Chapter 20

Liam's POV

I woke up disoriented. At first, I didn't know where I am. Then I saw Bella's back cradling her daughter. They were sleeping peacefully. I went to touch Sophie's forehead and felt that it was still a bit warm, so I picked up a thermometer to make sure she's not running a high fever.

I placed the thermometer in Sophie's mouth slowly and waited. I watched them both with a heavy heart. How could the douche bag let this beautiful girl slip from his finger? How could he use her and then dump her like that?

I brushed some hair covering Bella's face away and watched her. She has really grown into a beautiful woman. I admire her strength and courage in raising a child when she was practically still a child herself.

She is one extraordinary girl, and any man will be so lucky to have her. Just thinking about another man touching her and kissing her drives me crazy. I've never really told anyone about my feelings for this girl. I had the chance six years ago by the lake, but I had a girlfriend back then. I had to do what's right, and she was still very young, so naive and innocent.

I was scared that she doesn't feel the same way towards me. That's why I pretended to be like an older brother. But no brother would look at their sister the way I looked at her when nobody's paying attention. I have loved her for so long and have never loved any woman as much as I love her.

But when she told me about this guy, the father of her child, and the love she has for him. It broke my heart. How I wished it was me. Her feeling was so strong I could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice.

How I longed to kiss those sweet, soft lips again. That night when I kissed her, I never really wanted to stop, but I have to, or I might do something I'll regret. I thought I felt something magical that night, but she ran away after I kissed her. That is why I drank so much to hide the pain I was feeling. I wanted her so badly I felt ashamed for myself.

The fight I started was not totally about my girlfriend cheating. It's more about the fact that I cannot tell Bella I love her. After the fight, I don't really know what happened. I know a girl came to my room and we had sex.

I thought it was Jenny, my ex, that's why I told her to leave right after we've had sex. But in the morning, I saw blood on the sheet. That's when I realized I had sex with a virgin. I tried to learn who that girl was, but I was ashamed to ask.

My reminiscing was cut when the thermometer beeped. I checked Sophie's temperature and saw that she still has a slight fever. Then Bella stirred in her sleep and opened her eyes. She was confused to see me first, and then realization dawned on her. She smiled so sweetly at me.

I literally stopped breathing. Her smiles always take my breath away. I smiled back, then took Sophie's medicine and slowly woke her up so she could take them.

Bella got up and helped me give the medicine to her daughter. Sophie cried for a while, then finally she agreed to take medicine.

" Thanks, Liam. Why don't you go back to sleep? I'll take care of her now. What time is it, by the way?" She asked groggily. She sounded tired and still sleepy.

" It's 4 am, babe. I'm okay. I slept for a few hours. Why don't you go back to sleep?"I told her I reached for Sophie's small hand and kissed it. What is it with these two girls? I can't seem to stop kissing them.

" I'm okay. I slept longer than you. You must be exhausted. Please lie down and sleep." She begged, and I felt happy that she's concern about me.

" Okay, okay, but can I sleep here with you and Sophie? My back kind of hurt on that floor." I lied to her. I really just wanted to lie down next to them.

" Of course! I'm sorry, you should have told me a while ago. Go on; make yourself comfortable." She said, embarrassed. So I happily laid down with Sophie in the middle. Bella is hugging Sophie's little body close to her so she could give me more room in the bed.

I laid down facing them and fell asleep watching them. Bella is humming a lullaby to comfort Sophie, and it lulled me to sleep too. She is a great mother, and she would make a great wife too. I drifted off to sleep with my hand on top of Bella's lying on Sophie's back with that in mind.

The next time I woke up was the most emotional and beautiful morning I have ever woken into. I was lying in bed with Bella curled in my chest. Her head is on my shoulders, and I have my arms wrapped around her.

Sophie is nowhere to be seen. Aunt Agnes probably took her to breakfast. I stared at my innocent angel sleeping in my arms, and I felt like shouting. How could I ever forget how I felt for her. I brushed her hair, covering her small and beautiful face, and stared to my heart's content.

Then I felt her move, so I quickly closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep, still.  She's probably shocked waking up in my arms like this. I felt her stiffen and tried to move away, but I tightened my hold on her and faked snored.

She stopped moving and stared at my face. Then I felt it. Her small hands caressed my face as if memorizing it. Then it touched my lips so lightly. I swallowed hard, trying not to smile. Then she sighed deeply and snuggled to my chest. My heart feels like bursting in excitement. I couldn't believe it. I have her in my arms. My little Bella is in my arms, and I am so happy.

I stirred and whispered to her ear, " Good morning, love."

She looked up so fast and stared at me wide-eyed. She tried to get out of my embrace, blushing so hard, but I tightened my hold.

" Where do you think you're going?" I asked, smiling down at her. She had the most beautiful eyes in the world.

" Ahm, I have to look for Sophie." She said softly, biting her lip. I conjured all of my willpower to stop myself from devouring that sweet, pink lips.

" I think aunt Agnes got her, babe. Let's stay like this for a while. You feel so good in my arms." I whispered to her and tucked a hair beneath her ear. She is still chewing on that lip as if asking me to take a bite as well.

" Baby, I am one second away from keeping my sanity. Please stop doing that." I told her and touched her lip, taking it out from her teeth. I did the next best thing, instead. I kissed her forehead for a long time, then her cute little nose, and lastly her eyes.

" Let's get out of here, or I might do something I should not. Good morning, by the way, gorgeous." I told her and gave her a peck on the lips. I can't resist it, sue me. She was blushing like a tomato and looked so cute.

I stood up and headed out of the room. I must be a saint for leaving her in there. I should watch what I'm doing, or I might be in deep shit.