AN: Hello there! I know this was a long time in the making, but I hope this helps put closure on Baby Cullen's story. Some things are left open-ended, for you to draw your own conclusions. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I'm getting my shit sorted out, slowly but surely. =)

Huge thanks to Jenn and Liz for pre-reading this! You guys rock!


~O~O~O~O~O~

The rain can't hurt me now
This rain will wash away what's past
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close

A Little Fall of Rain ~ Les Miserables

~O~O~O~O~O~


EJ Whitlock's dark copper hair blew gently in the breeze as he knelt silently between two graves. He reached out and brushed dirt and leaves from the headstones before situating a large bouquet of flowers in the metal vase resting between them.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad," he murmured into cool, damp air. "I'm sorry I haven't been to see you in a while, but things have been hectic. I graduated, you know. Top of my class at Columbia. I know you'd be proud."

He swallowed the lump his throat, and pushed on. "Is it weird that I miss you, even though we've never met? I mean, I've watched videos and heard so many stories, that I feel like I know you. Maybe it's also because of the bond we created when you gave me life, I don't know. I do, though. Miss you. I'm getting married tomorrow, to the most beautiful and sweet girl in the world. I know you guys would love her, the rest of the family does, too."

He sniffed, and ran his hand through his unruly hair, so much like his father's. "I've heard and seen your love story first-hand, and it's an amazing. I pray and I hope that you'll look down on me and guide us as we move through life. I know I've found my perfect match in Jen, she's my world. I hope that when our end comes, that our love story will be as great as yours."

"I'll always be sad that I never got to meet you, but I'll always be thankful and appreciative that you loved me and gave me life. I promise to be the same kind of parent when the time comes. I'll hold my child tight, protecting him or her, no matter what I have to sacrifice. I love you, Mom and Dad. I'll be back soon."

He softly brushed his lips across the tops of each stone, before standing and brushing himself off. As he turned to leave, he gaze focused on the slender blonde waiting by his car. He wiped the tears from his eyes and made his way to his future wife's side. Jennifer reached out for his hand and pulled him into an embrace.

"Are you okay, love?" she whispered hoarsely, her own emotion overwhelmed with EJ's sadness.

He kissed her sweetly. "I'll be fine, it's just heart-breaking to think about how their lives turned out. I can't help but wonder what my life would be like if that driver hadn't hit my father. Would things have turned out differently?"

She smiled sadly and shook her head. "I know you can't help wondering, but those thoughts will get you nowhere. None of us can predict the what-ifs. Yes, your birth parents died, but on the other hand, you were given another of amazing people to raise you. Alice and Jasper adore you, and it's written all across their faces."

He cleared his throat and nodded. "You're right, but it's hard sometimes. Come on, Mom's expecting us dinner tonight. The whole family will be there." He glanced back at his parent's grave.

Jennifer touched his face, bringing his eyes back to hers. "You're right," she spoke softly. "Your whole family is there. Bella and Edward may not physically be there, but you carry them here." She placed her hand on his chest, over his heart.

EJ felt a weight lift from his chest and smiled. She was right, as usual. His parents may not have had the chance to be a part of his life, but he felt them with him every step of the way.

He opened the passenger door and helped his fiancee inside before walking over to his own. After one last look, he closed his eyes and whispered into the wind, "Thank you." A strong breeze picked up, ruffling his already chaotic hair as he climbed into the car.

His grandmother had always been fond of the phrase, "Don't take life for granted." The older he grew, the more he understood what she meant, and he vowed that he'd always live his life by those words.