Chapter 42: The Announcement

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 42: The Announcement

Friday went by uneventfully. I didn't hear anything about the interview. I probably won't until they announce that Franklin Bendis or William Tuner got the job. It sure as hell wasn't going to be me. I spent Friday evening with Alice, Esme and EJ. Edward had to work an overnight and Carlisle was at a medical conference. We just spent the evening watching the DVD of our wedding pictures. I also uploaded them onto the website that Alice set up for Edward and I. I also ordered several pictures for our home.

I went into the guest house after Alice took EJ home. Esme gave me a hug as I left the main house. I showered and crawled into the sheets. I fell asleep quickly and slept hard. I didn't move when Edward came in around five in the morning. I didn't move when he got up around ten. I was down for the count.

I finally woke up around noon. To the smell of bacon and pancakes. "God, you were so dead to the world," Edward chuckled. "If it weren't for the snoring, I'd think you were in a coma."

"I do not snore," I said, my voice thick from disuse.

"Um, recently you do," Edward laughed. I flipped him off and rubbed my eyes. "Breakfast, my lady." He put a tray of food over my legs. I took all of the bacon and handed it to him. "No bacon?"

"The smell is a bit nauseating," I said wrinkling my nose. "It's all you, Dr. Masen."

Edward shoved a few strips of bacon into his mouth. "Hmmm, delicious," he proclaimed with his mouth full.

"Attractive, Edward."

"You love me," he quipped.

"I suppose I do," I sighed. I tuck into my pancakes and managed to clean my plate. "How was work?"

"Boring. I spent most of my time in my office playing catch up and filling out paperwork. Not my idea of a fun overnight. I'd rather they be busy. I was falling asleep at my computer."

"Sorry, love," I frowned. "So, what's on tap for today?"

"Well, we're seeing those houses today and possibly putting in an offer," Edward said. "We're meeting the realtor at 2."

"I'm going to call Charlie and Sue, then I'll hop in the shower."

"Telling them about Bean?" Edward asked.

"Yep and I'm asking Charlie about my FOID card," I said.

"FOID card?" Edward asked.

"I can carry a firearm in Washington. I have this sneaking suspicion that something is going to happen. Charlie can tell me if it's transferable," I said.

"You can shoot a gun. A gun?" Edward squeaked.

"I'm damn good shot. Remember, my dad is a police chief. He taught his daughter how to shoot a gun and proper gun safety," I teased. "I have a revolver in the house. In the safe."

"That's the box in there? Wow, I never knew," Edward said.

"Are you afraid?"

"No. I'm a bit turned on," Edward said seductively. "My wife can shoot a gun. Nice."

"You are a dork," I snickered. "I'm going to call Charlie and I'll meet you in the kitchen."

"Sounds good. Love you," he said as he kissed my lips chastely. I wrinkled my nose. "What?"

"You taste like bacon."

"Sorry, baby," he laughed. "I'll brush my teeth, freeing my lips and mouth from the taste of pig."

I looked up at him and ran out of the bedroom, directly into the bathroom. My breakfast came back up. Edward was behind me, holding my hair back. "I'm so sorry, Bella. Usually morning sickness goes away after the first trimester."

"Just don't talk about pigs or bacon or…" I puked again. "Just don't."

"Got it," he said as he got a washcloth to put on my forehead. I flushed the toilet and stood up on shaky limbs. Edward closed the toilet and wiped my face with a loving touch. He then filled a glass with water. I sipped it as I tried to calm myself. "Poor Bella," he said sympathetically. "Are you sure you don't want some Reglan?"

"I'm fine. I've been good for awhile now. Today was the first really bad day," I said as sipped the water. "I'm good, Edward. If you could just get the tray out of here and then you leave, I'll be perfect."

"I'll shower at the house. I'm probably smelling like…"

"Don't. Say. It."

"Right," he chuckled as he kissed my forehead. Edward got up and closed the door behind after he said he loved me. I started the shower and hopped in. I washed my hair and body. As I was running my hands over my abdomen, I stopped to the bump that was growing between my hips. It looked like I had gained some weight and was sporting a pooch. But I knew that in there was our bean. I took a deep breath and finished my shower. I wrapped a towel around my body and padded into the bedroom. Edward had opened the windows and sprayed some air freshener. Thank you, husband of mine. I pulled on a pair of jeans and red cardigan set. I slipped on a pair of ballet flats and grabbed my phone.

I walked into the main area of the guest house and sat down on one of the couches. I dialed the familiar number. It rang a few times and Charlie picked up. "Hello?"

"Hey Daddy," I smiled. His gruff voice was a soothing balm on my nerves. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good, kiddo. How are you? Did you enjoy your honeymoon?" Charlie asked suggestively.

"It was great, Dad," I replied dryly.

"What? I want a grandchild. Desperately," Charlie groaned.

"Well, that's part of the reason why I'm calling you," I began.

"Really?"

"Yes, Dad. But before I tell you anything, I have a question for you."

"Shoot, Bells."

"Is my FOID card valid here?" I asked.

"You need to take a safety exam but once you do, it is valid. Why?" Charlie questioned.

"Mike is escalating. I think he broke into our house. I'm terrified to go in there. Edward is actually thinking of selling our home and moving elsewhere," I said, biting my lip. "It's not safe."

"Well, if you go to the local police department and show them your FOID card, they'll give you the test and you're good to go. You still have the revolver, right?"

"Yeah. It's in the safe of house," I replied. "Are you ready for the other news?"

"I think I know, but yes," Charlie said, his excitement evident in his voice.

"You're getting your grandchild," I squealed.

"Hallelujah!" Charlie whooped. "When? Boy or girl?"

"Bean was conceived at the end of January and it's too soon to tell if Bean's a boy or a girl. I'm due in October," I smiled.

"Oh, Bella," Charlie cried. "I'm so happy. And so proud of you. You and Edward are made for each other and your child will have nothing but the best. I guarantee it."

"Is Sue with you right now?" I asked.

"No, she's at work. However, I think she knew," Charlie said thoughtfully. "I love you, Isabella."

"I love you, too, Daddy," I sniffled. "I'll call you as soon as I find out what we're having."

"I'm hoping a boy. Charles Masen has a nice ring to it," Charlie teased.

"Oh, okay, Dad. We'll keep that in mind," I said sarcastically. "I think I'm having a girl. But we'll find out at our twenty week appointment."

"Fine," Charlie grumbled. "I'll talk to you soon, Bella. Send my love to Edward and baby EJ."

"I will Dad. Bye."

"Bye, kiddo."

I hung up the phone and grabbed my purse. I walked to the house and found Edward, freshly washed, sitting and talking with Esme. They gave me a smile and I plopped down next to Edward, sniffing him surreptitiously. Soap and Edward. Perfect. "Did you just smell me?"

"Yes, I did. Making sure that the fried pork product smell was gone from your body," I teased.

"You are too much, Bella," Edward laughed.

"Can we stop at the police department before we meet with the realtor?" I asked.

"Why do you need to go to the police department?" Esme questioned.

"I have a FOID card. I am allowed to carry a firearm in Washington state. I want to make sure it transfers over to here. I have this strange feeling that Mike is up to something. You know?" Esme nodded with a look of concern on her face. "So, I asked my dad, who is a police chief, if it was legit here. He said I needed to take a safety test at the police department and I'm good."

"We'll head there now," Edward said as he finished his coffee.

"You're drinking coffee?" I squeaked. "You hate coffee."

"I got five hours of sleep, Bells. I need the demon drink," Edward said dryly. I narrowed my eyes and growled. Edward snorted and picked up his keys. "That was not scary. You looked like a pissed off Chihuahua."

"Esme, your son is being an ass," I grumbled.

"I know," Esme said as she smacked him upside the head. "Be nice to your wife."

"Great, my two favorite women are ganging up on me," Edward sighed. "Come on 'Annie-Get-Your-Gun,' let's get you situated to shoot your firearm." I stuck my tongue out at him as I walked past him to the Volvo. Esme giggled and put the mugs away. Edward drove us to the police station and I spoke with the captain. I showed him my active FOID card. He led me to a conference room and I took a brief test. I finished it and turned it back into him. He graded it and said I passed with flying colors. He handed it to his secretary and she printed out a FOID card that would be legit for Sherryville.

We drove to the first house that we were interested in. We parked in the driveway behind a large Lexus. Edward helped me out of the car and we walked to a man with sandy blonde hair. "Austin?"

"Dr. Masen, nice to see you again," Austin said with a grin. He had kind look to his face. He was plump and looked a bit like Santa Claus. His eyes were bright and blue, his cheeks were rosy and his smile was friendly. "I assume that you are the new Mrs. Masen?"

"I am. Bella Masen," I said as I held out my hand. Austin gripped my hand and gave me a friendly smile. "You sold my condo."

"Ah, yes. The condo. The new owners were not happy but they received a hefty sum to renovate. They are moving in later this month," Austin said.

I shot a look at Edward who grinned guiltily. "Did you offer the new owners money?"

"Some," Edward said sheepishly. "I felt horrible that they purchased your condo that was promptly ruined by a fire. It wasn't a lot."

"How much, Edward Anthony?" I demanded.

"$25,000," Edward said, biting his lip. I blew out a breath and decided to bite my tongue. Now is not the time or place to worry about this. Edward interlaced his fingers with mine and smiled apologetically.

"So, are you ready to see the house?" Austin asked nervously. We nodded and Austin opened the door. We were led into a large foyer that had dark wood floors. To our right was a winding staircase with wrought iron spindles. To the left was an open living room that had a fireplace. It was big enough to house Edward's piano and all of his living room furniture. Austin chattered about the upgrades to the house and how well it was maintained. He also told us the dimensions. Behind the living room was a small hallway/butler's pantry that led to the dining room. It was larger than Edward's dining room and had the most unique color on the walls. It was a deep teal blue. It made the dark cherry floors pop. We walked through a door and were led into the large gourmet kitchen. It was the same size as the kitchen at our current home but had nicer appliances and gorgeous granite countertops. I poked my head around in the pantry and cabinets, scoping out the storage.

The kitchen opened up to the family room and it was large and spacious. The ceilings were vaulted and there was a second fireplace. Behind the family room was the patio. It was intricate and beautiful brick pavers with elegant planters on the ledge. Austin stepped outside and he described the backyard. It was massive. There was a pool and a hot tub. Behind the hot tub was a small shack that matched the exterior of the house with a deep beige trim. Austin said that was the changing room and outdoor bathroom for the pool.

Austin led us back inside and we headed upstairs. There were five bedrooms and a loft. Edward said that he'd probably use the loft as an office and leave the bedrooms as is. We started with the smallest bedroom and moved to the largest. Ironically, the smallest bedroom was the size of our current bedroom which I thought was insanely huge. Each bedroom toted a walk in closet. The two largest bedrooms had attached bathrooms and there was a third one in the hall. The second largest bedroom was decorated as a nursery. The walls were painted a pale lavender and had a princess theme. I really want a baby girl. A princess for daddy to spoil. Edward's hand found its way into mine. His expression probably mirrored mine in his wishes. He smiled wistfully and kissed me sweetly in that room.

The final room we looked at was the master bedroom. It was huge. Easily three times the size of our current bedroom. The colors were warm and romantic. There was one wall painted a deep red and the rest were painted a deep gold. It was very elegant and I could see our bedroom furniture in there. The bathroom was equally as big, painted in the same golden color. The granite countertops were black and the cabinets were a deep cherry brown like they were in all of the house. The tub was a large Jacuzzi style tub and the shower was a great glass enclosure. Austin looked at us expectantly and asked, "What do you think?"

"Can you give us a few moments?" Edward asked with a smirk. Austin nodded and said he'd be in the kitchen. "What do you think?"

"It's nice," I said in a blasé tone. "Big."

"Yes, Bella. It's big and very nice, but what do you think? Could you see us living here with Bean?" Edward asked as he put his hand on my tummy. "Could you see our little brown haired angel in that princess bedroom?"

"I can," I whispered. "But what about the other house?"

"It's not as nice as this one," Edward said with a dismissive shrug. "We'd have to do some renovations and I'm not wanting to do that. The kitchen is a hot mess."

"What do you think?" I asked pointedly.

"I want it. Badly," Edward said with a look joy and excitement on his face. "I've already transferred the funds needed to buy this place outright into my checking account."

"How much is it?"

"$875,500.00," Edward replied. "It's actually appraised for easily double that. However, the family needs to sell right away. The owner got transferred to California immediately and is already living there. They can't afford their current home and the mortgage on this place."

"How do you know all of this?" I giggled.

"Austin told me. So, can I have him make the call?" Edward asked. "Please?"

"Yes, Edward," I laughed. He did an enthusiastic fist pump and kissed me passionately in our soon to be bathroom.

We walked down the stairs and Austin was looking at his Blackberry. "Do we need to drive to the other location?" Austin asked.

"Nope. We want to put in an offer," Edward answered.

Austin grinned and he dialed the selling realtor. "Hello? Joe? This is Austin from RealtyMax. I have couple here at the Pavilion address and they want to put in an offer…Hold on, let me ask," Austin muted the phone and looked at us. "How much?"

"Whatever they are asking and we need to move in immediately," Edward said confidently. "I believe the listing price was $875,500.00."

"Do you have the down payment?" Austin asked, his brow pulled together.

"We're paying for it outright," Edward explained.

Austin's eyes lit up in surprise. He nodded dumbly and unmuted the phone. "The couple is willing to pay the asking price, paid in full…Wonderful. Contact me when you know their response. Thanks, Joe." Austin hung up his phone and looked at us. "He's calling his clients now. Hopefully they'll say yes and we can get the ball rolling on determining a closing date for this place."

"Thank you, Austin," Edward smiled. "Do you mind if we take some measurements and peruse?"

"Of course not. I have a feeling that this place will be yours," Austin smirked. We roamed around the house, placing the furniture in the respective places. Edward said that we needed two more bedroom sets and he wanted to change his living room furniture. It was his stuff from Seattle. Tanya had picked it out and Edward honestly hated it. We were talking about the possibilities of what we could do for the living room when we heard Austin's phone ring. Edward snaked his arm around my waist and led me to the window seat. He sat down and put me on his lap. We sat quietly, trying to hear Austin's conversation but not wanting to intrude. Edward kissed my temple, wrapping his arms around my waist. I nibbled on my fingernail. Austin finished his conversation and skipped into the living room. "Congratulations, Dr. and Mrs. Masen. You are now the owners of 2545 Pavilion Avenue."

Edward turned to me and captured my chin. His lips caressed mine and he held me closely. "Thank you, Austin. For everything," he said as he turned back to face Austin. "When do we close?"

"Monday if you're available," Austin said. "The family wants to be rid of this house and are willing expedite it all. I will set up everything so you can be closed on this place by Monday afternoon."

"Can you take Monday off?" Edward asked.

"Probably not a full day. But I can take a half day," I answered. "I'll teach in the morning and we'll close in the afternoon."

"Works for me," Edward said as he looked at Austin. He began making phone calls and he told us to see ourselves out. We take one more tour of the house and headed out. Edward was absolutely giddy when he was in the car. He was acting like Alice, bouncing in his seat and talking animatedly about the house. It was adorable to see. We pulled up to Carlisle and Esme's. There was a limo in the driveway. Carlisle had apparently returned from his medical conference.

I checked my watch and saw that it was nearly five. We had dinner reservations for seven to tell our family about Bean. Edward and I head into the guest house and get ready for our dinner reservations. I put on a black wrap dress and a pair of flats. Edward insists I wear the necklace he gave me for the rehearsal. I blushed but put it on anyway. Edward was wearing a pair of black dress pants and a deep blue dress shirt.

"Where are we going for dinner, Edward?" I asked.

"Um, this new American restaurant called Waterloo. Apparently the owners were infatuated with ABBA," Edward snorted. "Are you ready to spill the beans about Bean?"

"Yes. I need Alice's assistance with buying maternity wear. We're both short and she can probably help me out in getting them hemmed and such," I said. "It really sucks being vertically challenged."

"Come here, Bells," Edward said. I arched a brow and stood up. Edward opened his arms. I welcomed his hug. "You fit perfectly under my chin. I love you this size. I love you, beautiful girl."

"Okay, Edward," I said, smiling at his logic.

"You think I'm weird."

"We've established this, Edward."

"Shut it, Mrs. Masen," Edward laughed.

"I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

We broke apart and met Esme and Carlisle in the main house. We were taking my car and driving to the restaurant together. Alice, Jasper, Rose and Emmett were meeting us at Waterloo. EJ was being babysat by Jasper's mom. She was in town for a few days visiting a friend and her grandson. Alice was also looking forward to getting it on with her husband. She got the go ahead from her doctor to have sex again. She said this on our night in with Esme and EJ. Alice was using this dinner to reconnect with Jasper afterward.

As we drove to Waterloo, Carlisle chattered about the conference he attended. He ordered some new equipment for the hospital and specifically for the ER. Edward was excited for the new toys that Carlisle got. They were talking 'doctor' in the front seat. Esme was chatting with me about my interview and show. I also asked her about her latest interior design project. Before we knew it, Edward pulled into the parking lot of Waterloo. He used the valet and we headed inside. Rose, Emmett, Alice and Jasper were already there looking fabulous.

We were seated in a small private dining room and had our drinks ordered.

"So, Bella, how was your interview for Sherrie's position?" Emmett asked. I hadn't talked to him since my debacle. He was working with kids on a science project on Friday during lunch.

"Um, a hot mess. They interviewed us together and the other two candidates were making snide and rude comments as I was speaking. I called them on it and probably blew my chances with losing my temper."

"Getting little to no sleep the night before didn't help, Bella," Edward said sympathetically.

"I know. It still is not good. I should have kept my temper in check," I shrugged.

"Why did you not get a good night's sleep?" Rose asked. "Did something happen?"

"Yeah," Edward said as he ran his hand through his hair. His other hand went to my mine, lacing our fingers together. "On Wednesday, we were driving home and the house was broken into."

"What?" Emmett growled. "Was it your asshole ex-husband?"

"Probably," I answered. "I haven't been back to the house since Wednesday morning. Edward went on Thursday to get us clothes."

"It was a mess. The living room was trashed. However, the most damage was sustained in our bedroom. The bed was slashed and all of our clothes were strewn everywhere."

"Was anything taken?" Alice asked quietly.

"No. It was just trashed."

"What are you going to do?" asked Carlisle as he gave us a concerned look.

"Well, we just put in an offer on a house in your neighborhood and we close on Monday," Edward answered with a smile. "We're going to sell the other house."

"That's wise," Esme said. "Besides, it'll give me a new house to decorate."

"It's actually in pretty good condition. The only room that might need some work is the dining room," Edward said as he scrunched his nose. "That color on the walls was…there are no words for it."

"I liked the dining room. I think the color was different," I whined. "It was a deep teal blue. Very pretty." Edward gave me a look confusion but shrugged it off. The waitress came and took our orders. We all got something different and decided to share our meals.

After the waitress left, Rosalie piped into our conversation. "How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Any cool amenities?"

"Five bedrooms and a loft. Three and half bathrooms," I answered. "It has a pool and hot tub. Massive gourmet kitchen and beautiful wood work all throughout the entire home. Very elegant and pretty."

"My favorite room was one of the bedrooms," Edward said as he gripped my hand. I smiled at our secret. Our soon-to-be revealed secret. "It was a child's room. Purple princess room."

"Edward?" Esme asked. "Are you…?"

"We're pregnant," I smiled. The table erupted in excited laughter and congratulations. Then we were inundated with a million questions being asked at the same time. When am I due? Boy or girl? Conception date? When did we find out? Edward held up his hands and everyone quieted down. He looked at me and kissed my cheek sweetly.

"Okay, so…we found out the day after the wedding," Edward began. "Bella was feeling nauseous and hungry. Then I started to put two and two together. Her constant lethargy, emotional outbursts, um, horniness and I looked at my calendar. Bella hadn't had her cycle since January. We asked our concierge to bring up a pregnancy test and we took it. Well, Bella took it."

"And it was positive. The plus sign was very bright in the test," I giggled. "We went to the doctor on Wednesday afternoon. She estimated that I conceived in the end of January. Like I said before, we weren't actively trying for a baby but weren't actively stopping either. I'm about twelve weeks along and will be due in October."

"So you don't know if you're having a boy or a girl?" Emmett asked.

"No. We won't find that out for another two months," Edward explained. "Bean is only about the size of my thumb. Too small to see anything."

"Bean?" Jasper asked.

"EJ is Peanut. We're claiming Bean," I snorted.

"Well, this calls for champagne. Except for you, Mrs. Masen," Carlisle said. He waved down our waitress and ordered a bottle of Cristal and sparkling grape juice for me. Our meals and champagne are delivered and we toast Bean, our new house and hopefully the arrest of my asshat ex-husband.

A/N: A bit of a filler chapter. Sorry…not every chapter is going to be brimming with action and sex, erm, lemons. Anyhow, Edward and Bella got a new house. Selling the old one. They told their families about Bean. I'm still waiting on the votes for what they should have…Boy or girl? Name suggestions, too…Up next will be the closing, decision on Bella's interview and possible resolutions with Michael, the evil asshat from Hades.