PLEASE REVIEW!
**Special Thanks to Katie [Kwizbit], my amazing beta, for encouraging me to follow my heart and plans of this story, despite how controversial those ideas may be. You're the best teammate I could have. ILYVM.
To my Readers, over 3,000 reviews and counting! Thank you for being so involved all the time, in every aspect!
For your pimpage on this story as well, I owe you guys! -- Pimp, btw! Pimp like the wind!! :D

Chapter Twenty-Four: *Tissue Warning*
You know, in my personal opinion, the characters of Edward and Bella in the Original Twilight Saga Series are "destined soulmates, despite their differences, placed in obstruct and clutter of the world, where anything and everything has tried to pull them apart... yet they remain," and I wanted to share that with you, for this story as well.
The odds are against this couple, no matter what... but I realized that not everything has to be directed exactly toward them in order for them to share an equal pain. So I wanted to display that for you in this chapter, how pain can also UNITE them. I hope I do this justice.
That's all I'm going to say for this chapter.
Pictures of outfits in profile.

A/N -- I'm sorry if this chapter upsets you. It's been something that has been thought out & discussed w/my beta thoroughly, and I hope I do each character well. Please excuse any errors. EDIT, ERROR IN 1ST PARAGRAPH FIXED.

Shoutout's to my friends/readers over Twilighted(dot)NET. You will be receiving sneak peek's of upcoming chapters from now on, as my gratitude for you being members!!
If anyone else wants to join, there's a link in my profile, as well as on the bottom of each chapter! (*hint hint*)

Disclaimer: I own nothing that is Twilight or Stephenie Meyer related. But I think she's a genius for creating these two characters that I can play with!

"I’m under that night.
I’m under those same stars...
We’re in a red car, you asleep at my side...
Going in and out of the headlights.
Could I have saved you?
Would that’ve betrayed you?
...For blue, blue skies...
I'll forgive you."

Strays Don't Sleep, "For Blue Skies"

Chapter Twenty-Four: Stepping Stones

BellaPOV

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!

Edward and I shot up out of the bed, blinking around.

The dogs began to bark, and Edward quickly shushed them.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!

"Edward," I groaned, looking at the clock, "it's three in the morning."

"It's probably Alice getting in and not knowing how to get the new code to work. I changed it last night. Just in case."

I flopped down on the bed, while Edward shuffled for some pants.

"Come here Spendor," I said, stroking his hair, "it's okay, stop growling."

Edward stumbled around, flicking on the light.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!

"I'm coming!" he shouted, "Damn Alice."

"I'm in my bedroom, hurry up and get the door!" Alice shouted back to him.

I sat up, suddenly nervous.

I wasn't sure why, but I was.

I quickly threw on Edward's long button down and some shorts, and followed after him.

"Who is it?" Edward asked as he walked toward the door.

"It's your father, Edward. Please open up."

"Dad, it's fucking three o'clock in the morning."

'I know, son, it's important."

"Jesus Christ," Edward said grumpily, swinging the door open.

There stood Carlisle and Esme, wearing frowns and tearful expressions.

I pulled my lips in a line, ignoring the rapid beating in my heart.

"Come in," Edward said, moving out of the way.

They shuffled inside gently, still sighing.

I couldn't figure out why they were here so late.

Was it because we ran out on them? Not picking up our phones or listening to our voicemails? Were they here to fight?

Esme took a deep breath, looking over at me solemnly.

I reached out and grabbed Edward's hand. I'm not sure why but I felt like I needed it.

Carlisle cleared his throat, gaining all of our attention, "Bella... there's been an accident."

"W-What kind of an accident?" I asked, clutching my chest.

"Phil had an accident last night, on his way back from the doctor's office."

"Is he okay?" Edward and I asked at the same time.

Esme stepped toward me, grabbing my shoulders gently as tears streamed down her face, "No baby, he's not."

I gasped, eyes wide. I couldn't manage how to take a breath.

Edward quickly wrapped his arm around me, pulling me into him.

"W-what?" I asked, my mind growing a blank.

"He died," Esme said through tears, hugging me and Edward at the same time. "His car hit a rough patch of ice on the roads, and he did a one-eighty spin, crashing the driver's side into a telephone pole. It was instant. We've tried to get hold of you bu-"

"Where's Renee?" Edward asked, squeezing me tight.

I still couldn't think.

"She'll be in Forks later this morning. Carlisle is going back to get her, and fly back here with her, so she won't be alone."

I shook my head, trying to make sense of what they were saying around me.

Carlisle and Esme continued to talk about how it happened, but my ears blocked it out.

I slid down a little, but Edward grabbed me, and sat down with me.

I felt more hands touching me, but couldn't get a grip on what was going on.

All I could think about was what we'd been through these past few days.

Phil and I never fought.

He was one of my best friends as I grew up.

But I picked Edward over him.

And now he's gone?

"This isn't possible," I said, face still blank, but tears falling from my overfilled eyes.

"Does Rosalie know?" Edward asked quietly, stroking the back of my head as I sat crumpled in his lap.

"We got a hold of Jacob's cell through Renee," Carlisle answered. "He's the only one who'll pick up on our calls. He's on his way to get her."

"Oh my God," I sobbed, clutching Edward tight. "Oh my God."

Edward muffled my ears so I didn't have to hear anymore, but I caught things such as "tried to help" and "instant impact" and "driver's seat was sitting on top of passenger seat" and "too much glass."

"Edward," I croaked out through my tears.

"Shh, I've got you baby," he whispered back.

Edward held me tight for a good while, letting me get out whatever was held in.

But nothing made sense.

Still.

"Come on Bella," Esme whispered, helping me and Edward stand to our feet, "let's get some clothes on you and we'll call your mom, let her know we got to you, okay?"

"Yes," I replied.

She pulled me into a hug, and it started the whole crying process over again.

"I'm so sorry about everything," I said into her shoulder.

"No, no, don't you worry about that now, Bella, shhhhhh," she said as she helped me in my room.

I saw Edward and Carlisle hugging from the reflections in the windows, and clutched my heart when we got to the room.

I didn't know what to do.

The world suddenly felt still... but spinning crazily at the same time.

JacobPOV

Rosalie opened the door, her eyes red and puffy.

"Hey," I said, coming inside.

"I know," she whispered, shaking her head.

"You do?"

"Yeah," she nodded, grasping for air, "I just got off the phone with Renee."

I closed the door behind me, and turned to face her again, holding out my arms to her.

She started sobbing, and I pulled her into me.

"I'm so sorry baby," I whispered into her ear.

"My dad," she croaked, as I grabbed her because she was falling down.

"I know," I whispered, picking her up in my arms.

"My sister," she whispered, soaking my jacket in tears.

"I know, angel."

"My mom," she cried heavier.

"Shhhh," I said, taking a deep swallow.

She clutched my jacket, shoving her face into my chest, choking on salty wetness, "No, Jacob, this... this isn't real, right? Please tell me it's not real. Please, please, please tell me that... this isn't real, this isn't real, this... it's not real. Please..."

I stroked her hair, trying my hardest to fight back tears and be strong.

"I can't Rose," I whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Her phone started vibrating, and she cried heavier when she heard it.

I managed to twist us around, and stretched out, pulling it to me with the tips of my fingers.

It was Bella.

I answered it, stroking Rosalie's back, "Hello?"

"...Does she know?" she whispered, so light I barely made it out.

"Yes, I'm here with her."

"Okay," she replied numbly. "I'll be there soon."

"Are you okay to drive?"

I heard her sobbing, and fight back the tears, "...Y-yeah, Edward and... and..." She started choking up, and couldn't talk that well, "please tell him, I can't... I can't."

"Shhh," a voice said. "Jacob?"

"Yeah?"

"Hey sweetheart, it's Esme. We've got her and we'll bring her over as soon as we get hold of Renee. How's Rosalie?"

I looked down to her shaking, sobbing from below my chin, "...I've got her."

She took my dodging the question for what it was. "Okay... we'll be there as soon as possible."

"Thanks Esme."

I placed the phone gently onto the hardwood floor and cradled her head on my shoulder, lifting us both up off the ground. I adjusted her bridal style, and she clung to my neck, her wet lashes and heavy breathing on my neck. I carried her to the couch, and sat down, balancing her on my lap.

"My dad," she whispered through tears.

"I know..."

"...He's gone."

I nodded, rubbing her back, "I've got you now. Get it all out."

She shook her head, fighting back.

"It's okay sweetheart, I've got you."

She gasped into my neck, shaking her head faster, "No, no, no, no...."

I squeezed her as tight as possible, hoping she'd burst with my strength.

Eventually, after she pounded my chest and struggled, she finally broke down, sobbing hard and heaving and gasping and breaking down slowly.

Each minute that passed took more of her spirit away, until she was just as numb as Bella sounded on the phone.

And though I wanted to grow numb with her, I tried to not think about Phil and growing up with him and Renee.

I tried not to think about anything, but keeping her in my arms and making sure she knew she had someone.

I tried to be strong.

3 Days Later

EdwardPOV

I finished the last of the buttons on my crisp, white, collared shirt, threw a black tie around my neck, and walked out of the bathroom, to find Bella, sitting on the edge of her bed.

We've spent the past few days here at her house, with her family.

Her silk hair was in gentle waves. She wore a smooth, black, fitting around the bust dress that flowed down from her hips toward her knees. It had a slip coat over it, with lace showing an inch below the bottom hem, and around her collar bone and sleeves.. She matched it with simple black shoes, and a knee-high dress coat, that had double buttons trailing from the shoulders to her waist. They were resting on the bed beside her.

Seeing her, and being me... it reminded me of before Charlie's funeral.... in her bedroom... in these exact positions.

I gently knelt before her, brushing her knees, "Hey baby."

She looked up at me with sad eyes, and half-smiled in response.

"Come on," I whispered, lifting her foot and placing it on my knee, "let me put these on for you."

She nodded, watching me and sniffling.

I got both shoes on, then placed her feet gently back to the floor.

"This feels so surreal," she whispered down to me.

I frowned at her, "I know."

"Where's my mom?"

"Renee is in the kitchen with my mom," I said, rubbing her calves. "She's holding it together pretty well."

She nodded, looking down to her hands in her lap. "That's good."

When everyone arrived at Bella's house, Renee kept breaking down. Anytime someone hugged her, she lost it. But if someone didn't hug her, she still lost it, because she felt too alone.

"Are the reporters still outside?" she asked, placing her hand tentatively on my shoulder.

"Yeah, unfortunately."

Because Phil played professional baseball, it didn't take much for the news to break around, and we've been hounded with cameras ever since. They've camped out on Bella's yard, since they found out Renee was staying here. The reporters also found out about them losing Charlie, so... it's been a whirl-wind around here lately.

Not to mention the enormous amount of flowers and cards and letters of prayer sent around the country from fans of his.

She forced a smile, and leaned forward, stroking my tie, "You look so handsome."

"Thank you."

Esme came in, wearing an elegant black dress ending at the knee, with a mid-waist gold buckle for design. She was carrying Bella's necklace that matched mine, on a new chain. Earlier today, Bella's mom collapsed from exhaustion (she hasn't been able to sleep) and grabbed a hold of Bella for support, ripping the necklace right off of her and snapping the chain in half.

My mom went to the mall and got a chain, despite Bella's objection. She lifted Bella's hair and I wrapped the necklace around, fastening the clasp.

"Perfect," Esme whispered, kissing Bella and my head before walking out.

My mom and Dad have been amazing toward us since the accident.

Bella placed her forehead on mine and squeezed my biceps, taking deep inhales.

I closed my eyes along with hers, and stayed put.

All we did was breathe.

"Bella?"

We both turned, to find Emmett in the doorway. He wore a black suite, with a charcoal tie that had a few white diagonal stripes down it.

"Yeah?" Bella whispered, still holding onto me.

"Your sister wants you."

"Okay," she said.

I helped her rise to her feet, and made sure she was okay, before I released her in the hallway.

Emmett frowned and patted my back, as we watched her go. "This really sucks, huh?"

"Yeah," I whispered. "It really does."

"How's she holding up?"

I shrugged, "As good as can be expected... she's strong."

"Yeah."

"How's Rosalie?"

"She was crying earlier, but seems better now. I think she's still numb."

I gave him a pat on his arm, "We all are. I'm going to go talk to my dad about what we need get done before we take off."

"Alright."

RosaliePOV

My sister walked into my bathroom, "Hey Rose."

"Hey," I said, "can you help me?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

I swallowed hard, fighting back tears, "I don't know what kind of make up to wear."

She slowly stood behind me, rubbing my back, "What do you mean?"

"Well," I sobbed, examining over the colors, "...what does someone wear for the last time they get to see their dad?"

Bella took a deep breath, running her fingers through my wavy hair, "I don't think it really matters. When Charlie passed, I stayed neutral, because I knew I was going to cry it all off."

"Yeah," I gasped, fiddling with my eyeshadow wands, "but I want him to see me pretty. You know? I know that doesn't make sense, b-"

"It makes perfect sense," she replied soothingly.

I grabbed her hand as she stood to my side, and she picked up my color pallet.

"I think you should go bronze," she said, giving me a gentle smile, "...bronze would look beautiful with your outfit."

I looked down, at my high black, knee-length skirt, and ruffled white blouse, "It's not all black, b-"

"You look beautiful."

I nodded, "Thanks."

"Come on, let me help you."

"Okay," I whispered, sitting on the toilet. "Make sure to use waterproof."

“I will."

I couldn't manage releasing her wrists, but she didn't seem to mind, as she applied my color, "How are you holding up Bella?"

I felt her shrugging, "Okay."

"The baby? How are you handling the stress?"

"I'm glad I have Edward," she exhaled. "That's what I'll say."

"Yeah... He's been wonderful with everyone. Really helping out."

"I know."

"Oh my God," I sobbed, as realization hit. I pulled her hand away, shaking my head.

"What is it?"

"...Are we still... sisters?"

"Of course," she exhaled, brushing my hair behind my ears, "this doesn't change anything."

"Bella," I said, as tears started to overpour, "I don't know if I can do this."

"You can."

"No," I shook my head, starting to panic, "I can't say goodbye to him."

"It's okay Rose, it's gonna be-"

"It's not though. It's really not. I can't see him lying motionless. I-I can't say goodbye to my father."

"Shhh," she said, kneeling in her dress on the tile and hugging me.

"I can't Bella," I closed my eyes, feeling the tingling of tears streaming slowly down my face.

"I know it's hard. I know it's hard."

"Bel-" my voice cut out and I put my forehead on her shoulder.

"Shhhhhh sissy, it's okay..."

"Please don't make me say goodbye to him, Bella."

She squeezed tighter, whispering, "You don't have to, Rose. You can just say... 'I'll see you soon, daddy'."

That broke me.

I lost it.

I started to heave and struggle for air, crying and losing control.

Bella tried to calm me down, fanning air toward my red face.

It didn't help.

"I, can't breathe," I said, my palms turning sweaty.

"Shhhh, yes you can."

"No I can't!" I cried, shaking my head.

My hands started to tremble, and I felt a dizzy spell coming on.

"Bella," I shouted, struggling to regain control.

"Shhhh, Rose, calm down."

"I'm gonna faint. I-I'm gonna pass out or throw up or something."

"Jake!" Bella shouted, "Please get Edward."

My stomach started to twist and bounce around.

Jacob ran in here, skidding to a stop at the door, "What is it?"

"She's having a panic attack."

"Rose?"

"I CAN'T BREATHE!" I shouted, grasping at my sealed tight throat.

Jacob ran in there, turning me on the toilet seat toward him.

I shook my head and bent forward and threw up... all over his suit jacket.

His hands tensed on my thighs, and Bella's hand froze on the top of my head.

I didn't want to open my eyes.

Then I threw up again, trying to ignore the sounds of it hitting the floor.

Bella gagged and ran out of the room, but Jacob stayed put.

My tears splashed all over us, and I gripped his arm tighter.

"It's... okay, Rose," he said, because I started crying more now.

"I'M SO SORRY," I said, shaking my head.

"Shhh, it's okay, it's just a fucking jacket."

Edward and Esme ran inside, and helped us stand up.

Esme started cleaning my unfortunate mess off the floor -- God Bless her heart -- while Edward helped Jake wash the puke off my knee and strip his jacket off.

They tossed the soiled cloth into the tub, and checked me over, making sure there was nothing else on me.

Thankfully, nothing got on my outfit. My dad got me this skirt.

I kept apologizing to Jake, but he kept hushing me back, telling me that he didn't care.

My head felt like a bass drum, it was hurting so bad.

All I wanted to do was see my dad alive again.

...Just one more day, just one more minute.

Why was that too much to ask?

AlicePOV

"Rose is getting sick," Jasper whispered into my ear, as he stood beside me and rubbed my back.

We saw Bella running down the hallway, then heard gagging noises, in a different direction.

Carlisle ran after her, to assist her.

"Now Bella's getting sick," he frowned.

I clutched his hand, admiring his black suit, black silk shirt, and white tie, "You look nice."

"Thank you. So do you." He kissed the side of my head.

I looked down to my black cotton dress, which came a few inches above my knee, that tied in a bow above my breasts.

Renee walked in, still in white robe.

She looked exhausted.

Her trembling hands found the coffee pot, and she struggled to get it out of the holder.

"Here, let me help you," Jasper said, reaching over me and getting it out for her.

He poured her cup, and Renee sighed, slouching over, "T-th-hank you, Jasper."

"It's no problem ma'am. Do you want any cream or sugar?"

"Just b-black, please. Thank you."

Jasper wrapped a paper towel around the hot cup and handed it to her.

She forced a smile and walked out slowly.

I hooked my hand through the bend in Jasper's arm, and pressed my cheek against his shoulder, "This is so sad."

"I know."

"I don't deal well with this sort of thing."

"I don't think anyone does."

"Yeah," I closed my eyes, squeezing his arm, "but I really don't. I don't know what to say, or do. I don't know how to help."

"All we can do is be there for them."

"But how?"

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side, "We love them."

I nodded, hugging him tight, "Yeah."

Carlisle walked in after a few moments, wearing a black suit, with white collared shirt and silk charcoal underjacket, and black tie, "You guys okay?"

"Yeah," Jasper said, "how's Bella?"

"She's fine. Reaction from her sister."

"How's Rosalie?" I asked.

"She's better now. Jake's got her. Edward's helping them now."

Carlisle rinsed out a wash cloth, and then gave us both a pat on our arms.

After he left, Jasper moved me in front of him, and rested his chin on my shoulder, "Carlisle's taking this well. He was Phil's best friend."

"He sees this all the time though," I shrugged, holding his hands around my waist, "maybe he's blank inside?"

"I would be. I don't know what I'd do if I lost someone that close to me."

"I know," I sighed, leaning into him, "me neither."

EdwardPOV

After all of the women got dressed, the guys stood outside, ignoring the press snapping pictures of us.

The visitation was open yesterday, so we were all pretty annoyed with the media at this point.

I couldn't understand why they needed to snap pictures of people in mourning.

After all, the funeral today was private, and for family and friends only.

Regardless, we tried to ignore them.

My dad explained to me, Jasper, Emmett, Jacob, and Phil's brother Andrew what the six of us were going to do, as far as being pallbearers were.

I lit a cigarette and passed my lighter around.

"Edward," Carlisle sighed, patting me on my back, "I really wish you wouldn't smoke."

I looked at him knowingly, and then held out my pack to him.

He frowned, and pulled one out, "I haven't smoked since I was sixteen years old."

"Best time to start up again," Emmett said, as I lit it for my dad.

Jacob smirked, loosening his tie. He didn't have a suit jacket to wear now that his was soiled, but he kept his white collared shirt, tie and black slacks on.

"Dad," I said, turning to face him.

"Yes, son?"

"Bella and I are going to talk to you and mom and Renee later, if that's all right?"

"Are you guys okay?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "we're fine."

"Can I ask what it's about?"

"Uhh," I said, flipping my suit jacket back and sticking my hands in my pockets, "I'd rather have Bella present, if you don't mind?"

"Sure Edward. That'd be fine. As long as it's nothing serious."

"It's nothing bad, I promise."

Bella opened the door, gracing my eyes with her beautiful presence as she stood on the porch, "Can I borrow you for a second?"

I nodded, taking a final drag and putting the cigarette out.

I followed her through the silent house, down the hallway, and into the bedroom, where she shut the door behind me.

"What's going on?"

She pushed me to sit on the bed, and then climbed up sideways on my lap. Then she curled up into me, and placed her head on my shoulder.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her close to me.

Silently, she began to sob.

I knew why she needed me in here.

I was the only one she could break down in front of.

Staying quiet, I gave her all the time she needed, stroking her hair and rocking her tenderly.

"I don't regret my decision to go with you," she shook her head, sobbing into my neck. "But I wish I didn't have to make it."

"I know baby," I whispered, rubbing the small of her back.

"And now we're having a baby and neither of my dad's are going to be able to see it grow up."

"Shhh, don't you worry about that," I said, lifting and kissing the back of her hand, "it's going to be fine."

"I really love him and miss him so much. He was my dad, too... You know? I know... I know I never called him that much but that's because I didn't want to feel like I was replacing my dad, you know? And now, I mean... Edward... I can't... and Rosalie... and m-my mom..."

"Shhhh," I wiped off her face and held her closer, allowing her to hide her face in my shoulder completely.

"I don't ever want to lose you," she said, clawing at my clothes. "I can't ever lose you like this."

"I know baby."

"This is so hard."

"...I know it is."

"I honestly can't do it. I'm trying to stay strong but I'm breaking down inside and..."

"I've got you. You don't have to be stronger than what you are, Bella. It's okay to weaken down under these circumstances."

She nodded into my jacket then shook her head, "I hate this."

"I do too."

We remained silent for a few moments.

Then I had an idea.

I brought my right hand to her stomach, and rubbed it soothingly, "Bella, guess what?"

"What?" she asked, rubbing her face on my neck.

"Our baby told me to tell you that it loves you."

She giggled under her sniffles, shaking her head.

"I'm serious. God told me, just then, to tell you that. I figured I'd better not be hesitant about it."

"Edward," she exhaled, turning her face to rest her cheek on my wet jacket.

"Yes, my love?"

"I love you."

"I love you as well."

"I won't be able to make it a day without you. You know that, right?"

I nodded, massaging the back of her neck beneath her hair, "I know. Same goes for you."

"Please promise me you won't ever leave me."

"You have my word that I'll do my very best."

She shook her head, curling her fingers around my tie, whispering, "Not good enough."

I smirked, hugging her with both arms, "I promise, Bella."

BellaPOV

We chose a Remington Ebony Steel Casket to lay my step-father to rest in. It was picked because Phil was tough on the outside, like steel, but had a polished and endearing heart.

I knew deep down inside that, when Phil asked me to choose that night in the cabin, that he didn't mean it.

He was upset, and so was I, and everyone else.

We all reacted poorly.

I just wished that I would have told him I loved him at least.

I wasn't sure why I didn't, and that's what I regretted most... running out.

My mom chose to bury Phil in his favorite Colorado Rockies, purple and white pinstriped uniform, and baseball bat that was signed for him by Alex Rodriguez, which was his favorite player.

We arrived to the Ocean View Cemetery, here in our hometown of Forks, Washington.

It was Phil's hometown as well, after he moved from Arizona when he was three.

I held onto Rosalie on my right, and my mom on the left, as we watched the guys pull the casket from the hearse.

My mother clenched tight, unable to look anymore.

We weaved through all of our family and close friends, and Phil's teammates that flew up to support us and say their final goodbyes.

Once the casket was placed beneath the tents, above the grave, the guys came and found us to stand by. Edward stood behind me, and I leaned into him, holding both his hands tight on my stomach with my right hand. Emmett was kind enough to support my mother, partially because he was the only one that could keep holding her up. Carlisle found Esme, Jasper found Alice, and Jake held Rosalie's other hand that I wasn't holding.

I heard my mom sobbing louder than anyone else.

Rosalie was stiff as a board and barely breathing.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

I couldn't look around to anyone else, trying to fight back my tears as much as possible, while the last prayer was given.

"Almighty God, out of the darkness of our grief, we cry to you, O Lord. You gave Phillip, a precious gift, to us, and you have taken him away so suddenly. It is a deepened loss that we are mourning. Turn to us, Lord, and have pity on us, and give us the comfort that you alone can give, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Amen," we said in quiet unison.

Edward squeezed me tight in his arms, sniffling in my shoulder. I knew he was hurting just like the rest of us, but he didn't want to show it.

I reached my trembling gloved hand up, to brush along his cheek.

I felt him exhale against me, and closed my eyes, as silent tears fell from my chin.

As heartbreaking and tragic as this moment was for me, it dawned on me that we were grieving together. This wasn't something that was between us, pushing our distance.

This was something that he was here for me. Three weeks really does make all the difference, because if he wasn't here to hold onto me... I would be a wreck.

Rosalie lost it when they closed the lid as tight as possible, locking and tightening the seal of the casket.

Jake pulled her into his arms and turned her away, so she could cry into his chest. Emmett reached his spare hand out and rubbed her back, while my mom rounded her shoulders and held her head high, despite her quivering chin and mascara running down her face.

Despite all of that, she looked really beautiful in her dress. It was fitting and black, knee-high. Created a nice cut from her shoulders to her collar bone. Her hair was pinned back in an Audrey Hepburn classic style.

We all stepped closer to say our final goodbyes.

Emmett steadied my mom's trembling form, as she reached down and kissed the top of the casket, before resting her head on it.

"I love you so much Phillip," she cried in a whisper, "and you have touched my soul to the greatest extent... You... have been my reason for smiling and my reason for life, and... a-and... the world holds a lot less color for me now. B-but, I want you to know that I'm going to be okay. Okay? ...I'll be... I'll be strong, until... u-until I see you and Charlie on the other side, okay?"

She kissed it again, "You're my baby... my sweet... loving, hu-...husband."

She kissed it again, “...I hope you know how much I loved you, and how much of my heart you're taking with you... because you're taking all of it."

I couldn't take it anymore.

I turned around, releasing my tears into Edward's suit, as my mother continued her speech to him.

"...and I will continue to love you and reach out for your hand to hold, until my last dying breath. Go be with God, Phillip... He's asking for you to stand by his side... but... Wait for me up there, please. I love you...."

I could hear her sobbing heavily, the sounds echoing in my ears as she whispered, "P-please wait for me."

I felt shuffling move around, and knew they were helping my mom walk away.

I still couldn't stop crying.

More of our friends and his teammates said goodbye, but I remained put. My feet were planted into ground.

Edward's hands had warmth to them, and soothed my heartache that pounded from my chest to my back.

I could hear Rosalie breaking down beside me, and Jacob trying his best to help her.

I could hear wind blowing... branches swaying...

Listening to Rosalie crying to Jacob, blubbering, "No... I can't yet," made it worse.

"Okay," he whispered, "you don't have to..."

"Yes I do," she cried.

Edward squeezed me more, and I gripped the back of his shoulders, pushing my face into him. Please God, make this all a dream... make this all a dream... wake me up, wake me up. Please don't let this be real. Tell me I'm dreaming... Tell me I'll wake up and be in Edward's bedroom... Tell me this isn't real. Please God... Please God...

"Go show God how it's done up there," Carlisle said behind me, as he said his goodbye's to his best friend, "and make sure you do it well. I'll miss you buddy. You'll always be my best friend, no matter what. I love you man."

"I love you Phillip," Esme whispered through a sob, "please tell my baby Catherine Angel that I love her. Take care of her for me up there, will you? Be that loving, overprotective father... Make sure she's safe and happy... I'll miss you so much."

"Edward," I cried, clutching to the flaps on his suit.

"I know," he whispered.

Overprotective father... that stabbed me in the heart. That's what Phillip was being that night... just an overprotective, loving father... and I left.

Of course, Esme didn't realize this, but it didn't make that any less easy to breathe with.

"Come on Rose," Jake whispered, "you're okay."

"Okay," she breathed behind me.

I listened to him fighting to keep her standing, their feet shuffling on the ground.

Then it was silent, only the feeling of air through our hair.

"Daddy..." Rosalie sobbed.

One word... I was crushed listening. My first thought was to cover my ears, but I knew I shouldn't.

I needed to listen. For this to be real, so I could accept it.

"Daddy," she tried again. "...I'll always be your bunny, and you'll always be my tortoise, okay?... I wish you were here to hold me," she said through muffled sobs. "...I wish you could tell me that it's going to be okay, because I don't know how to believe that now..."

She began to cry heavier, and I listened as paper was crinkled.

"I-I ...um... wrote you a letter last night. I couldn't sleep, but... I didn't want to leave anything out so I, um... w-well, it's all in here. All of my favorite thoughts of you that my brain could gather... like our sledding trip... or baking homemade pizza's... or the time we went to Wal-Mart at two in the morning on the day before school because I wanted a Cinderella lunchbox and you got it for me so I wouldn't have a..a bad first day..."

...More tears...

"...you're the greatest man I've ever known... a-and... I love you."

Then she muffled, "Jake... I can't..."

"Shhhh, I'm right beside you," he whispered.

"Oh God," she sobbed. "Please help me say goodbye to him."

I held onto Edward like my life depended on it.

Each word spoken by people around me made standing here in this cemetery that much more daunting.

After a few more minutes, Rosalie whispered, "Goodbye daddy..."

"Goodbye Phil," Jake whispered, "I'll miss you. You've been my second father and I will do my best to not let you down."

"Goodbye daddy," Rosalie whispered again. "Goodbye tortoise..."

Over Edward's shoulder, I watched through glossy tears as Jake supported her weight and slowly led her away.

More and more people said their farewells... until it was just me and Edward.

It took me a while to regain my balance, but eventually I did, and hung to Edward as we inched closer to the beautiful casket, topped with red, white, and black roses, and Rosalie's letter tucked beneath it.

Edward rubbed my back as I bent forward, resting my over-heated cheek onto the cold lid.

"I love you," I whispered, "...so much. And I'm... I'm sorry for the way I ran out... I'm sorry if I've..." I closed my eyes, trying to regather my voice, "if I've... disappointed you... it wasn't my intention and I regret running away from you. I'd never want to run away from you... you were my f-father, too, and I should have told you that more... I should have showed you more... showed you why I loved Edward."

Edward's hand trailed up the back of my neck, and he rubbed it, swiping tears from my eyes.

"And I know I can't take back what I've done, but... I did it with the best of you in my heart. I didn't... I tried not to look at what you said and take it to heart. I tried... to think of all the times you were there for me -- because you were always there for me, and... you were one of my best friends growing up... the one who always had my back when my mom didn't. Do you know that? Do you know that... you gave me a reason to regain my faith in men again? That you showed me that someone could love someone as their own flesh and blood, even if they weren't truly? ...You've always been my daddy, and... I'm so sorry that I doubted that."

"It's okay Bella," Edward whispered, stepping closer to me.

I nodded, brushing my hand along the casket as I kept my head planted, "Edward and I... we'll be happy. I promise. You won't have to worry about me, because..." I blinked my tears away, so I could look up toward Edward's profile, "...I'm in the best hands. He'll... keep me safe... me and our baby..."

Edward nodded, massaging me as I closed my eyes.

"...Please watch over us," I cried. "Please stay with us, always. Please continue to... be... o-over..."

Edward stepped behind me, hugging me tight.

I started sobbing, fighting back my gasps for oxygen, "... please... don't stop being my overprotective daddy now that you're not... here... because... I need you to be now more than e-ever... I need you to protect me and my family, because, that's what Edward and this baby is to me now... this is my family, and we need you... Please don't leave me..."

Edward's hands squeezed my arms, and I listened to him silently sniffling behind me.

"...Please tell me you forgive me," I whispered, as my body grew numb, and my tears suddenly stopped. "...please tell me you don't hate me for what I've done."

"He doesn't hate you Bella," Edward whispered in my ear, sending chills down my back, "he loves you more than anything. You, and Rosalie, and your mother... Don't you ever doubt that, love."

I nodded, still unable to release.

I turned my face to where I was crushing my nose against the lid, and breathed in slowly, "I gotta go now. I love you Phil. I... love you, Daddy. Tell my other dad that... I miss him too, will you? I love you guys."

Edward turned me as soon as I stood up, and I threw my arms around his neck.

He held me as tight as possible, for as long as I needed.

And when he bent over the casket, he whispered, "...You were always her father. Through my tests became your delivery, Phil... you proved to me how much you loved Bella, by fighting for her... not that I ever doubted you. You wanted what's best for her, as a caring parent does, and... I promise I'll be that for her, and you as well. I won't falter. ...I'll never falter... We love you, and we will miss you deeply."

I nodded, squeezing his hand against my clammy one.

As we walked toward the cars and gathering people hugging, he bent down, kissing the side of my head.

JacobPOV

After we arrived at Carlisle and Esme's house here in Forks, the rest of the gathering quickly followed.

Carlisle had the place catered full of warm, fresh food for Phil's friends and family, and everyone did their spews about how wonderful Phil was and how much he'll be missed.

...But it made no sense to me, because we all agreed that he was a good man.

So what was the sense of making people sadder? We should be smiling and thinking about the good things, not miserable...

I don't know... maybe I just refuse to deal with stuff like this.

Maybe I suck. Who the fuck knows.

Phil was my second-father growing up. He was there to support me and teach me, when my dad was working, or drinking, or doing whatever he could to keep himself busy.

The job was my dad's life. Hell, he didn't even take a day off from being the wonderful cop of Fork's to come to Phil's funeral.

What a prick.

I loosened my tie and untucked my shirt, walking out to the back porch.

Rosalie was standing there, staring off into the woods, her arms crossed over her chest.

I steadied my wine glass on the ledge and turned to face her, "...Are you all right?"

She blinked, then slowly turned her head to me, and nodded.

Her lips were parted; her eyes had a daze in it.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, stepping closer to her, but not close enough to touch her side with my chest.

She shrugged, tilting her head to stare up at a tree in the distance.

"...Something good?"

"I'm thinking," she whispered, inhaling, "...that he's probably really disappointed in my actions lately."

"Why would he be?"

"Well... I bet, in Heaven, that God has a scroll with a list on it... of all the things me or Bella has done wrong... and Dad's counted them down one by one, shaking his head."

I chuckled, sticking my right hand in my pocket, "That'd be a fucked up thing for God to do, don't you think?"

"God is a man."

I smirked, because that shit was funny, "Yes, He is."

"And," she whispered, frowning, "I wish that I could have hugged him... and shown him I had something to be proud of for myself... like you told me the other night."

"Ro-"

"Because I don't have anything to say I've accomplished... not really."

"Sure you do, you've graduated, gone to college, didn't drop ou-"

"But what else?" she scoffed. "What else do I have to show for?"

I shrugged, "Whatever you want to show."

"That doesn't help, Jacob," she hissed.

"Well," I said, keeping my cool, "here's how I see it. You don't think you've got something to show? Then do something about it. Figure it out. That simple."

"Oh, it's that simple."

"It is."

"Mmhmm."

I swallowed down my wine, then set the empty glass back on the ledge, "Well... I'll leave you alone."

She grabbed my elbow as I turned to walk away, and stopped me, "Jake."

"Mmm?"

"Stay. I'm sorry...” she exhaled, “...I'm sorry."

I threw my right arm around her shoulders and pulled her into me, "Stay, huh?"

"Yes," she whispered, resting her cheek against my chest, "please stay."

I rubbed her arm and rested my chin on the top of her head, "I'll stay because it's you."

She chuckled, wiping her face with the back of her hand, "I feel special."

"You should... blondie."

"Scruffy," she replied back.

I squeezed her tight, "Touché"

EmmettPOV

I stood in Edward's parents’ kitchen, watching Jacob hold Rosalie in his arms out on the patio.

Half of it pissed me off, while the other half... found it as relief.

I sighed, flipping over my cell phone.

Two text messages, both from Heather. 'Are you doing okay?' and 'Let me know when you get back from the funeral. I'm here if you need a friend.'

Ahhh, the OTHER one that got away...

Heather and I were together on and off for a couple years. I last saw her a few months ago, when she dropped off my stuff from her house.

We'd been friends for what felt like ever, and decided one day to take it to the next step.

It was a relationship that was set on fire but schedules got in the way. She was the only girl, beside Rosalie, that I cared for and saw something in the relationship. But, like normal, I fucked it up. I think it had to do with the fact that her parents are religious fanatics who blamed me for 'corrupting their daughter' (yeah right). They said they didn't want her to date someone who was about to inherit a whole bunch of dance clubs that invoke drinking and sex. Like, what the fuck doesn't these days? I bet cartoons even provoke drinking and sex now...

Edward came up to me, and I grinned as I snapped back in the present, patting his back, "Hanging in there?"

"Doin' my best," he replied, pulling his suit jacket off. He kept his vest, tie, and collared shirt done up though.

"Me too," I said.

He took a swig of his beer, and tilted his bottle toward the door, "How do you feel about seeing that?"

"Rosalie and Jacob?"

"Yeah."

"Uh.... What do you think about it?"

"I don't know," Edward exhaled, shrugging his shoulders, "I'm kind of growing on Jacob."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah... despite his 'I'm trying to be a badass' attitude he portrays... he's not that bad."

"Yeah... I just hope he doesn't carry any venereal diseases. That'd be bad."

"Dude," Edward chuckled, "if he had a venereal disease, you'd have it. You did sleep with her after he did."

"Oh," I said. "Oh yeahhh..."

"Plus you've had just about as many women he has..."

"True," I sighed.

"So stop being a one-sided dick."

"Can't help it," I replied, "it's so easy to rather want to punch him in the gut."

"Trust me, it doesn't solve anything."

"Alright, Oprah."

Edward laughed, taking another sip, "I'm just saying."

"Mmhmm. So, where's Bella?"

"She's lying down in my old bedroom."

"Morning sickness?"

"I don't know... I think she's just exhausted. Plus, six weeks in now, so... that's when exhaustion normally comes anyway."

"I can't believe you're going to be a fucking father," I said, "how weird."

"I know," he smirked, "it's going to be great though."

"You think?"

"Yeah... we'll handle it."

"Have you told your parents yet?"

"We plan to tell them and Renee later today."

"Uh," I said, looking at him, "do you think this is the best timing?"

He nodded, furrowing his brows, "They're together, you know? Plus, Bella and I have talked a lot these past couple days... we're going to buy a house together soon, and... I think she's going to see what Renee's plans are."

"Why's that?"

"She wants her to come stay with us for a while."

"In ya'll's new house?"

"Mmhmm."

"Hmm."

"We're going to get our finances and bills together here in the next couple days, after things wind down... and her first appointment is on Friday, so if she's feeling up for it, we'll start hunting for a place then."

"Jesus, how shit changes."

"Tell me about it. It never fucking ends."

"Do you think that's why God does this to us? Make us so stressed and fucking emotional and deal with all this shit? That way, by the time we're old, we're like 'please just take me out of here' and don't care if we die?"

Edward laughed and shrugged his shoulders, "It's a good possibility."

"Well I want a refund."

He laughed harder, "Me too."

BellaPOV

After all of the hugging, remorse, tears, sickness, and eating, I was exhausted.

Edward laid me in his bed and made sure to not let anyone bother me, unless it was Rosalie or my mom.

I've been in here for two hours now.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes.

My mom was now lying beside me, holding my hand. I didn't know when she got in here.

Edward must have helped her.

The sun was going down, shining on the white carpet through all of the windows.

Edward's bedroom looked just as it did when he left it... CDs and books everywhere still...

A picture of us framed behind his bed at Prom our junior year.

Me sitting on his lap, wearing my blue dress.

Him behind me in the chair, with his tux, arms wrapped around my waist, chin on my shoulder...

Kleenex's were strewn out between my mother and I, and her lashes were still wet.

But she was still... in her beautiful black dress... and she was the saddest woman with the prettiest face that I had ever seen in my life.

I squeezed her hand tightly.

I wanted to make sure she knew I was here for her.

Slowly, she opened her swollen eyes, and sought for mine.

"Hey mom," I choked out.

She blinked a few times, and then squeezed my hand back, before closing her eyes again, "What time is it?"

"It's around four or five, I think."

She nodded, taking a deep breath through her nose, "...Is everyone gone?"

"Everyone but us and Edward and Rosalie."

"Where did Carlisle and Esme and your friends go?"

"They'll be back. They're taking care of some things. Nothing for you to worry about."

I watched as her weakened hand slid down the covers, and grabbed the upside down picture frame of Phil that was beside her leg.

She hugged it to her chest, allowing a single tear to fall onto the mattress from her left eye, while the other tear from her right caught on the bridge of her nose.

I reached up, pulling the pin from the back of her head and letting her hair fall slowly.

"Bella," she whimpered, still not opening her eyes, "I miss him."

I shut my eyes, fighting back tears. It took me a few struggles to muster up the courage to speak without sounding weak, "I do too."

"In the end," she whispered, sniffling, "we all end up alone... life is so uncertain."

I nodded, sliding closer to her, "It's really hard..."

She sobbed, and then nodded, "You have no idea."

"I do," I said, placing my forehead to hers, "but you're not alone, mom. Don't think like that."

"I know I have you and Rosie, but..." she took a second to swallow, "...I'm more alone now than ever before... Have you heard the expression that 'a heart can't break twice in a lifetime without mending itself at least once'?"

I shook my head.

"Well... I'm proof that a heart won't mend twice."

"Don't say that," I stroked her hair, "...it's going to be okay, mom. You're going to make it through this."

"Would you be able to make it if you lost Edward like this?"

I shut my eyes, as unstoppable salt and water shed from my eyelids, "I'm sorry but... I don't even want to think about that..."

"But..." she whispered, "...for me, just a question ...do you think you'd be able to?"

I shrugged, "I'd have to, wouldn't I?"

"There's a difference between living and plainly existing, Bella..."

"I know," I whispered, hugging her tight to me, "but I know that both my dad's would want you to live, mom. Not exist. In time, when you start to heal... they'd want that for all of us."

She sighed, squeezing the frame again, "...Even so..."

She never finished her sentence before drifting back to sleep.

I wasn't far behind her.

RosaliePOV

I opened my eyes and sat up, groaning because my neck was hurting.

I had been sitting outside on the patio all day and now the moon was up and crickets chirping.

My voice was almost all the way gone, and my heart was just as empty.

I missed my dad, but I couldn't talk about it anymore.

I didn't have the strength to.

Some people can talk and talk about their loved one's passing... while others refuse to talk about it and push themselves to accept it, and a few rare necessities just try to pretend the whole entire damn thing didn't happen, or happened a VERY long time ago.

I'm definitely not the first, and though I try to be the second... I'm more toward the third.

I just don't want to ache anymore... and it makes me ache even more saying that, because I feel like a bad person for wanting and begging to just get past this.

I brushed my hand over my stomach, feeling queasy.

My emotional ups and downs these past few days haven't done anything good for my bowels.

And I still felt really bad for throwing up on Jacob.

Finding my sea legs, I stood from the chair and headed back inside. Edward was sprawled out a jumbo recliner. Carlisle and Esme were in the kitchen drinking tea and talking amongst themselves. Alice and Jasper were lying on the couch. Emmett was sitting on the love seat with a blonde I didn't know, but not on top of her. They had a fair distance. Jacob was lying on the floor, with pillows under his head and around him.

They were all watching television in silence.

I gave everyone a small wave, and crawled on the ground next to Jacob. "Is this spot on the carpet taken?"

He shook his head and moved his pillow half-way from his head, so that I could share it.

I smiled weakly, and lay down beside him.

He reached over and grabbed a blanket from the wicker basket beside him, and threw it over my skirt, "Don't want your ass hanging out."

I smirked and shook my head, "Don't want that."

"How ya feelin'?"

I shrugged, quietly responding back with, "However I'm supposed to feel, I guess. I don't really know."

"Good of an answer as any," he replied, sliding his arm beneath my neck.

I slid closer, throwing my right leg over his left, whispering, "Who’s that girl with Emmett?"

He tensed briefly, then rolled his eyes, "Her name is Heather or something," he whispered. "She just got here an hour ago."

"But who is she?"

"His ex slash friend, I guess. Who knows? It's Emmett."

"She's his ex?"

"Mmhmm."

I scoffed, pulling the covers over my shoulders for more warmth, "It's kind of shitty of him to bring his ex to his other ex-girlfriend's father's burial day, don't you think?"

"He said he was uncomfortable with it but I guess Carlisle told him to invite her for dinner. She called stating she was alone... I'm not sure what happened exactly, don't care. I guess Carlisle talked him into it."

"Still," I whispered.

"Are you upset he's with a girl?"

I frowned and shook my head, "Not as much as I should be... that's really bad isn't it?"

"All in the way you look at it, I guess."

"How do you look at it?"

He turned and looked down at me, whispering, "...I'd say you're making progress."

We watched 'My Best Friend's Wedding' with Julia Roberts in silence... on occasion, you'd hear Jasper groaning about the chic-flick, and Alice elbowing him in the ribs saying it was her turn to pick and he'd have to live with it...

Every once in a while, I'd drift off, laying wrapped up in Jake's arm... but then I'd hear someone sneeze, or Emmett talking to the blonde chic beside him, and I'd pop my eyes back open.

Bella called for Edward, and he snapped awake from his nap, running in there.

I nuzzled against Jake's shirt, trying to find more body heat.

"You better not be drooling on me," he said teasingly.

"I am," I replied, licking my lips.

"Well then make sure you save some of that lubrication for me later, that way I can bottle it up and use it at my own convenience."

I bit my lip, and giggled, despite whether or not I thought it was right to be laughing though I was heartbroken... but I couldn't help it, "You’re such a pervert."

He pulled me half-way over him, and kissed the top of my head.

I closed my eyes when he did this, because... well, this wasn't normally what we did... but I liked it. A lot.

I inhaled his scent, burying my face in his chest. I didn't want him to let go of me and move me back to his side. And I wasn't sure why...

I shouldn't let myself get close to him like this. I shouldn't lead myself on.

He's just being the good friend.

He doesn't know how you feel, and can't possibly feel the same, even if he did know.

I listened as the Heather girl giggled over something Emmett was whispering to her... a joke, I think... and I pushed my face deeper into Jake's shirt. Bitch was annoying me and it wasn't because I was jealous.

He brushed my long hair off my neck, and began to rub my neck... and, regardless of what I told myself, I basked in it...

"Jake," I whispered, "...that feels really good."

"Mmmm..."

"...Don't stop," I giggled lightheartedly.

He stretched beneath me as he continued his magic hands, "I can get used to you telling me that."

"Stop fornicating on the floor," Alice joked, lightening the mood.

I threw a pillow at her, but didn't look up to see where it hit her at. But I heard it make contact.

"Wench," she hissed at me.

"Whore."

"Beyotch."

"Slutbag."

"Slutbag number two."

I shook my head, smiling against Jake's shirt, "This isn't right... I shouldn't be joking around..."

"This is exactly what you should be doing," Emmett said to my right. "Don't get yourself down for smiling."

"Yeah," Jake whispered as I moved back to his side and snuggled against him, "Phil'd want you to smile."

I disagreed, "It's not right."

Edward walked in the living room, holding Bella's hand. His collared shirt was untucked, his tie hanging from his neck, while her dress was still on.

She looked like she had just been crying.

"Mom, dad, everyone... can you join Bella and me in the living room? Renee will be here in a moment."

"Sure Edward," Carlisle said, setting his cup on the counter. "We'll be right there."

"Thank you."

I looked up at my sister, who gave me her best smile she had available, and I forced one back.

This could get interesting.

BellaPOV

I held Edward's hand between both of mine.

I wasn't for sure if this was the best time or not to be doing this to everyone... but I also figured that death crossing us in the face makes us realize how short life really is.

We have to take the opportunities when they come, and not overlook them.

Edward and I waited until everyone shuffled around the living room, taking their seats.

I tried not to focus on any particular person.

"First of all," Edward exhaled, squeezing my hand genuinely, "Bella and I wanted to... apologize, for the way that we handled the situation this past week. We weren't prepared for the accusations, and we reacted... unfavorably and defensive, and that was no way to portray to you that we have matured, both individually, and as a couple."

"Edward, we hold no judgments," Esme said softly. "We were all in the wrong. All of us."

"Yes," Carlisle agreed.

Renee smiled weakly at me, but it was enough.

"But," Edward said, looking down to me and smiling warmly, "we also wanted to tell you guys, while we have you all here, that we love you all very much. No matter... how ridiculous our conflicts and disagreements are... we want to be there for the three of you, as you have been for us growing up... because we've both discussed that there's been some rough times that we wouldn't have made it through without our parents. We're very grateful to have you in our lives, sticking by us no matter... how low we've dipped... and you all know we've drowned pretty far at times..."

Renee sobbed, but reached out, grabbing one of my hands, and stroking her thumb against the back of my hand.

I squeezed Edward tighter, trying to stay calm and not cry. I knew what she was thinking... about my step-dad, and my real dad... and how they were both there for me and us as a couple, and now neither are here...

But I quickly kept myself in check and in the present, because what we had needed to be said.

I smiled up to Edward reassuringly, making sure he knew that I supported our decision to speak up.

He smiled back, before pulling me closer to him, "We want you guys to know that we've... worked through a lot of our most harboring issues, and are balancing out the remaining that we haven't reached yet... and through our struggles, not only have Bella and I fallen in love for each other all over again... but this love has grown to pure, undeniable, truth..."

He stopped speaking so he could pull me beneath his arm, and I wrapped both of mine around his waist, "You see... Bella is home to me..."

I closed my eyes and smiled, thanking God for keeping him in my life... at least him....

"And you are to me," I whispered back.

He kissed me on the side of my head, rubbing my arm.

"We," Edward said, looking tenderly around our remaining family and group of friends, "would love to see if we could push aside the boundaries that have burdened all of us. We also... would like to ask for your blessing... because Bella and I are engaged to be married, and we won't be able to go through with it contently, without our family by our side."

I held my breath as Esme gasped, preparing for an emotional blow-out.

My mom tensed, while Carlisle nodded and grinned... then Esme shot off the arm of the chair she was sharing with Carlisle, and ran up to us, hugging me as tight as possible.

"Yes," she cried in my ear, sobbing, "Yes, yes... this is a good thing... of course you have our blessing!"

She pulled away, so she could hug Edward and I at the same time, "We are all so sorry... all of us."

We held her and hugged her with all our might. I didn't want to let her go.

When she finally released us and wiped her face, Edward and Carlisle shook hands and Carlisle hugged me.

Then Esme said through sniffles, "It was just the other day, after all you kids left the cabin... that Phil came home from the hotel he was staying at, sat the three of us down and apologized to us for his actions... It was Phil who woke us up... told us that we had been acting more childish than all you kids... He even said that he was the most immature in handling this... he wondered if... if you would be able to forgive him..."

"We do," Edward and I said at the same time, nodding.

"It was all of us."

"And," Carlisle began, rubbing my arms, "we knew all along that Edward wasn't going to be happy unless it was with you, Bella... We grew accustomed to Tanya, because she was very different from you... and we thought that's what Edward needed... a clean break. But, if we hadn't been so stubborn and protective, and had truly opened our eyes up wide, we have seen what was right in front of us..."

There was silence for a moment.

"Which was?" Edward asked.

Carlisle smiled proudly at Edward, stepping to him, "...That your smile faded the day that you and Bella slipped out of each other's lives... and never returned naturally until the day the two of you fused back together."

Edward looked down to me, and smiled crookedly, "That's true."

I grinned back up at him, swiping away my tears.

Then I turned toward the sofa, and knelt down toward my mom, who was gripping mine and Rosalie's hands tight.

I pulled in my upper lip, inhaled through my nose, and lifted my mom's chin, "Mom," I whispered hesitantly.

She smiled, as more tears fell from her eyes.

"I'm sorry that we're telling you this now, but we felt it was nec-"

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered.

"W... what?" I gasped.

She nodded, swallowing gulps of air, "I am... The one thing that Phillip always told you from day one was... to fight as hard as you can until your dying breath for what you believe in, Isabella..."

She swiped her tears, squeezing my hands tight, "...and you believe in true love. We would never, ever be disappointed in you for this... Stunned, yes... and perhaps overprotective and shouty and dramatic, but never honestly upset... because you took our guidance, you did as we taught, and you learned that through strength comes triumph... Yours and Edward's."

I nodded, sniffling, "Edward makes me so happy mom... I just... I wish Phil could have seen that."

"Oh, silly girl," she brushed my cheek with her warm hand, "...he knows. He's always known."

I looked down, watching tears fall to the hardwood floor. My throat hurt so badly.

"Edward's going to protect me mama," I vowed quietly. "He's going to keep me safe... I know it."

"I've never doubted that he would," she whimpered, and I felt her tug Edward down to his knees in front of her, and beside me. "I know how much this man right here loves you, my beautiful daughter... I see... t-the way that... he looks at you. The way he holds onto you... wants you near him, no matter what. The two of you have a one of a kind love."

Edward reached out, and hugged my mom tenderly. She gripped the back of his shoulders, crying into his shirt. I rubbed his back and wiped more tears with the back of my hand, while he brushed the back of her hair with his fingers.

"You were always my son," Renee whispered through her sobs. "Always, Edward."

I lost it... hearing her say that. My emotions were so crazy, from the events and the pregnancy and the revelations...

"You've always been my mom," Edward whispered back softly, his voice cracking. It sounded like he was trying to stay strong.

Rosalie bent down, crying with and hugging me.

She held onto me, I held onto my mom's hand and Edward's back, and Edward held onto my mother, while our friends whispered words of encouragement, and Carlisle and Esme touched both Edward and my back.

I took a deep breath, relaxing my tense muscles.

It felt good to just breathe... and be surrounded by support, for once.

"There's more," Edward whispered, pulling away and looking at my mom's face.

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

"Okay," she whispered, looking from one of us to the other and back. "...What is it?"

Edward looked at me and I smiled, before turning back to see Esme and Carlisle, then forward to face my mom again.

"Edward and I," I said, biting my lip to not smile too much and give it away, "...we're pregnant."

"What?" was the gasp of unison, from the three of them, as well as a few of our friends and family that was still here who didn't know.

I folded my hand in a fist and smiled into the middle of it, as Edward pulled me to him.

Before I could say anything else, my mom pulled me into her arms, almost strangling me from her grip.

I could hear Esme and Carlisle questioning Edward about the details... but mostly I just listened to our friends gossiping, and my mom sobbing in my ear.

"This baby," she said, hugging me tighter, "is going to have the best two... g-guardian angels... ever."

I nodded, crying along with her.

"I'm so happy that you two have found each other... and now you're having a baby?!" she whispered in shock, "...This is a miracle."

"A baby?" Esme questioned ecstatically... Then I heard muffles from her hugging Edward tightly. "Oh, Edward, really?"

"Yes," he chuckled, hugging her back.

I fought the cracks in my knees and rose to my feet, turning to face Carlisle.

He looked stunned, and it made my stomach flip.

"I, uh, realize that this is sudden," I stammered to explain while I fidgeted with my hands, "and that you're most likely disappointed, because you and Esme were so young when you had Edward and wanted more for him growing up, and then we go get back together and this happens, and -"

"You're not us," he said, cutting me off.

I bit my lip, looking up at him.

And his smile turned from slight... to genuine... to proud.

He pulled me in his arms, and I hugged him tight. "You're not us," he whispered in my ear, fighting back his own tears. "You'll do this right... You'll have your support behind you, all the way... If this is what the two of you want... then we're all going to make this work. We're all going to be a family and help you guys out as much as we possibly can."

When I inhaled a sigh of relief, I absorbed his smell... he smelt like Phil, and it soothed me.

Without my consent, more tears shed as I thought and pretended that I was hugging my step-dad while I was hugging him.

"Phil would be so happy Bella," he whispered, letting me cry on him. "He'd just want you to be happy... that's what would make him smile."

I nodded, clutching his shirt.

"And I'm happy too, okay? Don't doubt that... Esme and I are very sorry for how we acted and we want you two together... We know it's better this way."

"It is," I muffled into the white fabric.

"If it's better, then it's right, okay? We'll make it through this. This baby... it's going to be surrounded by a family that loves it."

"That's all I want," I whimpered. "That's all I want..."

The Next Night

BellaPOV (continued)

The elevator dinged, and I dragged my feet onto the hardwood floors of Edward's place.

I was exhausted.

It's been a long four days.

Spendor got to me before Cora did, and I bent down, scooping him up in my arms.

Edward rubbed my back and went to go get their chains.

I looked down to Spendor's face, and he wasn't wagging his tail or anything... but it felt like he knew I was still sad.

I hugged him tight, sniffling into his soft hair.

And all he did was rest his chin on my shoulder, his face in the crook of my neck.

I held myself together, breathing in slowly through the nose and out the mouth.

He whimpered a few times, and I stroked his hair.

"I miss him, Spendor." I whispered.

He whimpered more.

He knew.

He definitely knew I was sad...

I dropped my purse by the couch and collapsed down, holding him in my arms.

He licked me a few times, but then rested his head on my breast and closed his eyes.

All he wanted was for someone to come home and love on him...

"Well, I don't need to take the dogs out," Edward said, dropping the chains on the counter, "I guess Tommy already did it. He left a note, and flowers for you, by the table."

"That was sweet of him," I replied softly.

"He deserves a raise, that's for sure."

"I agree."

Cora followed Edward around like his shadow, while he shuffled through the kitchen, pouring us drinks, putting dishes in the sink...

"I'm glad to see you too, baby," he said, patting her head, before handing me my glass.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome love."

He sat beside me and put his feet up on the coffee table, stretching out and sighing.

I inhaled Spendor's scent for a moment, and then fell to my left, putting my head on his lap.

I wondered what Rosalie was doing, now that she was sleeping at Jake's for the night... she was still a little scared of Cady, his wolf he has that's house-trained, though she stayed outside. Jacob had twelve acres behind his house. He lived on the opposite side of town from us. The girl was as sweet as can be, and never, ever even so much as got upset, but Rose was still weary. But she didn't want to be in our house... too many memories. Same with me. My mom has been staying with Esme and Carlisle... she said she really needed her best friends, and Rose and I understood.

Alice was staying over at Jasper's for the night, and Emmett was with his dad, helping him with Rainn.

I closed my eyes, blowing a puff of air from my cheeks.

"Are you exhausted?" he asked, dipping his thumb below my t-shirt and stroking my belly.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Me too..."

Cora sat beside the couch, resting her head beside mine, on Edward's knee.

She blinked up at me, and stayed put.

It got quiet. Comfortable, but quiet.

"I think I want a boy," he said, after a few moments of silence. "...we could get him Tonka trucks, and building blocks... Lego’s... and I could teach him how to play tee-ball..."

"Yeah?" I bit my lip.

"Mmmhmm... wanna know what else?"

"What's that?"

"I could also teach him how to love someone the way that I love you..."

I smiled, closing my eyes.

"How about you?"

"Uh... today, I'm rooting for a girl."

"Why's that?"

I shrugged, fighting back tears as I spoke, "I just... can't wait to see you be a good daddy to her... See how you'll react when she falls in love. See if she'd have straight or curly hair..."

"Our daughter will never be allowed to fall in love or have boyfriends. I've done decided."

"Edward," I sniffled, then laughed, "everyone falls in love."

"Not my girl."

I giggled, shaking my head, "It's uncontrollable."

"Nope. Not gonna happen."

"And what are you going to do if she does?"

"Solitaire. That's my first decision... iron gates, bars on windows, and little beeper that's attached to her, and goes off whenever some dick head puts his hands on her. I'd be there in two seconds to fuck that little boy's day up... He'd hate me, that's for sure."

I rubbed my face, smiling into my palm, "You're crazy."

"I'm telling you the truth... On her first date, I'm going to be sitting in my boxers on the couch, with a 55 in one hand, a beer in the other, and a big knife on the coffee table, interrogating the poor bastard. He just better pray now that he doesn't slip up when I ask him questions... one false answer boy... it's over."

"And what if we have a boy? Are you going to be this overprotective with our son?"

"Yes."

"No you won't."

"The hell if I won't. If he even thinks about getting himself wet, I'm going to find the most horrendous, self-destructive video on women and show it to him, so he's frightened and won't want to date."

"Whatever. You'll be slapping him on the back and telling him to 'wrap it before you tap it', then congratulate him when he comes home and tells you he did it."

"Yeah," he sighed, petting the top of Cora's head with his free hand, "you're probably right... but still. I might not let him."

"Sure you won't."

He continued to rub my stomach and I shut my eyes.

We didn't turn on the television.

We didn't listen to music.

We just sat there, relying on each other for the comfort that we both longed for.

I'd wipe my tears when they came.

He'd pay attention to Cora, and I to Spendor.

It was both upsetting to know that it took this to happen, for us to get close to the parents again.

But hell... I didn't even care anymore.

I just wanted to be happy and in love.

After a few hours, we decided it was time to turn in.

Edward helped me to my feet, and the large pillow behind Spendor, which was on my lap, fell and knocked over a stack of magazines and books, and broke his water glass in the process.

"Sorry," I said, kneeling down to pick them up, "I was distracted."

:"It's okay love," he bent down to scoop the glass up before the dogs got to it.

"I was thinking about Phil."

"Yeah?" he said. "What about?"

I shrugged my shoulders, pulling Alice's US Weekly magazine from Spendor's teeth, and ripping out a few pages on accident, "I just wish I knew whether or not if he is still upset with me for... running out that night. For not choosing him..."

"Bella, I'm sure he does."

"I don't know... I can't stop thinking about it."

I stacked the books on the table, and bent down, helping Edward pick up the torn pieces.

Then I stretched out my arms, yawning.

Edward chuckled, glancing at a piece of paper he held.

"What?" I asked, pushing Spendor away with my foot from licking the water mess on the carpet.

"Well," he said, "grinning over at me... I guess you have your answer."

"What are you talking about?"

He licked his lips, handing the small, torn piece over to me.

I furrowed my brows, turning it over to read it.

Then I gasped, covering my mouth.

Tears streamed down, rolling between each of my fingers.

I couldn't breathe.

The words blurred through my tears, but I could still see them...

In black bold letters were three words, "I FORGIVE YO", but missing the "u" from the tear.

But I knew it was fate.

It had to be fate...

I hugged the paper to my chest, closing my eyes.

I just wanted to see him again...

I wanted to hug him and tell him I was sorry for what I said and did...

And most of all I wanted to tell him...

"...I forgive you too, daddy," I whispered.

----AUTHOR'S NOTES----

So there we go, Chapter 24!

-- Baby Names: Still narrowing down the girls. What I've done is rounded up each and every vote, taken the ones with the highest votes, and am placing them here. You guys have all given wonderful suggestions, and I thank you for that! Here are the top contenders!

So PICK ONE FIRST & ONE MIDDLE NAME that you like the VERY BEST and put it at the bottom of your review!! Mix & Match, but only list ONE full name. ;)
(Please don't give other name suggestions besides the ones listed below -- it can be confusing!)

Here we go:
Elizabeth (Lizzy, Elle, Elie, Beth)
Grace (Gracey)
Lillian (Lilly, Ili)
Sophia
Addison (Addy)
Olivia
Charlie/Charlee/Charley
Carlee/Carlie
Ava / Eva
Peyton
Abigail (Abby, Abi, Gail)
Anabelle (Belle)
Evelyn (Eve, Evey)
Hope

No, I haven't voted, because I don't feel it's fair to put my input in... but I do love these finalists!

( After narrowing down the girls, we move onto the boys selections from your previous suggestions!! )

Reviews are better than finding a patch of light in a forgotten corner :D