Chapter 21: I Think I Do

I don’t remeber ever being so scared in my life… The butterflies were doing backflips in my stomach, giving me the strange urge to vomit it’s lack of contents. Was I ready for this? To make this step and tie myself down? To give up everything I had once lived as and promise myself solely to one being.

Looking out the window I saw my beautiful baby girl, happily curled in Zoey’s arms. The site brought a smile to my face and as I remebered who her father is I had my answer.

“I can do this…” I muttered, heading towards the door to tie my eternal knot.

Stepping out I moved slowly, not wanting to trip gracelessly over my dress, towards my fiance. The yard wasn’t extravegant but I had not wanted a whole song and dance production. Just a simple wedding with few close friends, and although it had taken much convincing for Chip, I had eventually gotten exactly what I wanted.

“You look beautiful, Belle.” Chip whispered as I finally reached him.

Smiling sweetly at him I nodded my head. “Are you ready?” I asked him gently.

Saying nothing more, he took my hand and slid the gold band into place before reciting his vows. “With this ring I ask that you, Belle Lust, be my wife to cherish and to love, and stand by my side, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for as long as we both shall live.”

Mimicking Chip’s lead I retrieved his own gold band before slipping the small ring around his finger. “I do.” I answered happily before rambling off my own vows. “With this ring, I ask that you, Chip Gluttony, be my husband to cherish and to love, and stand by my side, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for as long as we both shall live.”

And just like that the butterflies were gone and I was married, and suprisingly… I wasn’t scared. I knew that I loved Chip more than I had ever loved anyone in my life and somehow I had a feeling that Chip completely returned those very emotions to me.

The rest of the reception flowed smoothly, running through the night with the laughter of friends, the warmth of a lover, and the beauty ever present in the moment. No matter how wonderful all of the cheering and congratulations I do believe that Kate’s final gift was the one I appreciated the most. When she left and took Ambrosia to stay overnight…

…so Chip and I could enjoy eachother fully as husband and wife…

Chapter 20: Gown Girls

“I don’t know about this one…” I shifted and twirled uncomfortably as the corset wrapped snugly around my waist. As gorgeous as the dress that the girls had picked out for me was it was a pain in my ass. The fluff and lace was nothing short of dreadfully uncomfortable and heavy. “Maybe something a little more…simple…”

Gwen, Zoey, and Kate only looked on in boredom. I’m sure they were become just as sick and tired of this as I was with the hours we had been here. Even I was getting ready to slap me and just pick a damn dress.

“Pretty, Mommy!” I heard a voice call from my friend’s feet.

I looked down to see the ever-joyful face of my daughter.

Smiling back at her, I watched as her voice picked up in a trail of giggles which I found delightfully contagious.

She was dressed adorably in a white a soft yellow dress. The bowed ribbon around her waist gave an added flare to the skirt she seemed to be swimming in on the floor.

Picking up my child I looked gleefully into her eyes. Eyes that returned my gaze with a childish love, a strong and deep love I not only reciprocated, but multiplied and cherished.

“Well…” I started with a smile, “I don’t know about mommy, but someone’s getting a dress today.

Ambrosia tittered happily in a fit of giggles that lifted my heart and made the long day worth everything.

This little girl that I cradled in my arms had brought my entire world together. Had completed me. Had given me everything I have ever needed with her very existence… And she was my world now. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her…

As she curled her delicate body into my arms it truly occured to me what would be happening… I’d be completing a family. Giving myself, Chip, and Ambrosia, the proper American dream. We’d have a warm home, good friends, a child… We had everything. And it was all from a spark of what I originally thought was insanity when I met Chip and gave him my number in that bar… I now realized it was love…

Chapter 19: Somewhere Beautiful

 

With each passing day Ambrosia was growing smarter and smarter. Something about her was hungry for knowledge and with her knack to be constantly moving about, she was finding herself all sorts of information.

“Time for bed.” I called to the small child who was wandering off to the pile of mattresses I had yet to remove once I no longer needed to stay in the room with her. She let out a yawn and I smiled. Walking over I gathered her in my arms and kissed her forehead. She truly was a precious young thing. Despite the accidental pregnancy she had brought me more than I could ever ask for, and I was grateful for her.

Plopping her down in her crib, I grasped her fingers with a smile. “Goodnight, my little angel…” I told her before I left the room to make my way to the kitchen for a brief dinner with my fiance.

Seeing him waiting patiently had me smiling, as adorable as Ambrosia was every last bit of sweetness and kind-hearted good was inherited from her father. He was a remarkable man and everything about him was something for me to love completely and endlessly.

Half way through our meal I had Chip turn to me. “Has there been a decision on where we’re having the wedding?” He asked.

The ideas of where and how have been kicked about our minds since the proposal, though Chip seemed to be the one to always bring it up. Upon my earlier asking he had defended that everything had to be perfect, claiming that I deserved no less when in honesty I’d be just as happy going through a Vegas drive through so long as I could call him mine and tie this knot with him.

“No.” I replied easily, continuing to eat.

“We need to think of something…” His voice was pleading. “This is important.”

Sighing, I got up from the table and went to the sink, dropping my plate in before starting the water and pouring soap.

“I know.” I replied, not looking back at him, “What if we were to do it somewhere we’d always remember…Somewhere beautiful…” I suggested.

“Where..?” Chip asked incredulously.

“Here.” I answered simply.

“Here?” He echoed. “Why here?”

“Why not?” I countered. “There’s a beautiful view, and we can constantly wake up to the remembrance of everything. I think it’s perfect. We can set up a arch and go inside for the reception so you don’t have to be outside for anything but the union.”

As I continued to clean my dish I could hear him hum in thought behind me; mulling over the idea.

“I like it.” He finally said with a smile. “We can avoid the added stress of booking anywhere too.” He added optimistically.

I only smiled. That was one thing down. Now I only had to complete everything else…

Chapter 18: Who Am I?

A month had passed since Chip had proposed to me and it has been non-stop preparation since. We planned to get married before the year’s end, three weeks after Ambrosia’s third birthday. That way we wouldn’t have to worry about getting home to see our little girl turn three and wouldn’t be forced to rush our honeymoon while Kate took care of her.

I walked from the study, where I had been working through the plan book and going over guests. Mostly family and friends of Chip, though I was sure to include the friends I had managed to keep since departing from the orphanage.

When I came to the living room I saw Chip and Ambrosia sitting on the carpet once again.

I decided to sit down and join them as Chip spoke softly to the younger girl. It was obvious by the stressed look on his face that they had been here a while.

“Who am I?” He asked her for the billionth time, “Who am I?” he had been trying this for days and every time he would recieve the same answer.

“Chip!” she called out gleefully.

Chip’s face fell once again. Neither of us was sure but the little girl absolutely refused to call Chip Daddy. It hurt him to an extent and he would have done anything just to hear the little girl call him the title just once. But she never did.

He sighed as I picked her up.

I carried the young girl into the kitchen and placed her into her high chair.

“Thank you, Mama.” she told me politely as I placed a bowl of warm macaroni in front of her, which she instantly dug into with messy hands, shoveling as much as she could into her cheeks.

Chip followed us into the kitchen.

I looked at him sympathetically, “She’s just having some troubles with words.” I assure him, “She’ll say it one day.”

“I know…” he whispered back. “I just love her so much, I have no idea what she thinks of me though. I want her to trust me and see me as her father. The same way she sees you as her mom.”

She giggled and laughed beside us. Slowly bringing the smile back to his face.

Chapter 17: Years to Come

Today was the day. It was Nathan’s birthday. He seemed perfectly happy with the new rocket Chip had found for him, figures that would be the gift he picked out. It was perfect. Nathan had been talking non-stop about being an astronaut for months now.

He had been playing with Ambrosia next to his toy box for what must have been eternity. The two of them seemed to take an enthusiastic liking to each other. It was strange because according to Gwen Nathan absolutely refused to allow other kids to touch his toys but every time Ambrosia came for a visit he would happily give up his favourite truck toy so she could play along with him. It was sweet to watch them interact like this.

While the two of them played amoungst themselves, and Carter and Chip discussed something by the TV, Gwen, Kate, Zoey, and myself stood in a group by the table. We chatted and joked and I couldn’t help but notice how much things had changed. I became much happier, Gwen and I were actually getting along, Zoey was a new and excitable addition to our group and biggest of all, I was a parent.

“So what do you think the guys are talking about?” Kate nudged me.

“I have no clue.” I answered, “All I know is that Chip’s been acting strange lately. I mean, even this morning he practically begged me to wear this.” I gestured to my outfit. “I didn’t get all the fuss over it, it was just a party.”

“I like it.” Gwen chimed in, “It’s a lovely dress.”

“I think so too.” I replied, “I just don’t get why it was so important I wear it.”

Zoey smiled, “Maybe he just likes the dress.”

“Maybe…” I wasn’t so sure.

“Well.” Kate interrupted. “Why don’t we get some fresh air. It could be good for everyone.” It was getting late but I knew Kate had been inside all day and it was driving her nuts, so we all willingly agreed.

Once we were all outside Gwen and Carter got comfortable with themselves on the bench. It was sweet to say the least to watch how much they cared for each other. Chip had taken it upon himself to be the playmate to the two younger ones, tickling a happy and squelling Ambrosia and amusing an active Nathan.

I was talking with Kate when Chip suddenly passed our little girl to Carter and called me down to see him. Carter flagged Nathan over to his mother and stepped back as Chip walked to meet me in the middle of the yard. I gave him a quizzical look when we met each other in the yard. The darkness only faintly interrupted by the lights on the deck.

“Belle.” He stated. “You’ve given me all I could ever ask for.” I looked at him in surprise as he spoke, “There is however, one last thing I want from you…”

My confusion only grew when Chip fell to one knee in front of me. I jumped slightly, wondering if his legs had buckled under him but when he looked back at Carter who gave him a friendly nod, I watched as he pulled something out of his back pocket.

When he opened up a box to reveal a glamorous diamond ring I heard him ask the words I never dare thought any man would to me. “Isabelle Lust.” He started, “Will you marry me?”

I could do nothing but gape as he held out that ring. Finally able to gain my voice back I replied with teary eyes. “Yes… Yes, Chip! Of course, I’ll marry you!”

He smiled up at me and slipped the ring onto my finger. I held my hand up to the moonlight and gazed at it with huge, adoring eyes. I couldn’t believe any of this was real.

When Chip stood up again I jumped at him and wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders. I could hear my friends calling out their approval and clapping behind me.

When I pulled away from Chip I was instantly swarmed by the three other women there. Kate kissed my cheek as she congratulated me, as Gwen grabbed my stomach and held me tightly as I could hear her voice crack as she cried in joy for me. Zoey got close and held my hand, inspecting the ring before smiling up at me and already asking questions about our wedding. I couldn’t believe any of this was happening. I couldn’t believe I was this happy…

Chapter 16: Confusing Belle

“Come on baby, come to mommy.” I called to the young girl who was hardly arms width away. I watched as she stumbled adorably to her feet.

“Mama!” she exclaimed as she got closer. Her eyes sparkled and she had that adorable smile on her face. Something about the young girl was simply precious and I could hardly believe I had her.

Upon reaching me she clumsily fell into my waiting arms. I caught her, as I always would, picking her up I chuckled as she yawned. “I do believe it’s bed time.” She smiled at me with those innocent eyes again and I hoisted her up and began walking to her bedroom.

After tucking the tyke into her pink jumper I placed her lovingly into the warm mattress in her crib. “Goodnight, my little Rosie.” I told her.

“Ni’ ni’, mommy.” She caressed my hand with her tiny and warm hands before I pulled away from her and walked back down the stairs. Leaving Ambrosia to sleep while Chip and I ate dinner.

Chip and I ate relatively quickly, leaving us time to discuss matters that were coming up.

“It’s Nathan’s 5th birthday tomorrow.” I reminded him, remembering the invite we had received from Gwen who had surprisingly become closer to me after Amrosia’s birth.

“I know.” he answered, he smiled, though he still seemed dazed, as if his mind were on other matters. “I went out and got his present while you were at work yesterday…” he continued.

“That’s good.” I gave him a strange look. Deciding to just brush his tone off as him being tired I smiled and continued, “Can you believe our little Rosie’s turning 3 in a couple months?” I asked him.

He sighed and looked at me, “I really can’t…” he answered, “I feel like it was only yesterday she was born and now she’s growing up.”

“Are you alright?” I asked him. He seemed down, which really wasn’t too common for Chip.

He stood up and I responded by standing up with him, putting myself in front of him I looked at him closely. He smiled at me before he spoke. “Just have a lot on my mind.” He told me. “I love you, Belle.”

“I love you too, Chip…” I answered as I waited for him to continue.

I was slightly disappointed when all he further responded with was, “Tomorrow’s going to be a big day for everyone. We should get so sleep.” I watched as he walked past me and up the stairs to our room. His tone and sudden mood swings were confusing me and I was getting worried. I loved Chip dearly but I was so confused on what was going on.

Chapter 15: The Sweetness of Ambrosia

“Well…we did it.” I sighed, slumping into the pile of mattresses we had stacked in the corner, just in case, for those nights I predicted I would have to be sleeping with a crying newborn.

“It took 8 hours, but we did it!” Zoey looked dreamily at the room, “Sure wish I had a set up this sweet when I was a tyke.”

“I sure wish to never have to do this again…” Kate sighed, not particularly thrilled on getting up at 5am on her day off to do heavy lifting and assembling. “I have to admit it was worth it though, you have possibly the luckiest kid on the planet, Belle.”

I smiled and looked at the room once more. It was true that it took an obscene amount of work, yet it was also true that it was all worth it.

Just then I felt a painful twist in my stomach. Unlike when I had felt the baby kick before the pain now was nearly unbearable.

“Are you alright?” Zoey asked, apparently seeing the pain in my expression.

Before I could answer another wave of pain had hit me and I yelped.

“I-I think it’s coming! I need to get to a hospital…” Another wave of pain. “NOW!”

—

12 hours of strain and pushing.

12 hours of Chip watching my pain and being able to do nothing.

12 hours of my screams echoing to my friends outside the door.

But you know what…?

It was worth it.

“She’s gorgeous…” Kate gushed, staring at the infant.

“She needs a name though…” Zoey, suggested, letting her fingers drift towards the small baby girl in Chip’s arms.

Chip held her closer, taking one long look into gorgeous golden eyes. The love a father already surfacing, growing stronger by each passing moment.

“Ambrosia.” He said simply. “Her name is Amrosia.”

I smiled, “That’s a beautiful name for her Chip…”

So much was going to change in my life. Little did I know that Ambrosia’s birth was just a minor part of it…

Chapter 14: Kindness and Cradles

While I was leaving Gwen’s home I received a frantic call from Chip, who was desperately wondering where I was. I calmly explained to him that I had been with Gwen and that I would be going to the mall to look for some baby furniture. I promised to be back soon and sternly explained that we’d be talking about his diet for me and our baby when I got home, to which he nervously laughed.

I took in a sharp intake of breath as my back began to throb once again from the excessive weight on my front.

“Can this get any worse?” I rhetorically questioned.

Wrong thing to say…

At that moment I saw the two men I had been arguing with at the airport, walking out of the arcade while they flipped off what appeared to be the manager, who looked especially peeved.

The red haired one caught sight of me first.

“Will you look who it is!” He called loudly, “the feisty slut from the airport! Nice baby bump. What happen? Did your never-lean dream man slip something in your drink?”

“He would never do that to me!” I yelled.

“Then it looks like your just a low standard gold-digger. What he give you anyways? Some coupons to McSims?” he laughed mockingly at his own joke.

“HEY!” a small feminine voice called, “Leave her alone you lowlifes!”

(Sim by frenzymcgee *winner of DOWN with DRAB! Cycle 1* *sim now unavailable for download, sorry :(*)
I looked over to see a pale young woman with braided hair and blue eyes. She looked far beyond angry with the man harassing me.

She walked right up to us.
“What is wrong with you?!” she questioned. “You have some nerve talking to her like that! Get the hell out of here before I call mall security and have them haul you out by your cheaply dyed hair!”

I smirked at the man as the smaller framed female defended me. It was a sight to see a small girl like her in her designer jeans and cute pink top handing the hot headed metal wannabe his own end in an argument.

“Whatever, let’s get outta her, man. This place is full of prude freaks.”

“Are you alright?” she asked me once the two men were gone. “Men like that make me sick, how heartless and cowardly do you have to be to attack an expecting mother?”

“I’m fine,” I smiled, “Thank you so much for what you did there.”

“Don’t mention it, I would have wanted the same if I had been in your position.” She told me. “What were you here looking for anyways?” she asked.

“Baby furniture.” I answered.

“OH! DUH!” she laughed at herself. “Hey! Why don’t I come with you, I can help with anything you need carried and maybe we can have better luck getting some amazing stuff for you and your new baby if we work as two!”

“I think that’s a great idea.” I smiled, “What’s your name?” I asked her.

“Zoey.”

“Belle.” I replied.

The rest of the time passed quickly looking for baby supplies and before we knew anytime had passed it was dark outside.

“Thank you so much.” I said once again.

“It was no problem, and remember, I’ll be coming over next week to help you set up the baby’s room. So I’ll see you then.” After that we walked back to the lobby and separated our ways.

My life was truly beginning to look up.

Chapter 13: Baby Talk

I never thought I’d be resorted to this, though there was not much of a choice. This was all new to me and I needed someone who could tell me. Kate was a single virgin, saving herself for marriage, I highly doubted she would be of help with a subject like pregnancy. I started to regret my limited social circle, because I couldn’t think of anyone else who could help me.
I considered turning tail and sprinting back home, but convinced my hesitant feet to continue up the stone walk.
With a deep sigh I rang the doorbell.

“Hello?” Gwen answered the door. “Belle! Oh, I’m sorry, Carter is at work right now…”

“I know.” I answered. She gave me a perplexed look. “I needed to come see you.” I chewed my lip nervously. “May I come in?”
She smiled, “Of course, Belle. You’re family, and always welcome in this home.” She stepped aside to allow me entrance.

—

“That’s wonderful Belle!” Gwen gushed, abundantly proud of my first pregnancy.
“Well, I know it’s supposed to be, but I’m not too sure.” I looked down.
“Belle. It is a good thing, don’t you let anybody tell you otherwise. Take it from a woman who has been where you are now. Look at Nathan,”

I gazed down at the giddy tot at our feet. He was playing with a truck, spinning it through the air and making adorable ”vroom, vroom” sounds as he did so.

“Things work out, Belle.” Gwen looked into my eyes and spoke from her heart, “Things may not be perfect when the child comes around, but that’s part of parenthood and despite it all…it’s worth it.”

“Thank you…” I smiled, awkwardly getting up from the couch.
Gwen pulled me into a hug, “Anytime, sweetheart. I’m glad you found something worth looking for.” The hug loosened and Gwen had a cheerful expression across her face, “Just make sure you bring the little tyke around here every once in a while.”

“Bye baby.” She waved at my bloated stomach and cooed the words. “Sorry if that’s a bit strange,” she apologized. “I just adore little babies though!”

“Believe it or not, that’s probably the least strange thing someone’s done to me since my pregnancy. Chip keeps trying to stuff me full of watermelon.”

“Oh? He must be hoping for a beautiful baby girl then…” Gwen pondered.

“Huh?”

“Watermelons. They increase the chances of female resulting pregnancy.” Gwen answered. “Carter used to make me eat apples all the time; they influence male births.”

“Interesting…” I never really realized Chip wanted a girl but I suppose I should have caught on to his ’scheme’ when he started buying baby toys. It would explain the pink plush toys…

Chapter 12: Ideal Treat

“C’mon sweetie, give mommy a break…” I begged my stomach, cradling the young life it contained. I was less than a month into my pregnancy and wasn’t showing too much. But what I lacked in baby bulge I made up in morning sickness. “Please, one night. Can’t I sleep for one night?”

Unfortunately, for me, my pleas ended much like the times before: ignored.

I emptied my stomach contents in a vile retch, coughing and sputtering.

Flushing the toilet, I took deep pants, trying to regain my regular breathing.
“Belle, are you alright?” I heard Chip call for me outside the door.
“Yeah…” I answered, out of breath.

I stepped out to the bedroom. Ever since I had told Chip about my pregnancy he had insisted on me moving in with him, so about a week ago I gave up my apartment and packed up all of my stuff to move into Chip welcoming home.
Chip was waiting for me by the door.
“Are you sure you should be throwing up this much?” he asked skeptically.

“Nurse Martha told me it was to be expected, so I guess I kind of should be.” I answered.

“Hmm…” he continued to worry, “Well after that you have to be just a little hungry.” He suggested.
“I suppose.” I answered back.
“I left some watermelon on the counter for you.” He smiled.

I raised a brow at him, “What with your recent obsessions with me eating watermelon lately?” I questioned him.
He got a look on his face that just screamed ‘deer in headlights’ before he quickly shrugged and answered back, “nothing, I just thought you liked watermelon.”
I let out a disbelieving hum before walking down to the kitchen to get my snack.

Ever since I started to throw up Chip’s been shoveling watermelons down my throat. To say it baffled me would be an understatement.
“Oh well…” I spoke to myself.

If me eating watermelon made Chip content I guess that’s what I’ll be doing.