KNOCK KNOCK! "Come in; it's open!" Both my hands are busy, removing loaves of fresh cinnamon bread from the oven. I'm amazed it took this long for a hungry wolf to sniff out the source of the delectable aroma. I look over my shoulder, surprised to see Charlie step through the back door.

"Hey," I smile at him, "what a nice surprise!"

He returns my smile, taken slightly aback. "Surprise? Who were you expecting?"

"Oh, I figured it was one of the...one of Seth's friends," I amend quickly. "They can sniff out fresh bread from a mile away. But come in." I grab a mug from the cabinet and pour a cup of the fresh brew for Charlie, topping mine off as well. "Going to work?"

He laughs. Silly question. I doubt that he sleeps in his dress blues, gun belt and all. "I was a little early, so I thought I'd...I mean I wanted to stop by…" With an embarrassed chuckle, he gives up and sips his coffee.

I know the feeling. I cut him a slab of fresh bread and butter it, setting it on a plate and handing it to him. He closes his eyes and inhales deeply. "I could get used to this."

Taking a seat across from him, I smile over the rim of my cup. "It was fun, wasn't it?"

Charlie nods. "Actually, I stopped by to see if you had plans for dinner."

"Wait. Let me check my calendar." I grin at him. "Just kidding. As it happens, I'm free. What do you have in mind?"

"There's a new restaurant in Forks. They specialize in Italian. The owner walks around singing - opera. He's quite a character, and he has a beautiful voice."

"I've heard about it. And I've heard the food is great."

He relaxes visibly. "I'll swing by the house after work and shower and change. Can I pick you up about seven?"

I nod, wiping my hands on my apron. "I'll look forward to it, Charlie." I look into his dark eyes and add, "This is all new, if what we're doing is dating. And nice. It's been a while since I had...fun, you know?"

"I do know," he agrees, draining the last of his coffee. "I'm not smooth at this kind of thing, but it's nice that we're friends. For so many years. Sort of natural."

And so it goes. It's been three months, and it feels so normal now to be in Charlie's company. We've become "MomandCharlie" or "DadandSue" to our kids. A package deal with no spaces between our names. So what's next? Oh, right.

I'm sitting on his lap, trying to say good-night but not really wanting the evening to end. My head rests on his shoulder, his arm around my waist. I turn my face to him and his lips find mine. As he nibbles gently, my heart speeds up - but in a good way. His hand slips under my shirt, and he warms me. His hot breath against my neck, his warm hand on my breast. I gasp as his thumb tweaks my nipple gently. I wriggle involuntarily, rubbing against his hardness.

He sighs. "I guess I should go."

I groan softly. "Don't," I urge simply. "I mean...you don't have to. I'd like you to stay."

His kiss is soft and sweet, and he murmurs against my face. "Are you sure about this, Sue? What if it ruins everything?"

I smile and shake my head. "What are you planning to do to me, Charlie? I'm just talking about making love. No whips, no chains."

He chuckles softly. "Damn. There goes my plan." He sits back, his arm tightening around me. "I want you, but I'm terrified. It's been so long."

I stand and take his hand, leading him inside the house. "Come on. We'll figure it out."

And we do. And it's great. We are self-conscious as we shed our clothing in the dim moonlight. Charlie is in great shape, his body firm and toned. And we fit together perfectly.

"Mom! Have you seen my shoe…" Seth's voice trails off as his sensitive nose picks up on the fact that I'm not alone in my room. The door closes softly "Sorry." He doesn't sound sorry. There's a hint of amusement in his voice.

Charlie stirs and opens one eye. "Uh oh." He grins.

I stretch and pull the sheet up over us. "He's young. He'll get over it." I roll over and cuddle up against Charlie. "No work today?"

"Nope. But I'll go if you want…."

I don't let him finish the sentence. I stop his words with a kiss.

When we finally come out of the bedroom, the kids are nowhere to be found. We take turns showering, and I rustle up some breakfast - even though it's well after noon. We sit across the table from each other, playing footsies for heaven's sake! Charlie helps with the dishes and we settle onto the couch.

"I've got a confession of sorts," I start. It's time.

Charlie tightens his hold on me, giving me his undivided attention. "I can't imagine that it's anything awful, Sue. But I'm listening."

"It's about my kids, Charlie. You remember when Jacob told you about his...duality?"

Charlie laughs softly. "Not likely I'll ever forget that day."

"Well, you must know he's not the only one. Wolf. Shifter." I take a deep breath.

"Oh. You mean Seth…" He leaves the sentence dangling.

I nod. "Yes, Seth. And Leah. Both of them are shifters. I thought you should know. Harry had his heart attack the first time they both phased, so...yeah. I wanted to be the one to tell you."

I don't know what I expected, but he cups my chin in his hand and kisses me softly. "Thank you, Sue. For trusting me with this. I suspect it's not something that many outsiders are aware of."

I smile and relax. He gets it.