Bella and Edward have just spent a perfect day in their meadow. Bella loved days like these. Nothing made her happier than to be in their meadow on a bright sunny day. All the while enjoying Edward's sparkling skin that was so cool to the touch. Bella never understood why his cold skin never sent a chill to her. Well, a chill was sent but it certainly wasn't a 'cold' chill. She had never felt these kinds of chills before she met her Edward.
She had accepted Edward's ring in the afternoon. They decided it was time to share the news with their families. Edward's family had accepted Bella unconditionally, with one exception. Rose. Maybe time will heal that relationship?
Bella's father, Charlie was a different story. He is a typical father of a young, pretty girl. Overprotective is an understatement. Ever since Edward returned to Forks Charlie had barely tolerated his presence. Charlie was certain that Edward was going to hurt his little girl again. He could not understand her ability to forgive so fully. As he thought of those dark, cold months after Edward left, he felt a hole rip open in his heart. Nothing is more painful than the inability to take the pain away from your little girl.
Bella was nervous. No amount of consolation from her Edward would calm her nerves. She knew with every ounce of herself that this was the path her life would take. She just didn't know how to approach Charlie with this news.
Quietly they made their way from the meadow back to Edward's Volvo. Edward drove to Bella's house slowly…. Even for a human! Finally, they pulled into the driveway behind the cruiser. Bella looked at Edward wanting some assurances as to Charlie's state of mind. He nodded and smiled that glorious crooked grin that melted Bella's heart and turned her bones to mush.
They made their way up the walk and into the house.
"Hey, kids! Want some pizza?" Charlie greeted them enthusiastically.
Hmmm this may go better than I thought, Bella thought. "Uh, Dad? Edward and I need to talk to you about something…….something BIG." Bella could feel that familiar heat rushing to her cheeks. Dang blushing! Can't hide anything from anyone!
"Uh…sure. Why don't you two have a seat right there."
Bella looked at Edward and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze telling her that Charlie's mind was relatively calm. "Dad, I know you understand how much Edward and I love each other. Dad, he asked me to marry him and I said yes!" Silence…….
"Dad, I know you think we are too young and I know you think that we will turn out like you and Mom, but it just isn't true! We are meant to be together not only now, but forever!" More silence and now Charlie was a dangerous shade of purple.
Bella looked at Edward and noticed he was clenching his jaw tightly. She was certain that if he were human his teeth would be mere powder now. He looked at her and nodded slightly.
"Sir, if I may say, I love Bella with all of my heart. What I did those many months ago was the worst possible thing I could have done. It wasn't just Bella that fared poorly. I couldn't even talk to my own family let alone live my life. Sir, that was the worst mistake I have ever made in my existence. I promise, no I pledge to you that I will spend every moment of my life making Bella happy and taking care of her. Sir, she will NEVER hurt because of my actions again."
Somehow, Charlie's face had returned to normal and a familiar wrinkle was appearing around his eyes. "I suppose I can't convince you kids to wait for a few years and I truly only want Bella to be happy. In honesty, I have had to work very hard to not forgive you. Edward, she is alive when she is with you. I have to admit that now. As much as it pains me to say this, her heart beats only for you. You have my blessing…..but please, let me help in anyway I can."
Bella leapt from her seat and into the arms of her bewildered father. Physical demonstrations were not his strong suit. "Dad, oh Dad, thank you. I love you and I promise that this is the best decision I can ever make in my life." She cried. After a few moments Charlie settled into the hug and relished holding his daughter. "You know, Bella, that the real concern is your mother. I am leaving to go to the station. Why don't you try to take care of her while I am gone, huh?" Without another word, he left. Bella and Edward just sat and stared at each other with silly grins on their faces.
"Ok, Here goes nothin'!" Bella said. "Mom should be home from work by now. Shall we?" Edward smiled and said, "Bella, would you let me talk to your mother first?"
"Edward! That is a mistake, trust me." Bella exclaimed.
"Bella, I think this may go better if I can speak with your mother AND read her thoughts while doing so. I will be kind, loving and gentle." Edward locked eyes with Bella willing her to do as he wished.
"Edward, she is my mother. If it gets out of hand, I will let you speak to her but not until I do so first." Bella stubbornly pushed her chin out to prove her point.
Patiently, Edward said, "As you wish, my love."
Bella dialed the familiar number and waited through two very long rings before the airy voice of her mother answered, "Hel-looooooo." Her mother always answered the same way. The first syllable was lower in pitch while the OOOooooo rose considerably then slid down like a child on a slippery slide. Bella smiled.
"Hi, Mom!"
"Bella! What a treat to hear from you! Is everything ok, dear? You haven't hurt yourself again, have you?" Renee always worries that it is going to be bad news.
"No, Mom, I am fine, really. It's just that, well, ummm, ya' see, ummm, OK. Here's the deal. Mom, Edward and I are getting married in August." Nervously, Bella played with her hair while Edward wrapped his stone cold arms around her waist.
"Oh." Renee's voice was shaking. "Bella, you are so young! Have you missed everything I have tried to teach you?"
Bella was getting angry. "MOM! Stop! I am an adult now and I will do as I please. THIS is what I want and you are NOT going to stop me from having my life!"
"Bella, Bella, Bella. Honey, I just want you to be happy! That's it! You are too young to know what you want for the rest of your life. You never really get over a divorce, honey. You can't be sure that this crush will last a whole lifetime." Renee pled with her daughter.
"Mom, I can see that you are not going to support me in this decision. Just so you know, Char – I mean Dad, is fine with this and is very supportive. If you don't want to be here to celebrate this happy day with me, then that is your choice I suppose. I just, just, just" Bella was crying in earnest now. "I just want my Mom to be happy for me and not try to lecture me into looking at life through her eyes only."
Edward grabbed the phone and held it to his ear while holding Bella as she sobbed softly into his chest.
"Bella, dear, I just want you to consider your options, that is all. I am sure that Edward is a kind boy, but he is just a boy! You don't know your own mind yet. Give it some time!"
"Renee, this is Edward." His voice was sultry and full of conviction. "I love your daughter and I want to spend every day of forever making her happy. I know you are afraid that we will end up like you and Charlie. Unfortunately, I can't persuade you to thinking otherwise. I just hope that you will take your daughter into consideration and try to put personal bias aside. We truly want to share this beautiful day with you and Phil. Just think about it, ok?"
"Ummm…. Well…. I suppose I can give it some thought, Edward." Renee hung up the phone.
"Bella, honey, it is going to be ok. Her thoughts were relatively calm toward the end. Please, calm down. Shall we go to tell the rest of our family?"
All Bella could do was nod in agreement.