A/N: I don't own this, we all know who does. If I did, Rpattz would be singing Happy Birthday to MistiS and Sunsetwing. Hope you girls have enjoyed today. :)

This is unbeta'd, so any and all mistakes belong to me. This chapter's a little longer, my brain's not used to over 2 pages lately. :D

This is for my wifey, Mrs. Robward. I love her. Most of all. Luckily she knows it. :)

Thanks to Luxure & EdwardsBloodType for prereading this. Have you seen these girls? So much cuteness... :)

**disclaimer **

This story is a bit taboo. Edward's got some 'splaining to do... Promise ring, mister? REALLY?

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… Chapter Sixteen - Close … Edward …

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I sit in a quiet room, your baby in my arms. She cries for everyone but me. Like she knows me.

You sleep, recovering from surgery. My dad told me how much blood you lost, how close they came to losing you.

How close I came to losing you...again. Forever.

Leah left hours ago, going home to be with your family. She called him, he's on his way home.

How could he leave you alone? So close to your due date?

Does he ever think of you?

I hate him. I hate listening to him preach every week, telling us to cherish our family, be selfless for our loved ones. Yet he isn't. He doesn't give you a second thought.

He's a fucking hypocrite.

The way Leah watches him, in awe of him, makes me sick.

His sermon's fill the church with hope, love, kindness, and yet he can't bother to fill his own wife with anything more than his cum and his demands.

I hate him.

I wish I was him. I'd treat you better, right. Give you all the things you deserve.

Leah found a ring in my bedroom, assuming it as for her. It wasn't, I bought it for you. Long ago, when I still hoped I could have you.

I had to give it to her, I couldn't very well say it was for her mother, could I?

I only have two more weeks before I leave for college. Far away from you. Maybe by the time Leah gets there next year, I'll be over you. I'll be able to love her the way I should.

Maybe not.

The baby wiggles in my arms, her hand reaching out for something to hold, my finger. She's so dark, her hair, her skin. I don't know what to think.

But I believe you, what you told me.

And I hate it.

I watch her little lips, her button nose, the faces she makes as she blinks open her eyes.

We look at each other, watching, studying. Memorizing.

"Hi baby. You don't know me, and I'm sorry for that. I wish I could be something to you, something important. I wish it more than anything."

I hear you stir, looking up to see you watching me.

"Someone's hungry. You feeling up to it? I can get the nurse."

You nod, your forehead creasing a bit.

I watch from the side as a nurse helps you place the baby at your breast, teasing her lips with your nipple.

I remember when you teased my lips with your nipple.

They look the same...exactly the same.

I want them. You. So much.

"Did we decide on a name?" the nurse asks.

You glance at me, then back to the baby. "Claire Elizabeth."

My heart stutters for a moment. My grandmother's name was Elizabeth. I told you that once.

What does that mean? Anything? Maybe I'm just grasping at straws.

When Claire is done eating, the nurse offers to take a picture of us, your family. I just wanted one picture of us together, even if it is here.

I hand her the camera, standing next to your bed, I lean in.

You smell the same, and it takes all of my will power to not press my face into your hair, your neck.

We smile, Claire's eyes wide open.

The moment is captured forever. And it's something I'll always cherish. I'll never forget this moment. The last moment I'll ever be with you.

I kiss you lightly on the head, pausing to remember, to hold back my tears.

"I love you...more now than ever before. I'll never stop."

Pressing my lips to your temple, I hurry away from the room.

He's there, with your children. They look at me, accusing eyes.

"Edward, thanks for staying with Bella, I appreciate that," he says. A show, an act. I know what it is.

"Well, someone had to be here with her. Guess it couldn't be you." I'm bitter, I don't try to hide it.

"Thanks for taking care of her."

I've taken care of you in more ways than he'll ever know.

"Did you kiss my mother?" Leah asks, pulling me aside as the rest of them enter your room.

I scramble. "She was alone, I felt bad for her."

Leah's eyes are troubled, questioning.

"But my mom?"

I smooth my hand over her cheek, feeling her lean into my touch.

"She's your family. I love her."

It feels good saying it out loud, even if it's not in the right context.

She smiles. "Thank you, baby."

Her lips find mine, pushing, forceful.

I see from my half closed eyes, through your doorway. You watching us. Your heart breaking.

Mine's breaking, too.

I can't leave for school fast enough.

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A/N: At least he told her, one last time, that he loves her. :)

That's it for today, I HAVE to go grocery shopping. Ugh. :D Such a pain. But tomorrow's chapters have good stuff... :)

Reviews are better than teasing nipples. (Did I seriously just write that? Oy... :D )

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