Charlies POV
Ever notice that the more nervous you are about something, the faster it comes around? Well that was my reality as I made my way outside Chicago, Midway Airport. I had managed to be one of the first persons off of the plane, mostly because I was seated in first class and we got to get out the doors quicker. Had I not thought the others would gawk at me, I would have waited for the entire plane to clear before I even stood.
It wasn't that I didn't want to see, Bella, it was that I didn't know what to expect. When we talked last week, it was wonderful... well... mostly wonderful to just hear her voice. The hard part was taking in all the years of her life I had missed out on. I listened on for over an hour about her husband and her children, my grandchildren and the life she was leading. I wanted to cry as I listened to details about her wedding and even her pregnancies with the kids. It was a hard thing to sit through, not because I didn't want to hear it, but because I had missed it. Worst of all, I hadn't missed it on my own accord, but I was robbed of it.
I thought of all the things I wanted to say to my daughter as I waited in front of the baggage claim for my suitcases to spin around on the belt. Unsurprisingly, they were the first two to swing out on the the cart. I took a deep breath, looked up at the sky and nodded. It was as if the big guy upstairs was telling me to get a move on. So I did.
Bella said that Edward would make arrangements for me to have a car when I arrived, so I made my way over to the counter and checked in for my rental. It was as if I were a king, because as soon as they took my last name and social, I was being served up with sir's and courtesy faster than I could blink. I was offered any vehicle I wanted and the man named Andrew behind the counter went as far as asking if I needed assistance to the vehicle. I was more than shocked by the courtesy, because I had rented cars before, and it was nothing like the service I was getting at the moment.
I made my way out to the lot and plopped my things in the back of a luxury SUV. It was the closest thing to a truck I could find, so I just went with it and didn't complain. As soon as I was in, I picked up my cell and dialed the one number I was dreading. After three rings, a very winded Bella answered the phone.
"Hello?" she huffed into the phone. I just smiled, because it was nice to hear her voice again.
"Hey, Bell's, just wanted to let you know that I landed and that I'm heading out to your place now. Just wanted to go over the directions one last time." I heard how nervous I sounded, but I didn't dwell on it, Bella and I went over the directions one last time and she made me promise to call if I got lost. I gave her my word and before I could cower out of it, I began the forty five minute drive to my daughters home.
After an hour of driving and two pit stops for directions, I pulled up to a large wrought iron gate. The name Cullen was written in script in the center and another long road lay waiting behind it. I sat in the car just looking at the gate for a few moments, I needed time to take in the beauty of just the gate that adorned their home. I had no idea what home she was living in or even how she was living, but judging from the homes I passed on my way up here, and the cars I passed on the small path I had just come up, I knew it was more than I had let myself imagine. When I was sure I could actually drive again, I rolled down the window and hit the call button. Two long beeps later, a male voice answered and I almost choked on my words. I didn't know if this was my son in law on the other end, but either way, I wasn't as prepared to speak as I had thought I was.
"Cullen residence" the voice said from the black box in front of my face. I opened my mouth and closed it a few times and then finally the words came out.
"Uh yeah, this is Charlie Swan, for Isabella Swa... I mean Cullen?" It was still hard for me to remember that she was now married and had a new last name. All this time she had remained Isabella Swan in my mind, when in reality she let that person go and became Mrs. Isabella Cullen. It made the tears brim to my eyes once more.
"Ah! Yes, Charlie. I'll open the gates right up! Just follow the drive to the main house and park in the front, Bella and I will meet you out there." the man said back to me.
Like an idiot, I just nodded. Forgetting that a black box couldn't very well see my agreeing head shake. I rolled my eyes at my self and made my way up the drive as the gates opened up for me. I felt stupid, but I also felt good that Bella had some form of protection around her house. Her husband had at least made sure their home was safe for her and the kids.
As the drive in front of me opened up, so did the view of their home. I almost came to a stand still when I saw the full vision, it was an unbelievable sight. My little girl was living like a queen, and the only emotion I could feel was pure and utter happiness. She had the home I never gave her, the home Renee never gave her. I found myself anxious to meet the man that had made her his, I only hoped he was everything she deserved and more. I could only hope that that was the case.
When I pulled my eyes away from the house, I noticed the two people standing at the top of the stairs in front of the door. I made myself look a second time with more concentration. The woman standing there was in the arms of a man around 6'2, she was beautiful. Long brown hair was curled in large rings and framed her face that was lit up with absolute love and adoration. It was my Bella, but she wasn't looking at me, she was looking into the eyes of the man holding her, and he was watching her with the same love she was showing him. I made myself look away, because it seemed to private a thing to watch, and I didn't want to intrude on that moment.
When I pulled to a stop, I took a deep breath and then opened my door. I walked around the front and went to stand at the bottom of the steps. When I finally brought my gaze up to meet the two of them, I nearly fell over from the emotions that rocked through me. The eyes that met mine were a mirror of my own... for the first time in a long time, I was looking into the eyes of my daughter... my little girl. My breath hitched and I took a step forward to begin the climb of the stairs.
"Bell's..." it was all I could get out. Her eyes were wet and her face held a look of wonder. I didn't waste another second and jogged up the rest of the way to greet her. Before I reached the top, there were arms around my neck and they were gripping me tightly.
"Daddy" she whispered in a strangled voice. That did me in and the tears I had been fighting were making their way down my cheeks, but I didn't care.
"I missed you, kid... so much." I told her. I felt her nodding her head and heard her sniffling into my shoulder.
"I missed you too..." she replied. So there we stood, father and daughter, both in pain, but in joy as well. This was many years in the making, and I for one couldn't wait for the catching up to begin.
BPOV
It was as if I were in a dream state and everything around me wasn't real. In my head I knew all of this was happening, but I just couldn't let my heart believe it yet. So much time had gone by since I had last seen my father, and on top of that so much had changed. He looked older, more tired and worn out. I always remembered him as young looking and stressed. It seems as if the years had caught up with him. Not to say that he didn't look well, just that time had really gone on and that he aged along with it.
After my initial cling fest on the steps, I managed to pull back and gain some composure. I went back into Edwards arms and peace and tranquility over took my body. He had that effect on me and I was grateful for the sense of security in which he provided me with just his love alone. I knew that as long as he was with me, I could get through this without falling apart. I took a deep breath and looked up at my love, he was watching me with a gentle smile on his face, and I took that time to introduce him to Charlie.
"Dad, this is my husband, Edward." I squeezed my love's arms while I said it and then looked over to Charlie to make sure he had heard me. He had.
His eyes were wet again and he took a deep breath which made him look taller. He extended his hand out to Edward and I felt Edward press his lips to my temple and then move around me. He took my fathers hand into his and they shook as an introduction.
"Edward Cullen, it's nice to finally meet you Chief Swan." I smiled wider at the way Edward looked. I had never seen him more sure of himself than I had in that moment and from the look on Charlies face, I could see he saw it as well.
"Please, call me Charlie, Son." I wrapped my arms around Edward again and listened as he obliged to Charlies wishes. After the initial meeting was done, I led the three of us into the house so that Charlie could get settled and we could all be more comfortable.
As soon as we stepped in, I heard a low whistle and turned to see my dad taking in the vision of our home. He spun around slowly as if taking each angle in at a time. I just laughed quietly and stepped forward, "Would you like a tour?"
His eyes popped over to me and a small smile tugged at his lips. "I would love to see your home, Bella." was his response. I looked over to Edward and he watched my face for a moment, no doubt gauging if I wanted to do it alone or if I needed him with me. I knew I wanted Edward with me so I squeezed his fingers and without a second of hesitation, he was kissing my cheek and walking with me to the stair case. I turned back to Charlie and signaled him with my head to follow us.
The first room we went to was on the left and was my office. Even thought I didn't write for a living anymore, I still did it as a hobby. These days I used the nights Edward was on call at the hospital to do most of it, other wise my nights were spent in bed with my husband. I walked in, and my dad followed along behind me. I looked back at the door and saw Edward leaning against the frame watching me with a smile. I smiled back and turned again to my father.
"This is my office, Edward had it designed for me when we were having the house built... I was a writer at the time for the Chicago Tribune and then for an online political site. Now a days I write as a hobby and use this for some quiet time when I need it, all the same though, this is where all my ideas and writings are born."
I gestured around the open room and watched as Charlie walked to the far wall and stood in front of my Diploma from Yale. Edward had it matted and framed when we moved in here and Esme made sure to hang it along side a picture that Paul had taken of me when I was graduating and shaking hands with the Dean of Fine Arts. Charlie just stood there with his hands in his pockets admiring the framed moment and alternating to the Degree along side it.
I wasn't really sure if it was something I should bring up or if I should let him have his moment uninterrupted. I looked back at Edward and there he stood stoic and proud. He was watching Charlie and then turned his head back to me. He smiled and mouthed I love you to me and pushed off the wall slowly as if he was going to leave. I was about to stop him and he paused taking in my reaction, but then I took a deep breath and nodded to him that it was okay for him to go. When he was gone from the door I turned back to my dad, and he was still in the same position.
I walked up and stood right along side him in silence for a moment. I looked at the photo that was capturing my fathers full attention. I stared at it with him for a long while and then started to speak without really knowing what I wanted to say.
"That was the hardest four years of my entire life." I began, "I wasn't sure I belonged there for the entire first year, I felt so out of place... so different."
I turned to him and he stayed with his eyes focused on the picture and nodded, so I continued. "I worked hard every day, studied every night and crammed for every test I had... I didn't date, or go to parties... I didn't really live while I was a student there." I laughed humorlessly at my own words but was interrupted by Charlie.
"Why? I mean... why didn't you take time to enjoy college Bell's? Were you struggling in your classes?"
I smiled and shook my head no. I kept my eyes on the diploma now as I spoke the next part, "I was determined to prove her wrong... that's the only thing I could focus on." I heard my voice breaking as I said it. It was a hard thing to admit to, but it felt good at the same time. I took another deep breath and held back my tears so I could continue.
"When I got into Yale, I told mom and she told me that I didn't belong there... that I wasn't smart enough to make it four years at an Ivy League school. She told me that it wasn't for people like me and that I would more than likely fail out at some point."
I turned to my dad then, and his face was a mixture of confusion and pain. I just smiled and turned back to the picture and took it off the wall. I held it in my hands for a moment and instead of seeing me shaking the deans hand and smiling, I saw the Yale tower in the background. I looked harder and saw the tree in which I studied under when my roommate had friends over that were too loud. I saw the hard work and the sleepless nights I went through my first two years, because I was afraid that Renee was going to be right. I literally killed myself for two years just trying to get her acceptance and support... it never came though, because the better I did, the farther apart we grew.
"I worked hard ever day that I was a student at Yale, I did it because I didn't want to be what Renee said I was going to be, I didn't want to be a statistic or even a failure... and honestly dad... I did it for you too."
He turned to me then and I saw the tears rolling down his cheeks. I couldn't see as clearly anymore, my tears were taking up too much space in my own eyes. I wiped my eyes and when I could see clearly again, I handed Charlie the picture. He looked at me with question for a moment but then looked down at it in wonder.
"I...I wanted you to be proud of me... I wanted you to be proud to tell people that I was your daughter." My voice was breaking and I saw he was going to say something, but I kept going, I needed him to hear this. "I'm a good person... I am a law abiding citizen. I have never been in trouble with the law and I have never done drugs. I went to college and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Journalism from one of the finest Ivy League schools in the country. I am your daughter... and I hope I have made you proud, even if you weren't there to see it all. I did it all for you."
My voice shook the entire time and it broke through each word I said them, but when the last sentence was out, I was wrapped in my fathers arms and together we cried.
"I have always been proud of you, Bell's... always! And your are more than a good person... your a great person, your my favorite person! I love you, kid... and I'm sorry that I wasn't there... I should have been, but I wasn't and I'm sorrier than you can ever know."
Just hearing that he was always proud was enough for me, but when he acknowledged that he should have been there, a piece of my broken heart fell back into place. I didn't know I needed to hear that until he said it, but now it was as if those words were what was missing from this reunion. I pulled back and did my best to right myself. Charlie let me have a moment and when I was composed, he continued on. "I don't know how to make this better, Bella. I don't know if that is even what you want right now... but I hope that we can have some form of a relationship, I just want to know my daughter."
I was nodding my head yes already before he even finished his sentence. This is what he was here for, what we were all trying to do. I just wanted to know my father... I wanted my husband to know him, and for my children to have their grandpa. "We will get there, we just need some time to adjust to each other... okay?"
Charlie squeezed me tight for a moment and then stepped back and admired the picture in his hands. Tears were still streaming down my cheeks as he took in the photo once more. I was trying to calm down, but it was useless. I was about to excuse myself and go find Edward, but before I even thought to vocalize the words, I felt Edwards arms wrap around me and hold me to him tightly. I turned in his arms and rested my head against his chest while he rubbed soothing strikes along my back.
"I'm so proud of you baby" he whispered into my ear. I was honestly proud of myself too, I had finally said the words that I ached to say for years. My father knew now, knew that I accomplished things and turned out to be a good person. I just wanted that one moment, and I had finally gotten it.
I turned back to face my father once more so I could continue the tour. "Dad... would you like to see the rest of the house?" His head popped up and he nodded his head yes. He went to hand me the picture in his hands, but I just shook my head no. "You keep that, I have a copy."
Charlie took a deep breath and nodded his head while he kept a firm hold on the frame. Edward led us out of the room and together we walked my father into the eight rooms that made up the top floor. When we had gone into the kids rooms, Charlie was crying again. Not blubbering or anything, just silent tears that signified his pain in not knowing them.
Both Ethan, and Emma were with Carlisle and Esme right now. Edward and I had decided together that it would be best for he and I to have some time alone with Charlie. Not that we didn't trust him, but we didn't know what to expect. That being said, we didn't want the kids feeling awkward or uncomfortable about the situation either, so that was our driving force behind that decision. Everyone would be joining us tonight for dinner, and when I say everyone, I mean the entire Cullen family. Jasper had taken vacation from work this week and next and so did Edward. Carlisle made arrangements to be on call for sever emergencies that would require his assistance, and Esme basically told her employees to call only if Apocalypse was about to happen.
With the top floor done, we headed down the stairs and we made our way from dining rooms, to the kitchen, and dens. We ended our tour in Edwards office, and again Charlie was captivated by the pictures that adorned the walls.
I turned to my love and saw the small smile playing at his lips, he loved being in his office when the kids and I were away he said, because all our best memories were hanging in there for him to look at. He said it made the work easier to focus on when you have your sole purpose for living staring back at you while you do your job. I understood that, and it seemed that Charlie was about to.
Edward spoke up this time around. "This is my office, Charlie." he began walking toward the fire place where Charlie was standing. His gaze resting upon the large matted portrait from our wedding day. Edward stood beside him for a moment in silence while he took in the picture himself. After a minute went by, Edward, broke the silence again.
"That was the greatest day of my life... marrying Bella." he said in a calm voice. I saw Charlie's head bop up and down as he continued looking at the picture. Edward went on. "Bella has given me everything I could have ever hoped for and more, Charlie. She is my entire life... her and the kids. I wake each day for them and rest each night to provide for them all. There isn't anything in this world I wouldn't do for any of them... nothing I wouldn't be for the woman who took my last name."
I had tears rolling down my face again. Edward wasn't saying anything he hadn't already told me countless times, but the significance of him telling my father was what got me. He was assuring Charlie that we were loved and cared for. He was giving him that peace as an offering, and olive branch of sorts in the sense that it should have been done before we were married. I loved my husband more for that simple gesture he was giving my father.
I watched Charlie turn to face Edward as he spoke. "I can see that you love her... a blind man could see it." Edward's smile widened as he listened to my fathers rationalization, and Charlie continued on. "Your a better man than me, Edward. Your a better father than I ever was... thank you."
Edwards face was thoughtful for a moment, no doubt searching for the perfect words to share with my father. "We all love in different way's, Charlie. Just because you weren't able to share your way every day doesn't mean that you didn't love unconditionally while she was gone. I'm sure Bella was in your thoughts often." I smiled at the words he offered Charlie. Charlie seemed to appreciate it as well.
"Everyday... I thought of my little girl every day. Sometimes I would be raking the yard or driving down the road and I would see her in my head. I imagined all the things she would of done with her life... all the ways she may have found happiness. I could only hope that she was happy, an alternate wasn't something I was willing to let myself imagine. It would have been my worst nightmare."
I walked up at that point, I wanted Charlie to hear it from me that I lived a good life. "I have been very happy, Dad. Even before Edward, I was happy." Charlie just nodded his head and went back to the wedding picture.
I could see he wanted to ask me about life after Yale and before Edward, but something was keeping him from doing it. I decided to rip the band aide off myself and say it for him. "When I graduated Yale, I moved here to Chicago. I lived with Grandma Swan's friend, Donna... remember her?" Charlie looked at me with shock as he nodded his head in wonder. "Well I stayed with her while I job hunted, and after a few months, I landed a job at the Tribune. Donna insisted that I stay with her longer so I could save some money, and after some strong arming, I did.
Charlie turned to me and gave me his full attention, so I began walking with Edward to the couches that were off to the side. I curled up with Edward as Charlie sat across from us and listened intently. " I was an entry level staff writer for the first two years, and soon after my second year ended, I was promoted to staff writer" I rolled my eyes at and smiled at the less than distinguished titles the tribune had. It was funny now that I said it aloud. Edward just kissed my head and chuckled with me. Charlie just smiled and waited for me to carry on.
I told him about my condo and the things I did for fun at the time. Charlie audibly laughed along with me and Edward as I told him of the one salsa class I attended for fifteen minutes and then high tailed it out of after some guy tried to do some dirty dancing move on me. I went on and on about trips and work, when I looked up to see his face again the humor was gone. I looked over to Edward and his brow was confused as well. I looked back to Charlie and his gaze was on his hands.
"Dad? Is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?" I had no idea when the atmosphere changed, but I could feel the shift in his mood. Edwards mood had shifted now as well, I felt him pulling me into his side tighter, and his body was tense and protective.
"Charlie" he stated in a tense voice. I heard the underlying anger in his voice, and I knew this could get ugly if Charlie answered with anything other than the truth, thankfully honesty was in the cards. Charlie looked up and the severity of his face was gone and replaced with sadness. He met my eyes and asked a question I wasn't prepared to answer.
"You haven't said a word about Holiday's, Bella. What did you do for Christmas and Thanksgiving those years before you were married?"
EPOV
I couldn't believe that I had never asked this question myself. Since Bella had been in my life, we shared our Holiday's with my family, our family. I now understood why the shift in Charlies mood was so grim. He was afraid of the same thing I now was. He was afraid that she had been alone and that she had no one to celebrate with.
I looked over to Bella and saw her face was flushed, it meant she was embarrassed. I secured Bella into my arms a bit tighter and she dropped her head into my chest. I looked over to Charlie and he watched us with a pained expression. I kissed Bella's head and whispered to her. "Baby? You don't have to..." she sat up then and shook her head no signaling that she wanted to answer. She took a deep breath and looked to Charlie head on.
"In college I stayed on campus and studied in my dorm. I was taking some very intense classes so it worked out for the best anyway. I probably wouldn't of been able to afford going home had I been invited anyway..."
I felt my chest tighten at her words, she spoke them so low that I had to strain to hear them. I heard Charlie breathing raggedly as if it were taking everything he had to accomplish the task.
"You spent your holidays in a dorm by yourself?" He whispered to her. When he said it that way, I felt the pain shooting through my heart as I imagined a young Bella alone at an empty school. No friends, or family to share a turkey or presents with. I hated Renee with a force much greater than I had before, and I knew I would never welcome her into our home for even a moments time. She would never be allowed to set foot in our home as long as I was living and breathing.
Bella picked up where she left off. "I spent my college years that way, but when I graduated and moved out on my own, I would spend my holidays out in shelters volunteering. I can honestly tell you that I felt no pitty for myself after having seen people without as much as a home to go to afterward. It had become such a regular thing for me that I never gave it a second thought after the first year."
"You are a far stronger person than I am, Isabella. You are the epitome of a strong, independent woman. All that aside though, I am sorry for having never reached out to you sooner. You were always wanted and welcome at home with me, sweetheart. But I guess I dropped the ball on letting you know that. I'll never forgive myself for that, but I hope we can build new memories from this point forward."
Bella just smiled and nodded her head. She looked over to me and winked at me as I watched her face carefully and with love. She was everything Charlie described and more, and no matter how many years went by, I would never be able to show her enough what she meant to me.
When that was behind us, Bella and I walked with Charlie around the room and told him funny stories about each picture that hung proudly on the walls. He studied the kids pictures the longest, even longer than our wedding photo or even Bella's graduation picture. I could always see Bella in Emma's face, but now looking at Charlie, I could see hints of him as well. He was anxious to meet the kids and to be honest, we were anxious for that moment as well.
Ethan and Emma both knew that Bella's dad was coming for the first time and as you could guess they had tons of questions about why they had never met him before. Bella and I did our best to explain the situation, and at the end of the day, the kids knew that it had to do with distance. That was good enough for Bella and I, so we dropped it and tried to not make such a big deal about it around the kids.
My family on the other hand, well that was a different story. My dad was more than protective when it came to the kids and Bella, so much so that I found myself trying to calm his nerves when in turn it should have been reversed. I knew it was because of the history Bella and I had that made him nervous, and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the same way.
Jasper and Alice were our saving graces when it came to all of this, because each had such positive things to say and were constantly reassuring us that this would be okay. Alice was happy that Bella would now get this closure, no matter what form it came in, and Jasper was the same way.
Now the glue that kept us from ripping our hair out and having mental breakdowns, was my mom. She was the one who kept our eyes on the prize and reminded us constantly that as much as we were Bella's family, that Charlie was her father. That being said, she made sure we all understood that no matter what the outcome, our only job was to back Bella's feelings and let her know that we were behind her one hundred percent.
About an hour after we had stepped into the study, we made our way out to the main room and I followed Charlie outside to get his bags. When we were outside and alone, he turned to me.
"Edward... I- I just want to thank you again for inviting me here. I can see that Bella loves you very much and that you adore her as well. Thank you for taking such good care of her." I felt my body swelling with pride as he said those words to me. I strivef everyday to give Bella the world and in turn I did everything in my power to show her I love her. Hearing her father who hadn't seen her in many years confirm that it was an obvious thing, made me proud.
"This means a lot to her, Charlie. I can honestly tell you, that as long as she and I have been together, she has wanted for nothing, she never will. But this... what your doing for her by just being here is something I could not give her. Thank you for doing this."
When we were done with the hard stuff, we each grabbed a bag and I led him to his room down stairs. We figured that it would be more comfortable for him down here in the farthest guest room in case the kids were up late or early and making noise. He didn't seem to mind and I left him to his things and made my way to find my love.
I walked into the kitchen and found her seasoning and tenderizing the meats for dinner. She was still the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on and it never failed to amaze me how in love with her I was. I walked in and wrapped my arms around her waist and peppered her cheek with kisses and snuggled into her neck.
"I love you, baby." I whispered into her skin. I heard her giggling and felt her shoulder pull up from the way my breath tickled her neck. I couldn't help but try harder to snuggle back into her.
"How are you feeling? Still doing strong?" I asked her. Her brown curls were bouncing up and down along with her nod and I felt her lips on my cheek.
"I'm fine as long as I have you... nothing can hurt me with you around, love. I always feel that way." she said confidently. I wanted to do many things for her in that moment, but knowing that her father was in the room twenty paces away had me holding back, and for the first time since he arrived, I was irritated with his presence.
I was still wracking my brain with ways to find some alone time with Bella when I looked up and saw Charlie walking into the kitchen. I didn't move from my spot, instead I settled back into Bella's neck and watched as she finished up the food for the oven. I only moved when I felt her shifting to put the dish in the oven, and I grabbed it from her and did it instead. All the while Charlie watched us doing our routine and kept silent as we talked amongst each other about the rest to be done. Bella and I would joke now and then and every few minutes I would have her bursting in a fit of giggles as I tried to imitate Julia Childs voice.
Charlie sat at the counter and watched in silence as we bantered back and forth about simple or ridiculous things. He never joined us vocally, but he laughed a lot with us. I was glad to see that Bella wasn't feeling awkward or even nervous anymore. It seemed that she had gotten the hardest parts out of the way already, and was now able to focus on the best parts of this visit.
At one point in our routine, Bella glanced up at the clock and saw it was nearly six o'clock. I heard her breath hitch and when I looked at her, her mouth was hanging open.
"What is it, love?" she didn't answer me, but instead went and rinsed her hands and picked up the phone. She was mumbling something but I couldn't understand a word she was saying. I waited for her to calm down and when she did she was speaking into the phone.
"Alice? Hey! Um, I completely lost track of time, and I'm not going to have time to make a desert. Can you and Jas pick up a cheese cake on your way over?" I started laughing in relief as I listened to her words. She was such a perfectionist when it came to family dinners, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes and smile at Charlie. He looked at me with question, and I just jumped in so I could fill him in.
"Bella is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to having dinner at our house with the whole family." I said in an easy tone. Charlie's eyes widened and his mouth was open a little. It had completely slipped my mind to tell him that he would be meeting the entire Cullen family, but after one look at his face, I could see that was not something I should have been remiss about.
"I'm so sorry, Charlie. We completely forgot to tell you that the rest of our family would be joining us tonight. It's going to be my mother and father, My sister and her finance Jasper... and of course Emma and Ethan will be here as well."
He recovered from his panic and nodded his head with a yes. "I.. um, better go get cleaned up then." he said looking down at what he was wearing. He was dressed more than appropriately, with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but then I noticed what I was wearing and I could see why he would feel uneasy. I had on dark jeans and a dress shirt, no doubt my dad and Jasper would be in something similar.
He didn't wait around, and instead made his way back toward his room and shut the door. I heard Bella hang up the phone and she was instantly by my side.
"What happened?" she asked in a worried voice. I kissed her head and shook it to signal nothing.
"We forgot to tell, Charlie, that everyone was joining us tonight, he felt the need to shower and change before dinner." Bella was frowning and I knew it was because she felt bad for his reaction. I pulled her chin up gently and placed a kiss to her lips, "It's not that big a deal, love. He recovered after the initial shock, and when he comes back out, I'm sure he'll be in the frame of mind to deal with things."
With that said, Bella made her way upstairs to change as well, and I took one last look around the house to tidy up before everyone arrived.
BPOV
By the time I was down stairs, Esme and Carlisle had arrived with the kids. Esme had dressed them rather nicely for our small dinner party, and I was surprised to see that Ethan was doing his best not to get wrinkles or change. I raised an eyebrow to Emse and she smiled and winked at me.
Ethan ran into my arms and I couldn't help but hug him tighter to me for a long moment. I hated being away from him and Emma, and anytime I had to, I missed them immensely. I felt Ethan loosening his grip on me; his code for "Let me down" and I frowned a bit. Against my wishes, I placed him on his feet and watched him run up the stairs, no doubt going to his room for a toy.
I heard Carlisle calling out to me, and I turned to find him waiting near the back patio doors. I walked over to him and we stepped out onto the deck to speak alone. When the door was shut I met my father in-laws eyes and was pleased to see absolute warmth there.
"I just wanted to have a moment alone with you, Bella. I know that tonight is going to be a bit awkward for a while, and I just wanted to make sure that you were doing alright."
I smiled and wrapped him in a tight hug then released him and stood back to take a deep breath. "It was defiantly hard earlier when he arrived, but Edward and I have spoken to him about a lot of the things that were making this hard for me. I actually feel a lot better about things now."
Carlisle smiled brightly and nodded his head. "I'm glad, Bella. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay, and to tell you that we are all behind you one hundred percent." His words were genuine and rang true, it reminded me of when Edward and I had gone through that dark period in our relationship, and Carlisle told me that if he couldn't appreciate me, then he didn't deserve me.
I heard the door open, and there waiting for me was, Edward. "Baby, your dad just came out, he looks a little nervous, so I thought I would come and get you."
I nodded my head and smiled to him before turning back to, Carlisle and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Dad." With that, I turned back to Edward and together we made our way inside to get the evening started.
When we made it into the living room, Charlie was standing in the doorway to his room watching the family scatter about the room to get dinner out to the table. I had never been more grateful for the large family table we purchased when we designed the house, because when we got together like this, it definitly came in handy to hold all the food platters.
Just as I was approaching Charlie, Emma and Ethan ran up to him. I stopped in my tracks momentarily, but then picked back up to my destination when I saw the look of shock cross my fathers face. Ethan being the eternal questioner went straight in for the kill.
"Are you my grandpa?" He asked with a hint of confusion. I felt Edwards arm around my waist and together we walked up to do damage control. Charlie looked up with relief in his eyes when he saw the two of us standing together. Edward picked up Ethan and Emma came to stand in front of me with her eyes trained in Charlies face.
Edward was the first to break the silence. "Yes, Ethan, this is your grandpa Charlie. He's your mommas daddy." My nerves were getting the best of me and I could feel my fingers shaking as I watched Charlies face for signs that this was making him uncomfortable. I found only wonder as he stared into his grandsons eyes. After a moment of silence Charlie looked to Edward as if silently asking persmission and then held out his hands to reach for Ethan.
When he took Ethan into his arms I saw the tears from earlier return. It wasn't everyday you got to meet your grandson for the first time, and on top of that he was seeing me after many years apart. Charlie last remembered me as a pre-teen, but the only real memories he had of me were at Ethan's age right now. I heard his breath hitch as Ethan pulled back from the hug and proudly said, "It's very good to meet you."
I saw Edward stand a little straighter at the words his son had said. It seemed that endless shows of respect he instilled in our children was paying off, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't equally as proud. Ethan's tell tale wiggle came into effect and Charlie placed him on his feet and returned his sentiment. "I am very happy to meet you too, Ethan."
I watched my son run back to Edward with a grin and wrap his arms around his leg to hide his face. Edward just chuckled and leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Good job, buddy. Excellent manners, son."
I turned back to Charlie and saw he was kneeling in front of Emma. I looked down to see her face and saw she was smiling brightly and watching his face carefully. I knelt down with him and spoke gently to Emma. "Sweetie, this is your grandpa, Charlie." She just smiled and nodded her head but didn't say anything. I looked up to see Charlie and he was mirroring her reaction. After a silent moment, Charlie was the first to speak.
"You look just like your momma, Emma." Emma nodded her head and giggled. Charlie held his hand out to her but she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. Charlie's eyes shut tightly and he hugged her to him securely. He took a shaky breath and chuckled before she pulled back. "Your just as strong too... don't ever lose that"
I smiled and stood back up and then Emma came to me once more. We all stood together for a moment but then a throat cleared behind us. It was Carlisle.
Edward took this opportunity to make introductions and soon everyone was gathering around to get a look at the elusive Chief Swan.
"Dad, this is Charlie Swan... Charlie, this is my father, Carlisle Cullen." I watched them both carefully and then relaxed when Carlisle happily extended his hand to Charlie. They shook and gave the traditional greetings and stepped away. Carlisle kept a warm smile on his face during the whole exchange and Charlie looked to be relaxing more. Esme was next, then Jasper and Alice. When everyone had met each other, we made our way into the dining room and took our seats.
Charlie's POV
I had never been more happy that I had a healthy heart. Had I come here today in any less health than I had, I would have surely dropped dead from a heart attack.
It was so much to take in, all of it. From the home, to her husband then her children... my grandchildren. Bella literally had everything a person could want, and from the looks of things here, her husband made a good living for them. Even if at the end of this, if Bella decided that she never wanted to see me again, I could die happy.
I would never have to worry if she was safe or loved, it was an obvious thing. Her husband looked at her and treated her as if she were the most precious thing in his world, and she was. I had never seen anyone look at another person with such absolute love and adoration.
When I met my grandchildren, that just sealed the deal. I had often wondered over the years if Bella would have children. Little did I know she had already been married and started a family while I was sitting around and wondering about her life. It was all so overwhelming, but at the same time I couldn't seem to get enough.
Meeting her family was quite possibly one of the hardest things I had ever had to do, even reaching out to Bella and having to walk blindly into this wasn't as hard as that. The reality of it for me, was that they had been there for her when no one else was, and I could only just imagine what they thought about me. I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted with warm welcomes and easy chatter. Everyone was doing what they could to make sure that I was comfortable and feeling welcome, and soon after we sat down for dinner, all my discomfort had faded away.
Everyone took turns asking me questions about myself, and for the first time ever, I wasn't uncomfortable to be the center of attention. I could see that Bella was happy that I wasn't making a fuss, and it encouraged me further to keep the flow going for all of our sakes.
I learned that Edward was a surgeon, and not only was he a surgeon, but so was his father, Carlisle. I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face as I realized that my daughter was amongst her destiny here. Renee had been so very wrong to ever say that Bella didn't belong at Yale, if anything she didn't belong with the local yokales in Arizona or Seattle. She was special and bright, she had been from the time she could sit up on her own.
I was proud that when anyone next asked about Bella, I could tell them she was happily married and madly in love to her husband, the surgeon. The very idea that this was her reality calmed me and helped me settle into the evening further. My little girl was all grown up now and her life had turned out fantastic. Bella, had everything anyone could ever want and more, but to top it off, she was happy. Most people don't get both, it usually turns into a trade off, but Bella was the exception to that. Actually, looking around the table, they all seemed to be the exception to that.
BPOV
When dinner was done, Carlisle suggested the men head out back and have a cigar while the kids enjoyed what was left of the sun and played in the yard. That left Esme, Alice and I free to clean up and get desert ready in peace. I had just grabbed the last few plates from the table and began rinsing them for the dishwasher when I heard Esme speak my name.
"Bella, dear, are you seem to be handling all of this very well. Are you enjoying your fathers visit?" Esme's face always held a smile and her tone was so warm. I smiled and nodded my head yes and looked over to Alice. She was smiling at me as she packed up the leftovers and winked at me.
I turned from the dishes and smiled over to them both. "I'm just happy that after all this time, the truth has made it's way out." It was honestly the way I felt about things, and no matter what had transpired over the last however many years, Charlie was my father, and the truth was that he and I were lied to and robbed of our relationship. It wasn't really something I wanted to focus on, so I concentrated on all the good that had come from it all.
When the last dish was in place, the three of us grabbed plates and coffee and headed out to the patio. When we got outside, I noticed that, Edward, had started up the fire pit and the kids were getting ready to come inside and get ready for bed. Carlisle had apparently let them have a piece of chocolate each, so that covered their deserts. I put the plates down and was preparing to take the kids inside and get them settled for bed, but Esme stopped me and insisted on doing it so I could join my father and Edward.
I went and took my seat next to Edward and slipped off my flats and curled up with my love. We stayed together that way for a long while, just listening to Charlie and Carlisle talk about life in Forks and Carlisle's years on board at the hospital. I could hear the easy going flow of their conversation and I relaxed further into my husband when I realized I didn't need to play conversation police.
After about ten minutes, Esme returned and we cut the cheesecake and passed out plates to everyone. For the next hour, we all sat together and talked about life, and the kids and the way time seems to creep up on you and all that good stuff. Alice and Jasper filled us all in on wedding plans and houses they were looking at.
We all seemed to be doing a very good job about avoiding the big pink elephant in the room, which was the topic of Renee, and how we were going to deal with her. Honestly though, I didn't want to even think about that right now, I was just glad that I had my father here now, and that we were able to get past the first hurdle.
He watched us all talking at one point, and when I gave him a questioning look, he just smiled and leaned over to whisper, "I'm just happy that you have such a great life, kid. That was all I ever wanted for you... just to be happy and loved, and you are."
I let myself enjoy the peace of it all and when the men got into football talk, I really zoned out. I last remembered hearing them chuckle, and before I realized it, I was drifting off to sleep.
When I awoke again, I was in bed and wearing my bra and panties. I instantly rolled over in search of Edward, and was pleased when I felt his arms pulling me on top of him. He was still asleep, so I just rested my head on his chest and let the sound of his heart sooth me. Just as I was about to close my eyes again, I felt his hands rubbing up and down my body and over my butt. I held on to him tighter as his hands glided over me in a more sensuous way.
I lifted my head and saw Edward staring down at me with lust filled eyes. I had no time to react when he flipped us and his lips were suddenly upon me. I didn't remember him bringing me to bed, I didn't really remember falling asleep, but in this moment, I didn't care a thing about any of it.
I kissed him back with as much passion and felt him roll his hips into me. I whimpered at the feel of it and dragged my hands to his hips and clawed his pajama bottoms down as far as I could. I used my legs to take them the rest of the way, and just as I dragged them off completely, I was pulled up and straddling his hips with my panties around my thighs. I didn't get a chance to take them off fully before Edward slid me onto him and began rocking my hips for me.
It was the most beautiful pleasure I could of asked for. I had wanted this since earlier this afternoon, but with the company and the impending dinner, we just couldn't find the time. I looked up from his shoulder while I continued to ride him, and then turned to whisper in his ear. "Is the door locked?"
I saw his head nod yes, and then I pushed him down on the mattress and took over. It had been such an emotional day, and all I wanted was to feel my husband inside of me, and to have him make me feel good. Edward didn't disappoint, and before I could really get into my moves, we were flipped and the love of my life was filling me whole with each rock of his hips. I felt his lips at my ear and then he was whispering his love for me.
All too soon the tightness in my stomach began to overpower me, and with two more thrusts of his hips, I came undone. I turned into the pillow to muffle my cry's and when I couldn't take it anymore, Edward brought my head up and let me bite his shoulder. He didn't necessarily like it, but he knew that I did, and so he always let me.
When I calmed down, I felt his hips going faster, and before I could control my breathing, he was muffling his cries in my neck and hair. We both lay still, each coming down from our high. When a few minutes passed by, we rolled over and continued facing each other.
I would never be able to tell him how much I loved him, or even how much it meant to me for him to make today a reality. Edward was my rock, had I been without him, who knows how long would of gone on without knowing the truth. He looked me over and caressed my cheek before whispering a goodnight to me. I smiled and turned my face to kiss his palm and then closed my eyes and cuddled into his side.
We still had an entire weekend ahead of us, and on top of that, we still needed to discuss Renee with Charlie. But for the time being, I let myself relax and enjoy the peace of being in my husbands arms.
Authors notes:
Okay... so the next chapter we will deal with Renee. I have decided to take all the reviews into consideration on this one, and I can tell you that she will come nowhere near the Cullen Residence.... Any of them. Charlie will be present, as will Edward and Im thinking Jasper. Seeing as he is a lawyer and all.
Charlie will also get some grandpa time as well. Sorry this one took so long to get out, but it has been a crazy few weeks. I am working on part V as of right now, and as soon as it is done, it will be posted.
Thanks for the great reviews, I love reading all of them, no matter how long or small.