a/n: Hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas a year later…
Belle stood in the kitchen in front of the stove, stirring multiple pots and placing things that were done into serving platters and bowls to be set on the table for when their guests arrived. Things were a little hectic for Belle, but that was just how she liked it. She hated doing nothing. Especially after Adam and her had found out the news and he practically refused to let her do ANYTHING around the house. Taking a moment to smile down at the swell of her stomach, she let her happiness radiate around her. Her life was beyond perfect. She had a family to love and love her back, a roof over her head, food to eat, and a wonderful husband. There was nothing more that she would ever want.

Dressed impeccably and ready for the day, Mr. Gold made his way down the stairs and in the kitchen where he found his wife.
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Gold," he greeted, wrapping an arm around her from behind and planting a kiss to her cheek. His hand wandered down to her stomach and rubbed it gently. "How are my girls?" They had yet to find out the sex of the baby, but Adam insisted he knew it was a girl.

There were no words to describe how happy that simple little gesture made Belle. Leaning back into her husband a little, she abandoned her steaming vegetables for a moment. "Merry Christmas, my love…" She replied softly, her hand moving down to meet his on her stomach. "We are doing much better now that you're down her.." She turned her head to look up at him, batting her lashes a little as she puckered her lips, silently asking for a real kiss.

Wanting to indulge her, Adam leaned down and kissed her letting their lips linger for only a few seconds. "You're cooking and I'm distracting you," he said as he pulled away-not really wanting to.

Belle pouted a little when he pulled back. "You could help, you know. That way I can cook while you distract me," she said with a chuckle. Giving him the job of tending to the pots on the stove, she took all the food that was done and put it on the dining room table. When she finished, it was her turn to hug Adam from behind and trail kisses from behind his ear, down his neck and across his jaw. "So what time is everyone arriving?"

Adam hummed contently when he felt her little kisses on his neck. "Now it is you who is distracting me…." He said as he was trying to finish up with the potatoes. He came to a stopping point and turned around to face her, placing his hands on her hips. "David said everyone would be here around one-so we have another hour to ourselves."

Belle smiled up at him as she let her arms move from around his waist to around his neck, her eyes sparkling in the light. She smiled softly as she leaned up and pecked his lips. "Mm… Perhaps we should open a few presents?" she asked, obviously eager to do so. She had gotten him some things even though he had told her he didn't want anything. She only hoped that he liked her gifts. "Or do you have something else in mind?"

"Presents?" He eyed her suspiciously. "I thought I told you not to get me anything?" Or maybe she didn't. Maybe she was just excited to open her presents. Yes, of course. "I do have a few surprises for you, however." He took her hand and led her into the living room-a room that looked entirely different than it had the year before. The whole house looked transformed. For one, Adam had stopped being stingy when it came to heating it, so he had allowed Belle to open up all those closed rooms, including turning one into a playroom for when the Nolan children came over.
For Christmas, every room had been very over the top decorated, but no room was as elegant as the living room.
The fireplace was covered in lights, candles, and garland, with two stockings that hung from either end. In the middle of the mantle sat the snow globe Belle's mother had gifted her, the same one he had shattered. Except it was no longer in pieces. True to his word he had had the globe repaired and no one would ever know what had happened to it-no one except Belle and him. Every time he glanced at it, he would always remember that fateful night, the night that changed his life forever. The night he had almost lost Belle and every other loved one in his life.
By the large bay windows sat the biggest, fullest, Christmas tree, lit with what one would guess was a thousand lights. It was covered in the most gorgeous ornaments and atop the tree sat a bright sparkling star. Underneath was a mountain of presents-not just for them, but for everyone in their newfound family. Gold had also opted to give a VERY large sum of money to the local charity to help the poor, and he had promised Belle he would do so every Christmas in the future.

Belle smiled as she walked into the beautiful room. She remembered when she was able to only put up a few candles and decorative pinecones. But now, now it looked like a winter wonderland. It made her happier than it probably should, but it was only because it reminded her how much her husband had changed; how he went from a cold, heartless, shell of a man to a man that had a heart as big as the moon and whom everyone loved. She still had no idea what had made him change his ways, but she didn't care. He was happier than ever and that was all that mattered to her.
Walking over to the loveseat that was by the tree and across from Adam's wingback chair that always sat in front of the fireplace, Belle sat down and curled her legs up under her. "Since when did you start thinking I was the type of person who did what they were told?" she asked with a chuckle in her voice, shoulders shaking with mirth. "Besides, it is our first REAL Christmas together. I couldn't not get you anything. All of the ones wrapped in the blue snowflake paper are for you."

Adam chuckled and shook his head. One thing he loved about Belle was her stubbornness. He wouldn't change it for anything. "Very well, but I'll open mine only after you've opened yours," he insisted.
There were several for Belle, including a beautiful diamond necklace and earring set that matched her wedding ring, which he fastened around her neck himself. However, there were two gifts he was more excited to give her than the rest. "Here," he said handing her one of the smaller boxes, which was quite heavy, "be careful it's fragile."

Belle wasn't one for excessive, gaudy and extravagant jewelry, but the necklace and earring he had gotten her were beautiful and perfect. Plus, she couldn't help but love that they matched her wedding ring she wore. When he handed her the box, she was shocked by how heavy the little package was. Listening his warnings, she very carefully unwrapped it and opened the box. As she saw what was inside it, tears stung her eyes and one of her dainty hands came up to her mouth. It was a snow globe.

Belle's reaction to his gift brought the biggest smile to Adam's face. It had taken him a long time to find the right snow globe. The little figurine inside was a man and woman dressed in wedding attire standing next to a Christmas tree. There was an engraving on the front of the base in gold letters that read 'Our First Christmas' along with the year. On the bottom was a handwritten note that read, 'Merry Christmas my beautiful Belle-the first of many. I love you more than words can say. -Adam.'

As Belle pulled it out of the box to further inspect it, she felt tears slide down her cheek. This moment reminded her so much of her last Christmas with her mother. Much like the snow globe her mother had given her, this new one meant so much to her already.
As she read the little message on the bottom, Belle sniffled and smiled, turning her watery gaze to Adam, happiness all over her face. "It's perfect. I love it, Adam… So, so much…" She didn't even need to say that she LOVED him because her eyes said it all for her. Moving the box from her lap, she carefully stood with the snow globe and placed it beside her mother's on the mantle.

The love shining in Belle's eyes warmed Gold's heart. He never thought he'd find someone who loved him the way she did, yet here she was right in front of him. Not only that, but she was also pregnant with his child. That had been another shock. At his age, he had never thought he would have another child, but when Belle told him the news he became the happiest man on earth. He couldn't ask for more. "I have one more gift," he told her once she set the globe down. He pulled out another box wrapped in beautiful red paper with a big white bow and held it out for her. This present was much smaller than the last, able to fit in the palm of his hand.

Turning back to Adam, Belle wiped away her tears and forced herself to calm down. But she didn't stay like that for long. Taking the present, she sat back down and smiled over at her husband. "I told you not to get me more than two gifts," she playfully scolded him as she blindly unwrapped the gift. When she saw what it was, she smiled brightly and did her best to force her tears away. "How do you always choose the most perfect things?" She felt like her gifts would pale in comparison to his.

"And I told you not to get me anything," he teasingly scolded back. He could not stop smiling as he watched and listened to her. The gift she held in her hand now was a small ornament of a pregnant woman in a rocking chair. She had one hand on her large belly and a book in the other. With it's brown hair and blue eyes it closely resembled Belle. "I only buy what I know will make you happy," he replied to her question.

Belle rolled her eyes affectionately, putting the ornament onto the tree before getting up and gently sitting down in his lap, making sure not to put all of her weight on him. "And by that, you mean buy me the world." He often brought her home little trinkets and gifts, wanting to show his love for her as often as possible.
Pressing a soft kiss to his lips, she let them linger for a little. "If that is all, I have a few for you to open too."

His arms wrapped around her as soon as she sat down and he whimpered a little when she didn't deepen the kiss. "Well if I must…" He would much rather have her stay just like she was, in his lap and easily accessible, so he didn't release her. Instead he began to kiss her, first lightly on the lips, then along her jaw line and down the side of her neck.

Belle began to get up but soon found herself stuck in Adam's lap. As she felt his lips, she tried to suppress a shudder of pleasure, but failed miserably. Gods, the feelings he could spark up in her from simple kisses. "Adam… You insatiable man," she murmured to him, bottom lip soon finding itself between her teeth. "Please, at least let me give you ONE of the gifts. I know you are going to LOVE it." She couldn't stop the breathless moan that fell from her lips.

"I love YOU," he replied between kisses, still not letting up. His kisses moved further down, him moving the top of her dress aside so he could shower her shoulder with them. One of his hands rested on her back while the other ventured up and softly ran through her curls.

Belle couldn't bear to pull away or stop what he was doing. Not when this had been her dream a year ago. Gripping the fabric of her dress like it was her sanity, she took a few deep breaths before forcing out her next sentence, eyes squeezed shut. "B-But it will make me VERY happy…" Her throat was tight, her body trying to prevent her from stopping him and his wonderful kisses. Belle couldn't help but lean into his hand that stroked her chestnut curls.

Her words finally made him give in, despite how much he did not want to. All he wanted to do was make her happy, but ever since they had confessed their feelings for one another, he couldn't keep his hands off of her.
It was agonizing to pull away from her and after planting a lasting kiss to her lips he said, "As you wish."

Belle kissed him back, letting out a small sigh of relief against his lips. Just from those kisses, she had felt the muscles in her abdomen quiver and her loins begin to tighten. Getting up off his lap, she took a deep breath to calm her raging hormones down before grabbing the one gift she REALLY wanted to give him. Sitting back down in his lap, she looked up at him with slight lust-filled eyes and flushed cheeks, handing him the present.

Gold never took his eyes off her, his eyes full of lust, but mostly love. He inhaled a sharp breath when she sat back down in his lap, doing well to control himself. He took the present from her, but never stopped looking into her eyes. "You are making it very hard to resist," he said leaning forward with the unopened present still in his hand, wanting to pick up where he left off.

Belle rolled her eyes affectionately and held her finger up to his lip to prevent him from kissing her again. "This one gift and THEN you can continue. Please? For me?" She fluttered her thick lashes and pouted in an attractive way, giving him a pleading look that she knew he wouldn't be able to resist. "I promise, this one gift and we can do whatever you want." She dropped her dainty finger from his lips and gently tapped the top of the box.

Adam gave her a half smile, showing her that she was getting her way. Leaving the devious smile on his lips, Adam finally broke eye contact with Belle and turned his attentions to the gift. Examining it, he could see it was small, but he had absolutely no idea what it could be. After untying the ribbon on it, he tore the paper off, revealing a plain white box. When he removed the lid, he found something delicately wrapped in tissue paper on the inside. Pulling it out of the box he unwrapped the small item and gasped when he saw what it was. He was frozen for a moment as he stared at it, taking it in, trying to register what it would really mean for him-for them. Tears welled up in his eyes and he couldn't stop them from falling when his eyes met Belle's again. "A girl? It's a girl?" He asked in confirmation as he held up the beautiful glass ornament colored pink with those three words etched across the middle.

Belle smiled at his reaction, heart racing as she nodded her head and reached her hand up to gently wipe at his tears, a few of her own falling down her reddened cheeks. "You were right all along, my love. I went to the doctor last week while you were at work. He told me that she is healthy and will be due in about five months." She smiled up at him, a hand coming to rest on her swollen belly. She knew that he always wanted a little girl; a little girl to spoil and call his own.

In an instant Gold had his arms around her in a tight hug, and his lips flush against hers in a deep and passionate kiss. He allowed their tongues to dance around in harmony for a couple minutes before he pulled back and let his hands cup her slightly bulging belly. "A girl, a girl…I just can't believe it…." He couldn't believe he was going to be a father at all…but gods he was so happy. He rubbed her belly gently and placed a kiss to the top of it. "I already love you so much," he said to their baby. "My little girl…"
Gold glanced back up at Belle, "And you…I thought we were going to wait to find out?" After all when they had went to the last ultrasound together, that was what they had agreed on.

Belle wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, feeling her tears mix with his on their cheeks. She loved him, she loved their daughter, and she loved this moment they were sharing…
When he pulled back and began to speak to their unborn child, Belle couldn't help but smile and stroke a hand through his hair and listen to him. But when he directed his words towards her, she bit her lip and dropped her gaze. "Well. My curiosity got the best of me and I crossed my fingers behind my back. I was planning on keeping it a secret from you so that you would be surprised but then you became so insistent that it was a girl and I wanted us to be able to think of names and buy things for the nursery. I thought it would be the perfect Christmas present for the man that didn't want anything…" She said, eyes still cast downwards.

Using his thumb and index finger, he gently lifted her chin upwards so she could look at him and he rested his forehead against hers. He was beaming at her and a few tears of joy were still leaking from his eyes. "It is perfect Belle…thank you." He embraced her again. "Thank you so much for everything…for loving me, for giving us a child, a daughter…for thinking I'm going to be a great father even with my doubts."
Every day he worried he would make the same mistakes with their child that he had with Bae. Every day he worried that he would become that man he used to be.

Belle hugged him back, cherishing the feeling of being in his arms and being so close to him. She loved him. All of his imperfections. All of his insecurities. She loved every single molecule that he was made up of.
The girl smiled softly as she heard what he said to her, her heart fluttering in her chest. "No.. Thank YOU for giving me the change to do so. For taking a risk at love again just for me. You've given me everything I have ever wanted. A big family to love and who loves me back… A child. Irrevocable love… Besides, I know you will be a great father. I mean, look at how perfect Bae turned out." She closed her eyes for a few moments as she gently pressed her lips against his. "I love you, Adam… I don't think that I can ever stop doing so even if… Even if you stopped loving me. I promise that if you somehow revert to your old ways, I won't stop fighting for you," she told him, knowing that was one of his fears.

It was a mystery to Adam how Bae had turned out to be so wonderful; he had never felt like the best father, even though he had tried really hard. But after reflecting back on his past, he had tried in all the wrong ways-focusing more on getting money than spending time with his boy. Yet, somehow Bae's life had never gone wrong. It was a miracle.
"Belle, I will never stop loving you," Gold promised as he reached up and stroked her cheek. "And I vowed to myself-to you-to everybody- that I would never be that man again. As long as I have you, that won't happen. I love you so much my dearest Belle." His lips met hers once again in a soft and sweet kiss.

Belle closed her eyes for a moment as she leaned into his touch, nuzzling her head into it slightly. His words made her heart grow wings and a smile bloom on her lips. Her love for this man could not be measured by words. When she felt his lips on hers, her heart took flight and she couldn't stop herself from kissing him back even if she tried to. She even attempted to deepen it a little, keeping her end of the bargain for making him open the present.

Adam had no objections deepening the kiss. He was even willing to take it a little bit further. That was…until the doorbell rang. Breaking the kiss with a sigh, he looked at Belle with a defeated smile. "I do believe our guests have arrived."

Belle sighed and shook her head before she leaned forward and pressed one more soft kiss to his lips. "You take care of that while I freshen up." If Belle went and answered the door right now, it would be obvious to see on her face what they had been doing. Plus, she had yet to change into the dress she was going to wear for dinner. Getting off his lap, she held her stomach as she scurried out of the room and into their room.

As Belle left the room, Gold was unable to take his eyes off of her. Gods she was so beautiful…and even more so now that she was carrying his child. Belle. His wife.
Their wedding had been a small one, taking place in his large backyard one bright and beautiful afternoon. Only the Nolans, Bae, and Belle's father had attended. However, the news of the marriage had been large. It was the talk of the town. At the time very few people had known about his change, so the townsfolk thought he had somehow tricked or forced Belle into marrying him. They all pitied her. But as the days went on, he learned the concept of generosity, giving to the poor, lowering the excessively high rent for everyone, and repairing the dark and drafted houses he rented for that fortune. And slowly people came to see that Belle really did love him.
The doorbell rang again, causing him to come out of his daydream. "One moment," he called, standing, grabbing his cane, and making his way to the front door to open it.

On the other side of the door stood the Nolan's including a very healthy Tim who no longer needed a cane to walk. Tim became impatient to see the man he referenced to as his Grandpa and of course Belle. When Gold opened the door, Tim smiled up at him and ran to hug him, being careful of his bad leg. "Grandpa!"
Everyone smiled up at the man who opened the door and took turns hugging him or shaking his hand in David's case. But because of David's joyful and loving nature, he almost immediately pulled the other man into a hug.
Belle changed into a red dress that matched Adam's tie, came to just above her knee, and had a sweetheart neckline that looked perfect with the necklace Adam had given her. She also put on the earrings. The best thing about her dress -in Belle's opinion- was the way it laid over her stomach. It hid her swollen belly perfectly. Gods, she couldn't wait to tell everyone. When she finished changing, she did a few makeup touch-ups and put her hair into an elegant half up, half down hairstyle before going downstairs to join her family.

Gold eagerly hugged little Tim in return, happy to see him, even though they saw a lot of each other now. Ever since David had become partner, Gold spent more time with the Nolans and sometimes Tim would even come up to the shop to 'work' with his Papa and newfound Grandpa.
Neal wanted a hug too, in which Gold obliged. He was almost two now and wanted to do everything his brother did.
After greeting everyone, Gold ushered them into the living room. "Belle should be down any moment," he said.
"And Bae said he's on his way as well," David added.

Making her way towards the voices she heard, Belle found herself standing in the doorway of the living room. Gods how she loved the sight of the beautiful room filled with so many people whom she loved dearly. "Merry Christmas!" she said as a subtle way of telling them that she was there.

She smiled brightly at everyone as they turned to look at her before she ran over and scooped Tim up in her arms, leaving a big red kiss mark on his cheek from her lipstick. "Someone looks handsome," she told Tim with a smirk, adoring his little suit that he wore. "Perhaps even more handsome than your Papa AND Grandpa." Belle said, knowing that both David and Adam were wearing suits. It was exactly the reason why Tim had one on instead of a sweater like his brother. He wanted to be just like his Papa and Grandpa.

Tim giggled loudly and threw his arms around Belle's neck. "Really? More than both of them?" he asked through his giggles.
Little Neal ran over to Belle's legs, clinging at them, babbling something indistinguishable, but it was clear he wanted hugs too.

Belle smiled up at him and nodded her head. "More handsome than any man in town. And more of a cutie too." She chuckled and lightly tapped her nose before carefully setting him down to pick up Neal. She tried to ignore the slight ache in her back as she did so, giving little Neal a hug and a kiss too. "But I think this little one is in the running of being most cute." Belle tickled his tummy a little before turning her attention to the others in the room.
She could see Mary-Margaret giving her a knowing look as she glanced down at her stomach with a smile but just received a playful glare in return from the brunette.

Gold was watching Belle carefully, loving the way she was interacting with the boys. However, he wasn't loving how she was lifting the heavy children with her condition.
He strolled across the room to greet her, giving her a swift kiss on the cheek. He whispered to her softly, so no one else could hear, "Are you sure you should be picking the boys up?" His tone was soft and not angry, but it was easy to hear and see how worried he was.

Belle gave Adam a warm smile and gently placed Neal down. "Don't worry. It was only to greet them. I will sit down next time, okay?" she told him softly, unable to keep her heart from fluttering as he showed his concern for her and their unborn daughter.

Gold nodded and let out a small sigh. This pregnancy made him worry more than ever. Every little thing Belle did he worried would hurt the baby. He tried to ignore those feelings, but it wasn't easy, especially when Belle did things like lifting-which he knew for sure she wasn't supposed to do.
"Why don't you go sit and rest," he suggested, "while I go finish up in the kitchen?" Almost all the food was done, except the turkey, which was ready to come out of the oven.

Belle sighed softly and was about to be her usual stubborn self and tell him that it was fine and go to the kitchen to finish, but the look on his face made her do otherwise. "Alright, my love. Just call me if you need anything, okay?" She pressed a soft kiss to his lips before moving to go and sit back down on the love seat.

Gold smiled to himself, glad that for once she was being reasonable and retreated to the kitchen to finish up with dinner.
Mary Margaret looked over at Belle and asked, "So Belle, how are you? Everything going okay?" She was referring to more than Belle's general health-she knew about the baby-but she was trying to be subtle since David had yet to find out. Mary Margaret knew Gold and Belle wanted to announce it that day, so she didn't want to spoil it.

Belle smiled softly at her and nodded her head. "Yeah.. I'm doing pretty great." Belle leaned forward towards her, giving her a hug as she whispered in her ear. "And so is SH.." She pulled back with a bright smile on her lips, not having told Mary-Margaret what the gender of the child was yet.

Unable to contain herself, Mary Margaret let out a little squeal of joy, but quickly tried to come back from it when David and the children all looked up at her questionably. Mary Margaret looked at her husband embarrassed, and swiftly tried to come up with a reason for her outburst. "Belle was just…" She caught a glimpse of her necklace. "Showing me what Adam got her for Christmas…" It looked a little suspicious, but she smiled softly hoping it wouldn't cause David to ask questions.

Belle smiled up at her before smiling over at David, nodding her head. "Yeah. Adam got me a necklace and earring set that matched my wedding ring," she told him calmly before getting up to casually pull Mary-Margaret out of the room.
"She is supposed to be here in about four months," Belles told her once they were out of hearing range, a hand over her stomach. "Before I found out, Adam was so insistent that it was a girl, so one of his Christmas presents was an ornament that says 'It's a girl.'"

"Oh Belle, I'm just so happy for you-both of you," Mary Margaret replied ecstatically as she embraced her friend. Pulling back, she glanced down at Belle's belly. "Four months left? It will be here before you know it! And you still haven't told everyone…"

Belle smiled and shook her head, rubbing a hand over her swollen belly. "No one except you knows. Adam and I wanted to tell everyone at the same time so we figured Christmas dinner would be perfect. Although we are still a little worried how SOMEBODY will react to it." Belle nervously brushed a curl behind her ear as she referred to her father.

Mary Margaret looked at Belle concerned. "Who are you referring to?" She has an idea that it might be Belle's father, but she didn't want to make any assumptions.

Belle smiled and chuckled softly. "My father of course. I mean, I know after a while he will be overjoyed, but his initial reaction is worrying both of us. I know my father always wanted grandchildren. Especially a little girl whom he can spoil to his hearts content."

"Then why are you worried?" she asked, placing a reassuring hand on Belle's arm. "Is it because she's Adams? I thought he and your father were getting along?"

Belle nodded her head and looked up at her with a bit of a happier smile. "They are. They really are. But that doesn't change the fact I'm still his little girl and the thought of me… Consummating is not very appealing to him." She said with a chuckle. It was true. When Adam and her had gone off on their honeymoon and were saying goodbye to everyone, her father couldn't even look Adam in the eyes.

Mary Margaret couldn't help but giggle just a little. "Belle, I think every parent feels that way…but you're a married woman now. I'm sure all he will care about is his soon to be granddaughter. He will see how happy this makes you and not think anything about it."

Belle nodded her head and smiled up at the woman before she lead her back into the room where everyone else was. Just as they walked in, Belle heard a knock on the front door. "That must be Bae and Emma. I'll go get them. Go sit back down." With a smile, she went to the front door and opened it.

Bae and Emma both grinned at Belle when the door opened. After saying their hellos and wishing her Merry Christmas, they joined the rest of the family in the living room, placing their presents under the tree. A few minutes later, Maurice also arrived and he looked better than he had in a long time. Not only were his clothes in nice condition, but he also looked healthier, well fed and happy. He had Belle back in his life, a decent place to live, and was even bringing in some money of his own from selling his inventions-something Gold had helped him get a head start on.
"Belle, sweetheart," he said as he embraced his daughter tightly after walking in the door.

Belle welcomed her father warmly, hugging him back but trying to subtly be cautious of her stomach as well. "Oh Papa. I've missed you so much." It had been barely a week since she last saw him, but now that she got to see him more often, she grew used to his company. "And you're looking very handsome," she said as she pulled back and took in his semi-formal attire. She loved how well taken care of her father was. Adam had done all that he had promised her father and more.

"Thank you, Belle," Maurice replied giving his daughter the biggest smile. It had been a year since they reconnected, but it still seemed like it was all a dream.
Glancing around the house, he tried not to let its sheer size intimidate him like it had in the past. He always knew Gold was very wealthy, but he had never really embraced how wealthy he truly was until the first time he visited his and Belle's home. He rarely came to the house because of how uncomfortable it made him, meeting Belle in town or at the shop instead.
He looked back at Belle and held up the few presents in his arms. "Where would you like these?"

Belle smiled brightly up at him and lit up a little more as she saw the presents. It wasn't the fact that he had presents that made her happy, but it was the fact that he was making an effort for his new extended family. "Under the Christmas tree will do fine. I'm going to check on Adam. David, Mary-Margaret, their kids, Bae, and Emma are here already. Go make yourself comfortable." She pecked his cheek before going to the kitchen. Despite what she had promised Adam, she hadn't sat down for all that long.

Maurice nodded and joined the others in the living room.
Gold was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the turkey that had just come out of the oven. All the other food was in the dining room, warm and waiting to be eaten.

Belle came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his middle, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Everyone is here and waiting in the living room," she told him softly.

"Good, because I just finished up." He set the utensils down and turned around to face her, giving her a gentle, loving smile. "Do you want to call everyone in to eat," he asked and then his hand fell to softly rub her stomach, "Or would you like to go ahead and tell everyone the news?"

Belle thought for a moment before she shrugged her shoulders and smiled up at him. "I don't know. Do you want to go tell everyone now?" She gave him a smile and quieted a brow. "I'm up for it if you are."

Gold gave a weak nod. He was very nervous. It wasn't that he wasn't excited about the baby, but he was extremely worried about their reactions. The Nolans wouldn't be a problem, and even Belle's father-well he knew he could handle him. And despite Maurice's feelings toward him, Gold knew the man would love his grandchild. No-Bae's reaction was the only one that was really making him nervous. How would his son feel about having a sibling? Would he be upset and think Gold was trying to replace him? He had not been a very good father to Bae growing up and even though he was doing all he could to make up for it, would that spark any jealousy if he was a great father to this child? He couldn't help but feel guilty.

Belle leaned up at kissed Adam softly, gently cupping his cheek and stroking his jaw with her thumb. "Alright, my love." She carefully unwrapped her arms from around him to slip her hand into his and lead him to the living room.
Getting everybody seated, her and Adam stood in front of the Christmas Tree. "Alright, everyone. Adam and I have an announcement to make."

Everyone looked to them eagerly, having no idea what they were about to say-except Mary Margaret who was trying really hard to keep a straight face.
Gold gave Belle a fleeting glance and smile, before he addressed the others. "Belle and I…" He placed and arm around Belle and his hand on her stomach. He took a deep breath and forced the words out of his mouth, letting a smile bloom on his lips. "…are expecting a baby girl."

Belle smiled brightly at everyone, eagerly awaiting their reactions. Both David and Mary-Margaret smiled brightly and jumped up to hug and congratulate them, Emma following soon after. But Bae And Maurice sat there for a few moments, just taking in what they had announced. Soon enough, Bae was up there, congratulating his father too. "I'm gonna have a little sister?" he asked rather excitedly.
Belle's father was still having a hard time taking in how fast his little girl grew up.

The look on Bae's face calmed Rumple slightly. He didn't look angry or sad-but happy. Adam nodded his head. "Yes, son. A little sister," he confirmed. "In four months time."

Bae smiled brightly at his father and hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy for you, Papa. I'll be the best big brother anyone could ever be," he promised Adam.

Maurice came up to Belle with a sad yet sweet smile. "My Belle… You're growing up so fast… My little girl is having… Well, a little girl," he said with a slight chuckle. "Congratulations you two. I can't wait to see my little granddaughter."

Adam mouthed a thank you to Belle's father, glad Maurice wasn't taking it as bad as Belle had thought he would. He seemed accepting and happy.

Adam returned his son's hug. "I only hope I can be the best father…the type of father I should have been with you." He spoke sadly and in an apologetic manner.

Bae placed a hand on his father's shoulder and rubbed it comfortingly. "Don't worry, Papa. You were going through a rough time and I understand that now. Just let me be the one to talk some sense into you if you do become like that again. I will probably be one of the only people who won't smack you," he said with a chuckle to brighten his father's mood.

A chuckle erupted from Adam and he hugged his son again. "Oh Bae. I'm so glad you're happy about this. I was so worried you'd be upset…" It wasn't like him and Belle had planned it…it had happened so fast…but he wouldn't change anything. Belle would make a wonderful mother and he couldn't imagine a life without raising at least one child with her. Bae was still his son too, and no child could replace him, but he knew he had room in his heart for more. He would be able to love Bae and his new daughter just the same. Hopefully, Bae was right though. Hopefully, he wouldn't make the same mistakes.

Belle smiled up at her Papa and thanked him once more before she turned to everyone else, letting Bae and his father have a few more moments together. "Why don't we all get settled in the dining room and figure out where we are all going to sit," she said and lead everyone to the other room where all the food was on the tables and was set with plates and cutlery. Both her and Adam had done a good job with dinner and everything was cooked to perfection.

"Come on son, let's join the others," Adam said to Bae after embracing him one more time.
The two followed the family into the dining room. Everyone took their seats around the table, commenting here or there about how the food looked so delicious.
Adam joined Belle at her side, taking the head of the table right next to her. Not sitting immediately, he reached across the table, grabbed her hand, and smiled at her. "We should all thank Belle for preparing such a wonderful meal," he announced.

Belle raised a curious brow when Adam didn't sit down but instead grabbed her hand and said something to everybody at the table. She rolled her eyes affectionately in an attempt to hide the blush that grew on her cheeks. "I didn't do everything." Belle put emphasis on 'Everything' and looked up at Adam for a second before looking back to the family. "I just hope that everyone likes it."

"Yes, but she did do most of the work, despite my objections…" he added in good humor.
"It all looks wonderful, Belle," Mary Margaret told her.
"Yes! Such a big meal we should all be thankful for," little Tim added.

Belle gave Adam's hand a small squeeze and rubbed her thumb over his knuckles for a few moments. As she heard Tim, her heart fluttered a little. He was the kindest, most humble boy anyone could ever meet. "Would you like to say thanks then, Tim?" Belle asked softly. He always seemed eager to do it each year.

Tim nodded eagerly and looked around the table at everybody, whom were all smiling brightly at him. Then, he began listing everything he was thankful for and why, not failing to mention again how Mr. Gold was the one responsible for the feast and bringing them all together.
In a way, the boy was right. Gold knew that if he was still the man he used to be that they would not all be together and none of them would be happy. Tim wouldn't even be alive if he had never come to his senses and paid David the money he deserved. Belle would probably be betrothed to that brute Gaston who he knew would abuse her.
But none of that had happened. No. Adam had his family, all of his family, alive, well, and happy, together for the first time in his life. He had a new wife who loved him very much-and who he loved dearly-and was carrying their child-their daughter. His family was only growing and he couldn't wait to be a father again. This was how it was meant to be.
Thinking about it brought a tear to Gold's eye, and it slipped down his cheek as Tim said his last words before they started to eat: "And god bless us! Everyone!"

Fin