A/N: I don't own this, we all know who does. If I did, Rpattz would have slept in today with me. The man likes to snuggle, who I am to deny him? :)

This is unbeta'd, so any and all mistakes belong to me. I'm still sleepy. Sorry. :D

This is for my wifey, Mrs. Robward. She posted a TON of chapters yesterday on the little story she's writing for me, Might Have Been. Have you read it? If not, you're missing out... :)

Thanks to Luxure & EdwardsBloodType for prereading this. "You are my fire, the one desire, believe when I say, I want it that way..." Gotta love boy bands. :D

**disclaimer **

This story is a bit taboo. It's getting sweet and pretty up in here. :D

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… Chapter Thirty Seven - Prince … Bella …

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Seeing you with her, I feel like the Grinch. Claire watches that movie, no matter the time of year.

Like him, my heart grows three sizes at once.

I sit back, finally relaxing a bit. The night has been long, strange. But the two of you together, her showing you the picture that's been my saving grace more often than I'd like to admit, comforts me.

She talks, so much.

You just listen and listen, like you're soaking up every word. Every syllable. Every eyebrow raise, smiling lip, crazy hand gesture. Every random insect fact. Every Barbie playtime story. Every wound or scrape in the last few months.

You can't get enough. And I know the feeling. So well.

I often do the same thing.

She reminds me so much of you, not just in looks, but in mannerisms. In expressions. In interests.

Sometimes I watch her, remembering you the same way. It calms me, soothes me.

I need it.

I've lived off of it.

It's like air, water, and joy all rolled into one.

She is undeniably your daughter, and I'm so grateful to have her.

After what seems to be hours, and her unending chatter and giggles, I touch her arm.

"Claire Bear, sweetie, it's time for bed. Let's get your drink and go back to bed, okay?"

She looks at me hesitant.

"But Daddy, will Daddy be here when I wake up?"

Her eyes go back to you, as do mine.

"Yeah, I'll be here." You swallow, reach out to touch her hand. "I'm gonna go home and sleep, but then I'll come back and see you, okay? Maybe I can bring you lunch or something. Would you like that?"

"Can we go to the park and get hot dogs from the hot dog man?"

You smile, glancing at me. I can see it in your eyes, wondering if that's something we do. If it's okay to say yes to her.

"Sure, honey, I'll bet Daddy would love that," I say.

You nod, agreeing.

"Okay then. Mommy, can Daddy tuck me in, too?" she asks.

Of course she would. She's asked at least once a week, for years, when her Daddy would be able to tuck her into bed. Her friend at school has a daddy that tucks her in, reads to her. Claire wants that, too.

You shift forward, standing and reaching for her hand. "I would love to."

Claire pulls you along, uncertainty on your face. I smile, following behind you.

I notice you glancing around our small bedroom, taking in my twin sized mattress, the lack of open floor space. I know you think it's too small, not enough for us. You're right, but it's what fits us. What we can manage without any problem.

She pulls back her Princess sheets, jumping into her bed with a smile.

"Daddy, can you read to me?"

Why am I not surprised she asked? She wants this. So much.

She places our picture back on our nightstand, turning it so she can see it from her pillow. I see you notice, smile.

She grabs a book, The Three Little Pigs, and pushes it into your hands. With a cautious look, our eyes meet. I smile, hoping to encourage you.

She wants this so much. Please, don't let her down.

And of course, because you're who you are, you don't. You open the book and read, with funny voices and everything.

It melts my heart, and I sit on my bed, watching. Loving the bond I can see forming between you. Wishing I'd been strong enough six years ago to have encouraged it. Wishing things had been different, and it had been possible.

After the story, you kiss her cheek, pulling up her blanket around her neck. She giggles, snuggles in. As we turn to leave, she calls to me.

"Mommy, you too."

I smile, going to kiss her, hug her tight.

"I love you, Mommy. Daddy's so handsome," she whispers. "He's like a prince, huh Mommy?"

I nod. "He is, he's a prince for sure."

"And you're like a princess, so pretty." She fingers my hair, a curl left in it from earlier in the night.

"I love you, Claire. Good night, bug."

In the living room, you move toward the door. My heart screams in protest. Don't go. Not yet.

"I should go, but can I come back tomorrow?"

"Alright," I say, not meaning it. I want you back tomorrow, I just don't want you to leave in between. So many things need to be said, still, and I can't find a way to do that. To say them.

"Bella, I know this is fucked up, and I know there are a lot of things we need to talk about, but if there's any way possible that I could ever be in your life again, please tell me what to do so I can do it. I want you and Claire, so much. I don't want to miss you anymore, and I don't want to miss any more time with her. Please, think about it."

My eyes water. So much crying I've done tonight. "I want you, too. I never stopped. And Claire, she wants you. More than you could ever know. We want you with us, if you can."

Your hand raises to my cheek, lifting my face to see yours as you step closer.

"I can, if you let me. I don't care what anyone says. You're my heart, my soul. I've gone without for too long, denied what I knew was true. Right. I won't do it again."

We stare for seconds, minutes, hours. Whatever it is, it feels right and good. Like a flickering flame that draws in the moth, you draw me in, and I move to you. Letting you know, in one of the few ways I can, that I need you.

Pushing onto my tiptoes, my hand goes around your neck, pulling you down to meet me halfway. And you do.

Your lips are as soft as I remember them. So sweet and tender, moving with mine in the most delicious ways. I feel your tongue, so gentle, tasting me, and I open to you.

My waist is encircled by your arms, my body melting into yours. There's no sound, no movement, nothing in the world but us. And for a few moments, I take all that you'll give me. Letting greed consume me.

You seem to be the same, and we kiss. And kiss. And kiss. Until finally, from across the room, we hear it. A giggle.

"See Mommy, Daddy's a prince, isn't he?"

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A/N: I love kids...they're always so honest and straight to the point about things. :)

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