A/N: Thanks SM for giving us Twilight. thanks to gooseonline for her pre-reading and beta kindness. thanks to you for reading and thanks to those who've favorited, followed and reviewed this story. I read and treasure every review. So, time for Bella's birthday!

Chapter 40 ~ naked as a jay bird

"Bella, sweet one, time to wake up love." It was so strange to have to wake my little baker. She was always an early riser but ever since the morning sickness slowed down the sleepiness started. It was funny to see her so slow and snuggly in the mornings. She was sprawled across the bed still naked from when we'd collapsed into bed last night. The sheet was draped across her arse and looking at her just made me want her again.

After our wonderful day in the park together the day before, we'd all enjoyed a lively, happy dinner in the Hotel restaurant. We invited everyone for lunch the next day to celebrate Bella's birthday with us, then we bid them all goodnight, came back to our suite and settled Lil Bit into bed after a bath and several of her favourite stories.

Bella and I then enjoyed a few hours in front of a roaring fire quietly discussing the events of the past few days and the future ahead of us with our three children. We agreed that we needed to start looking for a new house as soon as we could. Bella suggested we start a list of must haves for inclusions of our new home to give to a realtor and narrow the search. She was excited at the idea of designing a new kitchen and I was keen to have an office space large enough for both of us to work from home together.

We wanted to ensure there was room enough for our growing family as we both agreed we wanted more children. A desire for a large family was something we both shared as was our desire for each other which became more and more evident as we moved closer and closer together while we talked until finally my lips were on hers and I pulled her onto my lap.

We made love slowly and passionately right there on the rug in front of the fireplace which was a fantasy fulfilled for me. She was even more beautiful underneath me in the flickering light from the flames. A fireplace was definitely going on my must have list for the new house, in our bedroom, the lounge room, fuck I'd put one in every room I could. She laughed at me as I shared my idea for a fireplace in every room.

We took our time washing each other in the shower which led to round two and three under the hot steady shower stream, Bella particularly enjoyed the shower bench. So much so that she added a shower bench in every shower in the new house to her must have list. My sweet one loved shower sex and you definitely wouldn't hear me complaining.

But after round three she was so tired I struggled to hold her up as I dried her in the huge fluffy towel and then carried her to the bed. She hadn't moved until I tried to wake her this morning.

"C'mon sleepy head, Lil Bit will be awake soon and unless you want to enjoy your birthday breakfast naked as a jay bird you might want to wake up and get dressed."

She giggled and slowly sat up bringing the sheet up with her modestly covering her beautiful body which only made me harder for her. Fuck she was gorgeous.

"Good morning my sweet one. Twenty years old today love, you're not a teenager any more."

She beamed at me, stood from the bed and walked towards me holding the sheet bunched up in front of her near her breasts. I wanted to eat her.

"Good morning baby," she leaned up to kiss me.

That was it. When she called me baby, I grabbed her, pulling her closer and kissed her hard. When her hands reached up to grab my hair the sheet dropped and I moaned into her mouth as my hands groped her fucktastic body finally settling on her amazing butt.

"Momma oo gots no cloves on!"

Bella and I froze in place, our eyes bugging out of our heads. Fuck, I'd left the door open to the bedroom when I came in to wake Bella. At the sound of Lil Bit's voice my cock which had been rock hard disappeared into my body and I jumped back from Bella as though she was on fire.

She quickly dipped down to grab the sheet and pulled it around her.

"I was... just... morning Lil Bit, how are you baby girl?"

I burst out laughing and Bella slapped my arm. I kissed her nose before turning to take Lil Bit's hand, "Come along my little love, let's go and leave momma to get dressed so we can have breakfast and then its time for presents."

"Happy birf day momma!" Lil Bit sang as we left the bedroom and headed out to the lounge area of the suite. There was a knock on the door so I swung Lil Bit up into my arms and we went to open it. The hotel staff then brought in the trays of food and set the dining table for breakfast, started the coffee machine and arranged the flowers I'd ordered around the room. They offered to stay and serve but I wanted to be alone with my girls this morning.

"Let's get momma's presents and place them on the table." I lowered Lil Bit down to the ground and she skipped off to her room where we'd hidden Bella's birthday presents.

When we came back in Bella joined us, she looked beautiful in a soft lavender sun dress and sandals. Her hair was in a low ponytail pulled down to one side with a lavender scarf wrapped loosely around where her hair was pulled together. She looked fresh and young and absolutely gorgeous.

I couldn't help but grab her close to me and kiss her while playing with her soft hair. I pulled back to just enjoy looking at her sweet face. I sighed, before pulling her towards the breakfast setting.

"Food first and then presents!"

She giggled, "Meanie, making me wait."

"Oo not hungee momma?"

"Oh, yes I am very hungry Lil Bit. Let's enjoy a yummy breakfast and then I'll open my presents." She looked at the end of the table and saw the beautiful lilies and smiled at me, "The flowers are lovely Edward, thank you."

We tucked in to our breakfast while Lil Bit and Bella chirped away about the park yesterday, Anthony and the baseball game. I just sat, ate and enjoyed watching my girls. It was odd but I kind of missed Anthony. We'd only known each other a couple of days but it just seemed odd to be here having family time without him.

"What are you so thoughtful about over there mister?" I looked up and Bella was watching me with a concerned look on her face.

I smiled and squeezed her hand, "I'm alright love. I was just thinking that I missed Anthony and sort of wish he was here with us. That's all."

"Ant Knee is my brover now?" Lil Bit asked.

I looked at my sweet little girl, so clever, so observant. "Yes Lil Bit. He's your brother now." I wondered what was going on in her little head.

She ate another piece of fruit and then turned to Bella, "Can Ant Knee sleep in my bed momma? Like oo and Daddee?"

Ah, that's where she's going. Bella answered her first, "Anthony will have his own room baby girl... when he comes to live with us."

"O-kay," was all she said. Lil Bit was such a happy little thing, as always she understood and accepted without any fuss.

I clapped my hands and announced, "Time for presents."

"Good. I love surprises." Bella never ceased to amaze me, she was so reserved and humble but she was fun-loving too.

"O-pen my pwesent momma," Lil Bit handed the parcel and they both looked like they were going to burst with excitement.

Bella tore away the wrapping paper, I loved the way she did that. "Oh Lil Bit what a lovely book." Bella held up for me to see as if I didn't know what it was.

"Apparently Lil Bit has noticed how sleepy momma has been lately," I teased as I kissed her forehead.

"'Tucking Mommy In', shall we read it after I open my other presents baby girl?"

"Wes pwease," Lil Bit took the book and held it close to her chest.

"Now my little baby momma, I want you to open my presents." I handed her a large gift bag which was covered in tissue paper, ribbons and other girlie crap Alice brought to wrap the gifts in.

I couldn't understand why I needed it but when I watched Bella appreciate it turning it this way and that before even going for the gifts inside I made a mental note to always seek my sister's advice on such nonsense because she obviously loved it.

Bella peered into the bag and pulled out a large envelope with the words Le Cordon Bleu on the side, she gasped and looked up to my face in shock. I knew she'd love this. She opened the envelope and pulled out a gift certificate to attend a two day masterclass on French regional cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu culinary academy in Paris.

"Oh Edward... I ... I'm so...," she was crying and laughing at the same time. It reminded me of her reaction to the French Baking book I gave her.

"Sweet one, are you okay?"

She jumped up and grabbed in for a wet sloppy kiss. I laughed and held her tight.

"But we'll be on our honeymoon baby, I can't be so selfish."

Oh, my sweet girl. "Of course you can love. I will find something fun to do with Lil Bit and Anthony, hopefully, and you'll have a wonderful time. Not to mention I will benefit from you trying out new dishes for me."

She laughed, sat down again, kissed the gift certificate and laid it on the table before diving into the gift bag for the next present.

She lifted out the gift basket full of Lavera cruelty-free organic body creams and lotions. She and Lil Bit proceeded to open each jar and tube to smell them and place a little on their skin. Girls just love this shit. I shouldn't mock them though because I have to admit I love that shit too, Bella was always rubbing lotions and creams into her skin and she smelled amazing.

She dove back into the gift bag pulling out another envelope this one with Four Seasons Spa written on it. When she opened it she found four gift vouchers for 'Mommy to be' spa sessions, with massages and god know what else women do at spas included. The very nice lady at the spa said it would include all the luxury treatments Bella could fit into a day, so I thought they sounded so nice she'd want more than one so I bought her four.

"Oh baby, this is wonderful, you're spoiling me."

What the fuck! How is that even possible. "Don't be silly sweet one, you deserve some pampering." I reached forward and placed my hand over her tiny little belly, "You're nurturing my child, love. I couldn't possibly spoil you, it's impossible. I just thought any time you feel like having a day to yourself you could go along and let them pamper you."

I took the gift bag then and reached in to grab the last gift. I held the small jewellery box and put the bag back on the table. I held the gift box in the palm of my hands, "I'd really like you to wear these on our wedding day, love."

I popped open the lid and Bella gasped when she saw the Harry Winston 'Belle' earrings to match her engagement ring.

She took them in her hand and looked at them showing them to Lil Bit who touched them carefully, "Pweddy for momma."

"Yes, they are pretty," she looked up into my eyes, "They're beautiful Edward, thank you."

Bella and Lil Bit went over to the couch to read her new book and I cleared away the leftover food. The staff would be along soon to collect it.

I'd texted the family with a photo of Bella and Lil Bit reading on the couch to let them know the birthday girl was awake and ready for her birthday celebrations.

Not ten minutes later I opened the door as Ma, Dad, Em and Alice burst in with flowers and gift bags. I sat back and watched my girl surrounded by family opening her gifts and laughing. It was possibly the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen.

I called down to the kitchen for them to bring up some fresh coffee, a variety of teas and a basket of muffins. We then enjoyed the next few hours laughing and telling stories. Bella told us how every birthday after her father died, her crazy mother would take her to some strange restaurant or tourist attraction. While they were there she would buy them t-shirts to remember the place by and how her mother would sew them into a throw rug she'd been making for years but never finished. Bella's face had such a sad sweetness when talking of her mother that Ma reached out placing her arms around Bella's shoulders. "I can finish sewing it for you if you'd like?"

"I'd love that Esme, it would be make a fun wall hanging."

"Oh, that reminds me. Bella and I have decided to look for a new larger house."

Everyone excitedly joined in the conversation talking about the best locations, the best suburbs for schools and the like. It made me realise that Anthony would be off to school soon and I wanted to find the best school for him, one with a really good art program.

I looked at my watch and realised we'd been chatting her for hours and it was almost time to leave for Bella's birthday lunch. "Alright you lot, it is almost time to leave for lunch. So everyone go and get freshened up and we'll meet you at the restaurant. Tyler has organised transportation to take us all as he went to pick up Bob, Carol and Anthony to bring them to lunch. Emmett has the details of your limo driver so they can be ready when you are. I have another car for Bella, Lil Bit and me."

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, what are you up to? I thought I said I didn't want any fuss for my birthday," Bella narrowed her eyes as looked up at me.

"You're in trouble now Bro', she double middle named you!"

I shrugged, "Fuss? Who said anything about fuss? We're just going to a nice restaurant for lunch with the family." I turned her and pushed her gently towards our bedroom and sent her on her way with a nice firm slap to her delectable butt, "Now be a good twenty-year-old girl and go get dressed into something nice. I'm going to dress Lil Bit."

"Ooh," Bella squealed and looked back over her shoulder with a beautiful pink blush and rubbing her backside.

I just waggled my eyebrows at her and smirked. She giggled and ran into the bedroom. Fucking gorgeous woman.

"Okay Lil Bit time to put your special party dress on. Come on little love."

Once she was dressed I sat her on the couch in the lounge room with Bella who was now in a beautiful flowing soft dress which clasped around her neck leaving her shoulders and most of her back completely bare. Holy hell, she had these gorgeous silver strappy sandals which looked so good.

"Are you okay baby?" The little minx knew exactly what she was doing, the tease.

"You look good enough to eat love," I leaned down and nuzzled her neck and licked just under her ear lobe.

"No eat Momma, Daddee!" Lil Bit giggled.

"No, you are right little love we are going to a restaurant full of lovely food, no need to eat momma," I moved back to whisper in Bella's ear, "...yet."

She blushed again. Gorgeous.

"Go and change Edward and stop teasing me," she pushed me away with a giggle.

I quickly changed into my favourite navy suit and rejoined my beautiful girls.

We headed down to the hotel lobby and out to the waiting town car. We settled Lil Bit into her car seat and headed out. It was only a short drive to 'Little Bird' restaurant. I texted Alice as we pulled out to let her know we were on our way.

When we arrived Bella saw the restaurant was full, "It looks full Edward, good thing you booked our table." I chuckled as I opened the restaurant door, as Bella walked in everyone jumped up and shouted together, "Surprise!"

Lil Bit clapped and ran to Rosalie who was standing next to Emmett. Rose picked her up and smothered her face in kisses. Bella was still standing in the open door in shock. I took her hand and gently guided her out worried she was about to turn and run.

"I'm sorry love I know you said you didn't want a fuss because of the wedding next week but we all think your birth is something worth celebrating. C'mon baby it will all be alright, no one is going to bite you. You'll enjoy it you'll see."

She laughed and then slapped my arm, "I'll get you for this Edward Cullen, just you wait."

Then I lost her to the masses. Jacob, Sam, Leah, Emily and Seth engulfed her in hugs and kisses. Emily looked amazing she was 28 weeks along now and glowing with health. Sam treated her like she was made of glass and I understood exactly how he felt. I left them to catch up as there were groups of people waiting to talk with Bella.

I gave a wave to Angela who was here with ... Ben, interesting. They were talking with Garrett, Victoria, Tyler and Zafrina... fun group, interesting that they'd all coupled up. Fuck I was becoming such a woman with all this gossipy shit.

I said hello to everyone thanking them for accepting my invitation to join us. Finally I found Bob, Carol and my son. Anthony was wearing a suit and looked even more like a mini me than before. I reached down to give him a hug and was delighted when he hugged me back. He was holding a gift.

"Is that for Bella?" He nodded at me, I think he was a little overwhelmed by all the people.

"He worked on it all night and this morning, Edward. He wanted to make something for Bella by himself."

"Well then why don't we take it to her then, okay?" Again he just nodded.

"We'll find your parents, Edward. You're okay with your Daddy aren't you Anthony?" Carol reached down and gave him a small hug.

I held out my hand and he gripped it like it was a life line. Taking his gift in one hand, I reached down with the other to pick him. He surprised me when he wrapped his arms around my neck. Friends who were seeing Anthony and I together for the first time looked at us in shock, but recovered themselves. Victoria walked over to me and stared at Anthony.

"Well hello there handsome. My name is Victoria, a good friend of your...?" she looked to me and I nodded, "well your Daddy apparently."

He reached his hand out to shake but showed no sign of wanting to be put down. I couldn't be happier having him in my arms.

"Victoria this is my son, Anthony Cullen."

Anthony looked at me with a confused look on his face so I whispered to him, "You are my son Anthony and I want you to have my name. Is that okay?"

He smiled and nodded enthusiastically then he turned back to Vicky, "Hello Victoria I am Anthony Cullen." He seemed more confident now and I whispered "Good boy" to him and he beamed at me again.

"Well you certainly look like your Dad, handsome." She gave me a wink and went back to her group. Her curiosity satisfied I guess.

Ant and I walked over to Bella who was standing with Emmett, Rose, Jacob, Leah, Seth and Lil Bit. I put him down and introduced him to everyone as my son Anthony Cullen. He proudly shook everyone's hand until it came to Seth.

Seth was holding Lil Bit's hand.

"Ant Knee!" Lil Bit shouted and ran over to him giving him a huge hug.

"You look very pretty Elizabeth."

"Fank oo Ant Knee, oo look pweddy too."

"Hello Seth," I said as Seth walked over and took Lil Bit's free hand. "Hello," Seth was quiet as always but was watching Anthony.

"Seth, this is my son Anthony." I waved my hand towards Anthony.

Then I waved my hand towards Seth, "Ant this is Seth."

They stood there each holding one of Lil Bit's hands and just watching each other. They seemed wary of each other. I wasn't sure what was going on and was about to try and sort them out when Lil Bit in her usual oblivious way sorted it out for me, "Sef is my speshal fwend." she explained to Anthony and then turned to face Seth, "Ant Knee is my new grover."
With the relationships defined the two boys smiled at each other and I breathed out the breath I had been holding as I knew they'd be friends. Crisis averted!

Leah walked over with Bella and gave me a hello hug. We continued to watch the children interact, chatting happily and becoming fast friends.

"It was a little tense there for a moment, what was going on?" Leah asked.

"I don't know but I think they were a little worried and jealous of each other. But once Lil Bit explained that Ant was her brother and Seth was her 'special friend' they seemed okay with each other. It was weird."

"Boys!" Bella and Leah rolled their eyes at the same time.

Well I had no clue but I was glad they sorted it out. I wanted Seth to like Anthony and become his friend. They were very close in age and I could see them being close like Emmett and me.

Anthony came over and took his gift from me and walked over to Bella holding it out to her, "I made this for you. Happy Birthday….um…. "

"Thank you Anthony," Bella reached down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She whispered in her ear, "You can call me momma if you want to… or Bella… whatever you like."

Bella started to unwrap the present. I could see that it was a framed picture so I went to stand behind Isabella as she opened it. Esme, Carlisle, Bob and Carol joined us to see the gift Anthony had made. As Bella tore the last bit of paper and it dropped to the floor she righted the picture to look at it properly. Our little group fell completely silent as we looked at this beautiful pencil drawing of a small family group sitting on a blanket in a field of flowers. The woman who was clearly Bella had hair flowing in the breeze and had her arms wrapped around a little girl who was uncannily like Lil Bit. The man had crazy hair and a broad grin as he held a little boy with equally crazy hair who was sitting in his lap. It was beautiful. Simple but full of emotion. My son was an artist.

I reached down, picked him up and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "You are a very good artist, Anthony. Thank you for giving Bella such a lovely gift."

I brought him close to Bella who passed the picture to Esme so her hands were free to grab Ant out of my arms. She gave him a soft kiss on his cheek, "That is the most beautiful present I've ever been given in my life. Thank you Anthony you wonderful little boy." She squeezed him and he squeezed her.

"Happy birthday Momma," he whispered in her ear.

A/N: So there you go, Bella's birthday. I hope you enjoyed it. Just one week until their wedding going to be a busy time for love birds and their growing family. I'd love to hear from you. See you soon.

Book credit - there were times when book really resonated with me (four children and a husband who worked nights - bed time was sometimes exhausting)
'Tucking Mummy In' written by Morag Loh and illustrated by Donna Rawlins
Publisher: Orchard Books (NY) (August 1991); ISBN-10: 0531070255; ISBN-13: 978-0531070253