Thanks to kakabel for being an amazing beta!!"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

-Carl Bard-

Chapter 17

"The Funeral"

Edward somehow managed to get me back to the bed without waking me up, because the next time I opened my eyes I was once again uncomfortable in a hospital bed. I groaned loudly as I sat up.

"Mommy, you're awake!" Hannah yelled from Esme's lap. I smiled widely as she jumped up and ran to me.

"Be careful, Hannah," Esme said softly before Hannah leaped into the bed with me.

"I missed you, Mommy," Hannah whispered to me as she hugged me tightly.

"Oh, I missed you too," I mumbled kissing her forehead. She cuddled closer wrapping her arms around my neck. She buried her head into the crook of my neck, and I felt her tears hit my shoulder. I pulled her back slightly, but she just wrapped herself closer.

"Hannah, what's wrong?" I asked gently.

"I thought you went to Heaven, and then I wouldn't get to see you anymore," she cried. My heart broke hearing her say that. I had no control over when I was going to die, and no matter when it happened Hannah will be crushed.

"Oh, baby, I'm here now," I said trying to contain my tears. I gently pushed her back so I could look her in the eye. "But, Hannah, when I do go to Heaven, just remember that I'll always be here," I said pointing to her heart.

"I love you Mommy," Hannah said wiping away her tears.

"I love you too," I said, hugging her again.

I heard the door open and Edward, Emmett, Rose, Alice, and Jasper walked in. Jasper was sporting a black eye but other than that he looked unharmed. Emmett appeared perfectly fine, grinning widely at me. Edward's hand was wrapped up.

Edward immediately sat on the edge of my bed, kissing my forehead.

"I'm glad you're okay, Bells," Emmett said happily sitting next to Esme. Alice and Rose quickly hugged me before standing towards the back. The room was getting crowded rather hastily.

"Let's go get something to eat, pretty girl," Jasper said to Hannah pulling her from me. He winked at me, before walking out of the room. Esme smiled at me before following them.

"Mike's funeral's tomorrow," Rose announced suddenly. I took a deep breath. I had been expecting this. I already was aware the story was all over the news, and I figured Mike's parents wouldn't want to wait too long.

Before I could respond, the door opened again. Carlisle walked in followed by a nurse. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I came to spring you," Carlisle said with a smile. "Edward already knows how to help with your cuts and you should know already how to take care of a cast. I looked at your medical records," he continued with a laugh.

"Yeah, I know a few things," I mumbled looking down. I heard a few chuckles from around the room.

"All we need to do is get this IV out, get your discharge papers, and then you should be able to get home," Carlisle said. Ugh, I forgot about the IV.

"Where's Charlie?" I asked trying to distract myself as the nurse started messing with my left hand.

"I'm right here, Bells," Charlie said walking into the room. He walked to the other side of my bed.

"What happened to the other guy?"

"He's in custody," he said simply.

"What about the woman?" I asked remembering Mike and James talking about someone.

"What woman?" Charlie asked me suddenly looking tense.

"Um, Victoria, Mike and James said she was helping Laurent with the car."

"Can you describe her?" He questioned me going into Chief Swan mode.

"I never saw her. I just heard about her."

"Damn, well, after you get cleaned up, you need to give your statement," he grumbled quickly getting up and leaving the room. I looked at Edward who gave me a tight smile.

"Okay, we just need you to sign these papers then you are free to leave," the nurse said. I looked at my right hand, in its black cast. Now, how the hell am I supposed to sign something?

"I can't," I said sounding defeated.

"Um, well you can try with your left hand," the nurse suggested, trying to sound positive. I tried to grab the pen but I couldn't figure out how to hold it. I ended up just scribbling circles. Oh well, if someone had a problem with it they could come talk to me.

We were free to leave after Rose and Alice helped me change into a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, and I was cheerful to get out of the hospital. I have never been a fan of the place. I was feeling surprisingly well rested, so Emmett and Rose took Hannah for me, so Edward and I could go straight to the police station to give my statement. The sooner the better.

I wasn't ready for the onslaught of cameras being shoved in my face when I got there though. Edward pushed through the crowd holding me close. I ignored everyone's questions. They had no right to pry like this.

All in all, Edward and I spent about three hours at the station. I answered everything I could, and by the end I was feeling exhausted. Edward noticed right away and ended the meeting. The police officer said if there were any questions later, he would be in touch.

I leaned on Edward as he led me the back way out of the building. Apparently, people figured out I would have to leave sometime. I was grateful I didn't have to walk through them again.

The ride to Edward's apartment was silent. He held my hand as I stared out the window. The quiet was interrupted when Edward's phone started ringing. After a quick conversation, we were already pulling into his apartment building's garage.

"Hannah's staying with Rose and Emmett," Edward said once he parked. I nodded my head.

Edward lightly put his hands on either side of my face, pulling me to look at him. I smiled as I saw the adoration in his eyes. At least that was still there.

"I love you, beautiful," he whispered, lightly brushing his lips against mine. My smile brightened.

"I love you more, handsome," I mumbled against his lips.

"Impossible," he muttered. He brought his lips back to mine, more forcibly this time. I felt his warm tongue drag across my bottom lip, lightly pulling it into his mouth. Using my left hand, since my right was no use, I combed my fingers into his gorgeous hair. I opened my mouth letting him continue his assault on my mouth.

I pulled back once I was light headed and chuckled.

"Why are you laughing? That wasn't the response I was going for," Edward said chuckling with me.

"I feel like a teenager, making out in your car," I said laughing harder.

"Well fine," Edward said suddenly opening his door. Before I could say anything, he was pulling me out of the car. He backed me against the car, keeping a tight grip on my hips. He crashed his mouth to mine, and I sighed in content. This time I initiated everything. He let me explore his mouth this time. I felt his hands snake around my back. Slowly, he slid his hands down until he shoved them in the pockets of my jeans.

I once again pulled away, laughing.

"Yes, definitely High School. Are you really trying to cop a feel of my ass, Cullen?" I teased.

"I most certainly am," he said lightly squeezing my cheeks. I yelped softly and he just laughed.

"Well, in that case," I said as my left hand found purchase in his pocket. He grinned widely at me.

"Move in with me Bella," Edward whispered suddenly.

"What?" I mumbled as my jaw slacked slightly and my eyes widened.

"You, me, and Hannah. We can build a house right outside of Seattle, so I'm not too far from the hospital," he rambled. I pulled my bottom lip into my mouth.

"Edward-" I tried to stop him, but he kept going.

"You can go back to work or you can stay at home. Whatever you want to do," he continued on, oblivious to everything.

"Edward-"

"We can decorate it anyway you want. Anything you want, Bella. All you have to do is tell me," Edward said. But I had enough. I reached up and pushed my lips against him, silencing him. He kissed back with enthusiasm.

"So, is that a yes?" He asked pulling away.

"No," I paused as his face fell. "More like, I would like nothing more."

He smiled instantly pulling me into a hug.

"Edward, can we go inside now?" I asked quietly. He nodded his head. He picked me up bridal style. He seemed too happy for me to tell him to put me down, so I let him carry me.

Edward put me on his bed, we didn't bother changing clothes. He just pulled me close once he was comfortable on the other side of the bed.

"Edward, I want to go to Mike's funeral," I said staring into his eyes.

"I figured," he said.

"Hannah shouldn't be there," I mumbled.

"Maybe we should take her, and just not let her see him," he suggested. "How long has it been since Mike's parents have seen her?"

"A long time," I said sighing. "The last time they saw her I think she was two."

We didn't say anything after that. We were both happy to just be holding each other. And sometime later, I fell into a peaceful sleep in Edward's arms.

My phone ringing the next morning woke both of us. I quickly looked at it and the screen flashed Rose.

"Hello," I muttered rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

"Its noon, you need to get ready. I already have Hannah ready," Rose said quickly.

"Jeez, thanks for the call," I said sitting up quickly.

"Actually, I'm at Edward's. You need clothes."

"How do you know where Edward lives?"

"I have my ways," she said laughing.

"Alice, right?" I asked, she murmured a yes. "I'm opening the door now."

And sure enough, Rose was standing there with a garment bag in one hand, holding Hannah's in the other.

I quickly got dressed in the guest bathroom, as Edward got ready in his bathroom. I wore a simple black dress, with black ballet flats. I left my hair down.

Rose left once Edward and I were ready. Hannah was in a sundress, not understanding what was going on. Edward drove us to the funeral home, and I was beginning to regret my decision to bring Hannah. I took a deep breath as Edward got Hannah out of the car.

I kneeled in front of Hannah, grabbing her hands.

"Mommy, are we going to say goodbye?" She asked with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, sweetie, we are," I said trying to stay strong for Hannah.

"Do you think he's happy now? In Heaven, I mean," she said, smiling slightly.

"I bet he is, honey," I said pulling her into a hug. "Edward, can you watch her while I go?"

He nodded his head and bent down to pick up Hannah.

I walked slowly into the funeral home, feeling the stares of everyone around me. I'm glad I didn't have to do anything, and Mike's parents took care of everything. I walked straight to the casket. I was surprised it was opened, but looking at him I knew why they did it.

He looked peaceful, almost like he was sleepy. You wouldn't have known he was shot. I pulled my wedding ring out of my pocket, where I stashed it before we left the apartment. I opened his closed hand that was lying across his chest, sliding the ring in before closing his hand again. He was so cold.

"Thank you Mike. For Hannah, for everything," I whispered, feeling the tears spill over. "We had our ups and downs, but I loved you. Well, until you went crazy."

I pushed the hair out of his face. "I'm so sorry that you don't get to see Hannah grow up. I know you loved her, you just sucked showing it. Same with me."

I put my hand on his cheek. "I really did love you, Mike, with everything I had," I leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Good-bye, Big Mac," I chuckled at his old nickname. The first date he took me, and it stuck. That's what happens when your restaurant of choice is McDonalds.

I turned and walked out of the building, looking for Edward. I disregarded the sympathetic looks people were throwing at me. I didn't need them. I spotted Edward, and once he saw me he put Hannah down so he could pull me into his arms. I let out the sob I was holding in. I felt Hannah tugging on the bottom of my skirt.

"Mommy, can I say good-bye to him now?" She asked sounding impatient.

"Not now, Hannah, in just a little bit," I said as Edward wiped away the tears that were coming down with vigor.

"Daddy, up, please," Hannah demanded holding her arms out. Edward pulled away slightly and rested Hannah against his hip holding me close still.

"Did she just call him Daddy?" Janice, Mike's mother, asked. Mike's dad, Mark, stood behind her with a look of regret on his face. I actually liked him, and by the look on his face, I could tell he was not in agreement with what his wife was about to say. But I never did like her. "How dare you? Her father is in there," shoving a finger over her shoulder, "dead because of you."

"I don't have to explain my actions to you, Janice," I snapped at her. "While in the end, Mike saved me, that doesn't make up for the fact that he was a shitty father to Hannah."

"He was no such thing. He loved her," she sneered at me.

"He was never there. Don't say things that you have no clue about," I replied angrily. "And how dare you confront me like this at your son's funeral?'

"And if you'll excuse me, Hannah needs to go say good-bye," I said as calmly as possible.

"Why would you do that? That's stupid," Janice said glaring at me.

"She's his daughter! And this is my decision. Now, back off," I yelled causing many heads to turn. Edward handed Hannah to me. Hannah remained quiet as I took her into the building. I stopped before we went into the room. It probably was a bad idea to bring Hannah in there to see Mike, but I knew she needed to say goodbye to her Dad once and for all.

"Now, remember Hannah, he's in Heaven now, and he's happy. He's going to feel cold," I whispered and she nodded her head. I took a deep breath and jumped slightly as Edward kissed my forehead. I didn't know he was right there.

There was a line in front of the casket, but when people saw it was me with Hannah, the immediately moved away.

"Good-bye, cheeseburger, I'm still your small fry," she whispered. I chuckled. I didn't think she would remember we all had food nicknames for each other. She leaned out of my hands, I helped her, and so she could kiss his cheek. "I hope you're having fun in Heaven," and with that she turned around in my arms wrapping her arms around my neck. "I'm ready to go Vanilla Shake," she said as I stroked her hair and walked back out of the building.

Edward pulled both of us in his arms once we were outside. He gently rocked us back and forth. I didn't go back in even though someone said it was just family time. I couldn't. I would miss my Mike, the one I married, the one who was playful, and knew how to show his love.

Our car was right behind the Hurst. I was surprised Janice let us, but I could care less. Both Hannah and I put a rose on his casket. I cried silently as the Preacher said a quick prayer. Without a word to anyone, I grabbed Edward's hand as he held Hannah, and led the way to the car. I had already heard the people talking about my relationship with Edward, but I refused to give them the satisfaction of saying anything to them.

"Mommy, I think we should watch a movie. They always make you happy," Hannah suggested once we were back at Edward's apartment. I laughed kissing her cheek.

And now that the chapter with Mike is finished, it was time to start a new one with Edward.

I don't know if some people are thinking Hannah shouldn't have seen Mike like that, but when I was six my father passed away and my mom was adamant about letting me say my final goodbye. I'm grateful she let me do that. So if you don't like it, sorry.

I'm thinking next chapter is it. But there will be a Epoligue. And of course the sequel!! Hoping to have the chapter done by Wednesday, but that's a maybe...

Thanks to everyone that reviewed!!

~Scarlet :)