A/N: OMG... I am tired..one more after this!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, SM does, I am playing in the sandbox! ENJOY!

38

EPOV

I'm not blind or naïve, I know that there is a struggle ahead. I'm unsure of Bella's prognosis and what stage her leukemia is in. But I do know that I will be by her side.

I can do this, I have to.

I hold her until she falls asleep. I tuck her in and give her cheek a kiss. In slumber she looks at peace, free from the pain and the illness that plagues her waking hours. I want to spend the rest of the night just watching her sleep. But I know this bond we have reestablished is fragile.

I can feel that Bella is holding back. I understand. So much in her life is uncertain right now. It will take time for her to see that she can trust me, that she can count on me, depend on me. I want her to. But to do that, I need to talk to Jasper, Emmett and Rose.

We had plans for this break. The first is to start working on our next album. We had also been thinking of playing small gigs here and there; keep it within Illinois and surrounding states. We had figured the next album would take us about six months. I have written several songs and started to lay down the tracks.

But with Bella's illness, I'm hoping we can spread things out. Not spend all our time on the album. Take our time, enjoy some time off. I can only hope that the rest of them understand.

I send a quick text to them asking to meet tomorrow for breakfast meeting. When they text back that they'll be there, I call Maggie asking for her cooking help. She agrees easily, excited to see the rest of them.

My last task for the night is to leave Bella with a note to let her know I'll be in touch. I leave my number and jot down hers when I find her phone. With one last kiss on her forehead, I show myself out.

Kate finds me as I'm almost to the door.

"How is she," she asks and it's not hard to miss the concern in her voice.

"Sleeping, I tucked her in. I want to thank you for all the care you have given to her. Bella told me how the Brandon's hired you to assist her. I can't thank you enough for that." I give her a gentle smile.

Kate gives me a slow once over and snorts, "I do it not because it's my job, but because I care about Bella. She is a strong woman that has had to shoulder more than her share of heartache and pain." She gives me a calculated look. "I don't want you adding to it, if you catch my meaning."

She throws me a withering bitch brow and I find myself a bit nervous.

"That's not my intention, Kate. I want to help her through this…I…I've had personal experience with leukemia. I understand what's involved. I would never think to hurt or cause Bella any pain."

For a few moments, Kate just simply stares at me and I let her. My gaze never wavers from her and I allow her stare down. She is only doing her duty as nurse and her friend. I respect that. When I past whatever test she is giving me, she nods and opens the door.

"Don't make me regret this, Edward," she warns before she shuts the door on me.

A/N: Ohh Kate is all momme bear on her! Thoughts? One more...