Eighteen

"Thank you for coming to me."

"I would do anything for you, Bella. I love you."

"I love you too," I whispered. I folded myself into him even tighter, content just being wrapped up in his arms. I felt safe and for the first time in my life, I truly felt at home.

"How was your flight?" I asked, still enveloped in his warmth. I sighed contentedly as he lightly caressed the length of my spine.

"Long because I couldn't wait to get to you," he responded. I smiled at his sweet admission, even happier that he was mine.

"Well thank God for Garrett, huh?"

"Yes indeed. He is clearly efficient when it comes to speed, although I can admit, he doesn't hold a candle to me." We laughed together because it was undoubtedly true; Edward was a speed demon and had a steadfast penchant for it. I never met someone who like loved the adrenaline as much as he did in my life. Although it was absurd, I had nothing but absolute trust in him every time he sat behind the wheel. My life was in his hands and he never precariously put me in danger. That's the thing about love; it made you put a lot of faith into the one who garnered it.

"Is everyone at the hospital?"

"Yeah. Seth and Leah left about two hours ago and Sue's been there all night."

"Alright then. Let's get you to your family." Edward slowly pulled away from me and placed a small kiss on my forehead. I went back inside to turn off the television and retrieved my things, locking the door behind me. Edward held out his hand and I grasped it following him over to the car. He opened up the back door, letting me get in first before climbing in after me and shutting us in.

I looked forward catching Garrett's eyes in the review mirror. "Hello Garrett."

"Good afternoon, Miss Swan." His voice was filled with politeness and warmth. "Where to?"

"Back to the hospital, please," I said. He nodded and backed out of the driveway onto the road. The ride was relatively short since Forks was such a small town and once Garrett rolled into the parking lot, the nervous feeling came back. Edward must've sensed my anxiety because he placed his hand in mine, giving it a small squeeze. I looked into his eyes and squeezed back, silently reassuring him that I would be fine. He quirked up his lips in a small smile before opening the door. I stepped out after him and he told Garrett he would call him when he was ready. We said our goodbyes before Garrett's departure and walked hand in hand inside. When we walked to the waiting area, Seth was reading some auto magazine and Leah was deep into her phone playing some type of game.

"Hey guys," I said. Both of them looked up and stared at me first before their eyes traveled over to Edward. I wanted to giggle from the looks on their face but I held it in, saving it for another time. "This is Edward Cullen, my boyfriend." Pride filled my pores as I introduced the man I loved to the people who meant everything to me. "Edward, these are my siblings, Seth and Leah Clearwater."

Seth rose from his seat first and held out his hand to Edward. "Nice to finally meet you, man."

"Likewise," Edward responded warmly as his shook hand.

Leah came over and offered her hand to Edward as well. "It's nice to finally put a face to a name. Our Bella here has spoke very highly of you," she chuckled.

"Oh really? Has she?" Edward teased as he looked over at me, his eyes alight with amusement. "Well, all good things I hope." Edward pulled me into his side, wrapping his right arm around my torso.

"Of course," I replied, never taking my eyes away from him. He gave me that crooked smile that made my heart melt and I couldn't help myself. I stood on the tip of my toes and gave him a kiss. It was short and sweet but it was filled with nothing but devotion.

"Yup, they're definitely in love," Leah murmured to Seth and I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped my lips.

"Yes we are. Now could you two please keep Edward company while I go and talk to Sue?" I asked.

"Sure thing, Bells. Just know, I can't be held accountable for him running away once I tell him your most embarrassing stories," Seth chuckled.

"You wouldn't dare. You love me too much," I grinned. That's what I loved about Seth the most; he was a jokester and he always made me laugh even when I was at my worst.

"That's what you think," he grinned mischievously. I rolled my eyes and giggled, not at all concerned with his threat.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be right back." I walked down the hall and stopped in front of the room where my father was unconscious. I took a deep breath before stepping inside. Sue sat in her usual spot, right by my father's side, her eyes locked on his face.

"Hey," I murmured softly to her.

Her somber eyes found me, a tepid smile crawling on her lips. "Hi Bella. Did you get enough rest last night?"

"Hardly," I replied honestly. I could see that she didn't get much rest either. I knew she stayed her all night and it definitely showed; her hair was unkempt, she still wore the attire she had on yesterday and underneath her eyes sagged from exhaustion. It bothered me that she was in the state she was in.

"Sue, I think you should go home and get some rest. You look extremely exhausted," I said softly.

"I want to be here when he wakes up," she said.

"But —"

"No, Bella," Sue said with finality, "I'm not leaving until he wakes up." She was determined but it didn't sit well with me.

"Look, I understand that you don't want to leave but please, think about what I said for a moment. You need your energy to watch over Dad. You need to eat, take a shower and get a few hours of rest. What good will it be if your body crashes on you from lack of sleep?" I preened.

Sue sighed in resignation. "You're right, Bella. I'm just so worried about him." Her voice cracked with emotion and I went to her, embracing her as she sobbed. I hated to see her cry and it broke my heart to know she was hurting. She was afraid to lose another husband and I couldn't blame her. I was hurting too, as well as everyone who loved and respected my father.

After she calmed down, I reassured her that I would keep watch over my father in her absence and that I would call immediately if anything happened. I also told her about my mom and Edward. She was looking forward to both of them being around for support and getting a chance to meet the man who finally managed to capture my heart. During our conversation, my mom called to let me know that her flight was delayed due to a really bad storm that was passing through and that she wouldn't be able to make it until tomorrow afternoon. I promised before hanging up that I would be waiting for her when she arrived at the airport.

"I'm going to tell Leah to bring me home. I really need a shower," Sue said as she rose from her seat.

"I'll walk out there with you. There's someone I want you to meet."