Finally updated lol. This chapter took me a ridiculously long time to write. I was having, like, serious writer's block even though I knew what I wanted to happen. And then after I managed to get it from my brain onto the computer, I added and deleted a lot. So hopefully it reads well.

This one's kinda long; approx 4K.

Anyway, enjoy!

When Lizzie awoke the next morning, she found it strange that the house was empty. She thought she and Darcy would be the only ones awake considering the fact that everyone else went out after the wedding.

"Good morning, babe... Where is everybody? The house is so quiet...", she wondered aloud when she reached the living room.

"They all had... stuff to do.", he answered quickly.

"Stuff?"

"Yes... Caroline wanted to take Aaron and his brothers sightseeing before everyone leaves tonight and Brandon and Fitz tagged along because they've never been here... and- and Bing and Jane are probably out rescuing kittens from trees and helping old ladies cross the street.", he answered off the top of his head. He didn't think she would ask what everyone else was up to and was unprepared.

His response made Lizzie laugh. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. Jane used to volunteer for fun all the time… So what are we gonna do before we go to my parents' house later? I'm hungry and I was kind of craving somewhere in particular."

"Sure thing. We can go wherever you would like, my love. After eating, I thought we could go to a book store or two. We can pick out books for each other."

"That sounds like fun. I'm gonna introduce you to some more modern novels."

"I'm looking forward to it. I will select something out of your comfort zone as well. No Tolstoy.", he said with a smirk. "Now where is it you would like to go eat?", he said gesturing toward the front door.

Lizzie directed Darcy to a really small diner. It had an old-school vibe and felt very homey. When they were seated at a booth, Lizzie explained to Darcy why she wanted to go there.

"My dad used to take us here whenever Mom went back to Georgia to visit her family. There are lots of good memories here and it's been years since I've eaten here… Oh, and the food is seriously delicious. The biscuits here are better than my mom's and that's saying something! Don't ever tell her that, though."

They ate and Darcy listened to Lizzie recount some of the adventures and misadventures that the Bennet sisters shared in their younger years.

"I just know our kids will have lots of stories to tell when they get to be our age. We're gonna make sure of that.", Lizzie declared while she rubbed her belly. She had so many good memories and she wanted the same for Isabella and whoever else she and Darcy would bring into the world. Darcy was in total agreement with Lizzie on that front. He really wanted his children to have a fun childhood like the one he lacked and he wanted to be a 'fun' dad.

They went to a book store and were perusing the different genres in search of books to give to one another, when in walked one of Lizzie's old high school rivals. Lizzie hadn't seen this girl in years and she didn't look forward to facing her again. She had hoped that maybe she didn't recognize her in the second that they locked eyes, but she did.

"Lizzie Bennet?! Is that you?!", said the girl loudly. She gasped when she noticed the belly. "You're pregnant?!" GASP.

Lizzie rolled her eyes and said, "Hey, Gretchen… it's been a long time…"

"It sure has! Wow! You're pregnant? I can't believe it! Who'd you marry? I didn't receive a wedding invitation, Lizzie. That hurts."

"I'm not married, Gretchen."

"Oh… Ohh! It's like that? The baby daddy isn't around, huh? You poor thing. Speaking of baby daddies, Rob and I and thinking about having a baby. You remember Rob, don't you?", she asked with a spiteful twinkle in her eye.

"Of course I remember Rob. That ass. He left me for you in junior year. How could I forget? Am I supposed to still be pining for him or something?", Lizzie wanted to say, but she held her tongue and said, "Yeah. How's Rob doing?"

Darcy found some books he thought Lizzie would be interested in and walked over to where she was, only to find her looking irritated. The woman in front of her was going on and on about some guy named Rob.

He cleared his throat to announce his presence and then said, "Lizzie I found you some books. I think you will enjoy these… Hello."

"Hello.", she said blatantly ogling the handsome man before her.

Lizzie immediately brightened up. It was her turn to brag about her man. With a big smile on her face, she pulled Darcy to her side said, "Gretchen, this is my baby daddy, William Darcy. Will, this is Gretchen, an old… acquaintance."

Darcy could see that Lizzie didn't enjoy this woman's company by the way she was being so coldly civil.

"Nice to meet you, Gretchen... Baby, we've got to go. Jane texted me that your mother requested ice cream to go with a cake she baked."

"Jane's in town, too? Wow. I haven't seen her in forever.", Gretchen asked curiously. She looked up to Jane in high school. She was the prettiest junior when they were freshmen.

"Yeah. We came for Ricky Collins's wedding. I'm surprised you didn't go. He invited practically everyone. Jane flew in from New York with her boyfriend and Will and I came from San Francisco. I did tell you I moved, right? After graduating. How's school, by the way?", Lizzie gloated. She was being just as salty as Gretchen had always been towards her.

"Uhh-", was all Gretchen could say. She really didn't have a good answer. She wasn't doing anything productive with herself at the moment.

"I'm sorry to cut your reunion short, Gretchen, but we've got to go.", Darcy interrupted.

Lizzie waddled away with a fake grin and waved goodbye with her fingers as Darcy dragged her towards the cash register.

In the car, Lizzie explained what a major bitch Gretchen was to her growing up and how she was trying to make her feel bad about Rob.

"And now that I'm going places and she's still the same, the tables have turned! I have things to brag about now. I know I'm supposed to be over holding grudges, but she started it when she brought up Rob. Like I even care about him anymore. Ugh.", she said with irritation. She exhaled deeply. "But whatever. Everything turned out perfectly for me. I have Isabella and I have you. Let's go."

Darcy smiled and nodded as he pulled out of the parking space. He always enjoyed Lizzie's hormone-fueled rampages when he wasn't the target.

After a quick stop for ice cream at the supermarket, Lizzie and Darcy arrived at the Bennet home. She saw a whole bunch of cars parked nearby and said, "I guess mom invited the whole neighborhood for this luncheon of hers."

Darcy smiled because she was clueless. "I wouldn't put it past her."

Lizzie rang the doorbell and they waited a minute but no one answered. She tried the door knob and it was locked so she said, "Maybe they're in the backyard and can't hear us?"

The Bennets had a wooden fence around their backyard, so Darcy opened the unlocked gate for her and when she was barely through the gate, everyone yelled, "Surprise!"

Lizzie jumped a little from fright but then her fright turned into confusion. Her confusion faded into appreciation when she realized what this was. It was a surprise baby shower for her.

"Oh my gosh! You guys!", Lizzie said with her hands covering her mouth. Tears were beginning to form.

Some of their closest neighbors, her parents, her sisters, Gigi, Aunt Catherine, Fitz and Brandon, the Lu family, the Lees and the Fields, Mary and her parents, and even Dr. Gardiner were all present in her parents' backyard that was currently full of balloons and streamers and 'It's a girl!' stuff everywhere.

Everyone smiled at her reaction and they lined up to greet her. Mr. Bennet was walking around with a camera recording the whole party.

"Dr. Gardiner! How did they manage to get you here? I haven't written to you in so long! I'm sorry!", Lizzie explained after a long hug. She had forgotten how much she missed her professor. It was thanks to her she'd graduated on time.

"Oh, please, Elizabeth. I can see you've been busy. I still watch your videos, so I am aware of what's been going on in your life. Your lovely elder sister got my contact information from the university and emailed me yesterday and I accepted the invitation. How could I say no?", she replied with a smile.

Darcy had left Lizzie's side in all the commotion to store the ice cream in the freezer and he admired from afar how her face lit up when greeting her family and friends.

"This is for you to wear, Lizzie!", Gigi exclaimed as she and Lydia decorated Lizzie with a little plastic tiara and a sash that read 'Mommy to be!'

"Where's Darce-face?", Lydia asked as she scanned the backyard for Darcy. "Ahh, there he is! Yo, Darcinator, get your butt over here!"

As soon as he reached them, Gigi and Lydia decorated him with a big pin button that read 'Daddy to be!' and a little plastic crown to match Lizzie's tiara.

"Picture time now!", Gigi declared.

Lizzie and Darcy posed for pictures in front of the main table. It held a beautiful cake baked by Mrs. B and a whole bunch of appetizers and the whole nine. There were also pink balloons and streamers and tables strategically placed all over the backyard. Caroline and Jane were in charge of decorations and they made the last-minute shower look premeditated. They even managed to get a big comfortable baby shower throne for Lizzie to sit on to open presents.

When the girls had taken their pictures, Lizzie shoved Darcy and said with a smile, "You knew about this, didn't you?"

Darcy grinned and replied, "Maybe.", before adjusting her tiara and kissing her softly on the lips.

"Now, now. Enough of that. That's how you two got here in the first place…", teased Fitz as he passed by the couple on the way to the refreshments.

"Lizzie, I don't mean to pressure you, but this baby shower is going to be a short one because everyone is leaving tonight. We should get started on the activities so you can have time to open presents and cut the cake.", Jane pressed her lightly.

"Oh, right. Of course, Janie. Lead the way."

They participated in a small variety of activities. Gigi snapped some really funny pictures of her big brother bobbing for pacifiers and chugging beer from a baby bottle. If you'd have told him a year ago he'd be doing that at his pregnant girlfriend's baby shower, he'd have dismissed it as the most ridiculous and barbaric thing in the world. He didn't win any of the activities, however. Mary won the pacifier bobbing and Aaron's brother Patrick won the bottle chugging.

After all the activities were done, Lizzie and Darcy cut their personalized baby shower cake. Mrs. Bennet brought out the ice cream and announced, "Y'all have the choice of eating my cake a la mode! Y'all didn't think this was some hillbilly shower now, did y'all?"

Darcy laughed at the fact that Mrs. B thought a la mode was fancy. Before, he would've thought she was uncultured but now, he couldn't help but see how enthusiastic she was about pleasing her guests.

Lizzie sat on Darcy's lap as they shared a piece of cake a la mode. Darcy only wanted the cake and Lizzie only wanted the ice cream, so they just shared one plate. Just as Lizzie finished up the ice cream, her mother came to escort her to her 'throne'. It was placed in a location where everyone could see her from their seats.

"Come on now, Elizabeth! It's present time!", she exclaimed as she helped Lizzie up.

After Lizzie was seated on the massive, decorated chair, Jane called everyone's attention.

"Hello, everyone! This little get-together is almost over! All that's left is for Lizzie to open presents. If you didn't bring anything, it is perfectly okay. We know we didn't give much notice. But the Bennet family thanks you all for being here to celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby Isabella! Alright, Lizzie, it's showtime. Start opening your gifts!"

Although everyone could see from their seats, her mother, Jane, Lydia, Charlotte, and Gigi all pulled up seats near Lizzie so they could help her. Mr. Bennet was near, too; for he was recording this event.

"Hmm… I guess I'll do this one first?", Lizzie declared as she picked up a gift bag.

"Who's it from?", asked Lydia.

"It's from… the Lu family!", Lizzie replied excitedly before getting rid of all the decorative tissue paper and pulling out multiple baby onesies of different sizes. "Awww! Thank you so much! Izzy's going to look adorable in these!"

They handed her another gift. "This one is from… the Fields brothers." It was more adorable baby clothes. "Thank you, boys!"

Next up was Caroline's gift. "Wow! A colorful Coach diaper bag! Thank you, Caroline. This looks… expensive. But I'll gladly accept it. It's beautiful."

"Look inside!", Caroline yelled out from her seat.

Lizzie opened up the zipper. "This is a voucher… for free design services?"

"Yes! Part two of my gift is to help you design your daughter's nursery!"

"Oh! Thank you, Caroline! Sure! Baby girl is almost here and her room is non-existent. We don't even have a crib."

"Umm, you should probably open that big box. The one on your left!", yelled out Fitz.

She unwrapped it and said with a chuckle, "Looks like I spoke too soon. We do have a crib. Thank you Fitz and Brandon!"

"Open mine next, Liz! I'm afraid I have to go but I'd like to see you open it.", requested Aunt Catherine.

"Of course. This one?... Wow. We definitely need this if we're gonna take her home from the hospital. Thank you, Aunt Catherine.", Lizzie said with a smile. It was the best car seat and stroller that was available in the store she visited. "Only the best for my family.", was her motto while shopping.

She looked pleased and said her goodbyes to Dr. Gardiner, her new acquaintance, and waved goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. B.

The majority of the presents were what you'd expect to receive at a baby shower; baby clothes and shoes, diapers, wipes, bottles. Some were a little different, however. Bing, being the former med school student, gifted a baby healthcare and grooming kit. Mr. Bennet gave a onesie that read 'I love my grandparents' but he also gifted a baby toy train that lit up with music. Sure, Isabella wouldn't be using it any time soon, but she would one day. He hoped to pass down his locomotive appreciation to his grandchildren. Mrs. Bennet gifted Lizzie a scrap book.

"You gotta take a picture every month all the way up until she's a year old. And you fill it with things like her first word and her favorite food. They grow up so fast, so you have to take note of everythin'. I have one for each of you girls…", Mrs. Bennet informed Lizzie, with tears in her eyes.

Lizzie was touched. "Thanks, Mom. Will and I will fill this up."

Lizzie finished opening all her presents and was overjoyed with all the baby stuff she got. She had been putting off baby shopping because she was kind of in denial of how close she was to giving birth. In a month and some change, their daughter would join them on the outside.

Lizzie went around thanking everyone for coming and noticed that Bing, Darcy, and her dad were nowhere to be found.

When they appeared again, Mr. Bennet had a sparkle in his eye, Darcy was trying hard not to smile, and Bing looked determined.

Jane was cleaning up the wrapping paper and bags that Lizzie tore up while opening presents, so she was right in front of the baby shower throne where everyone could see.

Mr. Bennet started recording again, Darcy made his way to Lizzie's side, and Bing made his way to Jane.

"What's going on, Will?", she inquired as he stepped behind her.

He hugged her big belly and said, "Just watch, my love.", before kissing her on the cheek and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Jane?", asked Bing when he reached her.

Jane turned around to face him with a big smile. She had a garbage bag in one hand and wrapping paper in the other.

Bing cleared his throat. He was completely resolute before, but after looking at her big, bright eyes and special smile that she reserved just for him, he wavered.

"Yes, Bing?", she asked innocently.

He took a deep breath before continuing.

"Jane, I love you."

She laughed and responded, "I know. I love you, too."

Her laughter, which was one of his favorite sounds, gave him relief. Why was he so nervous? She was the love of his life and he was hers, without a doubt.

"We got back together in January and the last eight months have been the happiest eight months of my life… And I'm certain that these eight months were only a glimpse of what the future holds for us... I know it's not a long time to date but I am a thousand percent sure that we're meant to be. Jane Bennet…"

Bing got down on one knee. Jane dropped the garbage bag and the wrapping paper she was holding, and brought her hands to her face. Her eyes widened in disbelief and they were getting teary.

Bing continued as he pulled a box out of his pocket, "Jane Bennet, will you marry me?"

GASP. Everyone was quiet while awaiting her answer but Mrs. Bennet nearly choked.

"Oh, Bing…", Jane said with tears in her eyes and a big smile. She looked at the beautiful ring and couldn't believe this was happening to her right now.

"SAY YES, GIRL!", screamed Mrs. Bennet when she could breath properly.

"Yes.", she whispered while nodding her head and wiping her tears.

"Yes?"

"Yes, I will marry you!", she said laughing. She caught a case of the giggles. It felt like a scene from a movie to her.

Bing grabbed her left hand and placed the ring delicately on her ring finger. He stood up and squeezed his new fiancée. He spun her around and when he set her on the floor, they shared a heartfelt kiss full of love. Jane and Bing weren't new to public displays of affection, so they weren't bothered when Fitz began whistling at them and everyone clapped. They just chuckled and continued their kiss.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised. The only ones who had any idea that Bing was going to propose were Darcy, Mr. Bennet, and Caroline and Bing's parents. Caroline helped him select a ring months ago when she visited them in New York and Darcy and Mr. Bennet had many secret phone conferences with Bing over the past month after Bing asked her father for Jane's hand in marriage. Bing wanted to propose in front of Jane's loved ones to make it special for her.

Mrs. Bennet was inspecting Jane's ring and giving her unsolicited suggestions for wedding plans when Mr. Bennet reminded her that everyone had a flight to catch. She said her goodbyes to everyone.

"Oh, that's right. You kids have a safe flight. Call me when you land, Jane. We need to make arrangements for a get-together with the Lees. See you in November for Isabella's birth!... And you, too, Lizzie. Call me… Gigi, dear, it was a pleasure meetin' you. See you soon!... Caroline! We're to be family soon! Nice to see you again!..."

This went on and on for every guest. Parties were very invigorating for Mrs. Bennet, especially when she hosted them.

"Someone will come by tomorrow to pack up all these gifts and ship them to San Francisco, Thomas.", mentioned Darcy before getting into the rental.

"Alright. I'll be here when they arrive.", replied Mr. Bennet.

Everyone got to the airport and checked in for their flights. Fitz and Brandon, Lizzie and Darcy, and Caroline and Aaron had all unknowingly booked the same flight to San Francisco. Gigi was off to Sanditon, Bing and Jane were off to New York, and the other Fields brothers were off to their home in another state (with Charlotte and Lydia's numbers, of course).

Lizzie wasn't even remotely bothered at being fussed about at the airport this time around; she was in too good of a mood. She and Caroline made plans in regards to little Bella's nursery. Caroline was going to drop by for a consultation sometime this week.

When they arrived at home, Lizzie finally had the quiet time and the space she needed to go over the weekend's events. On Friday she spent time with her family that she hadn't seen in-person since her graduation; Saturday she watched Ricky Collins tie the knot and then partied with all her favorite people; and then today, spent a lovely morning with her doting boyfriend, was surprised with a baby shower, and witnessed her sister's unexpected engagement. Two lovely surprises in the span of a few hours.

"When did my life get to be so exciting?", she pondered as she absent-mindedly fiddled with her baby shower tiara. "The viewers are gonna love my next vlog..."

When it was bedtime, Lizzie snuggled into her pregnancy pillow and Darcy's big, comfy bed. No offense to Netherfield, but she missed this bed. This bed is where she and Darcy talk about their days at the end of each day and where they learned to get comfortable with each other and where Isabella is going to sleep when she has nightmares…

"What are you thinking about, Lizzie?", Darcy asked as he joined her in bed, interrupting her thoughts.

"Should I be worried?"

"About what?"

"Well, you managed to keep three secrets from me, babe. Should I be worried?", she asked jokingly.

"No. Never. Two of those secrets were not mine to reveal. But the dancing was and although I enjoyed your reaction very much, it was very difficult for me to not tell you. I did not like how it felt to keep it from you."

"That's good to know. But surprises are good sometimes. I like that you went through all the trouble to impress me."

"Yes, surprises can be good indeed.", he agreed while rubbing their little surprise.

"She's almost here, Will.", Lizzie said with a mixture of fear and joy.

"I know. And apparently she knows it, too.", he added, commenting on the series of kicks he felt.

"Will you stay up with me until she stops moving around? I won't be able to sleep until she does. I know you have work tomorrow-"

"It's okay, my darling. Why don't we get started on those books? I read that babies like to hear their parent's voices. And I like your voice, too. So read to us."

Darcy got up and fetched one of the books he had selected for Lizzie to read. She sat up against the headboard and he lay down next to her and rubbed her belly to try and calm their active baby down.

As she started Chapter 3, she noticed that both Isabella and Darcy were immobile. She hadn't noticed because she was so into the book. She lay the book down on her side table and turned off the lamp.

"Good choice, babe.", she whispered after giving him a good night kiss and settled into a peaceful sleep.

I have no idea when the next chapter will be up. And I don't know if next chapter will have the birth of their baby. It depends on where I decide to cut it off. It'll probably end up being the chapter after next. But I'm gonna take an extra long time on that chapter because I want it to be really good.

Also, I rewatched Episode 92 of the LBD (you know, the one where Jane takes Bing back?) to kind of guide me a little on the proposal. You guys should rewatch it, too. The last minute gave me Jing feels all over again.

Thanks for reading! *Cyberhugs*