A/N: usual disclaimer applies. I just want to send out my love to y'all for sticking with me and reading this story. I am having such a good time with these characters. Now when we left off Jacob was in trouble... lol.

"Edward and Bella, why don't you take the tray over to the lounge room and get settled, I just need to have a few words with Jacob... alone. We'll join you in a few minutes."

I could see that Leah wanted privacy to rip strips off Jacob and I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me when I picked up the drinks tray as I stood to leave the room. I looked over to Bella nodding my head to the door for her to follow.

We went into the lounge room where I placed the tray down on the coffee table. I watched as Bella walked in the room quietly, passing the loveseat to sit in the single lounge chair.

I sighed realising that we had a lot to talk about.

"Tea, Isabella?"

She nodded. Okay... so it looked like I would be doing all the talking.

I poured her tea, walked it over to her and then squatted down in front of her. She took the tea and I rested my hands on her knees. She looked into my eyes and I held her gaze silently for a few minutes before reaching up and slipping a loose lock of hair behind her ear. I gently stroked the back of my hand down her cheek bone and then gently held her chin. I leaned in and kissed her soft lips. She responded to me as usual but I kept the kiss chaste pulling away from her to go to the table to pour myself some coffee. I took the seat opposite her, took a sip of my coffee and then tried to explain myself.

"Masen Manor was my home for the first twelve years of my life. I had known nothing but happiness living in that house with my parents right up until the last day I spent living there which was also the worst day of my life.

"On that horrible day, I remember sitting at my grand piano playing the loudest, most obnoxious music I could think of to annoy the poor Nanny who was charged with my care while my parents were away on one of their love-in holidays. I was angry with them for leaving me behind, I was angry with them for leaving me with a Nanny and I was angry with them because I missed them.

"Esme arrived and sat with me at the piano, she often visited me while my parents were away so at first I didn't really pay much attention but after a few minutes she grabbed me and hugged me without saying a word and I knew something was very, very wrong.

Bella put down her tea and came over and stood in front of me. I put my coffee mug down and opened my arms to her. She slid onto my lap and I cradled her in my arms as I continued my story, "Esme told me about my parents accident and that they would never be coming home again. She told me that I was going to live with her and with Carlisle. The Nanny, I don't even remember her name I just remember that I felt shame for being so mean to her, anyway, she came down with a couple of my bags which she'd packed for me. Esme promised to come back and pack up the rest of my things and we left.

"Time and time again Esme and Carlisle offered to take me back home but I refused. That life was over and I never went home again."

Bella reached her hand up to cup my cheek, "I'm sorry I was angry earlier baby. I'm sorry I didn't hear you out, I should've known there was more to it."

I kissed her forehead, "It's alright sweet one... can I call you sweet one again?"

She looked up to me sheepishly, "Don't remind me that I was so mean baby, I'm sorry, of course I will always be your sweet one. Always."

I dipped my face down closer to hers and we kissed passionately. I loved the taste of her lips but we had more to discuss so I pulled away, although reluctantly.

"Esme organised cleaners, gardeners, etc to maintain the property as I refused to sell it. Once I was of age I arranged for the costs for the maintenance to come out of my trust fund and repaid Esme and Carlisle for all the money they'd spent over the years protecting the Manor.

"When we told the family about wanting to move to a bigger family home, Esme asked me if I'd considered moving back into Masen Manor. Honestly Bella, I hadn't so much forgotten about the house but I always just kind of thought of it as my parents house. Does that make sense?"

She nodded, "I feel so ashamed, baby. I still have my father's house in Forks, which I rarely think about, so I had no right to mock you for 'forgetting' your family home. I understand completely."

"Thank you for apologising but believe me I'm sorry I just blurted it out like that. I hadn't planned to raise it tonight at all. I'd actually planned to surprise you when we got back from Paris."

She reached up and kissed the tip of my nose and I chuckled.

"Anyway I'd rather we worked on the renovations together. It doesn't need much unless you want to rebuild the kitchen. I've had the house on an improvement plan with the maintenance company so it has been regularly painted with new fittings installed every few years. I didn't want to let it fall into disrepair but I couldn't bring myself to live there either."

"Do you have pictures of the house?" She sat up and I could see the excitement in her eyes.

I reached into my satchel and pulled out my laptop, revved it up and opened the photo directory. "I had these photos taken a few months ago when I had the outside repainted."

I pulled up the house pictures as a slideshow and we started sliding through the images. Bella was blown away by the look of the house, "Oh Edward it is beautiful."

Spurred on by her enthusiasm I started showing her the images of the inside of the house, "I got rid of most of the furniture but kept some pieces that were sentimental or really valuable or both. All the pieces I kept are covered in protective cloths so you can't really see the rooms as they could be but I really think it would be great for us, Lil Bit, Anthony and this little cherub." I rubbed her tiny tummy and she giggled.

Jacob cleared his throat as he entered the room, "Edward, Bella, I need to apologise. I wasn't behaving as I should have been earlier and I realise it is because I have fraternal feelings towards Bella. In the absence of a paternal figure I was also assuming that role but that isn't my place. I shouldn't have teased you or provoked you. I am very sorry."

Bella stood up and gave Jacob a hug. "I love you brother," she teased.

I stood and shook his hand, "I can't fault you for wanting to protect Bella and Lil Bit but I think we should do that together as a team rather than fighting or competing with each other."

"That's fair," Jacob said as he shook Edward's hand.

Leah walked back in smiling, "Now if we can all be grown ups why don't we just have a chat about things like good friends?"

"Good deal," I chuckled and led Bella to the loveseat and we sat together hand in hand. I looked over to Leah who shot me a wink. I have no idea what she said to Jacob but she certainly straightened him out. I chuckled again as I pictured her taking him to task.

With our competitiveness put to one side, for the moment, Jacob and I started talking about bringing Anthony into the family and what kind of challenges an almost five-year old boy may present.

"Have you thought about discipline, Edward?"

"I won't ever hit my children Jacob, I don't believe in spanking or smacking to discipline. I suppose we'll try talking it out and time outs and the like? Bella?"

"We use time outs with Lil Bit when she needs it. We rarely have to discipline her but time will come I suppose as it does with all children but I agree with Edward, I don't believe in spanking either."

Leah nodded, "It's good to be on the same page about such an important issue. We don't spank either but time out and talking gets us through at the moment. I think that as our children reach new milestones in age and behaviour we have to rethink how we handle them and help them with their behaviour. Does that seem reasonable?"

We both nodded. I decided to raise an issue that was concerning me, "I have been wondering how Lil Bit and Anthony will go sharing toys and books etc. They are both only children at the moment. I mean Anthony has a half sister but he hasn't really spent much time with her. It will be interesting to see how they go sharing their possessions when we're all living together."

Jacob agreed, "That will be interesting. Seth is an only child and he shares with Lil Bit but living together every day and night might make things different."

Leah shook her head, "Lil Bit is such a sweet child, I can't imagine her being selfish or not sharing her things but she is only three. I wonder how they each will react when the inevitable breaking of the other's toy or taking of the other's book happens."

Bella took my hand, "Well when they fight ...and they will... we'll sort it out. I mean sometimes we fight and we sort it out right?"

I squeezed her hand, "I suppose we'll just have to learn together won't we love?"

"Edward and I talked about the house and we've agreed that it will be perfect for us. We can start working on it when we get back from Paris." She turned to me, "Do you think Esme would help with selecting the furniture? She has such lovely taste."

"I think Esme would be thrilled if you asked her to help."

Jacob took Leah's hand and then looked over to the two of us sitting on the loveseat, "Marriage isn't always easy, sometimes you are going to have very different opinions and that's okay. It is how you solve your differences, respect each other and stay true to the things that matter to you. By your own admission Edward you can be a bit controlling and possessive," Bella squeezed my hand. "And you Bella, you have admitted that you can be a bit reserved, keeping your thoughts and plans to yourself.

"So it is important to be aware of your own and each other's strengths and preferences so that you open up to each other to share life's journey without losing your own individuality. It's a balance."

Jacob had a point. I wanted Bella to open up to me but I love that she is so independent. I know she loves it when I take control sometimes but I need to make sure that I keep my inner caveman under control.

Bella and I were pretty quiet as we travelled home. It had been a long, emotional day with the funeral, our misunderstanding about the house as well as the conversation with Jacob and Leah. We were both exhausted and in our usual way we kept comfortably quiet with each other as we sorted it all out in our heads.

Just before we arrived home Bella turned to me and smiled, "I'm really very happy about the house Edward. I'd love to go out and see it but with Anthony coming tomorrow and our wedding on Friday I think we'll have to wait until we get back from Paris, won't we?"

"I don't see how we can fit in another thing this week. I have to sort a few things out at the office for while we're away and I know you have loads to do with the new business venture and with the bakery." I pulled her closer to me. "I love you sweet one, you know that don't you?"

She beamed up to me, "And I love you too. The rest is just noise. The important things are you and me, Lil Bit, Anthony and our little cherub. I like that name for the baby by the way."

"I can't wait to marry you, Miss Swan," I whispered as I nuzzled her neck.

"I can't wait to be Mrs Cullen," she giggled.

When we arrived home Bella headed into the kitchen with Rosalie to make a light supper for us. Emmett and I sat in the lounge and enjoyed a beer together.

"Been a long day Bro'?" he asked as he clinked our beer bottles together.

"A very long fucking day. Jacob gave me shit for awhile tonight but once Leah put him straight we actually had a really good session talking about plans and issues which gave Bella and I a lot to think about."

"Cool. Did you tell Bella about the house?" Her quirked a brow at me.

"Yes you Fucker, I did tell her about the house. I don't know why I told her, I was planning to tell her when we got back from the honeymoon but for some unknown reason I just blurted it out tonight right in front of Jacob. "

"Ho-oh, I bet he loved that. Was Bella okay? I mean she doesn't seem upset, just a little tired."

"Yeah, she's fine. It was a little curly there for a few minutes but then we talked and I showed her some pictures of the house. Bella seems really keen on the house now."

"That's great Ed. I think it will be good for you too, literally going home after all these years."

I nodded and took a long swig from my beer.

"How are things with you and Rose?"

Emmett thought for a few minutes before he answered, "We're good, she's an angel. She comes across kind of hard and icy to others but she's soft and sweet when you get to know her. I'm jealous as fuck of you getting married this week, I'd love to be marrying my Rosie this week."

"Have you thought about asking her?"

"Bro' I have the ring in my pocket... I carry it with me always, hoping that when the moment comes I can seize the day."

"Are you worried she'll say no?"

"No, I don't think she'd say no but she might say not yet. I don't want to scare her off, so I shall have to continue to be patient. She's worth it."

Bella and Rosalie came in carrying two trays with bowls of chicken soup and toasted cheese sandwiches. We all sat around the coffee table, chatting about the day enjoying each other's company and our simple but delicious food.

When Rose and Emmett headed home Bella and I cleaned the kitchen before heading off to bed. We were both so exhausted we were asleep almost the moment our heads hit the pillows.

I awoke the next morning to the sounds of Lil Bit and Bella reading as they snuggled in the bed lying next me.

"Morning Daddee... Momma is going to feed the baby wif milk from her bwests."

My eyes popped open, what the hell were they reading? "Sorry little love, what did you say?"

She knelt up and put her hands on her hips just the way Bella does when she's explaining something to me as patiently as she can, "Momma is feeding da chewub inside her woom and when da baby comes out momma is going to feed the baby wif milk from her bwests."

I looked over at Bella who was grinning at me, "Well that sounds about right. What are you girls reading this morning?"

"Baby on da Way," said Lil Bit holding up the book.

I chuckled as I headed into the bathroom. When I came out my girls were gone but I could hear them chirping away to each other so I followed the sound of their sweet voices. Eventually I found them in the room we'd agreed would be Anthony's when he arrived. Esme had worked wonders and had a team of people working in here this week.

Bella and Lil Bit were sitting on the floor in front of an unfinished mural which was a line drawing partially painted of Apollo as an archer with his lyre over his shoulder. Of course, Bella would choose Apollo for Anthony's mural as he was brother to Artemis.

Esme had installed a drawing table fully laden with charcoals, art paper and paint supplies as well.

His bed was similar to Lil Bit's in that it was framed in bookshelves.

Bella came over to hug me as I stood by the lovely large bed, "Esme chose autumn coloured bed linen for Anthony. I hope he likes it."

"I'm sure he will love. The room already looks amazing, l think he'll love it."

I bent down and threw Lil Bit over my shoulder, "C'mon my sweet girls let's go see what Mrs Cope has organised for our breakfast. I'm starving."

She squealed and giggled, "Daddee, I is upside down."

I flipped her over and pulled her into a tight cuddle as we walked down the hall to the kitchen. "Anthony is coming today Lil Bit. How do you feel about that?"

"Ant Knee will be my bruvva for always." She gave me a huge grin and I kissed her head as I placed her down on the floor. She ran into Mrs Cope who was pottering about in the kitchen.

"Messes Cope, Ant Knee is coming today," Lil Bit was practically singing her news to Mrs Cope.

"Hello Sunshine! Yes, it is going to be a big day with your new brother joining us today. I think you should have a nice big breakfast to give you lots of energy," she tickled Lil Bit's tummy and the giggle that exploded from my daughter made my heart soar.

I hadn't realised until this moment just how nervous I was about Anthony coming to us today. I was a Dad. I was a Dad with two children and one more on the way... and I was getting married in two days.

Oh. My. God.

"Breathe baby, it's going to be fine. We'll take it one day at a time and it's going to be great."

I looked down as Bella snuggled into my arms. She always calmed me. I took a deep breath and realised she was right. It was going to be great.

I settled Lil Bit into her chair and handed her a half glass of fresh juice. She started nibbling on some fruit when I heard the front door slam. We looked up and Rose was standing in the doorway to the kitchen with a panicked look on her face. She was pale and had no make up on at all, which was unheard of in the time that I'd known her.

"Bella, can I talk with you ... in private... please," she looked at Bella with such a desperate look on her face. Bella leapt up and the two of them disappeared down the hall and into Bella's office. I looked at Lil Bit and she frowned, "Wose is sad Daddee." It wasn't a question. "Yes, little love. I think she is sad."

Lil Bit and I sat quietly eating our breakfast. Mrs Cope distracted Lil Bit with pancakes shaped like stars and the two of them sang a few rounds of Twinkle, Twinkle. I smiled but couldn't stop worrying about what had upset Rose.

I whispered so Lil Bit couldn't hear me, "Mrs Cope are you okay with Lil Bit? I just want to check on Rose and Bella." She nodded and I excused myself from the table taking my mug of delicious coffee with me. I don't know what Mrs Cope does with the coffee but it is fucking delicious.

I padded softly down the hallway and stood outside Bella's office, the door was slightly ajar and it was probably wrong of me but like a nosy gossip I found myself leaning against the wall trying to hear the conversation going on in Bella's office.

"Rose, of course he'll still want you. Are you crazy? Emmett loves you."

"He'll blame me Bella… this wasn't planned, he'll think I'm trying to trap him. What if he gets angry with me… I couldn't stand it Bella."

"Rose, he'll be so excited he'll probably take an advertisement in the paper to let everyone know he's going to be a daddy." Rose started sobbing again.

Fuck. I couldn't help the smile on my face. I was going to be an Uncle. Emmett was going to lose his shit. I can't wait to see his face.

I pulled out my phone switched it to silent and sent a text to my unsuspecting brother.

'Hey Em, I need you to get over to my house NOW... Ed'

'On my way, do I need to bring anything on the way?... Em'

'Nah Bro just bring yourself and that little box you have in your pocket... no questions... Ed'

'On my way, but I have questions ... Em'

I waited for Em and moved away from the door to allow the girls the privacy I should've given them before. Then I was struck with an idea and headed off to my room to get what I needed. While I was there I took the opportunity to brush my teeth and changed out of my pyjamas into my jeans and one of my favourite t-shirts.

I headed out to the front entry to wait for my brother. I found myself pacing with excitement. He was going to be a Dad and our kids would be born close together. What if we both had boys? They play football together just like Emmett and I did. Oh god, what if we both had girls. What if the girls both looked like their mothers. l would fucking kill any punk who tried it on with our girls. Oh God.

"Edward, what the fuck is wrong with you? You look like you're going to kill someone."

I turned and there stood my enormous bear of a brother. This was going to be good.

"Hey Bro, thanks for coming over so quickly. Did you bring the ring?"

"Yes Edward I brought the fucking ring. Now would you like to tell me why I am here?"

"Rose is here. She arrived this morning looking a little upset."

He pushed past me to head down the hall but I stood in front of him. "What's going on Ed? Why is she here? Why is she upset?"

I smirked at him and slapped the book I'd gone to get right into Emmett's chest. He took it from me and read the title. He frowned and looked at me with a puzzled expression. I just smirked and tilted my head to the book. He looked at it again and read the title aloud, "Baby on the way." He frowned and then his eyes widened and I knew he got it.

"Are you fucking shitting me?"

I shook my head slowly.

He then hooped and hollered so loudly Rose and Bella came rushing out of the office. Emmett dropped the book, ran over and grabbed Rose up into his arms and swung her around. He kissed her fiercely and I couldn't help but laugh in joy.

He placed her gently back down and knelt on one knee in front of her, "You are the sweetest angel. You've brought unexpected joy into my life. You accept me in spite of my hideous early childhood. You've embraced my crazy adopted family. You inspire me with your diligence to your studies, your loyalty to your friends and your quiet support of those in need. You are a gentle spirit and a true beauty, inside and out. I need you Rose. I love you. You are my saviour and my angel. Marry me and have my baby, please my angel, please tell me you love me like I love you."

I was shocked at his heartfelt romantic words. He held out the ring and Rose looked down. She hadn't spoken a word. She just alternated between his eyes and the ring in his hand. Slowly her hand came up lovingly to touch her abdomen, "You know about the baby? And you're not angry with me?"

He reached out his hand to place it over hers which was over where their child was safely nestled. "Rose you have given me the greatest gift, how could I possibly be anything but ecstatically happy with this news? Angel, I've had this ring since our second date. I've known since almost the first moment I saw you that you were my future and I can't wait to get started."

She sobbed and laughed at the same time, "Yes, oh Emmett, I love you so much, yes."

A/N: Sorry this took a little longer than I'd hoped. I wrote most of the chapter and I knew how I wanted it to end but I just couldn't get the characters to co-operate but finally it all came together. I hope you liked it. I love Emmett, such a sweetie. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Love you all. Thanks for reading.

book credit:

'Baby on the way' by Martha Sears (Author) , William Sears (Author) , Christie Watts Kelly (Author) , Renee Andriani (Illustrator).
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ISBN-10: 0316787671, ISBN-13: 978-0316787673