Bella walked slowly back into Sam's house and was drawn to loud giggles coming from the bathroom. Charlie had finally called back and Sam had excused himself and Annabelle for bathtime. As she crept down the hallway she saw the bathroom door slightly open and peeked in. She brought her hand to her mouth to stifle her own giggles. On the floor next to the bathtub, Sam sat with his shirt soaking wet and clumps of bubbles on the top of his head. He was telling Annabelle a story about the Loch Ness monster and the little girl's eyes were wide, listening with rapt attention. Bella turned slowly and quietly walked back to the living room, not wanting to intrude on their time together.

Soon the giggles tapered off and she listened as Sam guided Annabelle into bed, his commanding voice softening as he read her a bedtime story.

Bella thought then of her own child. Years ago, the thought of being a mother had terrified her, but now as she slowly ran her palm over the barely there bump in her abdomen, she knew that her child would be loved unconditionally. She felt a twinge of sadness that her baby wouldn't know their father. When she had first learned of the pregnancy, Bella had tried to find the man again, but with only a few drunken memories to go on she had been unsuccessful. They hadn't talked much at the bar. Bella was already several drinks in when the man had sauntered over and offered to buy her a drink. He had mentioned something about being in town for a wedding, and that he had been the complete opposite of all the guys she had dated in the past. She remembered tan skin and deep honey eyes, but she wasn't even sure that they'd exchanged names.

Bella was drawn from her memories as Sam's solid weight dropped onto the couch next to her. She looked over and saw that he still wore his damp shirt, and he looked exhausted. As she studied his striking features one of his eyes popped open and he looked back at her.

"How's Charlie?" he asked, tiredness seeping into his voice.

Bella sighed. "Worried. I told him I'm fine, but he worries."

Sam chuckled "he's your dad, he's always going to worry."

"Sam…" Bella looked at her hands, "can I ask…where's Annabelle's mom?"

She watched as Sam's body stiffened and he sucked in a deep breath.

"I'm sorry. It's none of my business.." Bella said quickly.

Sam sighed. "No, no it's okay." He sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees, not looking at her.

"Emily…left." he said. "We didn't have the best relationship and when she got pregnant…" he rubbed his face. "I guess part of me hoped that the baby would bring us closer, but I think it did the opposite. She never wanted kids… she never wanted to be stuck on this rez and since I can't leave…"

Bella placed her hand on his arm. "I'm so sorry Sam. When did she leave?"

Sam made a sound that sounded more like a wounded animal and Bella quickly brought her hand back to her lap. His eyes softened and he finally looked at her. His eyes were full of pain.

"She left the hospital 2 days after Annabelle was born. She checked herself out, left, and sent papers a week later from some attorney giving up her parental rights."

Bella gasped and felt anger burn inside her.

"She never even held her." Sam choked. "Annabelle was pretty sick when she was born. She was early and… well the doctors think…there was some indication that Emily had tried to end the pregnancy early on…"

Bella sobbed and again grabbed his arm. She thought of the precious little girl just steps away and could never imagine… she then softly cradled her own stomach, tears spilling down.

"God Sam, I can't believe… how could she.." Bella sobbed and Sam quickly threw an arm around her shoulder, holding her close to his side.

Slowly her tears calmed and she pulled back from Sam, laughing softly. "These hormones are crazy." Sam smiled softly at her.

Sam huffed a laugh at her, "I wouldn't know" he shrugged. "Emily stayed at her mom's during the pregnancy, and I only saw her every few days."

Suddenly Sam's fear and excitement she'd seen in the hospital made more sense.

"So, you weren't involved then… no doctors appointments, no holding back morning sickness hair?"

He laughed again as he shook his head.

Bella paused, taking in his sad eyes and the regret she saw living there, and suddenly her mind was made up. She took one of his large hands and slowly brought it to rest on her stomach. He shot her a surprised look before she felt his fingers tighten to cradle the small bump.

"I know it's not the same Sam, but… I'm alone on this journey. I know I've got Charlie and Jake, but I could really use a friend. Someone to share this with. I'm alone and honestly I'm terrified to be a mom, so since it seems you're stuck with me for a bit I'd really love it if you'd be my moral support buddy."

Sam's eyes were still glued to her stomach, his thumb making soft passes, until finally he looked up. She was startled by the awe and gratitude she saw there. Finally after several minutes of silence Sam seemed to reluctantly drag his hand away. "I'd really love that Bella" he sighed.

He stood suddenly and Bella saw determination settle on his face. "As long as you want me around, you won't be alone in this."