Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 30 - Family Dinners and a Big Surprise: Vannessa's Big Announcement

The scent of pot roast, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese filled the expansive Cullen-Sloane household, a symphony of aromas that usually heralded Friday family dinner night, a tradition fiercely held onto by the ever-growing family. The chatter was a constant hum, punctuated by bursts of laughter from the younger ones. Vannessa, with a barely noticeable hint of a smile playing on her lips, helped Esme arrange plates and silverware, her heart pounding a nervous rhythm against her ribs. Today was the day. Today, she'd announce her pregnancy.

"Alright, troops, settle down!" boomed Edward, his voice barely managing to cut through the joyful chaos. He winked at Bella, who simply blushed and smiled back, her knowing gaze meeting Vannessa's across the table. Vannessa took a deep breath, her hand instinctively reaching for her husband's hand that was gently rubbing her thigh.

"Hold that thought, Dad," Jeremy, usually the most quiet of the family members, interjected, his voice laced with amusement. "Seems like Vannessa has something she wants to share with everyone." All eyes turned to Vannessa, and the room fell silent, a charged anticipation hanging in the air.

Vannessa cleared her throat, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "Um, well," she began, her voice surprisingly steady. "There actually is something Eric and I wanted to tell everyone." Her gaze darted towards Eric, who was sitting beside her by the window, a nervous grin spread across his face. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his eyes twinkling with encouragement.

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Alice, ever the seer, let out a delighted squeal. "Oh, I knew it! I kept seeing tiny shoes and a little yellow duck onesie!"

Charlie, Vannessa's human grandfather, furrowed his brow. "What's going on, Nessa? Are you Adopting?"

Vannessa chuckled, her tension easing slightly. "No, Grandpa Charlie. But..." she took another deep breath, before speaking. "Eric and I are... we're pregnant... we're going to be parents."

A beat of stunned silence followed, then the room erupted. Olivia, Vannessa's little sister, squealed with delight, jumping up and down in her seat. Lily, the youngest of the bunch, barely four, tilted her head in confusion. "Baby?" she echoed, her eyes wide with curiosity.

The adults' reactions were a mix of joy and surprise. Bella's face lit up, tears welling up in her eyes as she rushed over to engulf Vannessa in a hug. "Oh, Sweetie! I'm so happy for you!"

Edward beamed, clapping Eric on the back. "Welcome to the Dad club, son! Any cravings yet? Vannessa has had a weakness for pickles during the first trimester?"

Eric chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not that I've noticed... yet."

Renesmee, the eldest of the siblings, stepped forward, her expression a mix of excitement and protectiveness. "This is amazing, Nessa! Do you know...?"

"We don't know the gender yet," Vannessa replied, interrupting Renesmee's question before it could be voiced. "We're going to our first ultrasound appointment in two and a half weeks."

From the corner, Jacob, Vannessa's uncle, let out a whoop. "Finally! It's about time someone besides Renesmee carried on the legacy of epic snowball fights!"

Renesmee rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

The conversation flowed freely then, a torrent of questions and well wishes. Hunter, Vannessa's teenage brother, bombarded Eric with questions about baby gadgets, while Raven, Vannessa's other sister, excitedly discussed birthing plans. Even the usually reserved Thor cracked a wide smile, his booming laugh filling the room as he promised to share stories of Asgardian lullabies.

Ashlynn, Edward's sister-in-law and Charlie's youngest, chimed in, her voice overflowing with motherly advice. "Don't worry, honey," she said, squeezing Vannessa's hand. "Being a mom is an adventure. The most rewarding adventure you'll ever have." Her eyes softened as her gaze landed on her own young children, Grace the oldest Renesmee's daughter that Ashlynn had adopted as a baby now the age three then the twins giggling as they chased each other around the table, and finally the triplets, barely six months old, cooing in their highchairs.

As the afternoon wore on, stories were shared, memories reminisced, and plans for the future were excitedly discussed. Vannessa, nestled comfortably between Eric and Bella, felt a wave of warmth wash over her. This wasn't just about her and Eric anymore.

This was about the family they were building, a new chapter in the grand saga of the Cullen's and Sloane's, a testament to the enduring power of love and family. And as Lily, clutching a tiny plastic doll, toddled over and declared, "Me gonna be best big auntie ever!" Vannessa knew, with unwavering certainty, that this was just the beginning.

The golden light of late afternoon dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. The remnants of dinner were cleared away, replaced by a mountain of board games stacked on the coffee table. The infectious energy of the younger children had subsided into a comfortable lull, replaced by the playful bickering of teenagers choosing teams.

Vannessa, feeling a familiar wave of fatigue wash over her, excused herself from the game, her hand instinctively resting on the slight swell of her abdomen. Eric, ever attentive, materialized beside her.

"Feeling okay, love?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Vannessa leaned into him, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Just a little tired. It's been a long day."

Eric wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "The longest," he agreed. "But the best, wouldn't you say?"

Vannessa couldn't help but smile. "Definitely the best." A flicker of nervousness fluttered in her chest. "Do you think everyone's okay with it?"

Mark chuckled, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "They wouldn't be bombarding you with baby advice and future plans if they weren't, would they love?"

He had a point. Looking back at the living room, Vannessa saw a tableau of domestic bliss. Edward and Bella were reading a picture book to Lily, patiently explaining the difference between a cat and a dog. Alice, ever the planner, was already sketching designs for a nursery, her brow furrowed in concentration. Even Jacob, notorious for his playful teasing, was surprisingly subdued, carefully holding Rose, Raven and Connor's toddler daughter, as she pointed out the different shapes in a colorful board book.

"They're thrilled," Eric affirmed, placing a soft kiss on her temple. "They just... maybe weren't expecting it so soon."

Vannessa considered this. "True, I guess. We weren't either, for that matter."

A soft smile played on Eric's lips. "But sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them." He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his eyes warm with love. "We're going to be amazing parents, Vannessa. I just know it."

Vannessa met his gaze, her heart swelling with a fierce protectiveness for the tiny life growing within her. "We will," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Suddenly, a flurry of activity erupted from the living room. Renesmee, ever the voice of reason, was attempting to mediate a game of Monopoly that had devolved into chaos. Emmett, a mischievous glint in his eyes, had somehow acquired three hotels on Boardwalk, much to Jaxson's chagrin. The air was filled with good-natured shouts and playful barbs, a symphony of family life.

Vannessa watched it all unfold, a sense of belonging washing over her. This wasn't just about the announcement today. It was about the unwavering support, the unconditional love, the constant presence of family. This web of connections, woven so tightly over the years, was about to welcome a new thread, a tiny soul who would be cherished and loved beyond measure.

As the fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting warm shadows on the room, all the babies and littlest ones drifted off to sleep, Vannessa knew this was just the beginning. The future stretched before them, a path they would walk together, hand-in-hand, their family growing ever stronger, with each new sunrise.

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See you in the next chapter!!!