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I own lots of things in life, but sadly, Twilight isn't one of them! Thanks to Katelyn for beating! A special thanks to Kim, Rhonda, and Kristen for pre-reading! Their suggestions are worth more than gold!
Meeting Myself: Epilogue: And, Baby Makes Four
"Remind me again why we're not telling Savannah about the baby yet?" I asked the night the kids left for college. "We've seen the baby, we know all is well, and I really don't get it."
"I don't know; I just, I really want to keep it to ourselves for a little while longer. We can tell everyone at Thanksgiving when we know the gender, or something," Bella tried to explain, but I really didn't understand. I wanted to support her, but it took all I had not to scream it to the world after we saw our jumping bean two weeks ago. "Edward, I promise not to wait forever but just a little bit longer, please? Besides, they're going to college, and we shouldn't steal their thunder."
"Whatever you say, babe," I gave in and kissed her forehead. I still didn't see the logic, but I was too tired to argue. We had to be up extremely early the next day to drive up to Seattle. Savannah and Jeremy both had their dorm assignments and were relieved to find out they were actually only a building apart. They were close to most of their classes, even though I did buy them parking permits for both of their vehicles.
Jeremy's college fund account was released to him only a few days prior, and I had never seen him so relieved. He did pay me back for the grand total of $225.63 he used from the Visa I gave him, but I never agreed to cash the check. I was sure it was going to go missing, or something.
That night, I held Bella a little closer and rested for the day to come.
Seattle was beyond an emotional experience for me. I did cry, and I wasn't ashamed to admit it. Savannah didn't have a roommate, so she was free to decorate how she saw fit. There were lots of blues and greens, with a little pink and purple. I carried all of her boxes, while she and Bella did the fastest un-pack job I'd ever seen. I made sure she had her schedule, knew where she was going, had all of her books, and her credit card. Her car wasn't too far away, and she promised to come home for a visit as soon as she was settled.
Saying goodbye to Jeremy was even a little rough. He refused to let Bella help him unpack, but he did have a few things out to make his room a little less boring. Unlike Savannah, Jeremy had two roommates, and both of the boys seemed nice enough.
Bella and I stayed through dinner, which we treated the kids to in the city, before saying our final goodbyes. I knew they would be okay and with only a four hour drive, I would see them often, but it was the biggest reminder that Savannah was really a grown-up now.
"I love you, Daddy," Savannah whispered into my ear as I gave her a final goodbye.
"I love you more," I replied back, but she pulled away and shook her head.
"Not possible," she teased with a smile. "The best decision of my life was to knock on your door."
"I'll give you that. I'm gonna miss you," I told her while trying to keep my emotions in check.
"I will, too, but I'll visit at least once a month as soon as I get settled and into a routine," she assured me, and I nodded.
Savannah took a step back to where Jeremy was standing. At the very least, I had to remember that they had each other and weren't alone.
"You be good, too," I said towards Jeremy.
"I will," he answered as he shook my hand.
Bella had to practically drag me away, but we did eventually hit the road. Well, Bella and I checked into a hotel in downtown Seattle, but only because of the time.
Life felt a little off for the first few weeks even though Savannah did call nightly so we could catch up. I knew how her classes were going and the new friends she was making. I still felt bad about not telling her about the baby, but Bella assured me we'd do it over the holidays in some neat way, so I forced myself not to think about it.
Logically, I knew college would be the test Savannah and Jeremy would go through to prove if they could make it or not. None of Savannah's phone calls lead me to believe anything was wrong, and I had even talked to him a time or two to ask how his classes were going. Of course, nothing prepared me for my first unexpected visit from Savannah.
When I heard a car pull into the driveway, I assumed it was Bella, but, instead, I saw Savannah. First, I was surprised, then happy, then confused. She was due to come home the next weekend, and Jeremy was supposed to be with her.
Instead, she came alone and looked upset.
"Savannah, what's wrong?" I asked as I walked towards the doorway.
That simple question caused her to breakdown in tears, and it took close to an hour to get her to open up about why she randomly decided to drive four hours home.
Apparently, she was supposed to meet with a friend for coffee, but she showed up a few minutes late. Her friend was talking to another girl, one she didn't really like, and she was explaining the night she'd spent with Jeremy. Savannah and Jeremy were supposed to go to dinner together, but he had called to cancel saying he had a last-minute project. Now, she believed he was cheating on her.
To be honest, the first emotion I felt was rage. I was angry that Savannah was in this position, but as she finished explaining her story, I wondered how much was true. From what she'd told me, she couldn't think clearly so she went to her dorm, grabbed her books, got in her car, and drove home. It was the weekend anyway, but still, she never talked to Jeremy and fully admitted to ignoring his phone calls from earlier, aside from sending him a nasty text message.
Bella walked in only a few minutes after the story had been told, but she managed to catch up quickly.
"So, you didn't talk to him? Ask him to confirm this?" Bella asked quietly, and Savannah's face turned redder.
"No, I just…if it's true, I don't want to know," she replied quietly.
"Don't you? Savannah, you can't just leave without a true answer, because you'll never forgive yourself if you do. It's not like this is a new relationship; this is Jeremy we're talking about. I won't take sides, but I have a hard time believing he would cheat on you, and you said you don't get along with this girl?" Bella pushed a little more, and I was glad it was her and not me. I wanted to ask the same questions, but I didn't want Savannah to question my support.
"Yeah, I mean, we sorta had it out a few weeks ago. I know she likes him, but I didn't think…" Savannah didn't finish her sentence because she started crying again. This time, instead of staying in the living room, she bolted for her old bedroom.
I got up, but Bella shook her head.
"She needs some time, and I think she knows she acted too quickly. Give her some time, and I'm sure she'll talk to him. Assuming it's true, we can show our support then, but I don't think it is. Girls are mean, doesn't matter the age," Bella explained, and I nodded. I didn't like it, but I got it.
As the night went on, we decided to just order in for food. The doorbell rang ten minutes after I got off the phone with the pizza place, so I cautiously made my way to the door only to find Jeremy on the other end.
I was at a loss for how to react, but I wordlessly opened the door wide enough to let him in.
"I know she's here. Can I see her?" he asked nervously with the smallest voice I'd ever heard before.
"Is it true?" I asked gravely.
"What? No, you're kidding right?" he launched from quiet to almost yelling. "Edward, you know me. I thought she knew me, but, fuck…"
I had never seen Jeremy's temper flare before, but I felt uncomfortable watching it now. Instead of letting him up to Savannah's room, I escorted him to the living room and asked for his side of the story.
"When I got out of class, I got her text. I didn't understand what she meant, so I went to talk to Kate, because that is who she was meeting for coffee. Kate told me what Rebecca told her, and I flipped out. All of our friends were together, and I called Rebecca out for the whore she is.
"Did I have a project to do? Yes, and she is part of the group. I only met her through a friend because we're in the same class, and the teacher assigned the groups, not me. However, we were never alone, and I would have never taken her to bed. The group is fifteen people total, and we spent all night in the library because we found out three of the people slacked on their side so we were playing catch-up. It's due Monday, and I'm supposed to be there now, but I went to Savannah's dorm and saw she was gone. Then, I went to find her car to see it was gone, so I got in mine and left. I figured this is where she came, and apparently I was right.
"Look, you don't have to believe me, but I didn't cheat on Savannah. Not just because I wouldn't do that to anyone, but especially not her. I love her, more than I love anyone else in this world, and I wouldn't throw that away," he finished with very little breath.
I had been so focused on listening to Jeremy and watching the pain wash over his face that I missed the part where Savannah stepped through the living room doorway.
"Jeremy," she called out softly, and I knew from her tone she had heard enough of our conversation that she wasn't angry with him anymore. Truth be told, I could see both sides. For Savannah, it was easy to jump to conclusions, for Jeremy, it was easy for the girl to lie because of the circumstances.
"Savannah," he said as he bolted for her and tried to explain again, but she shook her head and said she'd heard. I tip-toed out of the room to give them some space only to find Bella in the kitchen listening in.
"They okay?" she asked, and I nodded.
"I think they'll be okay, but I hope they take away from this how important communication is," I answered.
"No one is perfect, but, yeah, communication helps." She smiled warmly before going back to the dishes.
I attempted to busy my mind as I rubbed her back. It was only October, so Bella was only fourteen weeks pregnant and not showing at all. She did get sick a lot for the first few weeks, but that seemed to go away quickly, and now she just felt achy.
Savannah and Jeremy walked into the kitchen about fifteen minutes later.
"Is it okay if we stay the night?" Savannah asked, and I nodded.
"Are things better now?" I asked, and Savannah looked down. Jeremy looked down at Savannah to see the embarrassment written all over her face, so he nodded for them.
"Yeah, just a misunderstanding," he answered right as the doorbell rang.
That night, we all enjoyed a quiet night with pizza and a movie. Savannah came to me later and apologized for just barging in.
"Savannah, you're welcomed here whenever you want, but I hope you've both learned from this. Relationships aren't easy, and I know that you know this, but it's unlike you to jump to conclusions so quickly," I pointed out.
"I know, it's just, classes have been hard, and now we have to really work to see each other a lot. I started to think that maybe I just wasn't enough anymore," she replied.
"Savannah, regardless of school or boys or whatever else, you will always be enough. You have always been enough," I stated harsher than I wanted to. I wasn't sure where this lack of self-esteem was coming from, but I didn't like Savannah feeling down about herself.
She excused herself to bed a little while later, and I noticed Jeremy sitting up on the couch just staring off into space.
"Wanna talk?" I asked, and he looked up with a sigh.
"I can't believe she didn't trust me," he stated, though I wasn't not even sure he was talking to me.
"Yeah, that isn't such a great feeling I'm sure, but everyone makes mistakes, Jeremy." I try my hand at giving advice. It was a weird position to be in, but I was doing the best I could.
"I know that, and I don't expect her to be perfect, because Lord knows I'm not, but for her not to trust me on this. It's making me question some things," he replied gravely.
"Jeremy, I'm not your Dad, and I don't have a son, so I'm going to give you the same advice I gave to Savannah. Communication is key. It's not easy, and I understand that you feel hurt. However, you need to decide if this issue is something you're willing to leave over." At that phrase his eyes snapped up, and I knew I had his attention. "Because if it is, you need to be done and walk away now. If it's not, then I'm not saying you forget, but you need to forgive and work on the steps for moving past this. You can't close yourself off, and you can't punish her by constantly bringing it up, because if you do, you may as well leave now before any more damage is done."
"It's not worth breaking up over," he snapped immediately.
"I had a feeling you'd say that, so take some time to think tonight, get some rest, and talk tomorrow. You both know the house is open whenever you need it, and maybe a few days away is what you both need," I suggested.
"Thank you," he replied. "I mean, more than just letting me stay, but thanks for the advice. I think I needed to hear that."
I nodded my head and went in search of my wife. I assumed they would abide by the rules we'd always set, but, at that point, I didn't care as long as they weren't having sex under my roof.
"You did well tonight," Bella whispered when I crawled into bed. "I'm a little surprised you didn't try and take the boys head off with a baseball bat. You stayed logical; I'm impressed."
"Thank you." I kissed her forehead and then her stomach. "I love you, little one."
The next day, Savannah and Jeremy disappeared for the majority of the day. At dinner, they informed us that they'd be driving back to Seattle in the morning.
Nothing else major seemed to happen after they left, but I was expected to fit Bella in for an anatomy ultrasound the week before Thanksgiving. We conned one of the technicians to do it for us, because we wanted to know the sex of the baby, but without actually finding out.
Bella was really creative in picking out how to reveal the baby, so the tech would be writing the answer on a piece of paper, that paper would go to the bakery, who would then turn the answer into a blue or pink cake. Then, we'd be picking that cake up and bringing it to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house. I told Bella I was fine with her plans, so we met with Regina to see our baby.
"Julie caught me up on how you surprised him; you have a knack for catching people off guard," Regina commented as we shut our eyes. If she found out the sex while we watched the monitors, obviously we'd know, so instead, we shut out eyes and only reopened them after the envelope was sealed.
"All looks well," I told Bella reassuringly as I watched Regina fill in measurements and look from different angles.
"Good," she whispered. "I just want this all to be special."
"Oh, they'll be surprised, baby. Don't you worry about that," I teased, causing her to smile.
I didn't even need to see the results from the ultrasound to know our baby was growing well and on-target.
"Edward, does this shirt make me look pregnant?" Bella asked the night before Thanksgiving. We had the kids home, but they were out with some friends who were also in town for the holiday weekend.
"Bella, I love you to death, but, yes, it does. I know you're trying to hide it, but maybe you shouldn't. I mean, we have the cake already, so that'll be a surprise," I suggested, and she sighed.
"I know, I just don't like this stage. I look puffy, but not really pregnant, even though I am," she muttered.
"Bella, you're the most gorgeous woman on this planet. You look pregnant to me, and I've seen tons of pregnant women. You make pregnancy look very, very appealing," I whispered into her ear as I walked up behind her.
"You're insatiable you know that?" she giggled.
"When it comes to you, yes, yes I am," I replied, before lavishing every area of her body.
My parents' house was booming with activity. Savannah and Jeremy were in town, Alice, Jasper, and their three kids, and Emmett, Rose, Jeremiah, and Emilia as well. Rosalie felt she wasn't done, so even though they couldn't have another baby naturally, they decided to adopt, and Emilia was placed in their care only a few weeks prior. She was four months old, blond hair, with hazel eyes, and Jeremiah absolutely adored her.
It was my mom who pulled me aside and flat out asked if Bella was pregnant.
"I can't ask her, so I'm asking you, is there anything you'd like to tell me, Edward?" she asked with the carving knife still in her hand.
"Um, could you put that down?" I asked as I pointed to the knife.
"Of course, I'm sorry, dear, but don't change the subject," she said as she sets the knife down.
"That's better, and yes, there is something we'll announce tonight," I replied cryptically.
"Edward," my mom whisper-shouted with her eyes wide. "How far along is she?"
"Um, almost twenty weeks," I answered, and she gasped.
"How could you keep this from me?" she asked, hurt, but I explained that Bella was the one who pushed not to tell people. My mom had suffered a loss after me, so she understood waiting, but she couldn't get over waiting so long.
After dinner, Bella got up and grabbed the cake.
"So, we have a bit of an announcement," Bella said cautiously as she walked in.
She kept the cake in a refrigerated bag in the trunk of our car so everyone was shocked when she walked in holding a cake with a decorate baby carriage on it.
"You're pregnant?" Savannah broke the gasps.
"We are," I answered, as I stood up next to her.
A round of words come flying at us from everyone, but it was Savannah who was practically jumping up and down.
"So, you bought a cake to tell us?' she asked, but Bella shook her head.
"No, actually, we had our ultrasound last week for the gender, and the color of the cake will tell us which it is. We wanted to find out with everyone else," Bella explained.
"You had my attention with the word cake," Emmett interjected, and we all laughed.
I looked at Savannah and then to Bella who nodded, so I held up the serving knife.
"Savannah, will you do the honors?" I asked, and her eyes went wide.
"You want me to cut it?" Savannah asked, and we both nodded our heads.
Bella took my hand as we walked behind the cake with everyone else, while Savannah wore a huge smile. She was a little tricky when she cut down the side, crouched down so only she could see, before squealing as she cut the other side. As the corner of the cake dropped we all saw the color pink, and we knew our baby was a girl.
Everyone cheered around us, but I had tunnel vision to only Bella who was crying.
"I love you so much," I whispered into her ear. "We're going to have another daughter."
I pulled away to see her nodding as Savannah dished out pieces of pink cake to everyone at the table.
"Looks like you'll be buying a shot gun after all," Bella teased lightly, and I groaned; I hadn't even thought of that yet.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me," Savannah squealed when she walked over to give us each a piece.
"We wanted to, but we needed to be certain all was well," I explained, and she nodded.
"I figured, but this is so exciting, I'm gonna have a sister. I never thought I'd ever have a sibling before; this is awesome. Have you thought of names?" she asked, and I looked down at Bella.
"Aubrey May Cullen," Bella answered proudly.
"Well, Miss Aubrey," Savannah spoke to Bella's stomach, "I'm your big sister, Savannah, and I really can't wait to meet you."
Christmas passed by much how Thanksgiving did, way too quickly. Before I knew it, the kids were going back to Seattle for their spring semester.
The nursery was put together a piece at a time as we decided on furniture and bedding and decorating and clothes and socks and everything you could possibly imagine. Of course, our endless supply of baby items only grew after Bella's shower, and, at one point, I joked that Aubrey needed two rooms.
We'd just finished putting the last decoration on the wall when I heard Bella sigh. I looked over and saw a tear in her eye, so I walked over and held onto her shoulders.
"It's okay, sweetheart," I soothed, though I wasn't even sure what I was comforting her for this time.
"I know it's different than last time, because I was lucky just to have a crib and some blankets, but I was still really excited. Jameson should have had a nursery like this," she said as she looked around. "He should still be alive."
"Bella," I forced out painfully, because I really didn't know what else to say. As the weeks went on and her belly expanded, her hormones went equally out of whack.
"I know I should just focus on Aubrey and be thankful she's healthy, but I can't help it," she started to wail as I took her in my arms.
Watching Bella fall apart was hell, not just because I loved her and she was hurting, but also because I was feeling some of the same things. However, I would never let Bella see how hard this was for me, because she needed my support.
From picking out the paint to hanging up the pictures, each time I had to force myself not to focus on what I had missed with Savannah. Yes, she was alive and happy, but I still missed sixteen years with her, and neither one of us deserved that. So, while I let Bella cry on my shoulder about what she missed with Jameson, I mourned internally with what I had missed with Savannah.
After that day in the nursery, Bella's emotions were still all over the place, but she began to have more good days than bad. We finally decided to sit down and talk about a birth plan, though I found the notion to be a bit ridiculous. I knew what she wanted and didn't want from a medical standpoint, but I was amazed she was still holding strong on the no visitors before and immediately after.
"You're sure you don't want anyone else?" I asked for the final time.
"No, just you," she answered. I would not only be there as Bella's husband, but also as her doctor. Of course, people could step in and would be while I took a short leave, but neither one of us wanted that. My biggest concern was when I would be in doctor mode, because I couldn't hold her hand and catch a baby at the same time. Bella assured me she would be fine, since we'd have the nurses and the Pediatric team there by that point.
"If you're sure, but what about if the worst happens?" I asked cautiously, and her face snapped up.
"You better knock me out, Edward. If that happens, I don't want to be awake," she answered gravely, and I nodded. I had faith nothing would go wrong, but it wasn't a guarantee.
When April showed up we were both anxious and excited. Bella had me borrow a fetal monitor device from the hospital, and every night she would listen to her. I knew a lot of it was from anxiety, but, even with her movement, Bella didn't care. She needed to hear her, and she also didn't want to run to the hospital at the first sign of labor either, so we could use it then, too.
I talked to my dad who shrugged it off, saying he knew I'd bring it back. My department had several, so it wasn't like it would be missed.
Savannah drove in almost every weekend for the last month because she didn't want to miss anything dealing with Baby Aubrey. In fact, she had just gotten back into town when Bella's water broke late Friday night. She was only a few days shy of her due date, and every night had been experiencing contractions, but they were nothing that stayed consistent.
"Edward," Bella called shakily from the top of the steps. I looked up to see the fluid at her feet and rushed up.
"I'll help you downstairs," I soothed as a contraction hit her. Savannah popped out of her room and went for a towel.
It took a bit of effort, but we managed to get into the living room so Bella could relax. Bella didn't want to show up at the hospital the second labor hit, so we agreed once contractions were four minutes apart, we'd leave, unless a problem occurred before hand.
Walking seemed to do the most good to relieve the pain, so Bella paced…a lot.
Savannah popped in and out to offer her assistance, and Jeremy disappeared.
"Bella, you need to drink," I pushed as I held up a water bottle. She nodded and took a sip before looking up at me. When a contraction hit her, I watched her face morph into pain as I held onto her. I had seen hundreds of women in labor before, but never had I felt so helpless. If I could take the pain from her, I would, but instead I was left to act as her rock.
After about an hour, I used the doppler to find Aubrey's heart rate. We could both hear her going strong, and the reassurance seemed to ease Bella's nerves a bit.
"She's doing just fine, Bella, just focus on the contractions," I coached, and she nodded. Bella braced my arm as another contraction hit her, and I realized they were coming in faster now.
"You're doing great," I soothed her, "but, it's time to start thinking about going in."
"Okay," she gritted as we moved to the car. "It hurts."
"I know, baby, but it'll all be over soon, I promise," I assured her some more, as a horrible contraction hit her while I sped to the hospital. I had already called ahead, and Savannah insisted on following us. We were lucky to not hit any stops, because I wasn't sure if my nerves could handle it. Bella was in worse pain because she was sitting, and it was literally killing me to watch her gasping every few seconds.
It only took about thirty minutes from the time we left to getting Bella into her room and on the monitors. They were wireless so she could still move, but I needed to see the baby with as fast as the waves were hitting Bella.
Julie tried to come in and offer help, but I shook my head, and she nodded. It wasn't anything personal, but I was adhering to what Bella wanted, and that involved no interruptions.
"Where is Savannah?" Bella asked during a rare minute of respite. Her body was sweaty, her hair a mess, and her eyes tired, but, to me, she still looked gorgeous.
"She knew you didn't want anyone else, so I assume the waiting room," I answered. Savannah seemed understanding when we explained how Aubrey's birth would go, but she still wanted to be near anyway.
"Yeah, but I didn't expect her to be in town. She can come in if she wants to," Bella informed me as another contraction hit. I hit the nurse's button and informed them to tell her to come in.
Savannah stuck her head in cautiously before stepping in and shutting the door.
"I don't want to intrude," she said quietly.
"If you want to stay, sweetheart, the choice is yours. We don't mind," Bella gritted out between the pain.
"I'd like to stay," she said before grabbing Bella's water jug and refilling it. Savannah placed it back on the tray before sitting off in the corner and watching.
"Edward, God, ouch, I need to push," she explained breathlessly, and my focus switched. With one hit of the button, two nurses and the Pediatrics nurse walked in.
I helped Bella get situated on the bed before scrubbing up to deliver our daughter. So far, everything had gone as well as we could have hoped for, but it didn't mean my mind stayed still. I juggled between supporting Bella and watching the monitor for even the slightly bit of distress.
"Savannah," I heard Bella call out with her hand out. Savannah's eyes widened before she quickly made her way to her side.
"I'm right here, Bella," I heard her whisper as she let Bella grasp her hand.
"I'm really glad you're here with us," Bella said, and Savannah beamed down at her.
Knowing Bella had Savannah at her side was comforting as I coached her though the motioning. Aubrey was descending with each push, and I knew it wouldn't be much longer before I'd be rotating her head and letting her come out.
I could hear Savannah coaching Bella, much like she'd watched Bella do for Rosalie. It was hard not to get emotional when I realized not only was I delivering my own daughter, but I was being reminded of what I had missed. I should have been there when Savannah was born, but I wasn't, and I had no clue how she was treated at first. Did Angela ever acknowledge her or comfort her when she cried? I doubted it, but Savannah would have looked for her.
Of course, my thoughts went back to the situation at hand when I saw Aubrey's head begin to crown.
"Okay, baby," I called out, "she's almost here."
Bella pushed down hard, and Aubrey popped right into my hands. Of course, I immediately moved her to Bella's chest. Savannah let go of her hand, and Bella placed both of hers protectively on Aubrey. Bella was crying, Savannah was crying, Aubrey was crying, and I had to try hard not to cry. I had really just delivered my own daughter.
The Pediatric nurse stepped up, and I didn't know him well, but he moved to touch Aubrey, and I shot his hands away.
"I'll tell you when," I informed him quickly, and he nodded nervously.
Though I wanted nothing more than to stand at Bella's side, I went to work finishing the delivery. It was only about ten minutes, but it was still ten minutes too long before I could officially switch doctor-mode off and go to father mode.
Bella had wiped Aubrey's face off and gotten her nose clear, but she just laid on her chest asleep. I sat on her left, and Savannah on her right, and I felt complete having all of my girls surrounding me.
"I can't believe we made her," I said in awe. "I love you; thank you so much."
"She looks like you," Bella commented, and I could see the adrenaline kicking in. Her face still looked tired, but her eyes were more alive.
"She's so small," Savannah commented. "I can't believe I have a sister."
"You're going to be the best big sister ever. I'm sure," I told Savannah, and she smiled. "When Bella's ready, do you think you can hold her while I help her get in the shower?"
"Of course," Savannah piped up.
Aubrey chose that minute to open her eyes and look towards Savannah. It only lasted for about a second, but Savannah smiled a little brighter.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Bella quietly after she let Pediatrics step in to do her height and weight.
"More emotional than I thought I would be," she replied honestly, and I kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"I'm always here, Bella," I whispered down to her, and she nodded. "You did so well today; I'm in awe of your strength."
"Thank you," she answered before the nurse brought Aubrey back over.
"She looks great, lungs are clear, and her temp is normal. We'd like you to keep her bundled or use the warmer if she's not on your chest, but otherwise she's perfect. We'll be in later to check-up on her," he said before leaving the room.
"Savannah, are you ready?" Bella asked. "I could really use a shower before we have visitors."
Savannah immediately held tightly onto Aubrey and walked her around, while I helped Bella get cleaned up.
Our families respected our wishes when we had asked to have the first few hours to ourselves, and, since Bella gave birth in the middle of the night, it worked to our advantage. Of course, the next morning we saw everyone as they aww'd over Aubrey.
My mom was busying talking to Bella as I stood off to the side with my dad.
"She's perfect, Edward," he complimented.
"Yeah, she is," I muttered.
"I'm really proud of you," he said, and I nodded. I didn't know what else to say.
I released Bella after only one night at her insistence that she wanted to go home.
Savannah and Jeremy had cleaned the house from top to bottom, and Savannah even worked to stock the refrigerator with enough meals to last the week. She promised to come down for a few more weekends to help out, but I made sure she knew to focus on her classes more.
When Jeremy walked up to me with a cigar that said, "It's a Girl," I had to admit, I was a bit surprised.
"Well, I noticed everyone was getting Bella and Aubrey presents, so I didn't want you to feel left out," he explained, and I laughed.
"Yeah, well, Bella did all the work, so she deserves it more than me. I wonder what it'll read when I have to buy you one," I joked, but he shook his head.
"I wouldn't worry about that anytime soon. Savannah had told me in no uncertain terms we'll be adopting until she can forget the memory of how much pain it all is," he informed me, and I nodded.
"Can't argue with that." I laughed. "Is it true you're looking to live off campus next semester?"
"Um, yeah, Savannah and I have been talking about it," he answered, and I could hear the nerves in his voice popping back up. "Dorm life is just too dramatic."
"Well, I can't stop you," I noted.
"I know that, and I know it may seem out of order, but it feels like the right step to take. We've even talked about renting out a house with a few other people, so it wouldn't just be us. We both just want out of the dorms," he explained.
"If you need help, I'm here," I stated, and he nodded.
I heard Aubrey on the monitor and headed for the stairs. Bella had her in bed with her before I opened the door, and I smiled as I watched Bella start to nurse her.
"Can I help with anything?" I offered.
"Why don't you lay down with us; I could use some quiet company," Bella said with a tired yawn.
So, I got into bed with my wife and new daughter. Aubrey had taken to nursing quickly, so it didn't take long for Bella to be done and moved her onto her chest.
"I can't believe she's finally here," Bella commented.
"I know, it's all so surreal," I agreed.
"Do you want me to put her back to sleep so you can rest?" I asked, but Bella shook her head.
"Not yet. They only stay this small and quiet for a little while, so I want to take full advantage of it while it's happening," Bella admitted honestly, so I wrapped one arm around the back of Bella's shoulders and placed my other hand on Aubrey's back.
Bella fell asleep in my arms several minutes later, so I lifted Aubrey and moved to the rocking chair that now sat in our room.
"I keep telling your mommy that I'm going to keep you small forever, but if it doesn't work, this time I'm really buying a shot gun," I explained to my two-day old baby.
She opened her eyes up at me before yawning and falling back asleep. The lamp left enough light where I could see Bella, and even in her sleep, she looked like an angel.
I had never realized how empty my life was before she walked into it. Having Savannah was amazing, but Bella completed my soul. Now that we had Aubrey, my life felt fully complete. It was amazing how much had changed in such a short amount of time, but I knew I wouldn't change it for the world.
Next and last epilogue soon :
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