Ch. 3
Edward's POV

When I pulled in the drive, I listened for his thoughts to get an idea of how this would turn out. They were fairly calm; that was a good sign. I wish I would've asked Alice how this turned out, but I never really had the chance to do so.

I got out and walked to the door. I knocked and heard Charlie huff his way over to answer it. His thoughts became confused and somewhat agitated when he saw me dressed the way I currently was and without Bella.

"Hello, Chief Swan. Could I talk to you for a while?"

"Sure, but where's Bella?" He looked around me to my car to see if he could spot her.

"She's with Alice getting ready."

"Ready for what?"

"That's what I'd like to talk to you about."

"I see. Come in—sit." He pointed to the sofa and he sat in his recliner. I situated myself on the edge facing him with my elbows on my knees and my fingers interlaced. I rested hunched over and stared at my hands. "In answer to your first question, I've planned to take Bella out to dinner in Port Angeles and then go up to Seattle for a while. While we're there, I've made arrangements to have a garden at a ballroom reserved for just the two of us." I looked up into his eyes. "I want to ask her to marry me."

He simply sat there for a short while thinking. Is he serious?! There isn't a chance in Hell I'm going to let him marry her. Especially now—they're still in high school for goodness sake! Marriage at 18 doesnotwork!

Then his thoughts mellowed out a bit.

Maybe he's not such a bad kid after all. He is asking me first. He's actually asking for my permission. I didn't think he had it in him. Bella was right—he is old-fashioned. It's obvious they love eachother deeply, but what if he leaves again?

I had to strain to keep my face from portraying the emotion I was experiencing due to the images running through his mind.

Marriage is a big commitment, though. I'm sure he knows that. Dr. Cullen would've taught him that much. Maybe that's what he's trying to do: prove to everyone that he's not going to leave her again. If he does, I'll throw his ass in a cell. But I've got to give him credit, I didn't have the guts to ask Renée's parents first, and look at where that got us. But I really think they could make it work. Anyone with half a brain can see that she means the world to him. And I know she loves him. It's going to happen sooner or later, anyway…

"Go for it, Kid." He smiled at me and reached out to shake my hand. I took it in both of mine and shook it vigorously. A smile had broken out across my face, and it wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I let go before it aroused suspicion. He had already put it off to nerves.

"Thank you, sir! Thank you so much!"

"Just make sure you're doing the right thing. Are you sure about this?"

"I've never been surer about anything in my life."

"I'm glad to hear that. What do your parents think about this, Edward?"

"They were overjoyed. Everyone was. They already think of Bella as part of the family."

"That's good to know." He looked slightly nervous, now. "Can I see the ring?"

I smiled—well, wider. "Of course." I reached into my coat and pulled the box out of the inside pocket of my jacket. I snapped the lid open, revealing the glistening gems and held it out to him.

He whistled. "It's really nice, Edward. It must've cost a fortune."

I wasn't going to lie to him; it wasn't cheap by any means. "Only the best for Bella."

His thoughts were of approval and agreement.

He snapped the lid closed and handed it back to me. "You know, you're turning out to be an okay kid." He was threatening me in his mind. I knew he was expending the effort to be civil towards me for Bella's sake.

"Thanks, Chief. I really appreciate that."

"Please, call me Charlie."

"Charlie, then." I looked at the clock. "Well, I should be going."

He opened the door for me. "Good luck, Edward."

"Thank you, Charlie. You have no idea how much this all means to me."

"You're welcome, kid." He clapped me on the shoulder.

I started to walk to the car, but stopped and turned around. "Charlie, if she accepts, I'd like to have the ceremony tomorrow."

"That soon?"

"I don't want her to feel uncomfortable with a long engagement. That, and I couldn't stand it," I added as an afterthought.

He laughed.

"I mailed two plane tickets to Florida. I'll call Renée and tell her whether they're for a wedding or just a visit. I know Bella's been wanting to see her." She talks about her often in her sleep. I didn't deem it necessary to reveal that bit of information to Charlie. He didn't have a clue that I spent almost every night in his daughter's room, and he didn't need to find out—especially now. He was just beginning to accept me.

"Bella would like that. You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

"Yes. I want everything to be perfect for her."

"I'll see you soon, then" I nodded, and he closed the door. I couldn't help but hear his thoughts. He really does care about her… I smiled to myself and climbed into my car. He had no idea.

I stopped at a store on my way home to purchase a dozen roses. The cashier was practically drooling. How disgusting. You'd think people would have the decency to keep themselves together. I quickly paid for them and hurried out to my car. Alice should have Bella ready to go soon. I peeled out of the parking lot and sped home. I just couldn't wait to see my Bella.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this! I know it's kinda slow, but I need to get all of this set up. Did you like Charlie's response? Hate it? Give me something! I've gotten hits, but no reviews... Do any of you like it? Am I wasting your time? I need some response here! It's really discouraging! I'm losing my muse... Review? Anyone????