was just dozing off when Edward kissed her cheek.

"I'm going, love. Try and get some rest and make sure you call me if you get any pains."

Bella nodded sleepily. "Okay. Love you."

"Love you too." With a final kiss on her forehead, he left for work.

Since Bella could go into labour at any time, she was under instructions to ring Edward immediately if she got a contraction. He would leave the hospital and come home when that happened.

She managed to sleep for a couple of hours and woke with a dull back ache. Bella grimaced wryly. She'd probably been a little too adventurous this morning and she was paying for it now. Her back regularly ached from carrying the extra weight of the baby.

Bella was just preparing herself some lunch and bent down to pick up the knife she dropped when she felt a sharp pain. As she stood up, she felt a 'pop' and then a gush of liquid between her legs. Looking down she could see the puddle left by the amniotic fluid.

"Oh god," breathed Bella. Here we go, she thought as she decided what to do first, call Edward or clean up the mess. Call Edward, I think.

Ringing the unit, she asked to speak to Edward. "I'm sorry Bella, but he's in surgery at the moment with an emergency c-section," replied the nurse who answered.

Damn. "Can you get Sue, if she's available?" Bella waited for Sue, grimacing at the uncomfortable wet feeling, anxious to change her pants.

"Hello, Bella?"

"Hey Sue. Do you know if Edward is nearly finished in surgery?"

"I'm not sure. I can check for you. What's up?"

"My waters just broke. Edward wanted me to ring him if anything happened. I think this qualifies."

Sue laughed. "Yeah, I think so."

"Can you let Edward know as soon as you see him? I'll probably be a while anyway so he'll have time to get to me."

"Will do. I'll go and see if I can get hold of him now."

"Thanks Sue."

Believing she had lots of time to get to hospital, Bella was surprised when another sharp pain started. Five minutes later, another longer, stronger contraction started.

"Oh no!" groaned Bella as she held her stomach as the pain ripped through her. This was happening too fast! Her waters had only broken twenty minutes earlier and already she was having contractions less than five minutes apart. Edward might not have time to come and pick her up.

Another strong contraction struck as she was putting her soiled clothes in the clothes hamper. "Ohhh!" she groaned, bending over as the pain radiated through her body.

"Oh baby. After taking your time, now you're in hurry?" she gasped.

Her phone rang. Hoping it was Edward, she was dismayed when Sue spoke. "Bella, he's in the middle of the operation. It was more complicated than normal so he'll be at least another half hour."

"Oh no," groaned Bella. She panted heavily as yet another contraction started.

"Bella. You okay?" asked Sue as she heard Bella moaning softly.

Unable to speak while the pain ripped through her, Bella took a few moments to answer. "Oh boy! I think the baby's in a bit of a hurry, Sue."

"Damn."

"Yeah," agreed Bella. "I'm contracting every three or four minutes."

"God Bella, you have to get in here now," warned Sue.

"I know. Listen, I'm going to call Charlie. Can you tell Edward to expect me?"

"Okay. Tell Charlie to put on his sirens. You may need them."

Bella laughed worriedly. Sue may have a point. Quickly, before another contraction started, she rang Charlie.

"Bels, you okay?"

"No, Dad. I'm in labour, Edward's in surgery and the baby's in a hurry!"

"Okay Bels. I'm on my way. Relax."

Charlie must have raced to her place because he knocked on her door less than ten minutes later. Bella, her faced laced with pain, opened the door.

"Bels! Damn! Come on, sweetie, let's go." He grabbed her bag and helped her into his squad car.

Bella cried out as another sharper pain started. Okay Bella, she told herself, remember all that advice you've given to labouring mothers. Start taking your own advice. Panting heavily, she tried to work through the pain.

Charlie's face whitened as he saw the amount of pain Bella was in and flicked on his siren and lights. This was an emergency as far as he was concerned. Bella had one hand on her stomach, another held the hand-hold as Charlie raced through the streets of Forks, siren's blaring.

He had rung ahead to tell the hospital they were on their way so Sue was waiting outside with a wheelchair. Charlie practically lifted Bella out of the police car and sat her in the wheelchair.

Bella's hair was wet with sweat as she tried to cope with the pain. "Where's Edward?" she groaned.

"He's getting changed. Bernard's taken over the operation. Edward needs to be with you now, so I'm going to take care of you until Bernard can get there," explained Sue as they rushed into the delivery room.

Another midwife, Melanie, was waiting for them and helped Bella onto the bed.

"Ooohhhh…" moaned Bella, unable to believe how much this hurt.

Sue felt the contraction, which lasted over a minute. "I think you are really close, Bella. That was a really strong contraction."

"You're telling me!" gasped Bella when she could think again as the pain subsided. Before another one could start, Sue checked Bella's dilation.

"You're about nine centimetres, Bella. Wow, you're not mucking around with this one, are you?"

Bella shook her head. "This baby is in so much trouble when it comes out," she joked weakly.

The door opened with a bang as Edward rushed into the room.

"Bella!" he cried as he took her in his arms. "Oh baby, I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up."

"It's okay. I don't think you would have got there in time anyway. I'm already nine centimetres."

Edward gaped at her then looked at Sue, who nodded in confirmation. "I don't think Bernard will get here in time. You'll have to do the delivery, Sue." Sue nodded as Melanie got the birthing pack ready.

"Ahhh!" cried Bella, nearly in tears. She didn't have time for painkillers, much less an epidural.

"I'm here, baby," soothed Edward, brushing her matted hair from her face and kissing her temple as she tried to cope with the pain. "Grab my hand." Bella took it and squeezed as the contraction peaked before subsiding again. The contractions were now nearly continuous, as were her moans.

"Beanbag! I want the beanbag!" demanded Bella urgently.

Melanie grabbed it and they placed it on the bed. Edward help Bella up and she kneeled on it, the bag taking her weight. Bella rocked her hips as the pain seemed to rip her body apart. Even after all the births she'd attended, she had no idea that it could hurt this much. Gripping onto Edward's hand was the only thing that kept her sane. That, and burying her face into the bean bag as she cried out into it during the peaks.

Edward hated seeing Bella in so much pain. Right now, he wasn't an obstetrician; he was a husband watching his beloved wife in agony and it was awful. He would give anything to take her pain away, although he knew it was too late to give her anything for it. He rubbed her back as her hips rocked and leaned down to kiss her hair.

"You're doing so well, baby," he whispered, grimacing slightly as her fingers gripped his with a force he didn't know she was capable of. "I love you, baby. I'm so proud of you."

Over and over, he murmured soothing words although Bella was lost in a haze of pain.

"Oh god, I'm gonna be sick!" cried Bella, sitting up. Sue put a dish under her just as she vomited into it.

Edward held her hair as he continued rubbing her back. "Oh, my poor baby."

"Edward, it hurts!" cried Bella, bursting into tears.

He took her in his arms and held her as she cried. "I know, baby. I know. It won't be long now. You're in transition so it won't be long and our baby will be here."

Bella nodded as she kept on crying. Edward felt helpless. All his knowledge and experience meant nothing now.

Sue performed another exam. "Ten centimetres, Bella. Not long now, honey."

Bella was still holding onto Edward when she had the most overwhelming urge to push. It was an instinct that was impossible to ignore. She could no more have stopped herself pushing than the earth could stop turning.

"Oh god, I need to push!" she gasped, letting Edward go and leaning back on the beanbag. Without waiting for anyone, Bella pushed with all her might.

Luckily, Sue was already gowned up to deliver the baby. "Good girl Bella, that's it. Beautiful. Keep going."

For almost twenty minutes, Bella alternated between pushing and panting. Edward couldn't help himself and he found himself checking her progress then going back to kiss and encourage her.

"Okay Bella, next push and the baby will crown," said Sue.

Grunting with the effort, Bella bore down and pushed with all her might. The intense burning sensation told her the baby's head was crowning. "Aahhh!" she yelled out in pain. She felt like her skin was ripping in two. It was nearly unbearable.

"That's great Bella. Nearly there. The head's nearly out," encouraged Sue.

"Baby, you're doing so well. I love you," soothed Edward, his head leaning on hers.

Bella nodded in acknowledgement but words were beyond her. The next contraction started and with an almost inhuman cry, Bella strained and felt the pressure instantly ease, as if an elastic band had snapped back.

"Head's out, Bella. Well done," encouraged Sue. "I'm just turning the shoulders so don't push until the next contraction."

Not pushing was nearly impossible but Bella managed to stop herself. As soon as she felt another contraction, she didn't hold back.

With a gush of remaining amniotic fluid, she felt the baby's shoulders emerge and then the rest of the body.

Edward held his breath for an instant, only releasing it when the baby gave a loud, indignant wail. Sue held up the wriggling infant for his inspection and he couldn't help the gush of tears as he saw his son for the first time.

"It's a boy, Bella. We have a baby son," he choked out.

"A boy! Oh god, Edward," cried Bella, as Sue gave the baby to Edward while she and Melanie helped Bella turn over, leaning against a pile of pillows.

Edward looked down at his son, tears falling down his cheeks as he kissed his little forehead. "Hello, little guy. I'm so happy to finally meet you. I love you." He placed the baby in Bella's waiting arms and wrapped his around the two of them.

"Oh Edward, he's beautiful," whispered Bella in awe. "He's perfect."

"Yes. Oh baby, I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much for our son," he whispered back, kissing her lips reverently. Their lips and tears mingled for a moment before they turned to look at their son.

"Welcome to the world, Daniel Edward Cullen," said Bella, kissing his tiny cheek. "Daddy and I love you so much, sweetheart."

Edward asked if he could do the tests on Daniel while Bella delivered the placenta and Sue cleaned her up. Bernard walked in as Edward was weighing Daniel.

"I'm too late, I see. Tell me, boy or girl?" he asked.

Turning his head, Edward beamed at Bernard. "Bernard, I'd like to introduce Daniel Cullen," he said proudly.

"A boy! Congratulations. My, he's a handsome little fellow." Bernard shook Edward's hand then turned towards Bella. "Congratulations, my dear. I'm sorry I missed it but I'm very pleased for you," he said, kissing Bella's cheek.

"Thanks Bernard. Don't worry about it. After stalling for days, my son decided he was in a hurry after all."

My son. Oh my god, I'm a mother! thought Bella, unable to comprehend it fully. She watched Edward wrap Daniel before picking him up and holding him securely against his chest, kissing his son tenderly. Their eyes met, absolute love for her shining from Edward's glittering eyes as he walked back towards her. Bella couldn't help the tears spring into her eyes again as she watched her husband and son together.

"I'm going to leave you all to get acquainted.," smiled Sue smiled, coming to give Bella and Edward a kiss. "Congratulations Mom and Dad. You have a lovely son."

Alone, Bella moved over and patted the bed beside her. Edward placed the baby on her chest then lay down beside her, his hand over hers as they touched their baby's face in awe. Their lips met tenderly, their love flowing through them. Pulling apart, their heads touching, they looked down at their little miracle.

"He's so beautiful," said Bella, her hands tracing his tiny features. He had a light covering of dark hair.

"Yes, like you. I can't believe he's finally here," replied Edward, in amazement. "My son. Our little boy." Neither of them said anything for a few moments, just letting it all sink in. Kissing her temple, he touched Daniel's hand, the tiny fingers gripping his tightly. "You were incredible. I'm so proud of you, baby. I'm sorry I couldn't bring you to hospital."

"It's okay, Edward. It's not your fault you had an emergency. It was quite an experience riding in Dad's police cruiser with the sirens blaring," she laughed.

"He had the lights on?" asked Edward incredulously.

"Yeah. I think he just didn't want me giving birth inside his car," joked Bella. "It was looking like a possibility for a moment there."

"I can't believe you were so quick. How are you feeling?" he asked in concern.

"Surprisingly good, but that's probably the adrenaline. Sue said I didn't tear. Damn, I didn't ask how much he weighs."

"A very healthy eight pounds, four4 ounces."

"That's a good weight. We'll have to make the calls to everyone to let them know. Charlie's probably waiting."

"I'll go and see him while you get transferred to the ward. He's probably anxious to meet his first grandchild." He tenderly caressed the baby's soft skin, smiling as Daniel instinctively turned his head, looking for food. "I think he wants his first meal."

Bella smiled and lifted her t-shirt. She positioned the baby and placed him on her breast, making sure he attached properly. Daniel knew exactly what to do and started suckling.

Edward watched, his heart melting all over again as he watched Bella feed their son. It was such a beautiful sight, and one he didn't believe he'd see for such a long time, that his eyes filled again. He reached out and traced the blue veins on Bella's breast, the breast that he loved so much, before running his hand over his son's downy head. "You're so beautiful, Bella."

She looked at him, and smiled tenderly. "I love you, Edward. Look at the perfection our love made. If I didn't believe in God before, I would now. How could he be anything but a gift?"

Nodding, he leaned forward, kissing the top of her breast, then Daniel's head before moving up and kissing her lips. "There honestly aren't words to describe how much I love you, Bella. You, and Daniel, are my life. I couldn't exist without you."

They watched Daniel feed, then Bella gave him to Edward to burp. Edward grinned and lifted the baby to his shoulder, and gently rubbed his back, chuckling when he burped. "Good boy. Tummy full now?" he murmured against his head. Daniel gave a sigh and promptly fell asleep on Edward's chest.

"So, I guess you were right after all," noted Bella.

"What do you mean? I'm right a lot of the time."

"You're lucky you're holding your son," replied Bella with a smile. "I meant you were right about us having a boy."

Edward nodded. "Damn, I'm good."

"Lucky guess," scoffed Bella.

"Hardly," he replied. "And I guess my super sperm this morning got the labour going, huh?"

Bella looked at him with wry smile. "Co-incidence. I don't believe any of those wives' tales about inducing labour anymore."

"But it was my super sperm," he insisted cheekily. "I made hot, passionate love to you this morning and, hey presto, we have a baby this afternoon."

"You've made hot, passionate love to me every day for the past week and I didn't go into labour then," she pointed out.

"Well, I must have been extra good today."

Bella kissed his cheek. "Mmm, you were very good this morning," she purred, thinking about it.

Edward groaned. "God, how am I going to survive not making love to you for six weeks?"

"You'll live. And think how good it'll be when we finally do."

"For you, my love, I'd wait a lifetime," he murmured.

"Damn, you are good," acknowledged Bella.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Bella and Edward were taking their baby son home today. He was three days old and in Bella's opinion, getting more gorgeous every day, just like his father.

"There you go, sweetheart, all ready for your first car ride," she crooned at Daniel as she placed a baby blue beanie on his head. His eyes were open and trained on his mother's face, as if studying her features. Bella picked him up and kissed his cheeks, breathing in his baby smell. "Daddy's just getting your carrier and we're going home." She'd fed him just before so he was quite content.

After spending nearly an hour in the delivery room marvelling over their little miracle, Bella had been moved to the ward while Edward went to get Charlie and ring their families to give them the news.

Charlie had entered the room, a look of awe on his face as he gazed at his grandson for the first time. Bella had insisted he hold little Daniel, so Charlie had picked him up, holding him awkwardly at first. It had been a long time since he'd held a baby.

"You did real good, Bels. He's a fine little man, isn't he?" Bella had smiled at Edward. Charlie was never going be the most eloquent person in the room but she could see the delight in his eyes. "You too, Edward," said Charlie, as an afterthought.

"Thanks, Charlie," replied Edward. "But Bella did all the work. I couldn't be prouder of her."

Charlie nodded in agreement. Not long afterwards the onslaught began. First Alice arrived with Jasper and Alyssa in tow.

"Oh my god, he's adorable!" cried Alice as she saw her nephew for the first time. "Look Aly, this is your cousin, Daniel. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you." She hugged and kissed both of them before insisting she hold her favourite nephew. Alyssa just grinned at everyone, safe and secure in her daddy's arms, gurgling and dribbling everywhere.

"I'm glad you had a boy, Edward," said Jasper seriously.

"Why's that, Jas?" asked Edward curiously.

"He'll be able to keep an eye out for any male that tries to get funny with Alyssa," replied Jasper with a smile. "We'll have an agreement, the two of us, that he'll be on the hotline to me as soon as a guy even goes near her."

"He will not!" glared Alice at her husband. "Oh my god, I'm already feeling sorry for her. And no," she looked at the sleeping baby, "you won't be calling your uncle."

Bella giggled while Edward winked at Jasper. "Don't worry, we'll work something out."

"Guys! Cut it out!" laughed Bella, shaking her head at their over-protectiveness.

Next to arrive were Esme and Carlisle, followed closely by Jacob with Victoria and Robbie. It was quite the party atmosphere for a while as everyone fussed over the newest member of the family. Edward got a message during their visit from Renee, informing him that she and Phil would be arriving the following day after securing a flight from Jacksonville.

"Oh that's great. I can't wait for Renee to meet Daniel," said Bella. It was a shame that she was so far away but Edward pointed out that with regular visits, emails and photos, Renee could still be involved in Daniel's life.

By the time visiting hours were over, the adrenaline from the birth was definitely wearing off and Bella could feel her energy flagging. Daniel hadn't wanted a feed since his birth but she wasn't worried about it. He would demand feeding when he was ready. Edward stayed for a couple more hours, lying next her, gently kissing her as she dozed. He was going to come into work while she was in hospital as he would be able to see them whenever he had a free moment. Once she went home, he was taking a month's leave to help Bella adjust to their new life. A locum had been secured to take his place so Bernard wouldn't be overloaded.

"All set?" asked Edward as he walked into the room with the baby carrier. He smiled tenderly as he saw his son all dressed in his blue clothes. He still had to pinch himself at times to ensure he wasn't dreaming. He couldn't help thanking the heavens for the treasures he'd been given as he looked at his beloved Bella and his adored son.

"We sure are," replied Bella as he kissed her. "Let's get this show on the road."

They secured Daniel in his carrier and Edward proudly carried his son through the hospital, loving all the attention his little man got. Bella walked beside him, mentally shaking her head. Any prouder and he'd burst. Sue and another nurse helped her carry the numerous flowers she'd received out to the car. During the past two days, many staff members had come to see the baby and give her gifts and flowers and her room looked like a florist at times.

It was very cold outside and Edward had moved the car as close to the entrance as possible so that Daniel would be exposed to the elements as little as possible. As they drove off, Bella waved at the staff, promising to bring Daniel in regularly for visits. She had decided to take an initial six months off and would re-evaluate when that time was coming to an end. Bella didn't know how she would feel about returning to work and leaving Daniel, so Edward suggested she didn't make any decisions now.

The apartment was warm when they entered and Bella could smell something baking.

"What's that?"

"Mom came and put a casserole in the oven for us. She's been cooking and has left food in the freezer so that you don't have to cook."

"That's so sweet," said Bella, grateful for Esme's thoughtfulness.

"She did the same for Alice. So, what now?"

At these words, Bella felt a moment of panic. They were all alone with their new baby and she was completely responsible for it. Even though she was an experienced midwife and helped new mothers care for their babies, now she was the new mother. What did she really know about raising a child? What if she got it wrong?

Edward could see the worry on Bella's face. "What's wrong, baby?"

Taking a deep breath, Bella told him what was on her mind, the panic evident in her voice. Putting the sleeping baby down on the couch, Edward took Bella in his arms, and held her close.

"Ssh, baby. It's okay. It's okay. You'll be a great mother and everything will be fine. We're both on a learning curve but we'll muddle along together. It's natural to be scared but we've got each other and we'll be okay. As long as Daniel knows that we love him, everything will be fine."

Being in his arms, listening to his soothing words, Bella felt better. Of course she would be okay. She was just getting the normal jitters that every new mother goes through. Lifting her head, she pulled his lips down to hers. "Thank you, my love. You always know what to do to make me feel better."

He rested his forehead on hers and smiled. "I love you and I know you'll be a wonderful mother. You are a wonderful mother. I'll always here for you, baby." They just held each other for a few moments then Daniel made a mewling cry. "Sounds like someone's waking up," smiled Edward as he let Bella go.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully as they got to know each other without anyone else around. Their families were being tactful enough to leave them alone to settle the baby in at home. In the evening, Bella bathed Daniel, the baby seemingly enjoying the warm water while Edward looked on and took photos.

"These are the ones we'll take out and embarrass him with when he's twenty-one," he joked.

Bella fed him, swaddled him up tightly and they put him to bed, gazing down at the sleeping baby in his cot.

"It's hard to believe he's really ours sometimes," whispered Edward, his finger lightly caressing the baby's cheek.

Bella laid her head on Edward's shoulder as he held her with his other arm. "I know. He's so beautiful, isn't he?"

"Yeah, the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. I could be biased, though.," he smiled.

"Probably a little, but I agree with you. And he's ours. Our son."

"Our little miracle."

A/N: I chose the name Daniel because I love that name. I would have called my son Daniel but his oldest sister is already called Daniella so that would have been too weird!

Anyway, let me know what you think