Let me warn you all that this is a short chapter. I had the sudden urge to continue this One-shot after watching a sad movie. I wasn't planning on turning this into a full fic but I couldn't get the idea out of my head. Well, enjoy the chapter.

*This scene happened the day before Edward met Joe for the first time* so, we rewind back to the day before.

Chapter 2: Not a goodbye

Bella's POV:

"Joe, I can't and I won't say goodbye." I whispered in his ears as he slept. I held his battered hand under the flimsy hospital sheet as I molded my body against his. This was perfect. We were perfect together. Nothing would keep us apart. Not cancer, I won't let it…. I can't let you go…

I woke up with the ray of sun streaming on my face from the hospital window. I felt for Joe's hand and found it; he was looking at me with love in his eyes, the look that offered comfort and security. The only love that I have ever known. I returned his gaze fiercely, aching to touch him deeply and to feel him inside me. He cupped my face with his other hand gently, as if he read my mind.

"Bella, I want to feel you too, more than anything in this world," he sighed before his lips grazed my forehead and finding their way down to my mouth, his lips lingered on my lips, caressing me, sending shivers down my spine, before taking my mouth for what I had to offer. I gave him everything I had passionately. I was as hungry for him as he was for me. Our kisses lasted long enough until he had to catch his breath.

He gave me a weary smile, but a smile nonetheless. My heart ached for my beloved husband, still fighting for us, battling a ravaging enemy for us to be together and he was brave.

"I love you Joe, now and forever," I murmured softly at his neck, savoring his scent.

"I love you too my Isabella, always." His voice held a tinge of wistfulness that scares me. I looked into his dark brown eyes and held them for as long as I could.

"You should rest Joe. I will stay here with you…." My words tripped as tears brimmed in my eyes, threatening to spill.

"Bella, please don't cry anymore. You shall not shed anymore tears for me." He gently wiped the drops that made their way down my cheeks with his fingers. "Promise me, no more tears."

I nodded ever so slowly. I was certain that I would break my promise very soon but I had to try for him.

"That's my girl." He gave me a reassuring smile as he held my hands. He closed his eyes and I studied his face again, memorizing each single detail, committing every feature to memory. I squeezed his hand tenderly and watched him fall into a slumber.

A gust of fear found its way back into my senses again and I shuddered at the thought of losing him. I dare not think anymore for the pain was too much to bear. What would my life be without him? He was my life, my sun, the only home I'd ever known and the reason for my being. I couldn't let him go…we still have to fight together…he still has to fight for me, for him, for us. I watched as his thin face relaxed and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. I held onto him for a long time until I felt my fear subsided.

What would I do?

"Bella?" Joe had asked me once before if I could arrange for him to meet Edward. Joe wanted to meet my new friend, the one I told him about, but circumstances surrounding his health prevented their meeting from taking place. "Is he coming to see me today?" His voice sounded weaker this morning, drowned by the beeping sounds of the machines that surrounded his bed, he inclined his head in my direction.

"Yes honey, I asked him last night while you were asleep. Edward will be here sometime this morning." I moved closer to his bed so he could see me clearly. His eyesight had gotten worse in the last few weeks and his peripheral vision was already non-existent. I sat on the bed facing him, his face relaxed when he caught a glimpse of my face and relief was evident upon hearing my response.

"I want to ask you something, honey." Joe took my hand that rested on my lap and lifted it gently to his mouth before kissing it.

"Sure, what is it?" My voice came out a little rattled fearing that he was in a great deal of pain. I cleared my throat as I waited for him to speak.

"I want to speak with Edward alone."

"You don't want me to be here with you?" I wondered what he could possibly say to Edward that he couldn't say in my presence. I searched his face but he gave no indication of what he had in mind. He smiled my favorite smile as he waited for my answer.

"Sure Joe, if that's what you want. I will leave now and head home to shower and feed Kibi. I will be back later this afternoon." I kissed his forehead but his hand snaked behind the small of my back and nudged me gently closer to him. Our bodies touched and it felt like the first time; I could feel every part of his body against mine. I lowered my mouth to his for a kiss that lasted long enough to leave us winded once more. My heart was beating rapidly against my chest and I could feel his respiration quickened erratically. I wished for it to go further and I felt he wanted the same thing too, we both did, but Joe's present physical condition was not up to par, he was very weak from the seizure he suffered recently.

"Bella, I love you with all my heart and soul. Don't ever forget that." He whispered against my hair as his fingers traced the contours of my face.

"And I, you," I kissed my forefinger and placed it on his lips. I gathered some of Joe's thing for laundry and headed out of the hospital. I saw a figure that resembled Edward; the man I befriended stride through the double glass entrance before I reach my car. I sighed and rested my head on the steering wheel and finally let the floodgates of my tears out.

"I won't let you go, Joe."

A/N: Such an easy read right? Didn't give you a chance to get bored. I can't promise longer chapters for they are much more difficult to write and is also time consuming. I can make shorter chapters and fill them with scenes that I think will be good enough to keep you wanting more. If that's good for you, please let me know so I can continue the story of Edward, Joe and Bella. If you are curious to know who Kibi is, he is a cat that Joe gave Bella as a present for her birthday, a maine coon.