AN: First off, I own nothing. It's all Stephenie Meyer's.

This is a one shot, that I entered for the Make it Count Challenge over on forum. After voting is over I'll consider posting my longer version of this. I never imagined how hard it could be to write only 1000 words. Hope you enjoy.

Fatherly Conversation

Charlie wasn't home yet, dinner was in the oven and Edward was out with his brothers hunting. I searched the kitchen for something to do, but I had already accomplished all of the tasks needed. I spotted my battered copy of Shakespeare and carried it outside to the small porch swing. The sun had been out for most of the day and the last rays of sun were still warm. Kicking my shoes off I curled one leg under me leaving the other dangling so I could push the swing.

I flipped to Romeo and Juliet and it wasn't long before I had engrossed myself completely. The slam of the screen door startled me. I let out a soft yelp.

"Sorry Bells, didn't mean to scare you." Charlie crossed the porch eyeing the book in my hand. "Dinner smells great, is it ready?" He asked, anxiously. I knew he had become accustomed to dinner when he got home. He didn't expect it; it was a gift that I offered him.

"No Dad, sorry. But it'll only be a few more minutes."

Charlie nodded. He eyed the screen door and then the spot next to me. He was working his way into a conversation.

"Umm, mind if I join you for a few minutes?"

"Not at all." I untucked my foot from under me and scooted into a corner of the swing.

Charlie sat down and for a few moments he just pushed us back and forth.

"Been a pretty day today."

"Yeah, it has." I replied back.

"So, what did you and Edward do today? Or did Alice kidnap you again all day?"

"Actually, Edward and his brothers are camping and Alice is out of town too, so I packed a bit."

Charlie winced slightly as he nodded. I should have left the last bit off. The closer the wedding got, the quieter and grumpier Charlie became. I tried not to directly mention it or anything wedding related unless necessary.

A few moments of awkward silence followed. I decided then it would be best to leave Charlie to his thoughts.

"I think I'm going to go and check on dinner." As I went to get up, Charlie stopped me.

"Umm, can it wait a moment Bells?"

I eyed him cautiously. "Sure Dad."

I sat back down.

"Now, I know I was probably more gracious with the whole acceptance of you and Edward getting married than you thought I would be."

I nodded remembering him trying to play the Renee card on me.

"I'm not taking any of that back, but I…." He stopped to gather his thoughts. "I just want to make sure this is your decision. Edward isn't forcing you into this is he?"

I shook my head. Yes, Edward had been persistent; however, I knew this was my decision. The one that I wanted to make regardless. It didn't mean that I wasn't nervous about the ceremony, but I was sure about Edward. That decision was iron clad and had been so for a long time now.

"No Dad, he's not. He would do whatever I asked. Trust me, this is my choice. Actually, I'm the one that insisted on the wedding date."

Charlie winced again at the last part, but it was true and I hoped it reinforced my choice.

"It's just so soon Bella. You could still go to college together, you know date. There'll be a lot more people there than here. You don't know who you're going to meet."

I flushed with indignation. I knew Charlie was just posing these questions because he loved me and wanted what's best for me. I don't think he's never understood why I forgave Edward so easily for last fall.

"No Dad, Edward is my choice. He's my only choice. Edward would be my choice no matter how many people I met. You know….." I blushed for a moment before turning so I didn't have to look at my dad when I said this. "I'm his only choice too." I knew this as strong as I knew anything. We were meant to be with one another. Edward felt that meant a wedding ceremony was needed. I only needed him.

"Sure, sure." Charlie stated. He had spent a lot of time with the Blacks, even before I came to Forks. I wondered if they picked the phrase up from Charlie or he from them.

"You're very sure about this?"

"Yes Dad." I stated exasperated. This wasn't the only time he had asked me that particular question.

"Ok." He stated in an almost dejected tone.

My heart sunk at his tone. I knew he felt dejected, possibly like he was losing me all over again. I knew he was. Even if he didn't know it for fact right now, I did. After I left with Edward, I was leaving permanently.

"Dad…." My voice wasn't much above a whisper.

"Yeah Bells."

"You know I love you too, right?"

"Mmm, Hmm."

"I chose you too, you know. When I came to Forks initially, when I returned to Forks and when I decided to stay. I know that it may seem like that eventually I was only doing so for Edward alone, but you know I made those choicest for you too. I wish I would have decided to come and live with you earlier. I'm going to miss living with you, but that doesn't stop me being your daughter."

Charlie nodded then turned in the opposite direction from me for a moment. I tried not to notice the hand that brushed quickly at his cheek.

"I know Bells, I know. And even if it kills me, I have to admit, that boy loves you. I bet there isn't anything he wouldn't do for you. Am I right?"

I was the one just nodding this time.

Charlie pushed us a few more times on the swing before letting it still on its own.

"So, what smelled so good in the oven?"

Ok, you know the drill. Did you like it, love it or loathe it? Let me know!