Bella's POV

The next couple of days I stay with Jake and Billy and spend as much time as I can with Amelia. She is really an amazing little girl. She's so smart and sweet and just perfect. I regret missing the first 3 years of her life but I know all I can do is make sure I am the best mom I can possibly be to her now.

On the morning of the funeral I kiss her goodbye and leave her with Billy. As close as he was to my parents someone needed to stay with her and so he said I needed to go and I was going to need to Jake for support.

I cry the whole time at the outpouring of love for my parents but for me too. So many people tell me how glad they are to see me even though the circumstances are far from good and offer to help me and Amelia in any way they can.

I say good bye to my parents and just hope that they can hear me when I tell them how much I love them and how sorry I am and thank you so much for taking care of Amelia. I promise them I will do my best to make them proud.

After the funeral everyone heads to back to Billy's and Jake to drop off food and tell stories about them. Amelia is having a blast seeing everyone she knows and loves in one room. Funny how I hated how everyone knows everyone is a small town before I left but it seems like such a blessing now. My daughter was loved so much when I wasn't here to love her and she will be loved her whole life.

Jake stays close to me but doesn't suffocate me. He comes up behind me watching Amelia dance with one of his friends, Paul I think.

"You know Paul's an ass except when it comes to her. All my friends love her. She'll have a hard time ever dating I hope you realize this." I'm not sure if he's joking or not.

"I can't believe I love her this much. But even more I can't believe I could have ever left her. No matter how much she reminded me of him. But I'm done feeling guilty Jake. I'm going to be the best mom ever. I had a great model."

"He's back Bella. Did you know?" He asks quietly.

"No! When? Why are you just now telling me? Has he seen her?" I throw question after question at him.

He tells me that he, Amelia's father that is, has been back for about a year and hasn't tried to contact her but he assures me that he has plans in place if he does as did my parents. I'm thinking my parents were a bit more on the legal side. He tells me they never told me because they didn't want it to influence my decision to come back and he didn't tell me when I got back because he wanted to wait until I brought it up.

"Jakey!" Amelia suddenly yells from across the room sending Jake running. "Paul be mean." She pouts and Jake glares at Paul.

"Dude I just told her she couldn't have more brownies unless she asked someone else." He defends himself.

I crack up watching these two grown men glare at each other over a little girl and a brownie then laugh even harder when Jake gives her the brownies and Amelia glares at Paul.

"Your daughter is a mess you know. I've heard she gets it from you. I'm Paul."

"It still seems so strange to hear the words my daughter." I tell him.

"I can imagine. So you're not going to like screw Jake over and tear her from his life are you?" he asks.

"Oh wow. You are an ass. But no I'm. I plan on moving into my parent's house and raising her with everyone who loves her." I'm not really even annoyed because I'm surprised more people don't think this way.

"Good. So do you have an idea how where you're going to work?" He asks.

"Not really. I figured after I got through the funeral I would start looking. The options here aren't great as I'm sure you know, especially without any college."

"Can you read and type and do basic math and pretend to like everyone?" Now he's annoying me but I play along.

"Pretty sure I can."

"Then I can probably get you a decent paying job as a receptionist at the garage I work at. The old one just quit. Be there tomorrow at 10 and I will introduce you to the owner." Not what I was expecting at all. I suck at reading people.

"Um thanks. I really appreciate it and I will be there but why are you helping me? You seem to be the only person who doesn't trust me." I tried to not ask but I couldn't.

"Nah, no one really trusts you. They are just too nice to show it. But I believe in second chances because I've been given a few. So just don't screw up." And he smiles this I'm trying to be nice smile.

Just don't screw up seems to be my life motto for the moment.

A/N I'm still not exactly sure where this story is going so if anyone wants to offer ideas I'm good with that!