A/N: Dear Faithful Readers: I am sorry that I took such a long break from this story! Please don't give up. I promise to keep working. I did something I said I wouldn't do: I started another story before I finished this one! I woke up one day with a scene playing in my head and I had to write it down. Next thing I know, I am rewriting Breaking Dawn for Jake and Leah. I will publish it when I finish this story, which will be soon. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I really appreciate all of your feedback. KM

CHAPTER 60

Leah POV:

We had a wonderful Christmas. Embry gave me the most amazing Nativity Scene! He told me he wanted us to have one of our own to put up in our house next Christmas. I cried when I opened it and took out each piece. Then he told me the story of where he bought it and who made it. I told him I definitely wanted to go and visit Ruth. I couldn't believe he had given me something so special. I hugged him and told him how I couldn't wait for next year to see where we would be living and where we set up our beautiful Nativity Scene.

I had given him a new tool box for the shop with some new tools in it. I had Jake come with me and help me pick everything out. He was very excited! He was always complaining how he needed this tool, or that tool to fix something and he didn't have it. Now he did. He pulled me into his arms and told me he would thank me properly when we were alone. I whispered how much I would look forward to that.

Jake had called Embry to tell him that Bella said yes to his proposal! Embry had to hold the phone away from his ear a little ways because Jake was shouting so loud. He was so happy and excited to be engaged. I was so happy for him. He had suffered for too long waiting for Bella to make up her mind between Jake and the bloodsucker. I'm glad he was finally happy and secure that she loved him and only him.

Abby loved the necklace that Seth gave her. She squealed when she opened it and that made Seth very happy. She gave him a scarf that she knitted herself. Emily had taught her to knit while she was making a blanket for the baby. Embry and I exchanged a look when Seth opened it. As wolves, we really didn't have much a need for a scarf, but Seth put it on right away and told her how much he liked it. I just stared at them as I realized how much he really did care for her. Maybe he did love her. I know how I felt at 16 about Sam. I had really loved him.

Mom made us a wonderful dinner on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day we went to Sam and Emily's. It was so great being with Embry's family. Everyone bought gifts for the new babies that weren't even here yet, and there was a lot of laughter and some tears. I noticed Josh just standing off to the side of the room by himself. I walked over and stood with him. He looked down at me and smiled. "Just taking everything in?" I asked.

He nodded. "I can't believe that I'm not dreaming. To be standing here in Sam's house, watching my pregnant wife talk to my son. I am absolutely blown away."

I smiled at him. He put his arm around my shoulder and said, "Thank you, Leah. Thank you so much for coming to find me. I will never be able to repay you for that."

"You don't need to repay me. Just seeing how happy you and Angie are is more than enough. And Embry. He loves having a complete family. I think Sam has even come around and is happy you are back."

Josh looked over at Sam, who had his arm around Emily. They were looking at a little outfit that Angie had given them for the baby. Josh smiled and said, "I never in my wildest dreams ever thought that I would have Sam back in my life. I was so afraid he would hate me forever."

We stood there quiet for a moment just taking in the scene before us. Seth and Abby cuddled close talking . . . Sam and Emily . . . Embry and Angie and my mom sharing something funny . . . it was pretty amazing. "This is a lot different holiday for my family, too, you know. A year ago, I thought I had lost everything. Sam, my dad, my normal way of life. I was so angry and hurt and confused. I thought I would never be happy again. But, here I am. I am engaged to the most wonderful man in the world, and I have so much to look forward to. Life is funny like that, isn't it? Just when you think you can't take any more pain, the sun comes out again and here we are."

Josh squeezed me to his side and kissed me on the head. "Life is funny, but oh so sweet."

Embry POV:

YES! I'M FREE! I was finally out of high school forever. Thank God! I had taken my finals and I actually passed all of them, thanks to Leah's help. She was a slave driver, making me study like I never had before. My mom cried and told me how proud she was of me. I guess it was kind of worth it, just to see her so happy. Dad took us all out to dinner to celebrate my graduation. It was awesome looking around the table and thinking, "This is my family," and it wasn't just me and Mom.

Dad had finally gotten the price he wanted on the new house and he bought it. It was just outside LaPush, not far from Jared's house. It had two bedrooms, and a smaller room that could be used as a nursery, a bigger kitchen (which made Mom happy), a living room, one and half bathrooms and a garage. It also had a basement that was unfinished. It was kind of run-down and did need some work. So, Sam and Dad were working on it in the evenings and on the weekends. I helped on the weekends too. Sam even had some of the guys come over and help. We wanted to get this place in shape soon so we could be moved in before the baby came, which Mom found out would be sometime in June.

I had already secretly decided that I wouldn't be moving in with them. I really wanted to be married by then. I had already talked to the landlord of our house and told him that when my mom and dad moved out, I would like to rent the house. He told me that since Mom had been such a good tenant all these years, and always paid her rent on time, that he would be willing to keep the rent the same for me. I told him I was really grateful for that and I would let him know closer to summer when I would take over.

Jake and I were working full-time now and business was going good. We had really outgrown our little garage and we needed to get moved over to the shop soon. One day in early February, we sat down to crunch some numbers. "Man, we are so close. I think we should call Mr. Collins and go over the numbers. Maybe there's some way we can do this sooner," I suggested.

Jake nodded. "Maybe. I'll call him today and see when we can meet with him."

Just then my phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hey, bro. Just wanted you to know that we are headed to the hospital. Emily's water just broke. Can you call Dad? I gotta go!"

"Yea, bro, go!" I hung up and looked at Jake. "The baby's coming! Emily's water just broke!"

He grinned as I called Dad. "Dad? Sam just called me. Emily's water broke and they are on their way to the hospital. Yea, just now. OK, bye."

I started to dial Leah's number then remembered that she was in class. She had started classes at the community college in January and she really loved it. She had a full class load, so she was only working at the restaurant on the weekends now. She had finally gotten a cell phone so I texted her. Her mom insisted she get one now that she was driving back and forth to school. I sent: "Baby's coming. Em to hospital."

I waited. "OMG! Meet you there after school?"

I answered: "Yea sure."

I turned back to Jake and said, "I gotta go and be there for Sam. Is that OK?"

"Uh, yea! Of course. Go, dude. I'll let you know what Collins says."

"Thanks, bro." I got up and ran out of the garage. I got to the truck and realized I forgot my keys. I ran back into the garage to see Jake standing there holding them up and dangling them. "Forget something?" he asked with a grin.

I laughed and he tossed them to me. "Call me and let me know how things are going. I'll come by later!" he called to me as I ran for the truck. I jumped in and headed for Forks.

I walked into the hospital and asked where the maternity ward was. The nice lady at the desk gave me directions and I found the elevator and took it to the second floor. I walked out and saw Mom and Dad sitting at the end of the hall in the waiting area. I walked up and asked, "How did you get here before me?"

Dad laughed and said they were in Forks at the hardware store when I called. "We were picking out new handles for the kitchen cabinets," Mom explained.

"Any news yet? Have you even seen Sam?" I asked.

"Yea, we were here when they brought Emily up. She's doing great. Sam not so much. He's a wreck!"

I laughed at that. Em and I just had that conversation the other day when I asked her if she was scared about having the baby. She told me no, that she was excited, but she was worried Sam wouldn't make it without passing out. I told that to Dad and he said, "I think she may be right about that!"

We all sat down and made ourselves comfortable. The nurse had come out and told us that since this was a first baby, it could be awhile. Emily was doing great – she was dilated to 5 centimeters on her way to 10, which was good, but it could still take some time. We settled in and waited.

I got another text from Leah: "Baby here yet?"

"No. Still waiting."

"On my way!"

"Good!"

"Leah is on her way," I told Mom and Dad. Mom was flipping through a parenting magazine and Dad was on the phone with someone about buying a new sink for the kitchen. I told Mom, "I'm going downstairs to wait for Leah. I'll be right back." She looked up and nodded. "Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine, thanks," she answered.

I took the stairs down to the lobby and waited for Leah. I only had to wait about 20 minutes. She came jogging up to the front door and inside. "Did I miss it?" she asked quickly.

I pulled her to me and said, "No. It will be awhile." I filled her in on what the nurse said.

"Oh, OK," she said.

I kissed her slowly and said, "I miss you. I really do. I know things are busy right now, but we really need to find some time together."

She smiled and said, "Yea, me, too." I took her hand and led her over to the door of the stairs. We made our way up to the waiting room. Leah greeted Mom and Dad just as Sam came out from behind the door that led to the birthing rooms. Leah met him and asked excitedly "What's going on? How's Emily?"

He smiled and said, "She's doing great. She's already at 8 centimeters . The doctor was just in and said everything looks good. I just wanted you guys to know. I had to take a bathroom break."

I put my hand on his shoulder and asked, "You doing OK, bro?"

He looked at me and said, "Man, this is hard. I'm a nervous wreck and Emily is so calm. I don't know how she's doing it."

I smiled and patted his shoulder. "You're doing good. Hang in there." He nodded and turned and went back inside to Emily.

We all sat down again and soon Seth called. "Hey, so you know where Sam is? He told us he was picking us up at school today, and he never showed."

"Oh no, sorry, dude. Emily's water broke and we're all at the hospital waiting for the baby." I looked over at Leah and mouthed "Seth." "Um, let me call Jake. I'll see if he can come and get you. If not Jake, I'll find someone. You guys hang tight."

Leah smiled and said, "He forgot about Seth and Abby, didn't he?" I nodded as I waited for Jake to answer.

"Hey, what's up? Is the baby here?" he answered.

"No, but my bonehead brother forgot he was supposed to pick up Seth and Abby at school. Can you run by and get them?"

"Sure, sure. I'm on my way."

"Thanks, Jake." I hung up and told Leah that Jake would get them.

It wasn't long before Jake showed up with Seth and Abby. Abby ran over to Leah and asked anxiously, "Is she here yet? Did we miss it?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Still waiting."

I walked over to Jake and asked him if he got a hold of Collins. "Yea, I did. We have a meeting with him tomorrow at ten in the morning. He said he might be willing to work out some kind of deal with us," he told me with a smile.

"Yes! I hope so. We really need the space, and I really want to get married," I told him.

He looked at me with a curious look and asked, "Why are you in such a hurry to get married? Did you knock her up or something?"

"Geez, Jake, no, I didn't knock her up. Why would you ask me that?"

"I don't know. You're only 18, man. Why be in such a hurry?"

"I love her. I want to be with her ALL the time. I'm FINALLY out of school, and I'm ready to start my life. If I have the money to support her, why wait?"

He smiled and said, "I don't know, bro. I guess you're right. Go for it!"

"I will!"

"Will what?" Leah said as she walked up. I looked at Jake and said, "Um, be at the meeting with Collins tomorrow morning at ten. We're going to talk to him about getting the garage sooner."

"Yea? Great! I hope it works out," she said.

"Me, too, baby," I said as I put my arm around her shoulders and kissed her on top of the head. I looked over at Jake and he smiled.

We all sat down and waited another two hours. Finally, a very exhausted, but happy looking Sam came through the doors and announced, "She's here! And she is perfect. Emily did great. The baby weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces and she's is perfect. Did I say that already?"

I rushed forward and grabbed him in a bro hug. "Congratulations, Dad!" I said as I patted him on the back. Leah was next, then Seth, then Abby, and on and on.

Abby was practically jumping up and down. "When can we see her?"

"Soon. I just wanted to come out and let you know that she's here. I'll be back when she can have visitors, OK?"

Sam looked over at Dad and they exchanged a look. Then Sam put his arms around Dad and hugged him. I felt tears sting my eyes for a second. I knew this was a very momentous occasion for both of them. Leah put her arms around my waist and leaned her head onto my shoulder. Then Sam turned and went back through the doors. Mom walked over to Dad and put her arms around him. I saw him wipe a tear from his eye quickly and then hug her.

"So, Uncle Embry. Are you excited to see your niece?" Leah asked me. Wow. I have a niece. How weird is that?

"Yea, I am. Awesome, isn't it?" Everyone was so excited and talking. Jake got on the phone and called Quil to tell him to spread the good news.

Sam came back out and went to Dad. He took him and Mom back to see the baby first. They were back there for about 20 minutes or so then they came out and Dad told me and Leah to go back next. I stood up and took her hand and we walked back through the doors and down the hall to Emily's room.

We walked in and Emily was sitting up in bed holding the baby. Sam smiled and said, "Hey, bro. Meet Lily."

I stepped up to the bed and bent and kissed Emily on the forehead. "Hey, sis. How ya feeling?"

She smiled and said, "I'm great, little brother. I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now." She looked over at Sam. Leah had walked over to Sam and hugged him. I wondered how hard this might be for her, but she seemed to be doing alright.

I took a look at my new niece. She was all wrapped up in a blanket with a little pink hat on her head. All you could see was her little face. She was sleeping so peacefully. "Oh man. She is really beautiful," I told them softly.

"Would you like to hold her?" Em asked.

"I . . . don't think so. Maybe after you get home. She's just so tiny," I said.

Leah said softly, "I would. Is that OK?" Sam and I both looked at her with surprise. Emily said, "Sure."

Leah took a couple steps over to the bed and Emily handed Lily to her. She tucked her close to her and looked down into her face. "Oh Lily. You are so beautiful," she crooned to her. We all just stared at her. I never thought she would be OK standing here holding Sam and Emily's baby. She truly amazed me.

Leah POV:

I walked into the hospital room and hesitated for a second. This is Sam and Emily. This is the guy that hurt you. And here you are, walking into the room to meet their new baby. Embry went up to the bed right away and kissed Emily on the forehead. I walked over to Sam and hugged him. "This is harder than I thought," I whispered. "But I want to be here."

"I'm glad you are, baby," he whispered back. I pulled back and looked at Emily. She looked so happy. I felt that old knife in my heart twist just a little. For a millisecond, I wished it was me sitting in that bed holding that baby. But now, I wished it were Embry's baby instead of Sam's. She asked Embry if he wanted to hold her, but he was too scared. I could see it on his face. Like he would break her, or something. I surprised myself by saying, "I would. Is that OK?"

Emily said, "Sure," and handed the baby to me.

I looked down at this little tiny person. As I was looking at her, she opened her eyes and stared at me. "Oh Lily. You are so beautiful." I felt tears come to my eyes as I held her. I couldn't believe the strong maternal feeling that all of sudden stirred inside. I wanted this so much. What if I could never have this?

Suddenly, I couldn't hold her any longer. I looked down at Em and said, "Um, here Emily. I'll go out and get Seth and Abby. I know she is dying to see you and Lily." I handed her the baby, and practically ran out of the room. I went down the hall and out into the waiting room. "Abby? You and Seth can go back now. It's the room at the end of the hall."

Abby jumped up and grabbed Seth's hand and hurried down the hall. I had to get away for a minute. I felt smothered all of a sudden. I hit the door for the stairs and ran down them and out the front door. It was a cold wintry day, but it didn't bother me. I walked over to a bench that sat in a little garden area and sat down and took a deep breath.

I wasn't alone long. Embry sat down next to me and pulled me into his arms. "I'm sorry, baby. This was harder for you than you thought it would be, wasn't it?"

I nodded. I felt the tears running down my face. "I'm so sorry, Embry. I know I'm over Sam. It's just seeing them with a baby . . . it just got me for a minute. And then, holding her . . . all of a sudden, I wanted that so badly. I want a baby, Embry. More than anything. What if I can't have that?" I was crying now.

"Oh baby. Shhhh, it's OK," Embry whispered to me. He held me while I cried. I didn't want to tell him that I had stopped taking the pill at the beginning of December. I know it wasn't right to not tell him. I'm not sure why I did it. We weren't even married yet. We certainly weren't ready to be parents. But nothing had happened. I wasn't pregnant. Maybe I never would be.

I finally pulled myself together. I wiped my face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall apart."

"It's alright. I just wish you weren't so worried about having a baby. I mean, there's plenty of time for that. Why are you in such a hurry?"

I shook my head and said, "I don't know. I really don't. "

Embry looked at me and took my face in his hands. "Leah, I've told you. I will love you no matter what. You're not afraid of losing me, are you?"

"No. I know you love me, Embry. I know you wouldn't leave me," I said softly. I was feeling really guilty now for not telling him about the pill. I would go and get a new prescription tomorrow and start it again. We weren't ready to be parents. I really wanted to get married first. "I'm sorry, Embry. I guess it's the emotion of seeing Sam and Emily with a baby. And your mom is pregnant . . . I guess I'm just getting baby fever or something."

He smiled and said, "Yea, don't drink the water, huh?" I smiled and nodded. "How about if we go get something to eat? I'm starving."

"Yea, me, too."

He stood up and took my hand to help me off of the bench then he put his arm around me and walked me to my Jeep. "How about if I meet you at the little Mexican restaurant we went to on our first date?" I smiled and said, "Sounds great. See you there." He leaned over and kissed me then I got into the Jeep and started the engine. I really needed to chill on this baby thing. Once I decided to quit phasing, it would happen. I had to keep believing that.