The response to the last chapter was, without a doubt, out of this world. Thank you. Your reactions and how you feel about our little blossoming family touch me deeply.
Bella drove us home. I couldn't release Emma from my arms and I certainly couldn't drive in the emotional shape I was in. I sat, hunched over and buckled up in the back seat, my arms around Emma, Bella's eyes checking on us in the rear view mirror the entire way. When we got home, she quickly moved into the bathroom and started filling the tub. Emma and I sat together on the sofa, huddled and holding each other. I was terrified if I let her go the silence would once again descend. She seemed to need me just to hold her; to be close to me, and I realized I need it as well. When Bella came into the living room, she stood looking at us, her eyes filled with concern. Kneeling down, she smiled up at both of us.
"How about a bubble bath while I make supper, Emma? Would you like that?"
Emma pulled away slightly, and regarded me nervously. "Daddy stay?"
Wincing at the sound of her hoarse little voice, I tightened my arms. "Always, Babygirl," I assured her. "Daddy will stay."
"Otay."
Bella reached out her open arms, and I waited to see if Emma would allow herself to be removed from my hold. Tentatively, she leaned over into Bella's embrace. Bella smiled at her as she settled her on her hip. "I'll get her into the tub, Edward. You take a minute and then you can come play with her while I make dinner, okay?" she asked gently, her hand tenderly stroking my hair.
Nodding, I captured her hand and kissed it lovingly. My gaze took in the sight of her holding my daughter, calming me with her presence and helping us both find a little normal with a routine we needed to keep to. Taking in a deep breath, I smiled at them. "Daddy will be right there, Babygirl."
Emma smiled and leaned her head on Bella's shoulder. As they disappeared around the corner, I sank back into the sofa, feeling a thousand different emotions running through my mind. I was physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and still trying to grasp what had just happened.
My Emma had talked. Expressed her fears. Cried. Accepted comfort.
Could this be the start we needed? Could she heal now? Sighing, I closed my eyes, praying we had reached that point.
From the bathroom, came the sound of splashing, and I heard Bella laughing and gently scolding Rags. I smiled at the warm sound and then stilled as a softer, even sweeter sound met my ears. One I had despaired of ever hearing again.
Emma giggled. It was hesitant, short and still quiet, but it was there.
My head dropped into my hands as another rush of emotion tore through me.
I heard Bella's answering giggle and I smiled through my tears.
In that exact moment, I knew without a doubt, that with Bella, we could both heal. Standing up, I made my way towards the sounds of happy giggles, needing to be part of the fun; needing to be with my girls.
I paused in the doorway, watching Rags on his hind legs, swatting at the bubbles. Emma was moving her fingers under the mounds of fluff and he was leaning over trying to grasp them in his paws, causing both of them to giggle as they watched his antics. I chuckled at the scene and Emma looked up.
"Wags funny, Daddy." Emma wrinkled her nose as she smiled shyly, before giggling again.
My heart soared at the sight. How I had missed that. Her sweet little face happy, her eyes alive, her emotions on display for me to see and share. Kneeling down beside Bella, I leaned over and kissed Emma's head and then did the same to Bella. "He is funny. I love your giggles, Babygirl," I assured her warmly, wanting to encourage her to keep being vocal. "They're the best sound in the world."
"You happy now, Daddy?"
"I am Babygirl. I am."
"Me, too."
Bella stood up. "I'm going to make supper. You'll be okay?" she asked quietly, her hand gently squeezing my shoulder.
I smiled up at her, nodding. "We're going to be just fine."
*()*
"How did you know?" I asked quietly as I sat on the floor watching Emma sleep. I couldn't bear to leave her side yet. My hand was wrapped around her little one, needing to feel her warmth. Bella sat beside her on the bed, gently stroking her hair, the book she had been reading from still open on her lap. She smiled down at me as she shrugged.
"She'd been acting strangely all day, in fact, since she spoke to Angela last week. Like she was ready to talk, but still scared to do so. And when I saw the picture, I knew she was trying to tell me something. The time felt right."
"All this time," I murmured, regretfully. "All this time she's been afraid I would leave if she spoke. I thought she knew she was loved and safe with me." I shook my head sadly. "She's been scared for so long, Bella. Maybe I should have pushed sooner?"
"No, Edward." Bella shifted and slid down to the floor beside me, grasping the hand that lay on my leg in comfort. "I don't think she was ready before. This was the right time. We've been gradually breaking down her walls and getting her ready to do this. I'm just so glad you trusted me enough today to go along with my feeling."
I gripped her hand tightly. "I do trust you, Bella." I drew in a deep breath. "What you did today, what you have done since we met you…there simply aren't enough words to say thank you properly. You brought my daughter back to me."
Bella's eyes shone in the dimness. Releasing Emma's hand, I stood up and tucked it securely under the covers and kissed her little forehead. Leaning down, I helped Bella up from the floor and quietly we went into the kitchen.
"Coffee?" she asked gently.
I nodded, but before she could move, I pulled her into my arms. I held her tightly, burrowing my face into her hair, breathing in her warm scent. We stood, silently holding each other, needing to feel that unique closeness we shared.
"I have no words right now, Bella," I whispered. "Nothing can express what I'm feeling right now. About what has happened, about what I'm feeling for you, or because of you."
She tilted her head back, smiling warmly. "I don't need words right now, Edward. You're saying everything you need to, just like this," she spoke quietly as her arms tightened around me in response.
Smiling, I lowered my head, slowly grazing her lips with mine. Tenderly I kissed her, pouring all the emotion I was feeling into it. My lips moved with hers sweetly, my tongue softly caressing hers. Neither of us deepened the kiss, both of us content to be close and share this moment. Eventually I drew back.
I smiled down at her. "Saturday. Dinner with me. Please?"
Bella blinked. "Saturday? I thought we were going out for supper tomorrow?"
I nodded. "Friday night is our family night."
Bella looked puzzled. "Family night?"
"You, me and Emma. Pizza. We're starting a tradition."
Her smile was brilliant. "I like traditions," she whispered shyly.
"But Saturday I'm taking you out. Just us."
"Emma?"
"Mom had already asked about having her for a jammie party. So I want to take you out. Please?"
She nodded. "Yes."
Grinning, I kissed her again, and then pulled back. "Is it too much Bella? Am I expecting too much?"
"Too much?"
"Well, I just sort of assumed there, didn't I? That you were available to be with me, with us, the next two nights."
Leaning up, she nuzzled my cheek. "I'm available, Edward. And it's exactly where I want to be."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and tightened my arms around her.
"I'll get coffee. I think you need to call your parents and share some news."
I nodded. "They will be so excited. I'm sure mom will be here first thing."
Bella chuckled. "I'm pretty sure she will be at the centre all day as well." She hesitated. "Edward?"
"Hmm?"
"I know it's your decision, but have you considered the next step?"
"Next step?"
"Emma is going to need a little help. I know an amazing speech therapist. She works independently and I'm sure she'll even come to the centre. Maybe I can arrange a meeting with her for you? If you want me to." She paused, and I could see her fingers plucking nervously at her sleeve. "I don't want to overstep."
I reached down and picked up her hands. Holding them, I pulled her closer. "You aren't overstepping Bella. I was so caught up in what happened, I hadn't even thought of that. Of course she'll need some help. Thank you. You have no idea what it means to me…to Emma." I smiled at her. "All in, Bella. We are in this together. And I can't do it without you. Emma can't do it without you. You make us stronger, can't you see that? You make us better. You make everything better. Everything."
A tear rolled down her cheek.
I drew in a deep breath. "We're a family now, Bella. And you are the center of it. Please know that. Please know how important you are to us." I paused. "Even Emma's picture showed that. You were the one holding us together."
Her smile was tremulous as she blinked away her tears. Reaching up, I stroked her cheek.
"Go call your mother," she whispered, a teasing note in her voice.
I grinned, dropping a kiss onto her head. "Yes, dear."
See you on Wednesday. My husband arrives home after being gone almost a month on Thursday so I will give you your update a day early. I think I may be otherwise occupied Thursday evening. **Smiles widely.**
Thank you again.
Be safe.
