Chapter 20 Babies

I opened the door quickly, smiling. My mom was smiling, at me, holding a small dark skinned baby in pink frills. I immediately took her from my mom. "Come in, come in" I said leading her into the living room. She was looking around, obviously seizing the place up. I held the tiny, fragile, baby close to me, "How old is she now?" My mom smiled at the baby. "Only a month, your poor cousin came down with the flu, she can't be around her". I cradled her in my arms "I don't mind at all". I looked at her lovingly. My mom watched me "I'll go get her bag then". She walked off quickly out of the house. A few minute later she walked back in carrying two pink diaper bags. "I put a list in there of feeding information and stuff I didn't think you would know". I rolled my eyes at her "I'm not that stupid you know".

My mom got an annoying smile on her face "Sometimes I wonder". I let it slide "You know, it wouldn't kill you to admit you were wrong". I gave her a pointed look. My mom only laughed "I don't think I was wrong. I just wish we could resolve this, and that you would come back home where you belong.'. I shook my head at her "I belong here with Sam. My place is wheris". She scoffed at that "Fine. Just remember, I'm still your mother and I do love you, I just think you're making a mistake". I kissed the sleeping baby "I'll call Jade if I need anything else". I walked to the door pointedly. My mom stepped out "I'll call and check on her later". She left hurriedly, glancing around. I smirked. She was hoping to run into Sam I knew.

I shut the door and went to the couch and sat down, just holding the baby. I marveled at how beautiful she was. So tiny. I held her tiny hand in my finger. I simply sat there and watched her sleep in my arms until Sam came in. His face lit up when he saw the tiny bundle I held. "What's her name?" he whispered, not wanting to wake her. "Claire". I whispered back. I shifted her slightly and he obligingly held out his arms and took her. I couldn't help but smile at Sam holding the baby. He looked so utterly right with her. Sam stared down at her, struck by her as much as I'd been. "I've got to start dinner". I stood up slowly, being careful not to jostle her.

Sam nodded and waved me off, he propped his feet up on the coffee table and leaned his head back, trying to nap while he was stuck holding the baby. I hummed quietly as I cooked, moving around swiftly. I would stop and peer in at them every now and then. Both of them were sleeping. I shook my head with a smile. I didn't have Sam figured as baby person somehow. I finished dinner quickly. I hated to wake them up. I sat down by Sam and slowly moved Claire from his arms. His eyes opened quickly "What's wrong?" he mumbled. I smiled at him "Your dinners ready". He rubbed his eyes. "Thanks Em" He kissed my cheek softly as he got up and stretched. "Lets hope she does that all night' he joked as he went to the table where I'd fixed his plate. Sam ate hurriedly, never taking his eyes off of us.

I heard a small cry and Claire's tiny little arms flailed as she opened her mouth and wailed loudly. I laughed at her "Hungry are we?" I got up bouncing her as I carried her to kitchen and popped a bottle in the microwave. I shushed her while it warmed. Even crying I thought she was adorable. Sam stared for a minute "What's wrong with her?" he said worried. I glanced at Sam as I shook the bottle up and tested it before popping it in her mouth "She's hungry". Sam looked at Claire and made a face "Don't see how that can taste good". I giggled "She probably thinks the same thing about your almost bloody steak". Sam popped another bite in his mouth "I happen to like it". Claire sucked greedily as I walked around with her, "We'll have to find a spot for her bassinet".

"In our room?" he asked warily. I nodded "Yes in our room. She can't sleep too far from us. I might not hear her if she cries". Sam downed the last bit of water. "I'll take everything up stairs. You don't need to carry it". In a moments time he had the fold up bassinet and the bags walking up the stairs with them. "You're so cute" I cooed to Claire as I changed her. She seemed to smile up at me, even though I knew she was too little. I picked her back up, and leaned her over my shoulder, rubbing her back. I heard something moving across the floor and frowned at the ceiling. "You ok?" I called up. "Just making some room" was his answer. I breathed in Claire's baby lotion smell and closed my eyes. I loved the feeling of this tiny body against mine.

******Later that night*****

I came out of the bathroom in my pajamas. Shorts and a tank top and socks. I peered down at the sleeping baby and smiled at her and placed my hand on her, feeling her breathing before I crawled into the bed beside Sam. He was flipping through an old, worn book. I turned on my side, facing him. "Isn't she perfect?" I said in an awed voice. Sam laughed 'That's the third time you've told me that in the last hour". I blushed 'I cant help it. She's just… so.. Adorable." He closed the book and leaned over me to put on the night stand. "I know I know. I like her too". He hovered over me. "Good things she's asleep" he said huskily as he kissed me forcibly. I drank it in, melting into him. It was nice having Sam at home with me. "mmm" I murmured as he pressed against me. I clutched his back as he kissed down my neck stopping at the nape of it and running the tip of his tongue down it. "Sam…" I whispered. He lifted his head up "Want me to stop?" I nodded, not saying anything, I wasn't sure I could piece a sentence together right now anyways. Sam rolled back off of me and onto his back. "Only one more week til you need to go back to the doctor right?"

"I found one in Port Angeles, since I can't see Dr. Cullen anymore". I still didn't feel quite right about that. "Good. You want me to go with you?" I moved to his side, wiggling over to him. "I'll be fine. You have to work anyways". Sam laughed lightly "I don't have to work that day. Larry sees things my way with my work schedule".

"No. Go to work. I want you to get a new couch and things, you need the money". Sam poked me in the side jokingly "I just love the way you put that'. It seemed natural, laying here, arguing with each other. Everything fit so right for us. "I'll only have the baby for one night". I frowned at the thought of giving her back. "I want to get started decorating after that". Sam only yawned "Whatever you want". It was easy to get him to agree. 'Thanks" I said softly. "I don't mind it you know an arm around me as we lay there. "I love you". I kissed his cheek as he said it. "I know you do. I don't know if I deserve it sometimes though". Sam's hand rested on my shoulder "You do. And so much more". I closed my eyes, and leaned in for another kiss, Wham!

We jerked apart. I sat up "What was that?" I whispered. Sam slid off the end of the bed "I'll go see. Stay here". He walked out of our room and down the stairs, not worried at all. I sat up, waiting for some noise. I could hear him talking to someone. "Its fine. No. Its okay Paul. I was up anyways". I sighed heavily. So much for a night together. I just couldn't win an entire night with Sam for anything.

I heard a deep voice apologizing still, "It just.. Hit me. I was too scared to be alone. My mom's at work on the late shift". Sam replied back "I told you it was ok to come over any time, just uh. Excuse me a moment". There was silence "I didn't know that--" Sam's voice boomed out again closer to me this time "No. I was just laying there awake". I heard him as he came down the hallway. "Paul's here" he said apologetically. "He doesn't want to be alone right now. I'm gonna hang out down stairs with him". I tried not to let the resentment come through "Its okay. I'll be up with Claire anyways". Actually I'd only be up with her every four hours for feeding. I saw him through the dim light coming from downstairs, pulling a shirt on over his bare chest. "Don't stay up for me". I laid my head on the pillow sadly. Our second night was ruined.

The next morning early, I yawned sleepily as I walked down stairs in a robe with Claire who had woken me up for a bottle. I walked down quietly. I had a feeling Paul had stayed all night with Sam. Sure enough, a shorter, stockier, boy was slumped over on the couch. Sam was already awake and watching tv. He looked up as I walked by carrying the baby. "Morning beautiful" He said sweetly as he got up. He hugged me slightly "I'll hold her". Without me having to even pass her to him, he'd pulled the baby in his own arms. "Thanks" I glanced at Paul. "I'll fix you guys breakfast after I feed her". He nodded as he sat down, rocking her back and forth. "Too bad she has to go home later". He seemed truly sorry for it.

I handed Sam the warm bottle and he gently held it to the whimpering baby. I watched him care for her, he seemed to be good with kids. I walked back to the stove and started breakfast for Sam and Paul. I was frying pieces of bacon when I heard a low, but deep voice say "Morning". I turned around and smiled I slid Claire from Sam's arm into my own. "Help yourself'. I felt like I needed to overly nice to Paul for some reason. I glanced at Sam "I'm going to put her back down". He nodded, his facial expression was different than normal. It had a harder look than what I was used to. I walked back up the stairs, whispering and cooing to the tiny baby. I set her carefully into her bassinet and started picking up around the room. It didn't take long to realize Sam went through a ton of clothes. Everything was basically new. I threw some into he hamper Id moved into the corner of the room and made sure Claire was asleep before I went back downstairs and left the bedroom door open to hear her if she cried

As I came back down I could hear Paul talking. "I just feel so… angry.. So mad" Sam's deeper, sterner voice said "Its normal. I couldn't be around a lot of people for about three weeks. I told Jared not to go to school for two weeks. I don't want you guys phasing because you lost your temper there". I rounded the corner into the kitchen. Sam's eyes fell on me, the love was still in them, he just wasn't being the same Sam right now. I reached over him and started clearing the table. "Can I get you anything else?" Sam shook his head no, as did Paul. I saw Paul out of the corner of my eye, watching us. He looked away after a moment, flushing it seemed. "So uh.. Is that normal?" he said softly. Motioning towards me. I looked down at Sam wondering what he meant.

Sam smiled, my Sam's smile. "Not from what the legends say. Imprinting is rare. Usually only the Alphas and their seconds will imprint." Paul rested his head in his hands. "I should get going. My mom's gonna be worried". Sam nodded, "If she gives you any trouble for not coming home, call me and I'll come talk to her. I had to go do the same with Jared's folks. Being an Elder has some perks for you kids I guess". Paul laughed "Never thought I'd be hanging out with you though." Sam sipped his coffee. "Me, Jared, and Emily are all the friends you have right now. Just remember that. You cant be around anyone else until you can control it". Paul smirked "I have a feeling that's easier said than done". He got up and shook Sam's hand. "I'll try not to bother you guys again tonight". He gave Sam a look. Sam rolled his eyes "Go home kid". He watched Paul as he walked down our long driveway.

warmly at the boy. He didn't look much older than I was. "Have a seat. I'll be done in a moment". Paul pulled out one of the wooden chairs and sat down. He looked as tired as Sam did most days. "I didn't know you had a baby". he said slowly. Sam cleared his throat "She's Emily's niece". Paul nodded quickly and averted his eyes from Sam. I walked towards the table and sat down a heaping plate of bacon and another of scrambled eggs.

"Is he.. Safe?" I asked Sam. Paul seemed to be holding something back. "He's fine. Just angrier than me and Jared. Short tempered." I didn't like the idea of Paul losing his temper. Sam softened to me "Don't worry about him. He won't hurt you. He knows not to even try". Sam leaned beside me, where I was washing the dishes. "Thanks for fixing breakfast for us". He smiled down at me. "Paul thinks you don't like him". I laughed as I dried the plates. "I don't even know him". I wiped my hands off on the dish towel and put my arms around Sam's waist, "I won't like him if he comes back tonight though". Sam smirked at me as I leaned up to him, and kissed him on the jaw line. 'It was getting pretty interesting wasn't it?" he mumbled into my hair as he pulled me closer to him. I felt like my back might break from the grip he had on me now. He pushed me over slightly so that now I was pressed between him and the counter. I moved my hands to run through his hair, I couldn't help but want him. Sam was perfect. He knew what to do to make me want him like this.

I closed my eyes, relishing in his mouth running across my neck, stopping at just the right spot. "Sam…" I whispered as he sucked on my neck, in the curve, making me sigh. I squirmed slightly in his arms, I thought I heard him laugh as he moved his warm lips downwards towards my chest. He stopped there and slid his hands up the back of the thin thank top I had on. I shivered, almost forgetting the running water in the sink next to us. I arched slightly and he took it as a sign to continue. Sam kissed me roughly as he started lifting my shirt. He paused, and looked at me, as if to ask first. I heard someone walking in the living room "Sam? Emily?" I froze and looked at him horrified, I shoved him away just as Helen walked in. I could feel my face burning as I turned the water off. Sam was looking at the wooden floor, "Hey mom".

Mrs. Uley stared at us for a moment before flushing herself "I guess I should start knocking before I just let myself in". Sam seemed to cringe 'Yeah, please.". She laid down a small wicker basket. "I got a few things I thought Emily would need until she can get to the store herself". She opened the top and pulled out things like Tylenol, pepto, and to Sam's horror. Tampons. 'Thanks' I told her appreciatively. Helen pulled out a bag of crushed herbs and roots. "Drink these once a week, it'll help your immune system out". I nodded as she took out a few other things she knew didn't have. I small cry made us all jump. Claire. I'd almost forgotten her. I hurried upstairs. "Who's baby?" Helen asked curiously as I went to get her. "Claire. Emily's niece."

I ran to the crying baby and picked her up, rubbing her back gently. "I'm sorry precious' I whispered to her. I carried her back downstairs with me. She'd quieted back down, Sam had already grabbed a bottle and warmed it and had it ready. Helen immediately wanted a turn holding her. I smiled as she played with the baby while she ate. Claire seemed to have that affect on everyone. Helen stayed and played with Claire and chatted easily with us until Jade came to get her. I hated to give her up. I wanted to keep her. I wanted a baby.

I sat down next to Sam on the couch, he was watching tv, only it looked like he was staring at it, not really watching it. I frowned at him "What's wrong?" Sam snapped out of it. "Just thinking is all" he put an arm around me. "I noticed you've been in a daze too". I shrugged and leaned against. "Just thinking" I said slyly. Sam laughed "Thinking on what?". I pulled at a thread on my shirt, "Claire" I said simply. Sam smiled faintly "She was sweet", I licked my lips, "Do you want kids?" I asked, not sure if I wanted an answer. Sam moved his arm around me. "Doesn't everyone? I want as many as I can have". I twiddled my fingers, "Can I ask you something else?" Sex was a topic, we hadn't really discussed.

Sam eyes looked at me curiously "Shoot". I kept my face down, "Was Leah the only one you had..?" Sam stiffened beside me. "Does it matter?" he said finally. I shrugged, "I was just curious. I mean we never really talked about this part". Sam turned around on the couch so that he was facing me. "I didn't think we had to". I scooted away from him "I know you were with her. She told me". Sam sighed "I figured she did, and yes she was the only one". I bit my lip slightly, thinking. "So it was only Leah then". He gave me a look "I told you she was. And yes, we were careful".

I felt satisfied I'd gotten the truth out of him. "Why are we even talking about this?" he wondered. I tried to keep my face cool, and unemotional. "I just thought after the kitchen earlier that we should". Sam rubbed the back of his neck, "And what do you think about us?" I met his eyes "I think you already know that. I promised I wouldn't do anything I'd regret later". Sam showed no signs of being uncomfortable now "I know. I could tell. Doesn't bother me".

I still hadn't quite got everything out that I wanted to say. Sam kissed my cheek. "I want---" A sharp knock came on the door. "Come in" Sam called out. The door opened. Paul and Jared of course. They averted their eyes away from us, I felt annoyed. They'd ruined it. I pulled away from Sam, allowing him to do his whole pack leader thing. I stood up from the couch, "I'm going to bed" I said looking at Sam. He nodded and seemed to dismiss me in a way. I said goodnight politely to the boys and headed upstairs. Another night lost.