Epilogue: Lissa

(Bella PoV)

Seven Years Later…

I exhaled deeply as I leaned back into the couch, my hands going to my swollen stomach out of habit. I leaned on my right hand as I struggled to relax. Rose smiled at me softly and I returned it, though even I could tell my expression was tired, exhausted.

"Mommy?" The trill of my daughter's voice brought my head up to meet her shimmering green eyes. A smile broke out across my face as I opened my arms for her. She darted across the room and bounced onto the couch and into my side, wrapping her arms around my neck. I laughed breathlessly, kissing her hair, which was tied back in pigtails.

"Lissa, careful of your mother," Edward chided as he followed her into the room.

"It's fine, Edward," I assured him, craning my neck up to kiss his lips gently. Lissa giggled, sitting back on her knees as Edward sat on her other side. She leaned down and pressed her ear eagerly to my belly. A moment passed before she jumped back, squealing in excitement.

"I hear her, Mama, I hear her," she sang and Edward and I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. Edward grabbed her waist, hoisting her into the air easily with one hand. He swung her around as she laughed before holding her up on his hip.

"It might be a boy, Lissa, remember that. Don't be too disappointed if you don't get a sister," he reminded her. She shrugged, undeterred.

"I know, Daddy, I just really hope it's a girl. You said wishful thinking is good," she pouted at him and I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing as Edward crumbled under her daughter's gaze. Her pout was better than Alice's or even mine and she knew how to use it to get what she wanted out of her father.

"Yes, Lissa, it is," He agreed. I shook my head, smiling. He was tied around her little finger eternally; I wondered how bad it will be if it ends up being another girl. Edward smiled sheepishly at me for that though and I laughed.

I tried to breathe evenly through my nose as another contraction subsided. Edward held me up and rubbed my back comfortingly. I smiled slightly at him in thanks, letting my body collapse as I rested. I wore nothing but a black tank top rolled up to my chest and a pair of black baby doll shorts.

"Mommy?" I looked up to the doorway where Elia stood nervously. I smiled and reached one of my arms toward, inviting her in. Her big wide eyes were scared as she darted to where I sat on the birthing ball. I allowed myself to slide off the ball as she came toward me, wrapping her arms around my neck and burrowing her face into my hair. I combed my fingers through her dark locks in comfort, looking up at Edward.

"Are you ok, Mommy?" my daughter asked, puling away and looking up at me, her green eyes brimming with fearful tears. I smiled in what comfort I could give her right now, smoothing the saltwater from her eyes.

"I'm fine, sweetie. I'm just getting ready for you brother or sister, ok?" I assured her. She looked down and leaned back into me. I wrapped an arm around her gently.

'It's going to hurt you," she said. It was a statement, not a question. I sighed, looking up at Edward again. His face was grim.

"Yes, baby, it will hurt," I admitted. She clung to my side.

"I don't want it to hurt you, Mommy," she said. I could have cried from her words and the obvious pain behind them. I never wanted to hear pain in her voice so I quickly work to reassure her.

"I know, sweetheart, but it will all be worth it. Okay?" I told her. She nodded after a moment. Rosalie stood in the door jam and I nodded to her before looking back down at Elia.

"Aunt Rose is going to take you out today, ok?" I told her. She looked up.

"Can't I stay with you?" She pleaded. I wanted badly to tell her yes but I did not want her to see me like that, in pain, probably screaming. I shook my head sadly. She pouted slightly but nodded. I kissed her forehead gently followed by Edward. She went to Rosalie, who lifted her up and took her downstairs, asking her what she wanted to do.

I sighed, looking up at Edward as I leaned against him. He smiled gently, running his finger down my cheek.

"Like mother, like daughter. Always worrying about others," he said. I smiled and laughed lightly before lifting myself up as another contraction began to build.

Daniel Masen Cullen was born at 7:07 pm on November 17, 2014.

My family was now complete.