~Knothole, Five Years Ago~

Sally took a sip of champagne as she listened to the speech Elias was making. She could barely hear him as she was gazing at Sonic and he was glancing back at her, tears shining in his emerald eyes.

It hadn't been long since they had exchanged their vows along with Antoine and Bunnie and now at the Knothole Picnic area which had been set up for the wedding breakfast, they had listened to the speeches delivered by their loved ones.

Pure white cloths adorned the tables and wooden vases of wildflowers were the centerpieces, and all around the area in the trees and the huts were sashes and wreathes of flowers and leaves, as well as small glass jars filled with twinkling candles that lit up the small village like a fairyland despite it still being light in the late sunny afternoon.

Sally surveyed the guests, as well as those at the top table with her, Sonic, Bunnie and Antoine.

Many were grinning and toasting, although she did notice others looked rather bored as the speeches had gone on.

Sally couldn't help but giggle, especially as she had seen Espio poke Vector a few times as the crocodile had almost dozed off during her father's speech, which had gone on a while, and Knuckles had been nodding his head a few times to which his mother Lara-Le had had to nudge him before he went face first into his pudding.

On the tables closest to hers sat her and Bunnie's bridesmaids, all dressed in baby blue dresses and wearing white and blue flowers in their hair, Amy, Julie-Su, Meghan, Mina and her nanny and best woman, Rosie Woodchuck.

Amy was weeping inconsolably with Mina stroking her back whilst Meghan, Julie-Su and Rosie looked on with warm smiles.

On the table next to them were Tails who had been ring bearer and Cream the Rabbit who had been such a cute flower girl along with Vanilla who had given Bunnie away along with Sir Charles who had been dabbing his eyes every so often.

Sally couldn't have been prouder of Tails and Cream, playing such important roles in her, Sonic, Bunnie and Antoine's wedding and she was excited to see them thrive more once Mobotropolis was fully restored and take their next step in life after being made members of her Royal Council, as she had done with many of the key Freedom Fighters.

Before long, Elias had finished his speech and announced that it was time for the couples to begin the first dance.

Sonic looked pleased, especially since he had been so bored at the speeches, if not a little embarrassed when his father and King Max spoke about him.

He along with Antoine stood up and took the hands of their brides and they made their way to the center of knothole which had been cleared for a dance floor.

There was also a stage set up for the talented musicians of Knothole to provide the entertainment.

As Sally held Sonic's hand, she expected Mina to go onto the stage to sing the first song, but to her amazement, the pretty yellow Mongoose took the microphone and Sally saw a female brown lioness with black hair and wearing a glamourous black and gold dress walk onto the stage as Mina introduced her.

"Ladies and Gentlemen." She said, "I am proud to present Desiree, who will sing the first dance song, in honor for Sonic, Sally, Antoine and Bunnie!"

Everyone gasped then clapped and cheered.

Sally was also amazed, Desiree was a well-known singer on Mobius who had been unfortunate to be robotized by Robotnik, but thanks to Sir Charles and his de-robotizer she had been returned to her original form.

Desiree bowed then took the microphone.

"Thank you!" she said with a smile "I am honored to sing the first dance song for the heroes of Mobius, I am grateful for all you have done to free me as well as others from Robotnik's cruel enslavement, may your years be forever blessed and happy!"

Everyone applauded again then Desiree sat at a piano on the stage and began to play the song for the first dance.

Sally instantly recognized it as 'Kissing You'.

As soon as it started, Sonic gently pulled Sally towards him.

Sally looked up at Sonic as they swayed together on the dancefloor, Sonic in turn looked down and rested his forehead against hers.

"I can't tell you how happy I am," Sonic whispered kissing Sally's forehead as well as over her closed eyelids. " This is the happiest day of my life."

"Mine too Blue," Sally breathed as a couple of tears fell. "Mine too…."

They swayed together soaking in the moment of that fact they were finally united after so many frightening and stressful years of War and resistance, then Sally took the chance to glance over at Bunnie and Antoine who were looking so blissful as they danced.

Antoine had tears in his eyes as he gently kissed Bunnie's forehead and ran a hand through her blonde hair as they danced, and Bunnie wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled his nose.

Sally also took a moment to look at the guests watching them.

Jules was watching proudly with one arm around a happily sobbing Bernadette, standing next to an equally proud looking Sir Charles who kept giving Sonic a thumbs up every few seconds.

King Max and Queen Alicia stood together, Alicia dabbing her eyes as well as glancing at Max who was trying to look professional and stoic, yet Sally could see he was blinking away tears.

All the Freedom Fighters were watching with proud as well as tearful eyes, an emotional Rotor was hugging Tails close who was crying softly, Amy was still sobbing and Mina who had gone to stand with everyone else, had one arm around Amy's shoulders.

Vanilla was dabbing her eyes and Cream was smiling cutely.

Vector was already bawling and Espio, Knuckles and Charmy were comforting him though Knuckles looked annoyed he was getting rained on by the crocodile's tears.

Sally looked back at Sonic as he gazed down at her lovingly then she saw something in his eyes, a reflection, yet it wasn't hers.

"Sonic?" she asked softly. "What's the matter with your eyes?"

"Sal?" Sonic questioned.

"Why can't I see myself in your eyes?" Sally asked as she studied his large emerald eyes more, then she saw a face forming in them, a menacing evil face. And it was leering at her.

"Sonic?" she questioned again feeling rather scared. "Sonic…?"

Sally's eyes shot open as she awoke, and she looked around to find herself in her and Sonic's bedroom in their quarters in Castle Acorn.

Sally brushed her hair out of her face as she thought about the dream she had. Afterwards, she was brought back to earth by the sun starting to peek over the city through the window, and Sonic snoring softly next to her. She glanced over at him and smiled softly, feeling relieved. She lay back for a bit longer hoping to fall asleep again, yet the sun wouldn't let her as it shone on her face.

Sally moved her hand down to her swollen stomach where she felt Sonic's arm around her and gently lifted it off before sliding out of bed. Luckily her husband didn't respond as he continued to lie there snoring. Sally placed her hand on her belly and a warm smile came to her lips. It had been a month and a half since she and Sonic told their parents as well as their close friends the news that she was having twins, and everyone was very excited as well as making bets on the gender. Both her and Sonic and decided to make it a surprise for them too so they got Rosie to arrange everything for when the day arrived so they too would get a surprise.

Pulling on a long silken dressing gown, Sally started to walk towards the balcony, hoping to sit on the seats outside and enjoy the summer morning coolness as well as the peace and quiet before the day started. She loved mornings like this, as they reminded her of the stillness of the first light when back in Knothole.

Sally was only about to reach the entrance of the balcony when a dizzy spell suddenly hit her and she reached out to grab the nearest thing to steady herself, but she ended up hitting a small table and it fell over, but not only that, but a small plant and a silver framed picture of her and Sonic at their wedding also fell and smashed to the floor.

As that happened, Sonic awoke with a start and looked around. "What the heck was that!?" he cried then he saw Sally on her knees by the entrance of the balcony trying to clean up the mess of dirt, broken pottery, and glass. "Sal?"

Sally meanwhile was too distracted by the mess to realize her husband was awake and tried to desperately clean it up. "Damn! Damn! Damn!" she cursed then picked up some of the shards of glass, but as she did, she sliced her finger and a few drops of blood fell on the picture. "Shit!" Blood started to drip before she could suck on it, and it landed on her image. Staring at it, she noticed it had landed on the back of her head in the photo, so it looked like her head was bleeding.

"Sal?"

Sally looked up and she saw Sonic had gotten out of bed and rushed over to check on her.

"Are you alright?"

"Sonic," Sally gasped, trying to get her breath back after such a shock. "I... I am… sorry." She looked back at the mess then back at her husband. "How clumsy of me…I'm sorry I woke you," She sighed.

"Don't even worry about it!" Sonic soothed. "It's fine!" He helped her to her feet and cradled her hand where her finger was sliced. "I'll clean this up, but first, come on, let me help you."

"Okay," Sally said gratefully as she leaned into the hedgehog. "Thank you…these dizzy spells are scaring me, all I wanted to do was sit on the balcony and I couldn't even make it to the door!"

Sonic tutted and helped Sally to her feet before leading her to the soft seats on the balcony and sitting her down. "There we go, easy does it."

Sally sighed as she sat down and leaned against her husband as he held her close and kissed her forehead. "Thank you, Sonic." She smiled and sighed contently as she felt the cool morning breeze on her fur.

"You sure you're okay?" Sonic asked.

"I am yes." Sally replied, "Apart from feeling ashamed and the cut on my finger." As she spoke, she placed her wounded finger in her mouth and sucked on it.

"You don't have anything to be ashamed of!" Sonic replied as he took Sally's hand making her take her finger out of her mouth and studied her finger.

"I was trying to pick up the glass," Sally explained. "And ended up getting sliced."

"I see, looks like it got you pretty good," Sonic commented.

"It did yes," Sally sighed as she looked at the photograph within the shattered glass feeling sad it was damaged. "That's one of my favorite wedding photos of us too..."

Sonic smiled lovingly. "Our wedding day..." He breathed.

"Yeah," Sally sighed happily. "Such an amazing day. Knothole was all lit up like a fairyland by the little candles and lanterns and I'd never seen everyone so happy since the day we freed Mobius!"

"For sure, the best day of my life," Sonic agreed as he gently took the photo out of the broken glass and examined it for damage which luckily it wasn't.

"Mine too hun," Sally agreed as she looked at the photo, feeling relieved that it wasn't damaged. "That was during our first dance. Uncle Chuck took that photo."

"Good shot he got too," Sonic smirked as he looked at it.

Sally laughed and leaned on her husband's shoulder. "I'll never forget how handsome Tails looked as the ring bearer, or how nervous Antoine looked!"

"Tell me about it," Sonic chuckled. "And it was just as memorable a day for him and Bunnie."

"Bunnie was so excited. She couldn't wait to walk down that aisle. As was I." She nuzzled Sonic and the hedgehog kissed her forehead then looked back at her finger.

"Let me take care of that cut and I'll get this cleaned up."

Sally agreed, giving him a kiss in gratitude and she saw the hedgehog go back the bedroom. Cradling her hand, Sally looked back at the city as the dawn lit it up and she sighed. 'If I'm getting these dizzy spells more often...' she thought to herself. 'Is it normal? I may need to go to Dr Quack again, although he did say he's going to have a nurse visit me here, so I don't have to leave my quarters due to my condition.'

She looked down at her growing bump and stroked it lovingly.

"Yet despite my worries," She said softly. "Just knowing you two are healthy, it makes me happy. I can't wait to meet you both."

She was soon brought out of her thoughts when she heard Sonic return with the first aid kit from the bathroom.

"Hey babe," Sonic said as he sat next to her and opened the box looking for some band aids. "Sorry if I kept you waiting."

"You didn't," Sally reassured her husband as Sonic found what he was looking for and started to clean Sally's finger then gently placed a band aid on it. She winced a little as he did so, but she smiled in gratitude as he looked after her. She couldn't be more grateful to have Sonic in her life, the way he cared for her and looked after her.

After he finished tending to her finger, he kissed it and Sally wiggled her finger and smiled at how it felt better than before and kissed Sonic's nose. "Thanks hun."

"Anything for you Sal," Sonic smiled as he nuzzled his wife.

Sally then stroked her bump. "The babies thank you too," she grinned.

Sonic leaned down to Sally's stomach and began to kiss and stroke it lovingly. She in turn stroked his quills.

"I can't wait till they start moving!" Sally confessed. "Which Dr Quack said they should do at this time. If they've inherited your speed, imagine the kicks I'll be getting!" she laughed.

"Heh," Sonic looked up at his wife, his emerald eyes sparkling. "Think you can handle it?"

Sally chuckled. "I'm sure I can," she replied. "Everything I'm going through, whether it worries or scares me, it's worth it." She stroked her stomach again. "I can't wait to meet our little beans."

"So, they got your nickname huh?" Sonic asked since King Max's nickname for Sally was "Little Bean."

"Yeah," Sally giggled. "Well that, and from the picture Dr Quack gave us from the ultrasound, they do in a way look like two fluffy beans."

"Good point," Sonic agreed.

The couple gazed at each other, encased in their bubble of contentment and happiness, yet it was soon interrupted by a knock on the door from their main quarters.

"Who is it?" Sonic called.

"Messager, your highness!" a male voice was heard on the other side.

"Enter!" Sally called out.

No sooner did she give the command than the door opened and a smartly dressed male raccoon walked in and bowed to them respectfully. "Prince Sonic, Princess Sally."

"As you were," Sonic said, sitting bolt upright and facing the raccoon. "So, what's up?"

The racoon stood up, yet he kept his demeaner of respect, even though he knew Sonic was relaxed and didn't like the whole professional royal behavior the servants showed to him as he wasn't raised in royalty like Sally, he still did so, only as it was the principle.

"Prince Sonic," he spoke. "His Majesty the King has requested your presence in the council chamber within the hour."

"Oh, does he?" Sonic asked, cocking his head on one side.

"He does your highness," The racoon replied bowing again.

Sally also looked curious as Sonic looked at her.

"I wonder what he needs to speak to me about?" Sonic asked to which Sally shrugged, then Sonic turned to the raccoon. "Thanks for letting me know," he said, "Inform him that I'll be there to see him shortly."

The racoon bowed again. "Of course, Prince Sonic," he said then turned and left the room.

"Thank you!" Sally called after him then looked at Sonic. "I wonder what daddy wants to speak to you about?"

"I have no idea," Sonic replied. "Guess I'll find out soon huh?"

Sally smiled reassuringly at her husband. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," She said. "Nothing too different from the usual royal duties?" She slowly stood up and Sonic instantly assisted her in case she had another dizzy spell. "Thanks, hun. I'll get on making us some breakfast before you go."

"You sure you're up to it babe?" Sonic asked concerned as he feared her hurting herself on the cooker or with the sharp utensils due to her condition.

"I am hun," Sally reassured her husband, kissing his cheek. "I'll be careful. You go and get yourself ready."

"Okay, if, you're sure?" Sonic asked.

"I'm sure!" Sally winked. "What shall I prep for us?"

Sonic thought for a moment then smirked. "How about you surprise me?" he asked.

"Okay! You got it!" Sally grinned and tapped her finger on Sonic's nose before walking to the kitchen area.

Sonic smirked as he watched her go. "Well, I better go get ready and see what Pops has to say." Wagging his eyebrows at his wife's retreating form, he made his way towards their bedroom to prepare for his meeting with Max.

About fifteen minutes later, Sally had managed to get some breakfast together for herself and Sonic. She had made some pancakes along with some scrambled eggs and bacon and some mixed fruit, yoghurt, and coffee and orange juice to drink. As she placed the last items on the table, Sally felt proud of herself.

"Thank goodness, no dizzy spells!" she said. "Touch wood!" she tapped the wooden table then sat down quickly so as not to jinx her good luck.

She hadn't been sitting long before Sonic arrived in the kitchen diner, wearing a dark-blue shirt and black trousers as well as his royal cape and crown.

Sally smiled seductively at how he was dressed. "Mmm, hello handsome!"

"Hello yourself!" Sonic grinned and winked.

"You look great Blue!" Sally smiled then gestured to the table. "Come dip in. I didn't feel any dizzy spells this time."

"That's great Babe!" Sonic said before looking at the spread she prepared and licking his lips in anticipation. "And wow! Breakfast looks amazing!"

"Thanks hun," Sally grinned proudly. "I think my cookery skills have improved, if I may be so bold."

"Your cooking has always been top notch Sal!" Sonic replied as Sally began to dish out the different foods on a couple of plates for them both.

"Thanks," Sally said. "Well, do dip in."

"Don't mind if I do!" Sonic grinned as he sat down, then he patted the seat next to him. "How about you have a seat next to me and we can together?"

"I'd be delighted!" Sally replied and she sat on the seat next to Sonic and scooted the chair closer to her husband.

Sonic kissed her cheek and Sally nuzzled him in return and before long the two of them began to enjoy their breakfast as well as share the odd kiss and nuzzle. After about half an hour, Sonic and Sally had eaten their fill and Sonic patted his stomach.

"That was really good babe!" Sonic complimented "You really outdid yourself!"

"Thanks hun!" Sally replied. "Hopefully that'll give you some energy if you're meeting daddy?"

"Very true!" Sonic grinned. "Well I'd better get going." He stood up and picked up the empty plates before taking them to the sink to wash.

"Good luck," Sally said, kissing Sonic's cheek as he turned away from the sink. "Don't worry about me, okay?"

"I'll try not to," Sonic replied, though he was a little concerned leaving his wife. Since finding out she was pregnant he had become more protective of her, more so than their days in Knothole and in the middle of the War against Robotnik. He was reluctant to leave her alone and he was even more so now since Sally was suffering dizzy spells more often.

Sally saw his concern and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I'll be fine, and also, I messaged Bunnie earlier for her to come over. She and I have a lot to talk about anyways."

At those words Sonic looked more relaxed when he realized his wife wasn't going to be alone. "Oh, getting some girl talk in huh?"

"Oh yeah, a few things," Sally chuckled then her ears twitched as she heard the doorbell to their quarters. "That must be her now."

"I got it!" Sonic said as he whizzed over to the door in a blue blur and opened the door to reveal the blonde haired smiling D'Coolette on the other side. "Hey! Speak of the devil!" he laughed.

"Sugar-Hog!" Bunnie squealed. "Good morning honey!"

"Knew it," Sally chuckled.

Bunnie looked at Sonic up and down taking in his smart appearance and clicked her tongue. "Darlin' yer lookin' pretty dapper today! Royal duties, eh?"

As long as she had known Sonic, Bunnie knew he wasn't one for dressing up unless it was a special occasion. But in the recent years since becoming a prince, he had really taken more pride in his appearance. Not that he didn't always like to look good, but he was more aware as he was surrounded by more than just the Knothole residents and Freedom Fighters, but royalty, government and other important figures.

Sonic nodded. "Just gotta see what Pops wants. Heard he wants to speak to me about something."

"Well good luck with that Sugar! I'll take care of your Sally-Girl and the precious ones!" Bunnie winked then she squealed again and hugged Sonic. "Twins! Oh, my stars! You hotshot Hedgehog! You're so truly blessed! Ant and I are so happy for you!"

Sonic choked a little at the surprise hug and winced a little as Bunnie's metallic left arm squeezed him. Even though Bunnie had been given the chance to be fully flesh again due to Sir Charles's de-roboticizer, she had decided because she was so used to her robotic limbs she chose to stay as she was.

Sally laughed as she watched and stroked her stomach. Even though Bunnie had been told ages ago, she was still excited and kept praising her and Sonic. She was almost becoming as bad as Amy when it came to exciting news and getting hyper about it.

"I can't wait to meet your little munchkins!" Bunnie continued and Sonic grinned and hugged her back.

"We can't wait either Bunnie!" Sally smiled as she walked over and greeted her best friend giving her a kiss on both cheeks.

"Sally girl!" Bunnie cried as she looked upon the princess. "You're blossoming!"

"She sure is!" Sonic agreed.

"My Sally-Girl!" Bunnie hugged the ground squirrel. "Soon to be a mama!" She turned to Sonic who was making his way to the door. "You go and deal with Max, I'll look after your precious ones! Don't you fret Sugar-hog!"

"Okay," Sonic replied. "I'll be back soon." He kissed Sally again as well patted Bunnie's shoulder and opened the door again.

"Take your time hun!" Sally said. "Love you Blue, babies love you too!"

"See you both later!" Sonic called as he left the room and started to make his way to find Max, wondering what the King wished to speak to him about.