Chapter 24

They were heading straight to their honeymoon the next day. Having a glorious two weeks all to themselves in Paris. Daniel wanted to show her Paris and promised her the most incredible mousse au chocolate. And he did. And so much more than just that. And Betty couldn't be more sad to come back home. But then again, it doesn't really matter where they are. As long as they're together, she will be more then just fine.

'I really thought we would have less dirty laundry. It was only two weeks. How is that even possible', Betty throws almost her entire packed clothes in the hamper.

'Beats me, we barely made it out of the room', he engulfs her from behind, his hand cupping her by now well-rounded and obvious baby bump. In the two weeks they were away, she really began to show. There is no more hiding it now. And Daniel is absolutely crazy about it. He loves it more then he can say. Seeing the woman he loves pregnant with his child? Yeah, there's nothing sexier or hotter then that.

'Hmmm, you know, we could've stayed home. It would've been just as glorious', Betty leans into his body, her head falling to the side to give his searching lips more access.

'But I promised you the best chocolate mousse', he says between kisses along her neck and shoulder.

'God, don't stop. This feels so good', she moans out under her breath. With her hormones being all over the place, her skin feels more and more sensitive. And lately no matter what he does, she is constantly turned on. She wants him, all the time. He could just look at her and she's on him. Sucking his skin into her mouth and grabbing his well-build ass. She can't have him naked fast enough.

'You smell so amazing, babe', his raspy voice travels down her spine, sends a delicious shiver over her whole body.

'Uuugh, you drive me crazy', she turns around in his arms and pushes him away from her, makes him stumble to the bed, plopping down onto it. 'You know exactly what your doing, Mister'

Making her way over to him, she takes her shirt off and wiggles out of her yoga pants. His eyes tracing her every move. If she looks close enough she could swear she sees him salivating. Hopping onto his lap, she snakes her arms around his shoulders and kisses him hard and eager.

Their families took it upon themselves to make plans for Christmas. They all spend their time at Claire's. She played inviting hostess, while Papi cooked the meal. Well, mainly, everyone helped in some way. It was a combined effort and absolutely perfect.

Because this is what family is about. Spending time together. Share stories and experiences with each other. Being happy for one another and sometimes share the sad moments and make them lighter.

Happy moments like Alexis announcing that Adam proposed to her on Christmas evening. With a laughing Tyler and blushing Amanda standing on the sidelines and Amanda simply holding up her hand. Showing everyone the engagement ring.

And sad moments like Hilda having a miscarriage again. They found out that she was pregnant shortly after Daniel's and Betty's wedding. And a week later, she already lost the baby... - again. It is incredible hard on both of them. But they refuse to give up. Dr. Lester told them to try again now. Her body has a memory of being pregnant. It would be easier for her now. So everyone is rooting for them.

Come the new year, Betty and Daniel were already in an argument. She desperately wants to talk about a name for their son and make a decision. Daniel is just not sure. Finding a name is hard. You don't want to pick the wrong one. You can really burden your kid with a weird name - like 'Mumford'. You have to keep in mind that they are going to have that name for the rest of their lives. It has to really suit them.

'What do you mean by that? It's totally reasonable', Betty doesn't understand him. What is his problem.

'I'm just saying that I don't know if I can pick a name for our son, without knowing what he's going to look like', Daniel's currently in the bathroom, getting ready for bed, when his wife decided, that they should pick a name. Tonight.

'I can tell you exactly what he will look like. He will have ten little fingers and ten little toes. He will have the cutest little face you will ever see and the most amazing blue eyes. Take a look in the mirror. That's what he will look like. Should I get one of your baby pictures?', leaning against the headboard of their bed, Betty's contemplating of going downstairs and searching for the album Claire gave her. Why he is being so difficult is beyond her. She had a vision of their kids. She knows what he will look like. Just because he doesn't believe in these things.

'Now your just being ridiculous. As if he will look exactly like me', he turns off the light in the bathroom and makes his way over to their bed. 'Come on, Betty, maybe he will have your cute button nose or your beautiful almond shaped eyes. I wouldn't mind that'

'Cute, but believe me. He will probably be your mini-me. Which will be absolutely fine by me. I want my cute little Daniel-miniature. When we have our daughter, I'm more then willing to give her my eyes or my nose', Betty's playful and mischievous smile is worth every little argument.

'Ok, it's nice that you think that, but I actually want our kids to look like us, not just me. And I don't think we actually have to talk about a daughter. Meade men can only have boys, remember?', scooting closer to her and slinging his arm around her shoulders, he pulls her into his body. Places a row of kisses along her hairline.

'Don't jinx it. You know it doesn't work like that. I want my baby girl. And if it takes us four babies to get her, then I want four babies, Meade. But back to the Name-Game. In my vision we both called him Ben or Benny. And I really love the name Benedict. It's a strong, good name. For a boy and a grown man. We can't go wrong with a name like that. Just let it roll over your tongue a few times. Benedict Meade', she says stubborn, gives him a quick jab in the side, 'Come on, try it'

Letting out a deep sigh he does her the favour of saying her chosen name for their son, 'Benedict Meade'

'Again'

'Benedict Meade'

'Say it one more time. It sounds so great when you say his name', she gushes and melts into his side.

'Benedict Meade', he softly smiles down at her, and god damn it, he has to admit that it does sound nice. And kind of feels right.

Laying his hand on her well rounded belly he softly starts to rub over her sensitive skin. 'What do you say, little guy? You like that name? Benedict Meade?'

And as if he could hear his dad, he kicks right under his hand.

'I would say it's a 'Yes'', Betty lays her hand on top of Daniel's and intertwines their fingers. And looking up into his wet eyes, she sees the astonishment behind them. They really gonna have a son. In less then four month, they will become parents to the little life they created.

And leaning down, Daniel places a soft kiss on her belly, 'I love you so much, Ben'

When the MODE Wedding Issue got out after New Years, the public went crazy. On the glossy cover for sure the lovely newlyweds. One of a bunch of official wedding pictures. Exclusively shown in MODE. And MODE only. Wilhelmina did a wonderful job. The article written by none other then Marc St. James. And it's actually really nice. Almost sappy. But in a romantic and heart-warming way. The pictures surrounding the article are tasteful and captured the love of this extraordinary couple. And the slowly dying 'Detty-Watch' was revived in a matter of seconds and everyone was on a lookout for every little sneak peak from the expecting mother-to-be.

'It's crazy, why do they care so much?', the Sundae with caramel syrup and sprinkles a lovely distraction and a great pick-me-up from all the exhausting attention they got lately.

'This is how it's going to be. You're my wife and pregnant with the next Meade Publishing Heir. Yeah, people care and want to get the latest News', his arm around her shoulders, shield her from the fresh January-wind, while they were walking along the sideways.

'I know, but I thought after a month the hype would've died down. At least a little bit', the biggest hype over their wedding pictures is over. And they finally decided to start with decorating the nursery. Dr. Lester confirmed again, that they are indeed having a boy. Said this little guy can't deny it. Which made Daniel turn all proud papa-bear. It was very endearing.

'It will die down, after you gave birth and Ben turns out to look just like any other baby. Believe me, the second they realize that there's nothing special about him they're turning their back on us'

'But he's going to be so special', her head whips around, eyes huge, spoon hanging out of her mouth.

'To us - yes, very special. But not to them', a shiver runs down her spine, when he places a soft kiss against her temple. His hand softly rubbing her upper arm, while manoeuvring her into the next store. And Betty stood in Baby-heaven.

There was furniture, soft blankets, adorable pillows, little cute cuddle toys and literally everything they could possibly need for their little baby boy. Her Sundae was long forgotten and slowly melting away, just like her heart the moment she saw all those cute little onesies. She feels happiness about finally being married to Daniel and overly joyed over becoming a real family with him. Her little vision of them plays almost non stop in the back of her mind. And she meant what she said a few weeks ago. If it takes four babies to have a baby girl, then she wants four babies. She wants her Annabelle.

And then there's this overwhelming, all encompassing love for Daniel and their little boy. It's almost too much. Her hearts almost hurting. As if it's trying to grow, to match the amount of love she feels. Like in the grinch. Only that her heart already felt huge with the love it holds for her own little family.

She takes it all in for a minute, moves in a slow circle. Sees her future right in front of her. The messy diaper changes, late night feedings, the painful cries of yet another colic and the spit that will go everywhere and will probably ruin more then only one of Daniel's many designer suits. But there's also going to be warm cuddles, that will turn into content naps, joyful afternoons of playing in the garden, running around like maniacs, glorious firsts like giggles, crawling and muttering and all those small yet significant moments that will bind them together as a family and will shape their dynamic in the most beautiful way. And she can't wait. Taking in a deep breath she turns around to Daniel.

'Alright, where do we start?', she claps in her hands and begins to loosen her scarf and opens her coat.

'Do you have the list?', Daniel grabs a light-blue-coloured cart and they disregard their coats and scarfs. Getting the list out of her purse, Betty does a little basketball move and dunks her purse in the cart.

'And the crowd goes wild', she whispers next to Daniel, makes a quick cheering motion before she unfolds the list and scans through it. His little chuckle the most endearing sound to her ears.

'You're so cute', Daniel whispers against her temple before placing a lingering kiss.

'Mmmh, ok, focus, no distractions. We don't go home before we have everything from our list', Betty means business.

'Ok, where do we start', taking a quick look on the list he scans over it as well. 'Do you want me to do the big furniture? That's going to be the easiest and heaviest part'

'Alright, I get my own cart and make my way down the blanket and pillow section, and we can meet up after that', she gets her own soft-pink-coloured cart and makes her way over to all the cute and soft little blankets and pillows.

They talked about the nursery before. How they want to decorate it. At first they thought about painting the walls a soft blue. Make it an obvious boys room. But then Betty thought about it more. She likes the idea of giving the room more character when their boy is older. Through his likes and dislikes. And there will come a time when he's two or three years old, where he might want a car or plane sticker on the wall or whatever it's going to be. So for now, they are definitely going to decorate the nursery in a boyish way, but it's going to be more subtle. More through blankets, pillows and rugs then through wall colour. And lets face it, when he's old enough to say what he likes to have on his wall, they already want to have baby number two. So maybe, they could keep the nursery the way it is and decorate the guest room to their sons liking.

And right now she has a really hard time choosing between a cream coloured blanket with different light-blue and midnight toned stars and a dark blue one with a colourful rainbow.

'Betty? Is that you? Wow, how long is it? Ten month? It's great to see you. Oh, is Hilda pregnant? Congratulations, you're becoming an aunt again', that nervous rambling could only mean one thing. And looking back over her shoulder all her fears are crashing down on her in slow motion. What are the odds? Here of all places? And Daniel, thank god, nowhere to be seen. Cause he would definitely freak out right now. Putting on her best fake-but-pleasant-to-outsiders-who-don't-know-me-smile she tries to arm herself for this most definitely uncomfortable confrontation.

'Henry? Wow, yeah, uhm..., I guess it is that long, right? And, uhm..., no, not Hilda', slowly turning around and letting the blanket fall to the side she sees Henry's eyes getting huge.

'Huh? You..., you're pregnant? How...?', he is shocked. He had no idea she was dating someone right now, let alone that she was in such a serious relationship.

'I think you know how it works', she softly rubs over her belly, puts the blanket back on the shelve. And tries to soothe down her bladder-kicking-son. It's almost as if he can feel something's wrong. Feels her discomfort and tries to protect her in a way. Guess it's true what people say. Like father, like son.

'I had no idea you were seeing someone', and why does he look so goddamn shocked.

'Oh, I guess you're not watching TMZ then. Yeah, I'm seeing someone. I'm married actually and pregnant, as you can see', she shakes her head and rolls her eyes at herself. Stating the obvious, very clever Meade. Uuuh, that does have a very nice ring to it, doesn't it?

'Married?', he cries out. What is with him? Last time they saw each other, they said that it's completely over. That there is nothing left between them. He didn't think that there was still a chance for them, did he? Well, she better makes it clear now.

'Yes, one and a half glorious months. It's very new. But when we found out that I'm pregnant, we didn't want to wait any longer. When you know, you know, right? So we got married before he will pop out of me', she looks absolutely stunning and so goddamn happy. And is glowing in the most beautiful way. He can't believe, that he really missed his chance again.

'Who is the lucky guy. Do I know him? Oh, dumb question, Grubstick. How many people live in Manhattan? Too many. I can't possibly know him'

'It's Daniel'

'Daniel? As in Daniel Meade', his disgusted tone doesn't fall on flat ears.

'Yes, Daniel', ice cold glare in Henry's direction, she keeps rubbing her belly, tries to calm down herself now.

'How could you be so stupid, Betty? You set yourself up for heartache', his harsh demeanour and glare get Betty's blood boiling. And if he doesn't shut up, she's going to give him a well-deserved piece of her mind. 'Did he knock you up and forced you into this?'

And that's it. She can't see straight anymore. How dare he judge the choices she makes in her life. How dare he think so awful of the love of her life and the father of her child?

'Now you listen to me. Daniel is double, no, three times the man you are. What did you ever do to me? You treated me like shit, Henry. Instead of being honest and saying that it will never work out because you're going to leave with your baby-momma. You had me on some kind of leash. Always had a goddamn carrot dangling in front of my face to keep me distracted. So I wouldn't realize that you only led me on and on again. Always said your going to find a way, just to leave me in the end - heartbroken. And who had to pick up the pieces of the mess you left behind? Hmm? Do you have any idea?', he shakes his head, is taken aback by this Betty. 'Yeah, that's what I thought. It was Daniel. He told me that I was stupid for believing you. That there was no way you would stay. And he was right. Every single time he gave me shit about you, he was absolutely right. And yeah, he was a mess when we first met. But so was I. And do you want to know what he never did? Lying to me. Not when it came to the important bits. No, he was honest. Sometimes brutally honest. But he stayed with me nonetheless, helped me to grieve a relationship I never should've had in the first place', breathing is incredibly hard. But she needs to say this. She kept this all to herself, never said a word. Was always the nice and sweet Betty. But that's over now. Daniel gave her so much confidence over the last ten month. That she has finally enough self-esteem to admit to herself and others, that she deserves so much more then to be treated like that. And most importantly, she can finally call him out for what he had done to her.

'You know what? I'm sick of it. I'm sick of always being nice and never saying a word. You hurt me. More then any other man ever did in my whole life. It took me months to get over you. But I'm so glad. Cause throughout all the heartache was Daniel. Constantly telling me that I deserve so much more and better then a screwed up guy like you, who thinks he can lead me on. But in the end always just playing with me. Every guy I dated always took me for granted and spend time with me when it would fit into his busy time schedule. And when it was over and you realized that being alone is worse than being with me, you came back running. Crying like a baby, saying that you always loved me and that I will always be the one and only. Bullshit', taking a few deep breaths, she untangles her racing thoughts for a second.

'You always managed to sneak your way back into my life. Like a bad penny. You always messed everything up for me. And I won't let you do that again. You have no right to tell me that I'm making a mistake. So don't you dare stand here and tell me that I'm stupid for marrying the love of my life', she almost runs out of gas. Almost. But she needs to end this and then move on to happier things.

'Why all the blame? Why now? You never said anything before', he looks down on the floor. Feels embarrassed by her little rant. It's not that she is wrong. It's just hard to listen to it.

'Because you deserve it. And I'm finally confident enough to give you hell about all the shitty things you did to me. But it doesn't matter anymore, because you only manage to do one thing with it. To bring me closer to Daniel. The more everyone told me, that he was the bad influence, the liar and cheater, the man-whore I can't trust, the more you pushed me to him. To prove to you, that you are completely wrong about him. And you were. Time and time again, he proved to me that he was so much more then what he let the world see', she looks Henry square in the face. Sees his discomfort and shame.

'He is the most caring and loving guy I know. He is sweet, scarily smart and generous. He treats me not only like an equal, but like I'm some freaking otherworldly being. It's annoying and endearing and completely unnecessary. But he does it anyways. God damn it, he puts me on a pedestal. One I definitely don't deserve. Because guess what, I screw up just as often as he does. But I don't care. Let him screw up. Hell, let me screw up. We're just gonna stand side by side and pick up the mess we made - together. Like we did, all this time. And no matter how much we screw up. I would choose him over and over again. And I know he would do the same. Because he always cared for me and most importantly loves me unconditionally. Just like I love him', Henry stands there motionless. Looks like he left his body during her little speech. But as great as it feels to let all this go, she wants out of this situation. It's time to put an end to this.

'He's my best friend, the love of my life and the father of my child. And he is by far the best thing that will ever happen to me. And if you still think, that you of all people are entitled to give me a lecture. Don't. I don't want to hear it. Not now. Not ever', she's still breathing heavy, can see Daniel out of the corner of her eye, sitting on a platform between huge teddybears. Not really hiding, but giving them the space they need to have this much needed conversation. And she can see the little mischievous lopsided grin stretching over his entire face. Even though he's looking down on the little stuffed elephant in his hands. God, how much she loves that gorgeous jerk. And she can only assume how wickedly happy he must be right now. But can she blame him? No, and if she listens close enough, she could almost hear him cheer her on. And right now, she wants nothing more then to be in his arms.

'Well, I guess that's goodbye then, Betty', she could feel sorry for him. If she wasn't so damn proud of herself in this moment. And she feels so much lighter, finally having said all that.

'Bye', his head hanging low he turns around and walks away. Not looking back. And with that he finally walks out of her life.

'God, you have no idea how turned on I am right now', he whispers into her ear, while softly rubbing over the sides of her belly.

'Probably just as turned on as I am right now', she slowly turns around and snakes her arms around his neck. Pulls him down to her for a quick passionate kiss. And when he softly breaks away, she can't let him go. Follows him with her face, pushes up on tiptoes to kiss him again and tugs on his hair to give him the message. And he does. Within only one second he's back, silky moan in the back of his throat, hands on her back clutching her to him. God, she can't get enough. It's a shame they are in a public place right now. They could have so much fun. At home.

Finally pulling back she shakes her head, clears her mind. 'Ok, how much did you hear?'

'Everything from the point where you told him that you're married. Picking out the furniture was easier than I thought. I was really quick, so I thought I just meet you at the blankets. But then I saw Henry, and thought maybe I should stay out of it and let you two talk', he softly rubs up and down her back, his eyes never leaving her face. Examining her closely for any kind of signs or emotions.

'Yeah, well, it was bound to happen one day, right? And I kind of want to feel sorry for him, really. Because I know that I can be very harsh and a bit much when I'm in rage...'

'And extremely hot, babe', her mock shove against his shoulder makes him chuckle a little.

'...but I don't. He and all the others put me through so much and I always accepted it. Like I don't deserve to be treated better. That that's how it's always going to be. And I hate it. I hate that I always thought that that's the best that's ever going to happen to me. That that's all I deserve. But I don't want to open that can of worms. I just hate that I always were so down on myself', she rants and feels her blood boiling again. But it was raging against herself now.

'Hallelujah, you finally got my message', he calls out and holds up his hands.

'Amen', she calls out and high-fives his outstretched hands. 'Come on, let's pick out a blanket and then look for the rest of the stuff on our list. I couldn't decide and then stupid pastry-boy waltzed in here and rudely interrupted me'

'See? I knew the name would catch on', and he was right. It did catch on. Not that she would ever admit that to him out loud. 'Ok, which one did you think about?'

'I couldn't decide between the stars or the rainbow one. They are both pretty. But I lean more towards the stars. What do you think?'

'I'd say stars. It's a bit more neutral and easier colour matched and combined'

'Yeah, that's what I thought', she throws the blanket in the cart and checks off one point of her list.

They worked on the nursery for the next two weeks. All their free time was spent upstairs collaborating, arranging, decorating.

They got all the stuff they chosen on that fateful day with the famous, glorious Henry-incident send within three days. That's at least how Daniel likes to remember that day. Betty likes to remember it as the day they chosen the bed their son's going to sleep in or the blanket their going to cuddle under. And yeah, she has to admit it. Definitely as the day, where they had incredible you-just-called-off-your-ex-in-public-and-got-me-all-horny-sex.

And most of the time she was sitting in the rocking chair, rubbing her ever growing bump and eating crackers, while Daniel put all the furniture together. And he did a fantastic job. She feared at the beginning that he might have a few screws left and that everything will collapse. But it didn't. He had nothing left at the end, did everything after the manual and managed to not only put the crib together. But the changing table, dresser and shelves as well.

On Saturday Bobby and Hilda were over helping them to arrange the furniture and decorate the nursery.

'It's beautiful, mami. I love the soft cream colour of the walls. It's so light. And if you ever have a second kid, maybe a little daughter, then you could easily reuse it', Hilda sits on the little stool next to Betty. Who's in her favourite spot - the constantly swinging rocking chair.

'That's what we thought, too. And seeing that I definitely want my little girl, it is good thinking. At least I thought so', she's softly rubbing her bump, when she feels him kick her hard in the side. 'Here we go again. Hey, you want to feel?'

Betty grabs Hilda's hand and presses it on a spot on her side. And in a matter of seconds he kicks again. Even harder.

'Wow, he's super strong. You should write him in for soccer or kickboxing'

'Thanks, Hilda, that's what I keep saying. But she won't listen to me'

'Stop trying to get rid of my little baby boy and keep arranging the furniture. I'm not sure I like the changing table over there. Could you try to move it over on the other wall, please? Maybe that's better'

'I'm not trying to get rid of our son, I'm just thinking. If this little guy turns out anything like his mother, then we need to find a good way to power him out. And cardio is always a good way', Bobby and Daniel easily move the changing table over to the other wall. Looking over to Betty for approval to move on to the dresser and shelves.

'Is that what your trying to do? Powering me out with cardio?', the pale rosé blush delectably lapping at her skin, before tinting her cheeks a lovely shade of soft pink. They are almost a year together now, are happily married for two month and had already more sex than he had in his entire life. But for sure, the smallest hint of anything remotely intimate and she blushes. It's amazing. And he loves it more then he can say. 'And I like that better. Maybe we can put the dresser, where the changing table was before?'

'Somehow it's not working', her favourite lopsided grin thrown in her direction and her blush deepens a little further. 'How's that?'

'Maybe because you use the wrong exercise, babe', her arched eyebrows challenge him. Telling him to do his worst. 'And I'm not sure. Could you put it right in the corner?'

'Yeah, that's what I thought. Cause you just keep coming back for more', and he could've done worse. But this is already enough. 'Better?'

'That's great. Maybe the shelves could go on the same wall, but more to the left side. My left. And then we could move the rocking chair over there as well', her blush is more a full fledged pink now. But she looks so unfazed by it all. It's amazing how much confidence she gained in the last year. 'And I didn't hear you complain so far'

'God, you two are worse then we are. And I thought we are bad', Hilda snickers.

'Tell me about it. I thought we were bad before. But ever since I'm pregnant and the hormones screamed 'Hello, here we are'. We're even worse. It's exhausting', Betty let's her chin fall into her hand and a deep sigh escapes her lungs.

'But the sex is too good to skip, right? Yeah, I remember when I was pregnant with Justin. God, the sex was really amazing. I'm really looking forward to that again', Hilda muses leaning closer to Betty over the armrest of the rocking chair, munching on a few crackers, a faraway look on her face.

'Yeah', Betty sighs, leans over and gently bumps into her sister. Grabbing a few crackers, she has the same faraway look on her face. 'Wait, again?'

'Oh, shit, me and my big floppy mouth', Hilda looks up at Betty, crackers long forgotten.

'You mean, you are...', the big chocolate brown eyes of her sister sparkle with kept-at-bay happiness and anticipation.

'Oh, Mami, yes, I'm pregnant', Hilda breathes out.

'Oh my god', Betty tries to climb out of the rocking chair, has a hard time to stop swinging to get her feet to the ground. The scrunched up nose too cute. But Daniel has some mercy and holds out his hands for her. Helps her to fight back and leave the foul-playing swing behind her. Standing up she grabs Hilda and holds her in a bone-crushing hug. 'That's amazing. I'm so happy for you. And the best part, they're going to grow up together', Betty swoons.

'I know right? And Justin's going to be their fabulous leader', Hilda gushes.

It's amazing how life works. It's messy and weird, and sometimes gives you sour lemons. But then it takes the most wonderful turn you could imagine. And makes you speechless of happiness and joy.