A/N: Thank you all for your reviews. I am glad that you enjoyed my first chapter. I am currently working on Chapter three now.
Chapter Two
Approval
I vaguely noticed the trash bag that I still clung to as I watched Charlie slowly get out of his cruiser. Throwing the bag into the can quickly, I stumbled as I hurriedly walked to his side. Still mumbling to himself, he walked slowly towards the house and into the living room. As I walked, I looked over my shoulder to make sure Edward was following. His arm slid lightly around my waist and I used that simple motion as a welcome comfort. We entered the quiet living room, and noticed that Charlie had taken his normal spot on the couch, leaving only the single chair and spot next to him available. Edward's arm left a small, empty chill on the small of my back as he removed his arm quickly and took a seat in the chair. I looked at him quickly, and he smiled a reassuring smile. Better get it over with I muttered to myself.
"Dad please talk to me. You are starting to scaring me" I said in a somewhat serious tone. I decided to take a seat on the floor facing him so I could get a better feel for his reactions.
Charlie looked at me as I sat and quickly focused his eyes on Edward before speaking. "Bella, please tell me what is going on." he began, his eyes now focusing on the jewelry that occupied my left ring finger. "Perhaps we should start with this," he paused and raised an eyebrow. "fine piece of jewelry. Where did it come from and since when do you wear jewelry?" The more he spoke, the more his voice seemed to be more focused and alive. "Bella, is there something that you need to tell me?" Charlie concluded, crossing his hands over his lap; his face appeared almost normal now as he waited patiently for my response.
I sighed and sorted my words out carefully. Edward sat as still as a statue, but he had a look of unknown satisfaction on his beautiful face. I smiled with that knowledge and continued. "Dad, Edward and I have been thinking. I love Edward," I say as I turn to look at him again before continuing. "And I know that he loves me just as much, if not more." Here goes nothing I thought to myself as I took in another deep breath. "Dad, Edward has proposed to me... And I accepted." My words came in a rush as I exhaled. My eyes now searched Charlie's face as I waited for his response.
His mouthed turned down into a slight frown, but his eyes seemed to reflect an invisible smile. That small detail was in itself both shocking and comforting at the same time. "Bella, don't you think you both are a bit..." he hesitated before finishing, and I took the chance to sneak another quick look at Edward's still, statuesque form. He was smirking, and my eyes narrowed, questioning his unspoken knowledge. "Young?" Charlie finished, pulling my gaze away from Edward once more. Charlie focused his gaze on Edward now, directing his words towards him now.
"How do you plan to support her? You cant be more than eighteen. Do you really believe you are ready to support her?" He asked, his voice was edged slightly with annoyance, but I believe I caught hints of curiosity in his questioning. Edward's voice was as smooth as honey when he answered.
"Charlie, I assure you that your daughter will be properly cared for. I may be young, but I am more than capable to support her. I believe that you are aware that Carlisle and Esme are not my birth parents." Edward started, and my eyes quickly focused on him, questioning the route of his story. He simply smiled his crooked smile and continued. "My biological parents died when I was very young, but they left for me some things in their will. 'When he comes of age, these assets will belong to Edward Anthony Mason.'" He concluded quoting some unknown document.
My face could not hide the surprise that came over me. Edward had already thought of a story in the short time that Charlie had questioned us. I chuckled silently to myself, realizing how much I did really love him.
"Perhaps you believe you may be able to take care of her financially, but what about emotionally? Do you truly believe you are ready for such a, big step?" Charlie pushed, tilting his head slightly to the side. He didn't give up that easily.
I took the chance to intercept. "Dad, we may be young, but please don't base that on anything. I know you and mom did not work out, but..." I sighed, but continued strongly. "But please, I believe that our love goes deeper than anything that I have ever known."
Charlie was still for a long moment, then he did something completely unexpected. Raising slowly from where he sat, he crossed the room and stood in front of Edward. Rising slowly from his own seat, Edward stood to face Charlie, his frame just a few inches taller.
"You kids seem serious about this?" Charlie spoke, his eyes looking from Edward's to mine, then back again. "Well it seems that you will do what you feel is right to do, with or without my blessing. However, I would like you to be happy." Charlie hesitantly looked to me, then continued. "Bella, are you positive that this is what you want?" He asked once more. Without having to think about my response, I nodded my head yes a little too eagerly. Charlie then looked back to Edward and heavily exhaled. "Take care of my daughter. She is all I have left in this world." He concluded, extending his hand towards Edward.
Edward shook the awaiting hand and I noticed Charlie jump slightly at the contact, quickly pulling his away. Edward fought a chuckle, instead the corner of his lips twitched hiding a sly smile. From the expression on his face, I could guess he was remembering the first time our skin made contact. Charlie held his arm out towards me and, rising a little too quickly, nearly stumbling, I walked into it. Charlie hugged me, in a way that I have not seen or felt in a long time. Kissing the top of my head, he whispered.
"You are not my little girl anymore. How did you grow up so quickly?" Smiling a very warm smile, he continued. "You two have my blessing." Charlie concluded by placing our hands together.
Over-joyed, I leap into Charlie's arms, hugging him tightly. "I love you so much, dad. Thank you" I mumbled, the tears forming in my eyes. Charlie's arms wrapped around me, surrounding me in a tight hug that could almost compete with one of Emmett's bear hugs.
"I guess I can leave you two to plan. There is no need for me call off, and besides, someone has to enforce the law around here,what with all the crime and all." He joked, turning for the door. With one last look over his shoulder, he was gone and pulling out of the driveway.
