Standing at the airport waiting for my flight back to Forks, I couldn't help but feel a heavyweight in my chest. The past few days had been a whirlwind and I was still trying to process everything. Just yesterday, Bella and I were in court for her first emancipation hearing. It was a stark reminder of how much I had failed her as a father. I had hurt her deeply and the distance between us had grown into a chasm that had seemed impossible to bridge.

But today was different. Today Bella was seeing me off at the airport along with Edward and their baby Anthony who was in his very fancy jet-black stroller that resembled a baby buggy from the 1950's…maybe. I wasn't sure of the year it was supposed to resemble. All I knew was it had been made to look like it was from a simpler time.

Before yesterday, it had been months since Bella and I had spoken, and only last night did I finally meet my grandson. Holding Anthony for the first time after we left the restaurant was a bittersweet moment. He was a beautiful baby with his father's hair and his mother's nose. He was very observant and had a calm demeanor. I wanted so badly to be a part of his life, to make up for all the mistakes I had made with Bella.

"Bells," I said softly, trying to catch her eye. She looked up at me, her expression guarded but not entirely closed off. It was a small victory, but I clung to it like a lifeline.

"Yeah, Dad?" She replied, her voice tinged with worry. She moved her hands on the handle of the baby carriage, pushing it forward slightly. Anthony gurgled sleepily, oblivious to the tension around him.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Look, I know I haven't been the best father–"

"It's fine." Bella cut me off. "You already apologized and I accept your apology. There's no need to keep telling me you're sorry."

"I know, I just want to tell you something that's on my mind before I leave," I explained.

The hustle and bustle of the busy airport surrounded us. There was noise everywhere and it was easy not to get distracted instead of concentrating on this awkward interaction between my daughter, her boyfriend who hardly would say more than a few words to me, and myself who was struggling to speak to my daughter. Somehow though, I manage. I managed to focus on what was important to me.

"Okay." Bella let out a defeated sigh. "Say what you need to. I'm listening."

"I just want to apologize to you again." I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "I haven't always been there for you and I realize that now. Not only was I not there for you at the beginning of your pregnancy, but I wasn't there for you since your mother died. I was caught up in my own hurt and wasn't always there for you when you needed me. I know I said things I shouldn't have throughout the years when you needed me the most. I'm sorry. I want more than anything to make things right. I want to be there for you and Anthony."

Bella's eyes softened slightly and she nodded. "I know you're trying, Dad. It's just…it's going to take time."

"I understand," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I just want you to know that you can always count on me. No matter what happens with the emancipation, I'm still your father and I really would like to be a part of your life. And Anthony's too."

Edward placed a reassuring hand on Bella's shoulder. I watched as she leaned into him, drawing strength from his support. No words passed between them. Yet, I felt there had been a silent communication between them that I could not explain.

"That sounds nice." She said quietly. "I know you're being honest with everything you say. It's just…hard."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I know, Bells. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here whenever you're ready. You have my number and you know where I live. When you're ready, reach out to me."

There was a feeling in my gut that told me it was best to leave the ball in her court. It was best for me not to force a new relationship on her, she had to be willing. Which was why I was leaving this up to her.

"Okay." She agreed.

As the final boarding call for my flight echoed through the terminal, I felt a lump forming in my throat. My eyes traveled down to my grandson. The little guy was dressed in grey corduroy pants and a cheerful yellow knit sweater with a cute duck pattern on the front. On his feet, he had yellow knit booties and there was even a matching yellow knit beanie that he peeled off of his head. To say the least, he looked cute and ready to start the day. Even though it was 3 in the afternoon and he appeared to need a nap. Then again, he was a baby, after all, they have their hours backward.

"The knitted baby clothes look very warm. A new hobby of yours?" I asked Bella.

"Who me? Me no, I don't knit." Bella answered a bit too fast.

"The sweater and such were made by my mom." Edward volunteered. "She's knitting him a whole wardrobe as we speak."

"Is that right?" I asked and he nodded his head yes.

The most he and Bella talked to me was when I asked questions about their son. Anthony was definitely the glue that held us together.

I bent down to the stroller, reached in, and gently touched Anthony's hand. He grabbed my finger and cooed. "Take care of your mom, little guy," I whispered.

Anthony was tired and trying to keep his eyes open. He began to fuss when I removed my hand. His fussing was very close to crying as his hands balled into fits and his face became red. Edward jumped into action before a full-on crying fit could happen. He pulled out a green pacifier from his pants pocket and plopped it in his son's open mouth, my grandson's eyes were wide, then began to close as he worked the pacifier. The way the whole scene played out was a bit comical. I chuckled, wondering how many pacifiers they had for Anthony. So far I have seen five different ones.

"Close call, huh?" I asked Edward, not really sure what to say to him.

He nodded his head. "Yeah. Bella taught me that trick - to pop the pacifier in his mouth before he starts screaming."

"Edward, it's not something I really taught you how to do." Bella protest. "It's more like you saw me do it that one time. Then you started doing it."

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "Either way, love, it works. I'm glad it works."

"Me too." She smiled and so did he.

Taking in the sight of these two, it was easy to see they were good parents. I told them that too as I realized I better get going. I quickly, but sadly, told them I had to leave.

Bella stepped forward, and for the first time in months, she hugged me. It was tentative but it was a start. "Safe travels, Dad," She said softly.

I hugged her back, holding her for just a moment longer. "Thanks, Bells. I'll see you soon."

"At our next court date?" She wondered as I ended our hug. It felt like she wanted to say more, but didn't.

"I was thinking," I began very slowly slowly. "Maybe I'll come back sooner and get some sightseeing in. Maybe we"– I gestured to myself, her, and Edward –"can get together and take the baby zoo."

"That sounds fun." Bella smiled. It was a genuine smile that lit up her whole face.

I parted ways with my baby girl, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. This interaction, even as awkward as it was with our silence and not knowing what to say to one another gave me hope. I was sure there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Walking towards the gate, I glanced back one last time. Bella was watching me, and for the first time in a long while, I saw the flicker of trust in her eyes. I also saw a hint of forgiveness in her brown eyes. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give me hope. I was determined to turn over a new leaf and be the father she deserved. And maybe, just maybe, we could start to heal.

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I hope you enjoyed the 4th chapter of this little story. There are 2 more chapters to go. :)