The Joshua Tree

Chapter One

A/N: Here's the first chapter! Let us know what you think!

-Atlas & Adia

"...its time to go do something that will be very unpleasant and possibly even highly dangerous."

His eyes widened in alarm.

"Its a good thing you're bulletproof." I sighed. "I'm going to need that ring. It's time to tell Charlie."

He laughed at the expression on my face. "Highly dangerous," he agreed. He laughed again and then reached into the pocket of his jeans. "But at least there's no need for a side trip."

He once again slid my ring into place on the third finger of my left hand.

Where it would stay- conceivably for the rest of eternity.

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Edward smiled, almost childlike as his too dark eyes observed the ring on my finger and I found myself beaming back at him with little effort. Just how he'd made me feel at all happy about this impending wedding I was sure I'd never know, even if we did live forever. Somehow, though, in that instant I was almost excited. Almost.

I was also relieved I wasn't going to be telling Charlie on my own.

"Are you ready?" He asked me, the corners of his lips twitching as he placed a light kiss on my forehead and sat up.

"I want to say no, not yet, but then I'm not sure I'd ever be ready and you'd be stuck with me here in this field forever-"

"I thought you had a fear of aging." Edward chuckled.

"I do, which is why we had better get this over with, because either way, I'm not staying like this-" I gestured to my body, in all its normalcy "...past the age of 19. And since I also insist upon retaining your virtue, we have to get through Charlie and down the aisle by August 13th."

He rolled his eyes playfully and left his place beside me, standing with his characteristic speed and then helping me to my own feet. Swiftly lifting me to his back in a gesture I had become used to, he set off down the heavily forested hillside at his usual inhuman sprint. I had come to love it- the wind whipping through my hair and the breathtaking acceleration so smooth it made me feel like we were flying. It seemed ridiculous now that I had ever found it frightening. It was beautiful; it was freedom. Freedom with him that I'd soon have forever. I never wanted to let go.

All too soon we were slowing and the old truck that I loved came into view. I remained clinging to his stone back, extremely comfortable pressed against him and not eager to leave my place, despite my fondness for the vehicle. I sighed into his shoulder as we came to a stop a few meters away from the passenger's side door.

"Do you want to drive?" Edward's voice held nothing but amusement as I clung tighter still to his torso.

"Yes." I answered, my eyes closed. "You drive much too fast, and I'm not really in that much of a hurry to see Charlie's face turn puce again. I could use the extra 15 minutes to think over what exactly to tell him..."

"I'm not either. I won't argue with you if you insist on driving half the speed limit the whole way there, which is about what your truck can manage in any case."

I swatted him for that one. "Be nice. Senior citizen. Stupid shiny Volvo owner." I sniggered, remembering the last time I'd said that. It seemed worlds away. "If you promise to go slow, you can drive. I don't really care to be honest."

The corner's of his lips twitched as he reached back and nicked my car keys from the back pocket of my jeans where they were hanging out. His smile grew wider as he gently lifted my left hand from his chest, peering again at the beautiful ring on my finger that, perhaps by some miracle to him, I had not removed. His cold lips kissed my hand before he pulled me effortlessly from his back and stood me back up on the always damp ground. He could see the faint nervousness in my eyes. He always could.

"It'll be fine Bella. You might be surprised by how he takes the news. I think he's been expecting it for a while. Or something like it." He tapped his temple knowingly.

"I hope you're right." I really wanted to believe him; I knew eventually Charlie would be fine but given his dislike for Edward, though declining, and his experiences with Renee I couldn't see him taking it well regardless. The fear in the pit of my stomach remained as we both got in the truck. As soon as I'd put my seatbelt on I felt his cold squeeze on my hand, gentle but secure. He didn't bother with the flimsy belt. It wouldn't help him anyway.

I stared blankly out the windshield for the first few minutes, considering my father's reaction. Just as we were re-entering the town, he turned his dark stare toward me for a moment. I managed a small, weak smile for his benefit. He smiled back, encouragingly, though even in his doubtless gaze I could see a measure of apprehension. My anxiety was all but lost as his eyes met mine. He was so beautiful, I didn't even really care that for the moment he wasn't paying attention to the road. My truck was built more like a tank anyway, and as much as I hated to admit it the idea of Edward getting into an accident at 20 miles per hour was ridiculous. Our eyes held for some time, and I wondered if he was trying, with futility, as always, to delve into my mind. Eventually he looked back at the road, breaking our contact, and with it, the spell he'd cast over me that had all but distracted me from what we were about to do. It came rushing back and again I began to wonder what I would say to Charlie when we arrived. It made me so anxious that I almost wished Jasper were nearby. At least I'd be able to think.

The minutes ticked by and I still couldn't think of a light way to break the news to him. In every scenario I considered he had roughly the same reaction. He'd be upset either way- it was just a matter of fury or sadness. Probably both. I knew just as Edward did that he'd been expecting something but I was sure the shock of the news would still be enough to anger him. I didn't think my fiance's presence was going to help his mood any either. Ugh, I still hated that stupid word. Still, we had to tell him. I had to tell him. I had promised him the chance to say goodbye. He and everyone else we knew deserved better.

We pulled into the drive in front of the house, I could see the flicker of the TV in the window so I supposed Charlie was watching one of his basketball games. Good. At least he'd be in a good mood.

The knot in my stomach tightened with renewed vigour as I prepared myself for what lay ahead. The moment of truth. I wrapped my fingers around the door handle and was about to get out when Edward caught my shoulder. My head spun around to look at him, my eyes widening in surprise as I found him only a few inches away. I jumped back slightly, surprised, but pleased as his lips touched my own. His kiss was energizing, taking some of my fear with it. He smiled as we separated, though only by inches, reassuring me. It really would be fine. I loved him, he loved me, and nothing would change, no matter what Charlie's reaction.

With revived strength I pulled fully away from him—for once—and got out of the truck. I tried to pick a face to have when I got in, and I settled on content. Though a nagging part of me still hated the idea of marriage, I was getting married, and nobody could be better for me than Edward. As I stepped up the porch and put my hand on the door handle. I looked back to see Edward firmly at my shoulder. I took his hand in mine and turned the knob. Stepping into the room, I expected to see Charlie sitting on the couch, leaning toward the TV but he wasn't. I heard him in the kitchen.

"Bells? 'that you?" He called from where he stood at the microwave. I had to remind myself it was a Saturday; it was so strange to see him home this early. It was only about five o'clock. He must have been making himself a snack.

"Yeah, Dad. Edward's here too." I answered, successfully keeping the shake out of my voice. "Are you making dinner?" My voice was surprised. That was good. Keep sounding casual.

"Just one of those TV dinners I found in the bottom of the freezer. I didn't really expect you to come home tonight. I thought you'd stay with Alice..." His voice was careful. He hadn't forgotten the strangled sobs that had echoed from my room last night. It would have made sense for me to stay with her tonight in his eyes. He thought I needed the girlfriend to talk to. "Edward." Charlie directed a curt nod in his direction. He didn't look quite friendly but there was at least a measure of respect in his gesture.

"I saw Alice this morning. We had a... uh, good talk. I'm sorry about last night, Dad." I skillfully avoided his eye, looking instead over his shoulder Edward and I walked together into the kitchen. I did however catch his smile.

"Don't worry about it Bella. I'm glad you seem to be alright now." He eyed Edward appraisingly. Edward smiled back at him with flawless decency. "I hope Jacob will be fine, though," he finished under his breath. I wasn't sure I quite caught it but I knew Edward did.

"He'll be alright, Charlie. He's very strong." He squeezed my hand- my left hand, as we sat down at the kitchen table.

"Mm," Charlie mused, not looking convinced but ready for a subject change. "What have you two been up to then?"

"We just got back from a little hike, actually. Edward is teaching me to appreciate the outdoors." I felt myself force a laugh. I still didn't know how to break our news to him. Hiking was something way out of character for me. I was counting on my statement to generate small talk so I could think clearly.

"Hiking? You hate hiking, Bella." Charlie's voice was surprised. I wasn't sure he even believed me. His eyes narrowed. "Where were you hiking?"

I loosened Edward's grip on my hand absentmindedly and pointed vaguely out the window to the left of the table."Oh, just on the back side of tow-"

"Just on the outskirts of town," Edward interrupted cooly, pointing the opposite direction in an attempt to distract Charlie from my hand. He poked my side discretely, trying to clue me in. "Near my house, actually. There's a few hills along the river." He was lying of course, not that it mattered. My mistake had already been made. Charlie's eyes were locked on my left hand. My own eyes widened as I quickly retracted it.

"Bella, honey, what's on your hand?" He looked confused, but a wary look crossed his face as well. A grimace threatened to expose itself at his lips.

"Nothing, Dad-" The words slipped from my mouth before I could control them. Stupid.

"Bella..." Edward clasped my hand in his and met Charlie's apprehensive gaze. He must have known he had already figured it out. "Charlie... that's why we came together, to talk to you about something." He sighed, and though he kept his face flawlessly calm I could see that his almost black eyes were restless. I wished he had the chance to hunt before we did this, it might have made it easier for him.

"Charlie, I know you're not terribly fond of me but you must know that I love Isabella with all my heart. I can't imagine life without her, and I was an utter fool to leave like I did last September. She has graciously forgiven me and knows that there is no way I would ever leave again. Bella is my everything. My life is empty without her." Edward spoke with such hypnotic, passionate conviction that it was impossible not to believe him. "I want to marry her, Charlie. I've come to ask you to allow me to do so. I promise you I will never stop loving her. I will make her happy and look after her as long as we live."

Seeing no reason to hide it any longer, he lifted my hand to the table. Charlie seemed unable to speak, though as predicted his cheeks did turn a frightening purple. His shoulders seemed to slump back as he shrunk in his chair, dropping the fork he held in his hand into the lumpy tomato sauce of the TV dinner that sat, almost untouched, before him.

"Dad..." I managed to whisper. My body felt like it was made out of the same stone as Edward's.

"She's agreed to be my wife, but we want it to be with your blessing." Edward added softly.

Charlie twitched slightly in his seat. Closing his eyes, he managed to contain whatever it was that was about to explode and then forced what I'm sure were edited words though his mouth. "B... Bella, you're too young..."

I knew that was coming. "I've been with Edward since I got here, Dad. I know... it wasn't right for you and Renee, but I need Edward. Sometimes you just know what you have to do. Age isn't a factor for us."

"Bella, you have no idea what it means to be married to someone!" Charlie's face grew more purple as he spoke. "You are still a child. You're going to University and making a life of your own before I'll allow you to marry anybody!" His eyes were fierce, and he stared Edward down with a look of absolute hatred. "I can't believe your father would ever allow you to marry so young either! What, are you telling me first just to test the water? Don't be ridiculous! You'll not marry my daugher and that's all there is to it!" He turned his glare back to me. "Bella, you're not getting married. You had better not tell your mother about this either."

"Charlie!-" I began to protest, but Edward interrupted me once more, placing his forever cold hand on mine to demonstrate our united front.

"Bella is almost 19, Charlie. She does have the legal right to make her own decision in this case and though we would far prefer you to graciously acknowledge our choice and be the man to walk her down the aisle, we will go ahead regardless. Carlisle is already aware of our engagement and has no objections."

"Madman." I heard my father whisper under his breath. He turned to me again. "Bella..." His face was full of frustration, but the anger was slowly being replaced with an expression of defeat and sadness. "Why now? You're already leaving for school. He'll be with you-" He threw another nasty glare at Edward, "why do you have to marry him?" The word was expelled from his lips with the same distaste I had initially echoed my own sentiments toward the idea. I could hardly argue with him- I would agree wholeheartedly if there weren't more behind the decision than just a wedding. I was ready to leave my human self behind.

"Dad, Edward is all I need. There is no reason to wait," I insisted quietly. I refused to blink at his horrified glance. I had to speak with every bit of conviction I felt. There would never be anyone else but Edward. The word marriage ment little to me now, but I had every intention of staying with him forever.

"It has been something Bella and I have been considering for some time. There is no one I would rather spend my life with, and she feels the same way. We have survived a great deal together-" Edward sighed, staring meaningfully in my direction. Charlie need not know about James, Victoria, the Volturi, or the newborn vampire army the Cullens and Quileute werewolves had recently wiped out. He would think only of Edward's departure last September. "and we belong together. Bella is my best friend, and I hers." His stone lips could not contain his smile. "We plan to marry on or before the 13th of August. Alice has already started the preparations."

I winced. He seemed to be going for the band-aid method. Throw in as much information as possible as quickly as possible and hope for the best. Clean break. I bit my lip as Charlie roared.

"The thirteenth of AUGUST! Bella Swan, that is in less than two months! Just WHEN were you planning on telling me? Two months notice?! Am I the last to know? What the hell is Alice doing? Were you even planning to tell me?"

Though the question was directed at me, I thought it best that Edward answer. I didn't know how best to explain that one. I squeezed his hand and caught his eye in my silent plea. He sighed and looked back to Charlie, answering as calmly as possible, though there was an edge to his voice. He seemed to be getting impatient, which for him was a first. I deduced it had to have something to do with his thirst.

"Alice had a feeling and simply started without us. We've only just announced our intent to marry. She is the reason we're going to be able to do it within two months. She's excellent at what she does, and I wouldn't doubt she could put it together in two weeks if we asked her to. We want to do it before we and the rest of our friends leave for school, so everyone will have an opportunity to come."

Charlie seemed unable to argue anymore. He was at a loss for words. The shock appeared to be holding him hostage.

"Dad..." My left hand, which bore the offending ring left its place alongside Edward's as I reached to comfort my father. "Please..." I could feel my face begging for his forgiveness, as this whole idea was actually intended, at least in my eyes, to be of comfort to him and Renee. A chance to say goodbye. I decided to remind him of this. "I know you could feel it coming, Dad... you asked me for the chance to say goodbye. I'm not running off with him. I want you to walk me down the aisle before I have to leave for Alaska..." I could feel tears welding in my eyes. "Please, Dad..."

Edward placed a hand on my shoulder comfortingly. Not surprisingly, it did help. Charlie looked torn. He had listened to my every word and knew I was right. I knew he just wanted what was best for me. If I could really tell him the truth he would know that this had to be done.

"I know I said that," Charlie mumbled, almost dejected. What he was about to say appeared to be very difficult for him. I knew he was a man of few words. "Bella... I just want you to be happy. I dont want you to make the same mistakes I did." He squeezed my hand lightly, his hands clammy, before pulling away to massage his temples. Headache. "I... I know Edward is a good guy. I know that. I just didn't think it would be so... soon," he finished, resigned.

"I know Dad. I'm sorry." I answered, drained. The room was silent for what must have been only a few moments but felt like an eternity. Eventually he spoke again.

"If this is really what you want, Bella..." He closed his eyes, his expression still holding visible traces of anger. "If you're sure, completely certain... I guess I can't hold you back." I waited for my body to show some sign of relief as I processed his words, but predictably, none came. He wasn't celebrating. "But I will not be responsible for breaking any of this... this news to your mother.." I could hear his teeth grinding from across the table

I grimaced. That wasn't going to be fun, but I understood it was my responsibility. I nodded silently.

"We intend to tell her ourselves." Edward smiled carefully at my agitated father. The frustration I had detected a few minutes ago seemed to have lifted from him. "We would never leave you to do that, Charlie." I nodded again in agreement.

"I'll do it, Dad. We can face Renee." Charlie grunted in what might have been resignation but sounded still more like anger. He let his eyes escape to the ceiling, as if to beg whoever was watching us now to confirm he was dreaming. Slowly, gradually, the bluish red color faded from his face and he directed his vague attention back to the meal that sat, now cold, before him. I allowed him to pick at it dejectedly for a minute before I took it from him, excused myself and placed it in the microwave to warm up again. I was glad for the two minutes it took to heat the meal, for the separation it granted me from Charlie. Tonight was going to have to be an early night.