Chapter 21: Finally

"She has a fever," I said, holding Little One close as I pressed the back of my hand to her forehead. "I don't think it's that high, though."

Bella passed me a baby wipe, which I used to clean the excessive drool off of Sofia's puffy red cheeks and chin. "It's from the teething, right?" she asked.

I shrugged. "Yeah. At least, I hope so."

She ran her hand over Little One's head, kissing her forehead softly. It was almost midnight and Bella was about to go home, but Sofia's horrid screaming — which I was getting very used to — stopped her in her tracks. She followed behind me into the nursery, wanting to check on my little one for herself.

"Poor girl," she said, sighing. "I can stay."

"You don't have to, Bella. I'm getting used to her like this. I hate it, but I don't think it's going away any time soon."

"I want to stay." Her eyes held a look of determination. Who was I to deny her?

I nodded. "Okay, do you want to rock her? I'm going to grab her teething ring from the freezer."

She held her arms out, and I passed Sofia along, who was still crying. Bella moved across the room, sitting down in the rocking chair. She held Little One close, speaking so softly and rocking gently. She kissed her forehead over and over. It was . . . a sight I enjoyed for some reason. This woman was amazing with my child. She was just an amazing human being.

I left the nursery for the kitchen, grabbing the teething ring and thermometer. When I came back in, I gave Bella the plastic piece and kneeled down, sliding the thermometer into Little One's ear. She squirmed and fussed even louder for the moment it took to beep.

"It's not even over one-hundred and one," I said. "I really think it's from the teething."

Bella nodded, continuing to rock Sofia gently. Thankfully, Little One took the plastic into her mouth and chewed, helping to silence her wails. I stayed kneeled down, keeping my hand on my daughter for a little while as she calmed down.

"She looks like an angel," Bella said.

I looked up at her, smiling. "A loud angel."

She laughed softly. "Okay, yes, but she's so beautiful. You make cute babies, Dr. Cullen."

I grinned. "What can I say? I really do."

Once Little One had drifted to sleep, Bella laid her down in the crib. I kissed my daughter's forehead before we slipped out of the room. Bella's hand slid into mine as she smiled, pulling me across the hall.

"You don't mind if I stay, right?" she asked.

Oh, she still wanted to stay . . . nice. "Not at all."

We never did get another chance after Little One cockblocked me a few days ago, and from the way Bella was looking at me, it seemed she wanted it, too. Dear god, I seriously wanted it. Needed was more like it. My balls were so damn blue it wasn't funny.

Once we were in my room, she wrapped her arms around my torso, standing on her toes so our lips could meet. It was a slow, soft kiss. Our lips moved together as I pulled her closer, slipping my hand around her back and under her shirt, feeling her warm skin.

"I love you," she whispered.

I kissed her again. "I love you, too."

They were simple words, really, but words I had never thought of saying to a woman — at least not until Bella. Though they were simple, I knew she understood the weight of them coming from me. They made her smile and blush, and I very much enjoyed that.

We worked each other out of our clothes, and I laid her down on the bed, moving my lips over her chest and belly. When I kissed just below her navel, she shivered lightly. I worked my way back up, taking my time to worship her body. Her fucking perfect body that I couldn't get enough of. I wanted to touch every inch of it. I wanted to feel her quiver under my touch and hear the soft gasps escape her lips.

She placed a hand against my cheek as I slid back up her body. She rose up to meet my lips, letting her other hand run down my chest. Lower and lower. I broke our kiss, leaning over to my bedside table and pulling open the drawer.

"Good boy," she said.

I smirked, looking back at her as I grabbed a condom. "Little One is enough, wouldn't you say?"

She nodded. "Plenty."

She took the condom from me, pushing me onto my back. She ripped it open and rolled it on slowly, making me even more painfully hard. Jesus Christ. I pulled her down on me, flipping us back over as I pressed my lips back to hers, moving them slowly down her jaw and to her neck.

"Are you sure?" I asked, parting her leg with mine.

"Yes," she panted. "Yes."

I pushed into her, taking my time. Damn, I had missed this feeling. But every motion felt better than what I remembered. Bella was . . . she felt unbelievable. I fucking . . . god, I fucking loved it. She rocked her hips against mine, lifting her leg around me. I ran my tongue over her neck, kissing the soft skin as I continued my movements. She threw her head back, moaning as I did. Her hand came up to my shoulder, griping it tightly as the bed creaked.

"Jesus, baby," I groaned, moving my fingers to her clit. "So good."

She mumbled incoherently, tightening her grip on my arm as I picked up my pace, rocking into her and circling her clit with my fingers. I moved my mouth back up to hers, nipping at her bottom lip as she shook and cried out. I wasn't far behind her, grunting her name as I collapsed beside her.

I panted, blinking as Bella curled into my side, placing her head against my chest. I removed the condom, throwing it in the trashcan beside the bed before wrapping my arm around her. I looked down at her face, which held a smile.

"You're beautiful," I said. "So fucking beautiful."

She laughed softly. "I don't know if you can see it, but I'm blushing."

I tilted her chin, kissing her softly. "My mission to make you blush as much as possible is going well."

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up or I'm going home."

I pulled her closer, wrapping both my arms around her. "Hell no. You're not going anywhere. I'm not even almost done with you."

. . . . .

I woke up, feeling a warm body against mine. I opened my eyes, looking down at Bella, who lay in my arms, peacefully asleep. I lifted the blanket, raising my head to look down. I smiled to myself, enjoying the view of her fucking nice body. Suddenly, she turned over onto her stomach, and I lost visual of her boobs. Damn.

I quietly got out of bed, looking at my phone for missed calls from the hospital. Nothing, but I did notice it was seven-thirty and Little One hadn't woken me up. I wanted to get on my knees and praise God for the full night's rest, but I didn't and opted to go make sure she was all right before celebrating.

I found my discarded boxers and pulled them on before walking across the hall. I looked down in the crib and found Little One's eyes open, watching me. I lifted her up, holding her close.

"I love you, Little One," I said, kissing her forehead and making my way to the changing table. "Did you sleep well? Daddy did, so thanks for that."

She gurgled, putting her hand in her mouth as I unsnapped the onesie and changed out the dirty diaper — without gloves. Yeah, I had been working on that. Bella told me how fucking ridiculous it was. She was right, of course, but I still didn't like the idea of shit on my hands. Once Sofia was all clean, I took her temperature again, to be sure the fever was gone. Thankfully, it was, but I had a feeling last night wouldn't be the last appearance.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, moving out of her room and toward the kitchen.

I sat her down in the high chair as I made a bottle and started a pot of coffee. She just looked around, making her usual soft noises as she waited to be fed. This good mood was . . . I fucking loved it. Maybe she realized how happy I was? I didn't know, but whatever the reason, I'd take it. This was the first morning in almost a week that she wasn't fussy. She took the bottle easily, drinking until it was gone. I gave her a few moments before mixing up her cereal and putting her back in the high chair.

"I didn't hear her," Bella said, coming into the kitchen — wearing only my t-shirt, mind you. Shit, her legs.

"She didn't cry," I said, offering Little One the spoon. "I just made the coffee."

She smiled, opening the cabinet for a mug. "I can smell. Thanks."

I watched her as she moved around the kitchen, admiring her legs and ass until Little One made an angry noise. I looked back and my kid, surprised it came from her. It was a whine crossed with a scream. I quickly gave her more cereal, which made her happy again.

Okay, don't fuck with Little One and her breakfast.

"Here," Bella said, placing a mug on the counter beside me as she sat down on the other bar stool.

"Thanks," I said, taking a sip.

I watched as she held the mug to her lips, breathing in the aroma before drinking any. She really was beautiful, and I wanted to kick myself for not seeing it from the first moment I saw her. Why hadn't I? How could she have literally been no concern to me? I was a blind fucker for not seeing it. And I was so damn lucky I was given the chance to.

"So, what are you doing today?" I asked, continuing to feed Sofia.

"I have to go to the grocery store," she said. "Do you guys want to come? You know, now that Sofia can ride in my car." She smiled.

Bella had gotten a new car the day after hers went to the scrapyard. I actually took her while Little One spent the day with my parents. She picked out a new Honda Civic, which she said she loved. I wasn't shy about the fact that it was so much better than her truck. I even made a few quips, which got me a slap on the arm.

"Sure," I said. "Little One and I are going back to that Mommy and Me class tomorrow, since I'm off."

She laughed. "Is it wrong I want to come and record you?"

I scowled. "If I see you anywhere near there, you'll regret it."

"I'm kidding! But I know she'll like that. I'm glad you're going again, even if it's not on a regular schedule."

"Yeah, too bad I usually work weekdays," I lied. I was fucking thrilled I had that excuse not to always attend the class.

"Yes, I'm sure you're devastated," she said, laughing softly. "I'm going to go get a shower. I made muffins yesterday. Do you want me to bring some over when I'm done?"

"Is that seriously a question?" I laughed, wiping Little One's face since she was finished.

"Point taken. Don't return without muffins."

She kissed me before leaving the kitchen for my room. When she came back through, she had her pants on, but my shirt was still covering her. I liked seeing her in it, so I wasn't about to say anything. Before she left, I wrapped my arms around her again.

"Thank you," I said, caressing her cheek, making her blush.

"For what?" she asked.

I kissed her, pecking her lips softly. "You know what."

"Yeah, well, I can't say I didn't get just as much enjoyment," she giggled.

I chuckled. "That's good to know." I moved my lips to her ear, telling her I loved her before I kissed her once more.

. . . . .

While she was gone, I quickly showered and dressed Little One for the day. It really hit me how old she was getting when I put her in the little pink dress for six-month olds. Jesus Christ, she was almost six fucking months old. Where had the time gone? I couldn't believe I had met my daughter four months ago. It didn't feel like it. It suddenly felt like she was growing up too fast.

"I honestly don't think there's a better baby in the world than you, Little One," I said, putting the flower that matched the dress in her hair. "Do you know how glad I am that I have you?"

She gurgled and cooed, making sounds that I wanted to interpret as words, though I knew they weren't. I picked her up off the changing table and held her above me. "I'm going to need to hear 'daddy' soon," I said, bringing her down and kissing her cheek.

She grabbed a fist full of my hair with one hand as the other made its way to my mouth. I pretended to nibble on her fingers as she giggled and pulled them away. I brought her back out to the living room as we waited for Bella.

We sat on the floor, playing with a ball. I had her sitting on her own with her back against the couch. Her legs were in a V shape to help her with balance, and she was doing pretty damn good, actually.

"Are we going to go bye-bye?" I asked as she titled her head, smiling. I rolled her the ball once more, and she picked it up and dropped it. I reached out and picked it up. "Good girl."

After a few minutes, she seemed to get bored, so I laid her down on her belly. I watched as she managed to actually move. She inched her body forward, scooting on her stomach. Shit. She was getting mobile.

There was a knock on my door, so I yelled for Bella to come in since I didn't want to move just yet. This was a big fucking deal. Scooting led to crawling, which would lead to walking. And walking meant Little One getting into shit, which I seriously wasn't ready for.

"She's moving!" Bella exclaimed, coming to sit down next to me. She handed me the baggie of muffins, and I grabbed one out.

"This is bad," I said. "My apartment isn't baby safe."

"Well, we'll make it safe," she said as I ate the muffin. "I mean, it's not like she's going to start walking around tomorrow."

"Yeah," I sighed. "Shit, you know she'll be six months old next week?"

She smiled, nodding. "Yep. August second."

I cocked my head. "You knew that off the top of your head?"

"Of course I did. She may be your daughter, but you know I love her. I know things. Besides, your mom called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to go shopping with her this week. Sofia is going to grow out of her clothes soon, and Esme said she doesn't have many things for her age now."

"Yeah, some of her sleepers and onesies are getting tight. So, shopping with my mom?" I smirked.

"I like your mom . . . a lot, actually. She's so nice."

"Best damn mom in the world."

"N'aww, you and your momma's boy tendencies are precious," she laughed as I finished my muffin.

I stood up, picking Little One up off of the floor. She hadn't moved far, but I still found it intimidating that she moved at all. "So, grocery store and then more sex, right?" I asked Bella.

Her jaw dropped. "Edward!"

I chuckled, passing her Sofia. "I'm . . . Well, I was going to say I'm kidding, but I'm not."

She shook her head, walking back to Sofia's nursery as I followed. "You're . . . something else," she said.

I shrugged. "Yeah, but I know you're thinking the same thing." I winked, grabbing the diaper bag as she buckled Little One into the car seat. "I need to get diapers and baby wipes. Don't let me forget."

"I have a list in my purse. I'll write it down. Anything else?"

I shook my head as I threw the bag over my shoulder and held my hand out for the car seat. "No, I think we're good."

. . . . .

Bella was a woman on a mission. I carried Little One in her car seat as Bella quickly lead us around the store, crossing things off her list as she grabbed them. We were only in the store for a half an hour before we went through the checkout line with a full cart.

"She's precious," the older woman said as she checked us out.

I grinned, switching the car seat to my other hand. "Thank you," I said.

"She looks so much like you. I can barely see Mommy in her features." She looked up to Bella, moving her eyes between us.

I found Bella to be beat red with wide eyes, unsure of what to say. "Yeah," I said.

"How old is she?"

"Almost six months."

She smiled and hit a few keys, bringing the total up on the screen. "They're so sweet at that age. Can't talk back," she laughed.

I chuckled, handing her my credit card as Bella elbowed me in the side. "What?" I asked.

She forced cash into my hand with a glare. "No."

I rolled my eyes and tucked the money into my pocket before signing the screen. I would just stuff it somewhere in her car to find later. Once the cart was filled with our bags, Bella pushed it in front of me out to the parking lot.

I couldn't help but asked, "Did she make you uncomfortable?"

"Huh? Oh, um . . . I didn't know what to say," she said as she unlocked the doors. I passed her the car seat and started putting the bags away.

"I think that's going to be a normal assumption," I said. "That you're her mother."

"I didn't want to overstep or anything."

"It doesn't bother me, if that's what you think. I mean, I know you're not her mom, but you're the closest thing she has — even before we started dating."

She smiled and blushed before moving to the backdoor and putting Sofia in. "I didn't want to correct her," she said.

"I'm glad you didn't."

I closed the trunk and moved around to the passenger side as she finished buckling Sofia in. I took her moment of distraction to put the money in her center console, hoping she didn't notice. She got in the front seat and started the car, so I figured I was safe — for now, at least. When she found the money, I had a feeling she wouldn't be happy. But if you thought about it, most of those groceries fed me, too. It was only fair I paid.

"Do you need to go anywhere?" she asked. "Want to grab an early lunch?"

I smiled. "Sounds good to me."

. . . . .

We got back to my apartment around noon, just in time for Little One's nap, which she dearly needed. For some reason, though, she didn't want to go down. Bella took her from me and tried to work her magic, but Little One screamed in protest. She even pulled at Bella's hair.

"Shh, baby girl," Bella said, rocking her gently in her arms. She moved one hand and opened Sofia's mouth, running her finger along her bottom gums, like she had told me to do. "You're okay, just take a nap."

Bella continued to coo and rock Little One until she fell asleep. She was so damn good at that — a natural in every way. Once Sofia was sound asleep, Bella got up from the couch and put her in her crib. When Bella came back, she laid down in my arms on the couch.

"I think we should try to master the art of the quickie," I said as she about snorted. "No, seriously. Practice makes perfect, right? Let's practice." I smirked.

"You're horny," she laughed.

"Damn straight I am."

"I feel bad for you."

"Pity is good. Pity means I'll get some, yes?"

She lifted her head, kissing me. "Maybe," she said with a sly smile.

"Would you prefer to be romanced? I can romance you right out of those panties."

"Wow," she laughed. "That statement screams romance. Nice going, Dr. Cullen."

"I like when you call me that. It puts kinky thoughts in my head."

She turned bright red and ducked her head in my chest as she shook with laughter. I caressed her back, moving lower and lower until my hand was on her ass.

"You could be a naughty nurse . . . or patient. Your choice," I said.

"Please, stop," she said, her voice muffled by my t-shirt.

"Move my hand or stop talking?"

She lifted her head, capturing my lips for a moment. "Talking," she said. "Stop talking."

I nodded as she stroked my cheek — not my dick, sadly — and kissed me again, moving her body against mine, making me fucking hard. A few moments passed and the kiss went deeper, with more passion. I wanted her. I wanted to feel every inch of her again, like last night. I wanted her to cry my name over and over as I made her feel amazing. And as we broke the kiss and she looked me in the eyes, I knew she wanted it, too.

We moved into my bedroom, wordlessly. I stripped her, moving my lips down her bare chest, going lower and lower. I laid her down on the bed and moved down her body, slowing pulling her panties off before running the tip of my finger back up her leg, to her inner thigh. I parted her, moving my finger into her slowly, feeling that she was just perfectly wet for me. I kissed her thighs before spreading her legs. I ran my tongue over her clit as she gasped, grabbing my hair.

I looked up at her, silently asking for permission. She just nodded as I continued to pump my finger in and out, adding another. I moved my tongue against her clit again, circling it slowly, enjoying the way she tasted. So fucking good. My tongue moved down, joining my fingers as my other hand moved up her thigh, feeling the small goose bumps that I was causing. Moans filled my ears, and I loved the sound. I loved knowing I was making her feel good.

I teased her clit again with my tongue, and her body shuddered beneath me. I heard my name, louder and louder as I kept going. She tightened around my fingers as she came, crying out.

"Oh . . . God," she sighed as I looked up at her.

I grinned and kissed her belly, moving back up her body. "You're gorgeous," I said, caressing her cheek.

She was flushed — her face, neck, and chest. The tint of red to her pale skin made it . . . stunning. Plain and simple. She moved onto her side after a few moments, laying her arm over my chest.

"Well, that was . . . new," she said.

I cocked my eyebrow. "New?"

"Yeah, new. But it was," she sighed, smiling, "great."

I kissed her forehead before she moved on top of me and reached over to the end table. She pulled the drawer open and grabbed a condom. She slid it on my hard dick, and then moved, bringing me into her. She moved slowly. It felt so fucking good. I watched her beautiful breasts move with her, bringing my hands up to them. She moaned and threw her head back. I flipped us over, picking up the pace. So. Damn. Close. Her legs wrapped around my waist, holding us close together.

I groaned, kissing her neck as I came. "I love you," I whispered.

And I did. I honest to God loved her.