"Charlie! I got the call. Can you pick me up on your way?"
Charlie watched me with suspicious eyes as it took me much longer than I had intended to get to the car. I was out of breath and pale by the time I got in. I leaned back with my eye closed, taking slow, even breaths.
"Edward, will you please tell me what is going on? I've known for a while you were keeping something from me. I have a right to know. I've already lost one child; are you going to make me lose another just as unexpectedly?"
I slowly turned to look at him with blurry vision, regretting my decision to keep things to myself a little too late.
"I'm sorry, Charlie. I didn't think about it like that."
"You can be one selfish man, Edward."
Charlie turned away, looking out the window into the darkness, lost in thought. After a few moments, his moustache twitched, and he cleared his throat, starting the car.
"How long?"
"Have I known or that I have left?"
He glared at me, using his blinker to pull back onto the road.
"I've known for almost a year. I've lasted longer than they predicted."
"Edward-"
"I don't want to go into the details; anything they suggested only prolonged my pain; there was never a cure given. I wanted to enjoy every moment I had left- for you and Bo to remember us all laughing and happy. I didn't want any of us to have memories of sadness and tears. If I had told, that's all these past few months would have been. Instead, Bo and Chris have gotten married and are bringing their first child into the world. They are full of hope for the future, not fearing it. You have been able to concentrate on your grandchild and becoming a great-grandfather, not worrying over me. And I have been able to not be bothered by any of you hovering."
I laughed softly, knowing he knew the truth in my words. "Instead, I was able to see the peace in my situation. I have lived to see my daughter get married, to see my first grandchild. I'm leaving knowing she is loved and taken care of, that you are there looking out for them all. I get to lay in bed at night without worrying about how sad you all are. I instead, I feel tranquility over how close I am to having Bella back in my arms."
"I could have helped you; you should have at least told me."
"You know I never was the same after losing your daughter. Bo took up a place in my heart I didn't know was there before. The spot Bella had taken was never filled; it has been empty ever since, my soul not complete. I have been happy, but we both know I could have been happier. I will never be at ease without her, Charlie. You have to understand."
The car was silent for a long while; I was beginning to wonder if he would speak to me at all.
"I do." He finally answered as we pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car. "Now, let's go meet our new grandchild."
I could see his eyes glistening, though neither of us said anything, walking side by side into the hospital and to our Bo.
"Edward, Charlie!" Mike ran to us as we stepped off the elevator. "Bo gave birth minutes ago; they refused to let me in till you got here." He was giddy, grabbing both our arms and running to the door of Bo's room. "Chris, Bo, they're here!"
Chris opened the door, his eyes sparkling and face flushed with pure joy.
"Are you ready?" He asked softly, opening the door to let us enter.
We were silent, Charlie placing the vase of flowers we had picked out on the closest surface to us, all eyes focused on a smiling Bo who was holding a small bundle.
"Hi, Honey," I whispered, feeling lightheaded but pushing through.
Charlie could tell something was going on; I felt him place an arm around me, helping me stay upright.
"I would like to introduce Isabella Charlie to her three grandfathers."
"Hot damn." Charlie laughed.
Mike went forward and Bo placed the baby into his arms. He cooed and kissed the small bundle I still couldn't see clearly. I sat at the chair besides Bo's bed, grateful for the reprieve, trying to stay resilient.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"Great." She smiled widely, bending her head so I could give the top a kiss.
"Here you go, Gramps," Mike said, passing the baby to me.
…And for the first time I laid my eyes on my granddaughter.
"She looks just like you," I whispered. "Hello, my sweet Bella." I couldn't stop the tears, holding the baby close to my chest and rocking her ever so slightly as I cried for the tiny being.
I wouldn't be close by witnessing her growing up; I would be watching from above, and so would my Bella.