Not mine. I'd like it to be.

Note: This is based on Twilight, not Little Women.

Chapter 32

Rosalie's brother died two days before Edward was due home. The illness was too quick and there was nothing anyone could do for him.

Both Katie and Beth had developed coughs, although Beth was much worse off. Bella and Esme decided that it was for the best if the girls stayed at the farm and Edward conducted his visit there. It would be the first time he would be at the farm since leaving that fateful night.

As the carriage pulled up to the house Edward was worried. Would any of the ghosts of the past haunt his visit? He was also concerned that the girls were sick. They hadn't had an illnesses before.

Edward walked in the front door and was surprised. The house was entirely different from his memory. Before the house seemed shadowy and slightly sinister, now it was bright and inviting. He was sure that the change was due to who was in residence.

They found Bella in the kitchen with Beth strapped to her chest by a long piece of cloth. Esme was stunned by the ingenuity of the young woman she had come to admire, Beth was sleeping, snuffling softly, while Bella went about some chores being able to comfort the child and have her hands free to work at the same time. Katie was sleeping in the baby carriage by the door, enjoying some afternoon sunshine.

Bella was surprised by the arrival of the Cullen's, she thought she's have more time o prepare. She was slightly embarrassed to be found wearing a child but her fears were calmed by Mrs. Esme. When Bella was praised for the use of a sling for the sick child, she admitted she had read about the method in a book long ago.

Edward checked over Katie, trying not to wake her, while Bella undid the sling and released Beth. After Beth's examination Edward confirmed Bella's belief that both girls were just suffering from colds and hopefully nothing more dire. It still wasn't known what had cause Rosalie's brother's illness.

The Elder Cullen's stayed at the farm for a couple of days but had to return to town to attend a party. Katie had improved and was a bundle of joy once again, how ever Beth was still not herself.

Edward felt quite ridiculous walking around the nursery with Beth slung around his chest. To make matters worse the only piece of cloth that would accommodate his size was floral patterned. However it was the only way Beth would be soothed.

Bella attended to Katie and made them a light supper. She had made several different remedies to help Beth with her congestion. They tried them in order seeing which one worked best. A strong mustard plaster was the most effective but could only be in place for short periods of time so as not to burn the delicate skin.

Both Edward and Bella stayed up most of the night to help Beth in her struggle. Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, Beth's breathing had improved greatly. Her cradle had been placed near the fire and Bella sat against the wall rocking it softly.

Edward sat next to her, close but not too close, however, not close enough for Edward's liking. He had watched her the entire evening and night as she attended his child. It was a wonder to behold. This renewed his need to speak to his mother for help in courting Bella properly.

Edward sighed and let his eyes close, giving up the fight to stay awake.

Bella was surprised when Edward's head came to rest on her shoulder. They hadn't spoken much other than to discuss proper treatments for Beth. She was overjoyed to see him waltz around the room with Beth in her sling. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Edward huffed and fussed in his sleep, obviously uncomfortable in his position. Bella shrugged her shoulders so that his head came to rest in her lap. She tentatively raised her free hand and placed it on his hair. Edward let out a great shuddering sigh and feel deeper into sleep.

Bella stayed awake the entire night comforting both father and child. As she ran her fingers through his hair, she realized that the main reason she was not interested in pursuing a romance with some faceless man was that there was no other man to consider.

There was only this man. No matter how irregular or unconventional their pairing may be. This was what she wanted.

While the sun rose slowly over the farm house Bella recognized that she had given her heart to this man, to his children and his family. She would never get it back.

AN: Thank you. Rosalie's brother liked to wear red shirts.