A/N:Thank you to all who reviewed last oneshot:
alittlelate, this-is-such-a-drag, Kyan'sPrincess, neo dreamer, Rainy Day In The Pines, and snookiepooh94.
Also, I should be updating Now or Never later tonight or tomorrow. So until then, enjoy!
Words and Steps
I watched with excitement as my daughter pushed herself up from the floor. It was amazing that she was actually trying to walk.
"That's right, Hope," I cooed at my little girl. I laughed when Hope giggled and dribbled. She was the light of my life and the only real thing I had that even came remotely close to reminding me of my Edward.
I missed Edward and his family terribly. I still believe that he'll come for me and Hope. I just hope that he'll accept her. "Mom!" I called out for my mother with excitement. Hope had let go of the coffee table and was heading in my direction.
Renee and Phil came running from the kitchen to see Hope walking. "I'll go get the baby book for you, Bella," Phil offered before walking upstairs to the nursery.
Hope was getting closer and closer now but the smile that I wore upon my face soon vanished when I realized where Hope Elizabeth Cullen was heading. She had no intention of coming to me.
Instead, she was more fascinated in her toy screwdriver and a rag that sat by the recliner. I sighed and met eyes with Renee's. "She doesn't even want to come to me," I said as I fell back onto the sofa. Renee sat down beside me and together we watched Hope.
Since she was old enough to pick up objects, she had found a fascination with any tool related thing. Seeing her with tools and cars only seemed to remind me of the Cullen family. I knew that she'd fit in perfectly and I could already picture her outside with Emmett working on my beat up red truck.
"You're a wonderful mother, Bella," Renee told me as she patted my knee. "I didn't think you could raise her honestly and I told you that from the very beginning but you're absolutely wonderful with her. It's obvious that you two adore one another. Just watch. You two will end up being the best friends."
I sighed and smiled as I watched Hope hit her screw driver against a toy tool kit. I hoped that Renee was right. Hope was my everything and if I couldn't have Edward, I was glad that I had my daughter.
"Thanks, Mom," I said. Renee looked over at me and asked, "For what?" She seemed shocked by my question.
"For not making me give her up," I replied. I was extremely thankful for it and I had never told Renee thank you. I think I was long overdue.
Renee pulled me into a hug and it sounded like it she was on the verge of tears. "You're welcome, Sweetheart." I pulled out of the hug and smiled.
"Ma…Ma…" A little voice called up to me.
I looked down and Hope was standing by the coffee table, smiling. "Mama."
Her very first word.
My smiled brightly and scooped Hope up into my arms. I sat back down with her in my lap. She couldn't stop saying Mama and I was glad she didn't. I loved the word. I loved being called Mama.
One more year, I thought to myself. If he doesn't find me in one more year, it's over.
