Your promised update. Thank you for your continued support. Many thanks to Liz and Mid-Night. A large part was added after this was betaed so any mistakes are mine alone.

I gripped Bella's elbow. "She spoke?"

Bella nodded. "She did, Edward. And again, it was in response to someone else's need."

"Tell me...please."

"You remember Angela, our partially deaf student?"

I nodded. I knew Emma played with Angela quite a bit, even signing with her frequently.

"Angela tripped on the playground and skinned her knee. I brought her into my office to clean and bandage it and Emma followed us. Angela was crying pretty hard. Emma watched us for a minute and then she went over to Rag's basket and picked him up, and gave him to Angela to hold." She drew in a deep breath, smiling as she recalled what had happened. "She smiled at Angela and said, "Rags make you feel better, Angela. He make me better."

I gasped. "Out loud? Not whispering?"

Bella shook her head. "It was still soft, Edward, but it was spoken. She knew Angela couldn't read her lips if she was whispering."

I shook my head, as tears filled my eyes. I had missed it.

Bella stepped forward, and took my hand in hers. "Don't look like that, Edward. She'll do it again. She will talk. Her caring nature doesn't allow her to see someone suffer. Angela needed comforting and that is what she did."

I nodded silently. Bella's hand then cupped my cheek, caressing it. Sighing, I leaned into her gentle touch.

"Just like you, Edward. She is just like you. Caring and loving. She put Angela's needs over her own fear."

"What happened?" I asked quietly.

"Angela stopped crying and snuggled Rags while I cleaned her knee. Emma stood beside her and patted her arm the whole time. Then the two of them went off and played together. It was just so touching, Edward."

"It made you cry," I smiled at her, remembering her red, watery eyes when she got here.

"It did."

"Emma is with my mom?"

"Yes."

The door above us opened. "Cullen!" Jake bellowed out. "Quit messing round with the little Swan chick and get up here! It's utter chaos! I'm dying up here!"

I looked at Bella regretfully. "I have to go, QB."

She nodded in understanding. "I have my first-aid recertification course tonight, Edward. I'll see you in the morning."

Shit. I had forgotten. I was finally able to go home and I wouldn't see her tonight.

Reaching out, I dragged her back to me and kissed her hard.

"Thank you for coming to tell me. Call me when you get home."

"Okay," she breathed.

"Drive safely. Lock your doors."

Bella arched one eyebrow. "Anything else?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry for being an asshole...again."

"You're forgiven."

"Good. Kiss me again," I groaned as I pulled her closer and kissed her deeply before she left.

I walked back upstairs feeling considerably better than when I had chased Bella down them. Together we would face Tanya's call. And, my Emma had made another small step towards coming back to me.

I was still grinning when I made my way to the desk to grab a chart. Jake glared at me for a minute and then laughed.

"What?"

"Nothing."

It wasn't until I was changing to go home I realized the nothing, was shiny smudged lip gloss marks, trailing up my cheek to my ear.

I shook my head. No wonder I got some strange looks from patients. Of course, Jake would find that amusing.

Bastard. I'd get him.

*()*

Slowly, the days passed. Staff began returning to work and after this week was over, my life could return to some semblance of order. I was looking forward to spending more time with Bella and Emma as a family, as well as getting the chance to have Bella alone.

Thankfully, because of Bella and my mother the horrendous hours and time away from Emma had been easier. I knew she was being well cared for and was happy being with either of them, which eased my mind.

Bella made sure I ate daily and her texts and calls brightened my hours away from her. In the week since she had dropped by the hospital to share her news, Bella had convinced me to stop being so "anal" and I made a point of seeing both of them every day at the daycare centre, even if it was only for a few minutes.

And, keeping my promise, I had spoken confidentially to a member of the Stress Management team, who, not only showed me some exercises to use when I felt myself getting upset but also suggested further sessions, to help me deal with my sudden habit of overreacting. I was surprised how effective the exercises were and immediately noticed that I was able to keep my emotions in check with far greater ease. I found talking to Trina very enlightening and she helped me put things into perspective. She made me realize that, while I had dealt with all of Emma's needs I had neglected to address any of my own residual anger left over from Tanya's abandonment of us. I found some of the sessions difficult, but I knew I had to persevere. I was doing this for my future. To be the man I wanted and needed to be for Emma and Bella. Especially Bella. I was not proud of myself for my reactions and I never wanted to see the hurt look on her face again and know that I was the one who had put it there. She deserved far better, so despite the long hours and stressful schedule, I made time every day to talk to Trina. And every day that I saw only smiles from Bella, encouraged and gave me the incentive to keep going.

The nights I was able to get home, I spent with Emma, playing and just being with her. When she was able to, Bella joined us and I loved the time we were able to share together. Rags was there most of the time and Emma's soft whispers to him were endearing to watch, but as soon as I drew near, they ceased. I didn't understand why and I tried to convince myself I should just be happy she was using her voice at all, but every time it happened, I felt a little sadder. Bella was convinced she would begin talking soon, and I hung on to that hope tightly. Every day she shared stories of some small step Emma would take, even one day whispering directly to my mother, and while I rejoiced in the news, I still felt the hollowness of my reaction at times. I wanted her to whisper at me. To talk to me. To tell me what she needed.

I just wanted my Babygirl back.

I sat down heavily in front of my locker, my eyes focusing on the Post- it note stuck on the inside of the door. Tanya's phone number. I still hadn't called her. Demitri had let me know she had called again, still refusing to tell him what she wanted. I scrubbed my face with my hands, vowing I would do that as soon as this week was over. It was Thursday and I only had one more shift to get through. Friday 4pm could not come fast enough. I had the whole weekend off and I planned on spending it all with Bella, Emma and some quality sleep time. I had already promised Bella and Emma we would go for pizza on Friday night, and since Mom had been asking about having Emma for a Saturday night sleepover, I was planning on asking Bella out for a proper date, just the two of us. It felt like we had gone from friends to instant family, with her taking up the majority of the responsibilities for me and I wanted to let her know how much I appreciated it. How much I appreciated her. And, I wanted to spend an evening together, two adults enjoying each other. I grinned as I thought about the ways I was hoping we would enjoy ourselves; perhaps a longer, less clothed version of what we had shared in her office. Maybe even convince her to join me in some quality sleep time…after.

Jake walked in, whistling. "Hey, I was hoping to catch you."

I chuckled. "You're speaking to me again?"

He laughed. "Gotta give you and Bella props. You got me."

I smiled remembering the prank I had pulled off, thanks to Bella. I had no idea how sneaky and clever my girl could be when she wanted to be. A few days after the lip gloss incident, she had given me a small vial of clear, scented, sparkly glitter, which I had dumped into the pockets of his lab coat, making sure to put extra in the one where he kept his prescription pad. It had taken him a while before he noticed, and by that point, the glitter was all over his hands, lab coat, and the best part, through his hair. Even the shower he took after he discovered the source of the glitter hadn't gotten rid of all of it and he had spent most of the day sparkling under the lights, and smelling like bubble gum. It provided all the staff with some much needed laughter and once he had stopped cursing and body checking me into the wall every time he saw me in the hall, had actually played it up to his advantage, and joined in our laughter.

"What's up?"

"I'm off the next couple of days."

I nodded. "I'm off for the weekend. Looking forward to being out of here."

Jake laughed. "I feel you. So listen…"

"What?"

He shifted from side to side and then nervously scratched the back of his neck. "Have you, um, thought of what happens after this place?"

I grinned at him. "Are you asking me about Heaven, Jake? I'm not so sure that's where you're headed…after...especially given your active…lifestyle."

He laughed. "No, man. I meant, what are your plans for the future? Have you thought about something beyond the hospital?"

I frowned. "At this point, not really. I've sort of been just trying to get by, day by day, since I got here."

Jake nodded. "Yeah, I can understand that. You've had a lot to deal with."

I nodded. That was an understatement.

Jake regarded me, his eyes narrowed. "Can we do dinner one night next week, Edward?"

"Sorry Jake, but I'm already seeing someone. And, no offence, but she is a lot prettier to look at than you."

He laughed. "Back at you. But really, maybe we could double? I have an...unexpected opportunity to share with you."

"Wow, you're serious."

"Yes, very," he replied.

"Sure. I'll check with Bella. By double I assume you mean Leah? Wore her down did you?"

Grinning, he nodded. "She is amazing, Edward. Really amazing. Best thing that has ever happened to me. She is just…" He shook his head, his voice uncommonly soft. "I can't even describe what she is."

I stared at him in shock. He sounded sincere and in awe of her. He'd fallen. Hard.

I grinned back at him. "I never thought I'd see the day; Dr. Black has finally met his match?"

He nodded, smiling sheepishly.

I stood up. I was exhausted and needed to go get Emma. Bella had mentioned she seemed off when I spoke with her earlier and I wanted to get her home. I clapped Jake's shoulder. "It suits you, Jake. I'll talk to Bella."

"Good, Edward. Soon okay? It's important."

I nodded, intrigued. "Okay, Jake. I'll call you."

Grabbing my bag, I hurried out to my car. I was late to pick Emma up. And to see Bella.

My girls. They were waiting for me.

Suddenly, I wasn't as exhausted as I had been a few moments ago.

So. He has sought help and keeps moving forward. He knows he needs to do better for his girls. And Bella helped him get back at Jake. Sneaky thing she is. Small shout out to a special someone in this chapter. Thank you my #1, for your unending support. I hope it made you smile.

Next update will be midweek.

Be safe.