Chapter 31: Feeling the Distance

"Are you kidding me?" I asked, holding the spoon up to Little One's pursed lips. "You like this!"

I was . . . fuck, I was frustrated to no end and had been since Bella left four days ago. We had started looking for a house in Forks, but still hadn't found one. I mean, it wasn't like we would have been able to move in before Charlie was released anyway, but I hadn't been prepared for her leaving. I knew it was coming, and we had a plan in place, but I just . . . missed her. And with how Little One was acting, I think she did, too.

"You have to eat, Little One," I said, laying the spoon down and picking up a Cheerio. "I miss her too, but acting like this won't help."

Apparently, Cheerios appealed to her, so she took it from my hand and put it in her mouth. It wasn't what I'd planned on giving her, but it'd work for now. While she sat in her highchair and munched on those, I rushed to get dressed, saving a shower for later at work since I didn't have time now. Things without Bella were different, and I quickly realized how much I had depended on her since she moved in a few months ago. She had been the one taking Sofia to daycare and picking her up, which meant Little One was away from home less time. Sofia was now there for over twelve, which I hated doing to her.

As I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and downed another cup of coffee, my phone started ringing. I rushed to grab it, hoping it was Bella. I smiled when I saw it was. "Hello, Nibbles," I answered.

"Good morning to you, too," she laughed softly. "I know you don't have long, but I was hoping to catch you and Sofia. Can you put me on speaker phone?"

"Yep." I pulled the phone from my ear, going to sit in front of Little One again. "It's Mommy," I told her.

Her eyes went wide as she looked at me. "Momma?" she asked.

"Hi, sweetie!" Bella said. "Mommy misses you so much, but I'll see you in two days, okay? I love you!"

"Luff!"

I chuckled at Sofia's excitement. It was debatable which words she truly understood, but I wanted to think she did mean that she loved us when she said that. Her vocabulary mostly consisted of just repeating certain words, but she definitely knew what a few meant.

Like "no," though she rarely listen to us when we said it.

"Bye, sweet girl," Bella said. "Mommy will see you soon."

I turned the speaker off, putting the phone back to my ear, holding it with my shoulder as I picked Little One up to put her in the car seat. "She would only eat Cheerios this morning after her formula," I said. "And she didn't eat much yesterday, either. I think it's her way of showing she knows you're not here and she isn't happy."

"I know, but I'll see you two this weekend," she said. "You're still coming down, right? I found a few houses that I want to show you."

"Yeah, we're leaving Friday night once I get off. Hopefully one of those will work because I'm so fu—freaking tired of this already. How's Charlie, by the way?"

"He's all right. Following orders and whatnot. Well, usually. He tried to get one of his friends to bring him a cheeseburger." She laughed. "I'm not sure he enjoys the bland food I've been cooking."

I chuckled, buckling Sofia in before making sure her diaper bag was good. "I could tell him what's involved in bypass surgery, if you'd like. Get some pictures together, too."

"I'm not sure a scare tactic would work out too well for you. He's better than I thought he'd be, so that's good."

"Well, I hope he doesn't give you too much trouble. I miss you."

She sighed. "I miss you, too."

"I have to take Little One to daycare and get to work, but I'll call you on my lunch break, okay? I love you, Bella."

"I love you, too. Bye."

"Bye," I said before hanging up the phone.

. . . . .

Amazingly, I managed to get to work on time after dropping Little One off. She cried. Like, full out bawled when I handed her over. She was already beginning to have separation issues before Bella left, but this had just made it worse. I needed to get my family back together, for her sake and mine.

Too bad I couldn't strap her to my chest during surgery because I probably would.

"Can I see you in my office once you're done with rounds?" Dad asked as I looked over charts.

I cocked my head, wondering what this was about. When I had told him that Bella and I were moving, he took it better than I thought. He said we could work it out with my commute, and wanted me to stay here if I could. Since he said that, I didn't even bother looking into Forks Community Hospital. The commute would suck, but forty-five minutes wasn't that long of a drive.

"Uh . . . sure," I said, nodding. "Anything big?"

He smiled, shaking his head. "Nothing urgent, just when you have time."

I shrugged it off, figuring it was something administrative as I finished going over charts and headed for rounds. After I had checked in on everyone, I went to go see Bree — my Christmas Eve patient. She had developed pneumonia, so she wasn't released like planned a few days ago. She wasn't on my service anymore, but I had kept visiting her. Honestly, she was pretty fucking cool. She was blunt and a fighter, promising that she'd run again and get that scholarship. She was still pissed at the drunk driver — rightfully so — and had some interesting opinions on how he should be punished.

"Bree," I said, fixing the mask on my face as I walked closer to her bed.

She opened her eyes, smiling slightly when she saw me. "Hi," she said softly.

"Hey. How are you feeling?"

She shrugged. "Better than yesterday. Doc said my lungs still look shitty, though."

I looked across the room, hoping to see her x-ray on the light board. Of course it wasn't up. "Well, that sucks, but if you're feeling better, that's a step in the right direction."

She nodded. "I just want to get the hell out of here. I don't know how you can stand this place. Just three weeks and I'm ready to strangle myself with a sheet."

I cracked a smile, even though she couldn't see it. Anyone coming into her room had to wear masks, gloves, and a gown because we couldn't risk her getting sicker. "If you did that, I'd be really fucking pissed. I'm still mad that you got pneumonia and are risking all my hard work."

"Sorry?"

"I'll accept your apology if I can have your Jell-O cup."

She passed it over to me, laughing softly. "I hate the green kind anyway."

As I settled into the chair — saving the Jell-O for later — she talked to me about school starting back up and all the work she had to do. I stayed with her for a half hour, helping her with her biology homework and talking a little. She wouldn't see a therapist, which I told her was stupid. She'd come around eventually. I hoped, at least.

"I have to go," I said. "My dad wants me in his office."

"Oh, you're in trouble," she teased. "The respiratory therapist is coming by soon anyway. Will I see you later?"

I nodded. "I'll stop in when I have a chance. Ask to see a therapist."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm fine."

I shook my head, sighing before walking out. She knew we wouldn't talk after she was released, but I doubted she had accepted it yet. She'd have to, though. After leaving her room, I walked down to Dad's office and knocked on his door, waiting for him to say, "Come in."

When I opened the door, he was behind his desk, which was piled with charts. He motioned for me to sit down as he rifled through everything, pulling out a thin Manila folder.

Shit, I really hope this wasn't a lawsuit.

"Dr. Evan James is a pretty good friend of mine," he said. "Do you know who he is?"

I shook my head. "No, why?"

"He's the chief of staff at Forks Community. We golf."

I cocked my brow. "Forks?"

"I'm not doing you any favors, but here's his number." He passed me the folder. "And a new contract is in there, too. I honestly don't want to see you go, so if you wind up taking a job at Forks, I want to keep you on staff here too on an as needed basis. It's a lot to think about, so I don't expect an answer yet."

"You don't know if I'd even get a job there, though."

He smiled. "Dr. James has heard me talk about you. If you showed interest, I have a feeling he'd jump to have you on staff. He's wanted a better surgical department for years now."

I looked at the folder in my hands. Not only was Dad okay with me taking a job in Forks, but he wanted to let me keep working here sometimes, too. It could be the best of both worlds. Work regularly there, but still have the possibility of performing more complicated procedures here. I wouldn't be giving up this, and would gain that — a job near my family, so I could be home for Little One.

"I don't know what to say," I said.

"Just think about it, and talk to Bella. I think this decision needs to be both of yours, don't you?"

I nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't do anything without talking to her."

He grinned like a fucking maniac. "Good. Now, how's Charlie?"

I told him about Charlie and Little One. He agreed that it was probably the separation from her mom, but she'd adjust soon enough. He wished me luck on finding a house, telling me he hoped Bella and I could be back together soon because I was moody, apparently. Asshole. When Mom would go away, he'd fucking starve if she didn't leave him precooked meals. At least I could cook a little thanks to Bella.

"Let me know what you decided," he said as I stood up. "Oh, and Bree Tanner. How is she?"

I shrugged. "She said she feels better, just I guess her lungs haven't cleared up any. She, uh . . . won't talk to anyone but me still."

His brow creased. "She's growing too attached . . . as are you, I believe. That's what took you so long, isn't it?"

"She's been through hell. Her entire life changed in an instant, so I feel bad for her. That's all." I wasn't doing anything wrong by still seeing Bree, even though she wasn't my patient. I told her it wouldn't last forever and tried to get her to see a therapist. It wasn't my fault she hadn't agreed yet. "I'm working on getting her to talk to someone, okay? She knows us talking can't last."

"I'm not saying you've done anything wrong. In fact, it's been good to see you connect with a patient — shows me how much you've changed, even professionally — but I just don't want you growing too attached. She'll be released eventually, hopefully."

"She will be. She's a fighter."

"And has your mouth, as I've heard," he chuckled. "Tell her cursing at my nurses isn't all right."

I smirked. "But it's kind of funny."

. . . . .

I only had two scheduled surgeries, which were both finished by lunch, so I spent a while on the phone with Bella that afternoon in the lounge. We talked about Little One and some tricks to try and get her to eat like she should. Tonight, we were going to try a video call, so she could see her mommy. It'd probably just distract her more, but it was worth a shot.

"I'm going to call the chief of staff at Forks Community Hospital later," I said, leaning back in the chair. "Dad made me an offer today. He said that if I get a job there, I can still work here on an as needed basis. Do you think it's a good idea? I mean, it might be less money, but then I wouldn't have to commute. I haven't talked to the guy, so I don't even know if he'd hire me."

"I think that's a great idea, as long as it's what you want," she said. "I don't want you to give up a job you love for something less. You're already moving for me."

"I'm moving for us, and I don't even know what the job would involve yet. Simpler procedures, I'm guessing, but if I can still work here, I'd be happy."

"Then call, Edward. I want you to be happy."

I smiled to myself, thinking about hers. Yeah, even over the phone I could hear her smile. Fuck, I missed her.

Just two days, I reminded myself.

"I can't fucking wait to see you, Nibbles," I sighed. "This feels like torture."

"It's only been four days," she reminded me softly. "I miss you too, but I promise you'll be rewarded."

I smirked. "Oh, yeah? Do I get log sex?"

She laughed. "Your lucky Dad is napping or he'd see me blushing and ask why."

"I'll bring a blanket and a pillow."

"I'm not having sex on a log, Edward!" she whispered harshly between giggles. "A car . . . maybe."

I perked up at that. Car sex could work. I'd totally be okay with that. My dick twitched at the thought of her body wrapped around mine again. It had been too fucking long. "Don't tease me, woman," I said as my pager went off. Worst. Fucking. Timing. Ever. "I've got to go, but we're finishing this later. After your dad goes to sleep."

I could just see her blush. "I'll be looking forward to it. I love you. Bye."

"Bye," I said, hanging up the phone and exchanging it with my pager.

It was the ER, so I had to rush downstairs quickly.

. . . . .

After being in surgery for a few hours, the rest of my day went by pretty quickly. Around four, I had a break, so I decided to call Dr. James at Forks Community. I was actually fucking nervous. Idid want this job.

As it rang, my foot tapped against the floor. I was seriously jittery. What the hell? "Dr. James speaking," a man answered.

"Hello, Dr. James," I said. "My name is Dr. Edward Cullen. If you have a few minutes, I was hoping we could talk?"

"Carlisle's boy?"

"Yes, sir."

"Of course I have a few minutes! What can I do for you?"

I went on to explain everything. Why I was moving to Forks, when, and that I was curious about a job opportunity. He didn't even ask me to send my resume and told me about the possibilities in Forks. He told me about his surgical department and how he wished to expand it to better serve the small community. Hearing his plans actually excited me. Jesus Christ, I could be making a huge difference by working there. They only had two general surgeons, and he was one of them.

"If we had you, we could offer more surgical options here instead of referring them to Olympic Medical Center," he said. "This is a small, tight-knit community, Edward. I don't enjoy sending people I know well away to strangers. Are you positive about moving here?"

"My girlfriend's father recently had a heart attack, so—"

"Charlie?" he asked, cutting me off.

"Yeah, Chief Swan. Bella wants to be closer to him, so we're definitely moving there. I have an eleven month old daughter, and I really didn't like the idea of commuting forty-five minutes each way every day. I want to see her, so a job there would make that easier. And to be honest, Dr. James, the idea of helping and actually making a difference thrills me."

"Then come see me when you get a chance. We'll talk about options a little more, okay?"

"Thank you so much. I'll be there this weekend, if you have time."

"Try to come by Sunday. I'm here all day."

"Great." I smiled to myself. "I'll see you then. Again, thank you, sir."

As I hung up the phone, I fell back against the chair, grinning. Holy shit, he'd hire me. I just . . . it all seemed to be working out so perfectly. I quickly picked up my phone again, calling Bella to tell her the news.

. . . . .

Thankfully, the rest of my day was filled with charting and a few consults, so I got out of work on time, hurrying to pick up Little One from daycare. I really fucking hated leaving her there for so long again.

I was told how fussy she had been and that she took her formula, but refused the disgusting baby food. Awesome. The chick told me that Little One's smile when she saw me had been the first one of the day.

"Let's go home and see Mommy, okay?" I asked, kissing her cheek.

"Dada . . . Momma?" she asked.

I smiled. "Yeah, you get to see her tonight."

She snuggled into my chest as I carried her out to the car, strapping her into the car seat. Thankfully, she didn't cry on the way home like she had this morning. My guess was that she was all cried out or some shit.

It broke my damn heart to think about that.

When we got home, I gave her a bath as she kept that little smile on her face and splashed me. After we were both dry and changed, I called Bella to see if she was ready for us. She was, so I put my laptop on the counter, pulling Little One's high chair close as I got her food ready. Her video call came through, and I quickly accepted and waited for her beautiful face to pop up. When it did, Little One squealed, pointing at her.

"Momma! Momma!"

"Hi, sweetie!" Bella said, grinning as she waved. "I think you're even prettier! I love you!"

"Momma!" Little One tried to lunge forward for her, so I pulled my laptop closer.

"We can see Mommy, but can't touch," I said sadly. "We'll be able to soon, though."

"I can't wait to hold you again," Bella said, blinking quickly. If she cried, I'd fucking lose it and we'd be driving down there tonight. "Ready for dinner?"

I lifted the spoon from the bowl, holding it up. "Let's show Mommy that you're a good girl, okay?" I asked. "Just eat a little for me."

"Eat for me, sweetie," Bella said as I put the spoon to Little One's lips.

She babbled for a moment before I put a little on her bottom lip. She actually licked it, so that was better than this morning. I managed to get the spoon in her mouth, and she ate it. Fuck, yes.

"Good girl!" Bella praised.

"That's it, Little One," I said, picking up another glob. "Keep going, please?"

Between Bella and me talking to her, she actually managed to eat it all. It was the first time she had finished the whole bowl in days, so I was fucking ecstatic. Once I had cleaned up her face, I moved Little One to the floor, and then brought the laptop over. She played as Bella talked to her, babbling back and barely making any sense. But when Sofia decided she wanted to try and give Bella the car by hitting my laptop screen, we decided it was time to end it.

"Let's do this every night," I said, holding Little One in my lap and keeping her hands from the screen. "Thank you, Bella."

She smiled, nodding. "She had me worried, too. When you two get here Friday night, I'm not letting her go all weekend, just so you know."

I chuckled. "I wouldn't expect any less. I love you, and I'm calling you later." I winked.

She blushed, nibbling on her lip. Fuck, I wanted to do that to her. "I'll be waiting. I love you, too. Bye, Sofia! Mommy loves you!"

"Bye!" Little One giggled, waving her hand.

"Let's blow Mommy a kiss," I said, and she did just that, making Bella grin as we ended the call.

. . . . .

After Little One had finished playing and I gave her a bottle, we sat down in the rocking chair and I read to her from some children's book. She was out quickly with her head tucked under my chin.

I closed the book, tossing it to the ground before putting my hand on her back, kissing the top of her head. "I know you miss Mommy right now, but soon we'll all be together again. I'm going to get you a house with a big backyard and build you a swing set. We're going to be a real family someday, too. I'm going to marry Mommy and make everything legal. I need to make sure that won't cause any issues, though. I never want you to know what Kate did to you, but I'm sure you'll have to." I sighed, rocking gently.

Kate had signed away her rights, but I didn't know what that meant if Bella wanted to adopt her once we got married. Could she cause issues? I didn't think so, but I wasn't sure. I'd need to talk to the family attorney, just to be sure . . . and maybe talk to Kate.

The only thing I knew for sure was that Bella was Sofia's mom, and that needed to be made legal.