Are we really at the Epilogue? This fic has been amazing to write. I cried right along with all of you as these two grew and jumped over their hurdles. Out of all my fics, I think emotionally, this was the hardest one to write. But I loved every second of it. Never once did I think it would get the kind of response it did, and I am so thankful you guys, each and every one of you, took a chance on this fic.

I am forever thankful for each and every review you guys leave me. You guys are the ones that make this worth it. I seriously can't thank you guys enough for reading, rec'ing, spreading the word about this fic. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

As always, I am forever thankful to my one of my best friends, Kyla713. She has put up with me so much the last couple of months with all the docs I've sent her, all the pages I've had her look over. And Packy...I don't know what I'd do with out her. Her comments and gifs that line my docs make writing even better.

I hope this Epilogue is everything you hoped it would be.

~.~

Epilogue-

A year later~

Emily Rose Cullen came screaming into the world on a very windy, rainy day in March, instantly letting Chicago know they had a new resident. She was feisty from the get go. All ten fingers and toes, beautiful brown eyes like her momma, and a mop of dark hair that finished her perfection.

Her wail that pierced the room also pierced my heart in a way I'd never forget.

That little angel gave my life a whole new meaning and purpose. I instantly understood my dad when he said a parent's love is like no other. The instant you lay eyes on your child, your world is not your own anymore and you're okay with that. Your heart grows bigger when you didn't think it possible.

Though, to be honest, the months leading up to her birth was a whirlwind of change and setbacks. While I was happy that Bella was pregnant, it set off a whole new round of fears. Could I handle a baby? Would my child even want an ex-vet, who still suffered from PTSD, as a dad? What if Bella left me? What if something happened to Bella and the baby? My anxiety soared. I knew that, sensibly, all my fears were unfounded, but my head and heart battled it out. It took a few months, but eventually, with the help of our joint counselor and Eleazar, I righted myself again.

I found that having Bucky helped a lot. That Golden Retriever as a godsend. It took a few months for both of us to really get used to each other and mesh, but once we did, it amazed me at how well we actually worked together. Once he learned my triggers, he could sense when I was starting to go into an episode, and he'd come up next to me, bear all his weight on me, and eventually, I'd pull out of it. If we were out in public, he'd pull me out of the way of people, and he'd help me out. He became a best friend. He was even more protective once Emily was born.

Then there was the move to Chicago. We moved sooner than we had planned, but it worked out perfectly. My parents found us a beautiful home just blocks from them. Bella instantly fell in love, and since she could pretty much work remotely, I put in my request for a transfer as soon as I could. The ball seemed to pick up speed after that, and we moved to Chicago in October.

I thought for sure moving would stir up old memories again, but I found I was happy to leave Seattle behind and embrace my hometown. In fact, I loved it. Em's family visited often. The kids would stay over once a month. We'd have movie marathons, staying up to the wee hours and regretting the junk food. I loved having them around, and they made me even more excited about my impending fatherhood.

Bella, at first, had a hard time leaving Seattle. It seemed that she hadn't realized just how hard it would be to say goodbye to her home state. Charlie was her only link, but it was a powerful one. She felt guilt in leaving, even though she knew it wouldn't matter. Before we left, we made a side trip to Forks for her to have one last chat with her dad, letting him know she was okay and that he was going to be a grandpa. Tears were shed, but happiness prevailed. She was able to walk away from her dad's grave with a smile and a promise that she'd be back to visit soon.

My parents were beside themselves with having me back. There wasn't a day I didn't see them. They'd find a reason to visit; most of the time, they were over to fuss over a very pregnant Bella. My dad was always bringing her ice cream. My mom was frequently taking Bella to get pampered. I loved seeing her relationship with them. In a way, I felt like seeing how effortless Bella's relationship was with them, and it helped my own relationship with my parents grow and strengthen. Though, I knew that nothing could make up for the five years I refused contact, or all the years I was in service.

The day we found out that our baby was a girl, I cried. I sat in that chair in the ultrasound room and asked the technician to confirm the sex again. While Bella looked on, I smiled so huge, it hurt my face and a tear escaped. I wasn't sad; I was happy. Overly happy. I never thought I'd ever be a father, nor did I think I'd ever get to where I was after losing all that I had. But to be graced with a daughter...I'd thank God everyday for that miracle.

From that moment on, I doted on my girls. I made sure Bella was always comfortable, and if she was working, I bugged her to take breaks. Any craving she had, I spoiled her. When we laid in bed, I'd talk to Bella's bump until I was yawning, and most of the time, Bella was already fast asleep. I wanted to make sure Bella had the easiest pregnancy possible, or as easy I could make it on her.

The day Bella's water broke, I froze. For being a combat veteran, used to on the go situations, I looked at Bella wide eyed, and made the mistake of making sure her water did, in fact, break.

She growled at me as she winced while a contraction hit. "Would you like to trade me places, Edward? Then you'll know if I am sure or not?"

You'd think that'd make my two feet move, but it didn't. I was scared and excited all at the same time. Eventually, I got a move on. I grabbed my keys, the overnight bag, and finally, Bella's hand. Once she was in the car, I shakily dialed the doctor and everything felt like it went in fast forward from that moment on.

Bella was beautiful in her pain. She controlled it in ways that amazed me. She refused an epidural, and with each new contraction, her face grew more determined. I'd tell her how much I loved her, how I couldn't wait for the most precious gift of ours to arrive. That she amazed me every day as each contraction hit her. The closer they grew, the more tired she began to look.

On the final push, I held my forehead to hers and I told her I'd love her for a million years as she squeezed my hand, reared forward and pushed as hard as she could.

The first time my eyes laid on Emily, I knew...I just knew my world had changed for the better again.

After everything with mother and baby was taken care of, and both declared healthy, we were moved to another room. My girls were tired, and rightfully so.

I looked over at Bella as she slept. Gently, I moved the hair away from her face and kissed her softly. I then went and picked up my daughter, and held her in my arms. I sat down in the chair, and my eyes moved from Emily to Bella, taking in the similar characteristics. They were both beyond beautiful, even after hours of labor.

As I held the small miracle in my arms, I couldn't stop looking at her. Softly, I kissed the top of Emily's head and inhaled in her scent.

She was real. She was there and in my arms.

"Well, my lovely Emily. Do you think your momma is ready to marry me? Do you think she'd say yes? We're a bit late on this, but with good reason. You were getting ready for your debut, and your momma and I had stuff to work through. But I think now is a perfect time, don't you?" I asked, as I softly ran my fingers over her very tiny hand.

Silence filled the room again and I stared down at my newborn daughter, in awe of how small she truly was in my arms. I made a promise to always protect her, love her and keep boys away.

"Have I ever told you no, Edward?" Bella's sleepy sounding voice startled me out of my thoughts.

"No, love." I smiled and stood up. "You up for holding her? How are you feeling? Do I need to get the nurse?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine, handsome. Now give me that beautiful bundle."

There was nothing like the way Bella looked at our daughter. Adoration and love. Her eyes stayed glued on Emily, looking over all her fingers and toes, and ran her own finger gently down our daughter's face, tracing her nose and lips.

Slowly, I bent down and kissed Bella. "Look what we did. I've never felt so much amazement or love."

"I know. I can't believe she's finally here."

I kissed her again and fished a box out of my pocket. I opened it quietly and placed it in Bella's line of sight. "So...was that a yes?"

Bella's eyes widened as she looked up at me, tears cascading down her face. "It will always be a yes, Edward. I love you."

I didn't know if it was the culmination of the birth of our daughter, Bella saying yes, and just the all of the steps we took to get there, but emotions got the better of me.

I wouldn't trade that day for anything.

~.~

When my Emily was two months old, on a bright sunny day, I took her to go and meet my brother. I held her to my chest as I walked up the grass and to his grave plot.

"Hello, Em. It's been awhile." I rocked Emily as I spoke. "I wanted you to meet someone special. She's was a surprise from the get go. Em, meet Emily Rose Cullen. I'm starting to think she has your attitude. She's grumpy when not fed on time. Hates sleep. And burps as loud as you ever did." I inhaled my daughter's scent. She was all baby, and that sweet smell of baby shampoo. It instantly grounded me. "I miss you. I really do. Your laughter. Your dumbass smiles. Even your pranks. And man, you don't have to worry. Your family is amazing. Your boys are growing like weeds, and your daughter amazes me each time I see her. She's a carbon copy of Rose. Rosalie is doing fine. I make sure to check in with her at least once a day. Your family loves you, we love you."

I stood there for a few more minutes, listening to the light breeze as I held my daughter and thought back on all the good memories I had of Em. "We'll be back. I just wanted you to meet the newest, smallest Em. My Emily. She'd have loved you. I just know it." I then turned around and walked away. As I drove out of the cemetery, I could've sworn the sun shone brighter than it did before.

~.~

When my next birthday rolled around, there was no surprise party, but a wedding. We decided on that day because it was the day where I truly felt I had it all. The closure, family, friends and my life back. So, I spent my birthday watching my beautiful, now wife, walk down the aisle towards me. Our daughter in her arms as she smiled and joined me at the altar. My mom came up to take Emily for the duration of the ceremony. We got married in front of all our friends and family.

Another beautiful day to outweigh all the bad.

Back then, I'd sleep restlessly. Nightmares would plague me and I'd succumb to an episode. Noises would set me off at a moment's notice. But now, no nightmares, and sleep came due to exhaustion. The minute I heard my daughter cry, I'd immediately go to her. No episodes would come. Instead, I'd find myself smiling as I'd walk to her crib and pick her up, happy to face the world, as long as Bella and she were in it.

Life is never meant to be perfect, but this was as perfect as perfect could get.

~.~

Thank you for reading, and being the most amazing readers an author could ask for.