Previously…

I threw out the coffee cup in the garbage and hugged my husband tightly. He was right; being here for my best friend was more important than wanting my own things. Tears fell out of my eyes and onto his shirt as I tried to regulate my breathing in front of everyone else.

Deep down, I knew I had to think of my best friend first. But right now, I just wanted to think of Edward's arms comforting me.

~oOo~

Edward woke me up five hours later to tell me Brianna Weber had been born.

I lifted my head from his shoulder in the waiting room chair while we waited for the nurse to let us know if it was okay to go see Angie and Ben.

A few minutes later, the nurse said that only two people at a time could come in because the baby was sleeping . He ushered Edward and me in.

As soon as the door opened, I saw Angela rocking her baby girl to sleep. Tears came to my eyes, and I tripped over Edward's feet.

Edward held me close to keep me from falling. Angela looked up in concern, and the baby's eyes landed on my face.

She crumpled her face and started fussing in Angela's arms. Ben leaned forward to help, but Angela hushed her and rocked her until she calmed down again. I wiped my eyes as I saw this calmness wash over my best friend's face. She smiled and kissed her baby's forehead then turned back to us.

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

I shook my head and whispered, "I scared her."

"No, you didn't, you just surprised her. She's happy to meet her godmother, Auntie Bella." She turned to Brianna as I gasped.

"Godmother?" I sniffled.

"Yeah, you've been in my life the longest. You deserve to be a part of this baby's life just as much as the rest of us. I know you'll love and protect her, and she'll find a best friend in you like I have."

I leaned into Edward's chest, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I just couldn't stop crying, and smiling at Angie, and that beautiful baby's face.

"Thank you," I cried. "Um, I'd like to hold her now."

Ben helped Angela sit up, and I sat next to him. She gently passed Brianna over to Ben, who kissed both her cheeks, and then passed her to me.

She was so small and so delicate! Her cheeks were puffy, and she had a few bruises on the top of her head. Her eyes were a light shade of blue, like her mother's. Her face had a few red blotches, but she was still the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I sniffled, trying not to cry on her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"She's perfect," I cried, and started rocking her gently. She yawned, and I placed her back in Ben's arms, gently tucking the blanket under her chin.