A/N: *clears throat and taps the mic* Hello lovelies, first off I'm so excited that the story has gotten over a thousand reviews. *does happy dance* Thank you all soooo much. I love each and every one of you, even my anonymous reviewers.

Now I'm gonna touch on two things here, katandjasper reviewed that she can't read slash and I should warn people. I respect the fact that everyone can't handle the whole m/m thing...and that's cool. To each his own. However, this story is primarily Em/Bella, it's not going to turn into a slash fic anytime soon. James and Edward are just secondary characters that I happened to have a soft spot for. I can't write m/m sex and I'm not even gonna try so there's no need to worry about that (for all those who don't go for that). There will be kissing and light petting and the allusion of sex. And I did add a warning, but next time I'll make sure to highlight it. Thanks for your views hun.

Okay, now on to the second issue, about an hour ago or so I received a review from a guest, 'mimi', who said that she didn't care for my Bella because she was the opposite to S.M's Bella to a 'saddening degree'.

Well that's exactly the way I wanted her to be and I make no apologies for her. The Bella from the book belongs to SM and she wrote her the way she wanted to write her. I just happen to not prefer her, she was too submissive and downright stupid if you ask me..but that's MY opinion. This is my story so I will write the characters how I see fit. I'm merely borrowing S.M's characters to bring my story to life. I'm sure this isn't the first or the last time you will see a story where Bella has a backbone. So if my Bella disappoints you...*shrugs* I do apologize but she stays as is. Thank you and good night *drops mic and walks away*

Disclaimer: I am not SM, so I will not portray my characters the same way she does hers. I am merely using her characters to bring my story to life.

Chapter 51

BPOV

When I woke up, I was in my room and outside was darkening. I yawned and stretched before sitting up and throwing my legs off the bed. The house was absolutely quiet and I made my way out into the hall.

"Emmett?" I called.

"He's not here," Edward's voice called from the living-room.

I made my way into the room and joined my bestie on the couch.

"Hey," I said with a smile, nudging him with my foot.

He gave a half-hearted wave, eyes never leaving the screen. Ruh-roh. Something was wrong. I yawned again and shifted so I was facing him, and poked him on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing," came the monotone reply.

I snorted. "Bullshit, now talk," I said grabbing the remote and turning off the television.

He turned his surly gaze to mine and frowned, "I'm not in the mood."

"Well get in the damned mood," I snapped.

I took a deep breath and rethought the situation, I wanted to help not make him retreat into himself.

"Come on buddy," I said rubbing his arm. "You know you can talk to me."

He looked at me silently for a moment and then sighed, "I hate you."

I smiled, "I hate you too, now start talking."

"It's James."

Oh boy.

I knew this was gonna come up sooner or later.

"What about him?" I asked leaning back, trying to get comfortable.

"He kissed me."

Whoa.

"And how do you feel about that?" I asked.

"I don't know," he said making a frustrated sound deep in his throat. "I mean, I liked it...it was amazing."

I grinned, "No need to go keep the details to yourself."

He rolled his eyes and cracked a small smile. "You're such a gossip whore."

I shrugged, only when it came to him.

I waited for him to continue.

"He has a boyfriend."

"And you like him...and if I am to assume correctly, a lot," I said with a nod.

"Ding, ding, ding," he said sarcastically. "You win the grand prize."

"I hope it's a back rub," I replied cheekily.

"And how does he feel, have you talked about it I mean?"

He shook his head, "He's just as confused as I am."

I sighed, this was a toughie. "I'll say just play it by ear, but be careful. I don't think the 'boyfriend' is serious. I wouldn't even go as far as to put a label on him."

"What makes you say that?" he asked.

"Emmett hasn't met him," I said. "Emmett's opinion matters to him."

Edward nodded, letting this new piece of information soak in. I wanted him to be happy, and I know that having the multitude of men vying for his attention wasn't making him happy. That, or the random hook-ups he had. He, like any other person, wanted more.

"So you gonna get me something to eat and let's watch a movie?" I asked after a few minutes of silence.

"God the two of you are greedy," he said throwing a pointed look at my stomach.

I rubbed my stomach and laughed, "Ignore your uncle, he's just not getting any so he's a little cranky."

"Who says I'm not getting any?" he huffed, affronted.

I rose a brow and stared him down before he flushed and stood.

"I really, really hate you," he said stretching.

I stifled a yawn and waved him off, "Just hurry up and get us something to eat."

He flipped me the bird and headed off to the kitchen. I turned the television back on and flipped through the channels searching for something to watch, and pretty soon my thoughts wondered to where Emmett could've disappeared to.

Maybe something came up at the office and he didn't want to disturb me, although obviously he had brought me inside and tucked me into bed and I was comatose through out it all. I smiled at the memories of the day played over in my head. I was really falling for this version of Emmett McCarty and for once I was glad I didn't just tell him to kindly fuck off.

Edward came back with a bowl of popcorn, a few sandwiches and a glass of milk for me and a bottle of wine for himself.

I glared at him and he grinned wickedly, taking a swig from the bottle.

"What are we watching?" he asked.

"You are such a cunt," I growled at him.

"I love you too," he outright laughed then.

Oh I was gonna get him back, an evil smirk crossing my features.

"Disney has a marathon going on," I said. "The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Mulan and Beauty and the Beast."

He groaned and shook his head, "I take back every mean thing I've ever said or done to you."

I cackled, "Just sit back, enjoy your wine and the movies."

He muttered something under his breath that sounded remotely like 'Fuck off' and I just chortled as the opening credits to The Little Mermaid showed on the screen.

-TA-

EmPOV

I went to the one place where I could clear my head and think straight.

The stables.

I got lost brushing Bunny, who preened under my touch.

"I know I haven't spent time with you recently, but you know I love you," I murmured to the horse, who whinnied softly in response.

"Have you met Bella?" I asked.

"What do you think about her?" I continued reaching for a carrot stick.

Bunny snorted and flicked his head, his ears twitching as my voice soothed him.

"You're right," I said sitting down and resting my head against the stall. "She's definitely what I'm used to."

I was losing it slowly but surely. Okay maybe not that slowly, because I'm here pouring my heart out to a horse. Jesus. I ran a hand tiredly, over my face.

"I can't believe I didn't even like her when we first met," I went on thinking the damage was already done so why stop now.

"I like her now though, so much it scares the living shit outta me."

"Women tend to do that."

I jumped to my feet and stared at the horse above me.

Did the horse just...talk?

What the hell?

I heard a deep chuckle behind me, "Of course the horse isn't talking to you Emmett."

I whirled around to see my father standing there with a bemused expression on his face.

I laughed, feeling absolutely asinine. "Sir."

My father's face sobered, "There was a time you called me dad."

That was a long time ago.

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I stayed silent.

"So girl troubles huh?" my father asked after clearing his throat.

I snorted, "You could say that."

"I like her," he said sitting on the bench, motioning for me to do the same.

I blew out a shaky breath and sat down.

"You do?" I asked.

My father didn't like anyone.

The man in question chuckled and nodded, "She's a spitfire that one. Reminds me of your mother in her younger days."

Was he talking about the same woman who gave birth to me? Not that my mother was a pushover but she was usually very quiet and reserved.

My father looked over at me, "You're probably wondering if I'm talking about the same woman we all know."

I nodded, a smile crossing my lips as I thought of my mother being anything like Bella.

"When your mother and I first started dating she was a wild cat," my father said. "And boy oh boy does she have a mouth on her."

"Mom?" I asked incredulously.

My dad laughed and nodded, "Yup your mom."

I shook my head and listened for the next half hour as my dad regaled me with stories about him and my mom when they had been courting. It was truly an enlightening conversation.

"...so I understand your fear," he said looking at me intently. "But don't run away from your feelings son."

"What if it..." I trailed off.

"Didn't I tell you not to build your life on what if's?" he said.

I sighed, he was right. I couldn't let my stupid fear get the better of me. If I messed up now I could scar Bella for life. I knew her background and her track record with assholes. I'll be damned if I was going to be one of said assholes.

"Thanks," I said getting to my feet and facing my father. "For the advice and the stories."

We hadn't shared a moment like this since I hit puberty. That was kind of sad when I really thought about it.

My father rose to his feet as well and clapped a hand on my shoulder, "I know that I haven't been the ideal father..."

"Dad..." I started to cut him off but he shook his head and raised his hand, and my mouth closed.

"No, you didn't deserve the way I treated you these past years. And I just want to make amends before what happened to my father and I to happens to us."

Well, this was definitely unexpected. I had not been expecting this at all.

He must've took my silence for disapproval because he went on, "I don't expect you to willingly bury the hatchet but as you're going to be a father soon..."

I cut him off by throwing my arms around him and hugging him tightly.

It took him a while to relax but then I felt his arms embrace me and we were hugging.

We stood there a long time just holding each other, years of pain and arguments being squashed with a hug. Okay, so maybe I was being unrealistic but we had to start somewhere, right?

When we finally broke the embrace, I could've sworn my father's eyes were moist. Hell, mine were too as I blinked rapidly to clear my vision.

"Now go find your girl son," he said his voice gruff with emotion. "I'm sure she's worrying about where you disappeared too."

"Thanks dad," I said, my voice equally gruff. "Later Bunny."

The horse whinnied and snorted his farewell making me laugh.

I felt tons lighter leaving the stables than I had felt going in.

I couldn't wait to go home to Bella, and our baby.

-TA-

?POV

The red light went off and I waited impatiently for the almost competent idiot to come out of the dark room with my negatives finally in print. I had spent a lot of time and preparation getting these pictures done and I needed them to be perfect.

"Here you go," the large man said gruffly handing me the photos.

I nodded dismissing him before turning my attention to the photos in my hand.

A rare real smile graced my lips as I looked down at the glossy prints.

They were absolutely perfect if I do say so myself.

I laughed evilly to myself, and reached for a small piece of paper on my desk. As my gaze perused it, my brain was already thinking of the perfect timing to have these lovely little pieces of art sent to the young Mr. McCarty.

I rose from my chair and moved in front of the full length mirror on the wall, my hands going to my stomach in a protective gesture.

"Don't worry little baby, soon you and I will have daddy all to ourselves."

Well that's it for tonight. The drama is coming still but this chapter wanted out so *shrugs* you know how that goes. I'm off to bed now. Love ya'll. MWAH.

lee: Bella is not meddlesome or self centered, but you'll see that as the story goes by. She may be a bit rough around the edges but she means well. And as for her asking questions that would seem out of place...some ppl see that as blunt honesty and calling things the way she sees it.

tee hill: :D

WestCoastGirl16: Thanks hun ;)

LillyZ: Nope, we're not gonna have Em running away from anything...he just had a moment. He'll get over it or else I'm gonna knock him up alongside his head :D LOL Eddie and James...they'll get there soon enough.

Marie One: I'm still waiting on your idea for a future chapter my little 1000th reviewer :D

sam's-lurker-droid: *giggles* I thought so too, thanks doll.

Guest: Wasn't he though? *grins*

Gleemania123: Thank you so very much :)

Siobhan Whitlock: LOL well I'm glad you're pleased :)

Lalina92: They'll sort it out..promise :D

Sassy Mami: Hey you! Missed ya. And of course, I'm keeping Mr. McHotty...I mean Mr. McCarty in check ;)

Nonita: Glad you enjoyed it sweetie :)

shotgungirl2015: Okay! :D Hope you enjoyed this one

ladyelmo323: Thanks hun. And nah...they're gonna have enough drama coming up to add that to the mix ;)

memelovessomeemmett: LOL make up your mind woman! Don't worry you'll get your Em/Bells fix soon enough.

Taylor9901: Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying reading this as much as I enjoy writing it.

lissie boo: *giggles* I'm glad my unorthodox pair of love-birds (Ed/James) make you happy. And don't you worry about Em...I've got him covered ;)

Okay it's wayyy past my bedtime and I've got work in the morning, so until next time my little pixieites *besos*