Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision.
"Papa…" Bella started.
Charlie was unmoved. "Isabella, I don't want to hear it. You need to head home now."
She bowed her head and replied quietly, "Yes, Papa."
After Bella left the jailhouse, the two men squared off – one in a now very securely locked cell. The air was thick with tension.
"What in the blazes do you think you're doing?" Sheriff Swan thundered.
"Sir, we were just talking," Edward said. "I would never hurt your daughter. Besides, Sheriff, I'm innocent."
"I'll take your statement, son, but that will be for the judge to decide. Meanwhile, I'll let Doc know you're awake." Charlie headed out the door, looked back at the man in the cell and continued, "And furthermore, stay away from my daughter!"
All the way home, Bella took time to mentally castigate herself. How could she have been so foolish? She knew Papa would return at any moment. She also prepared herself for Papa's "fraternizing with the enemy" speech. She'd never done such a thing before. Prisoners in the jail held no fascination for her. But one – Edward Cullen – did.
Her mind whirred with questions: Was he truly part of the Crowley Gang? How did he get involved? What did he actually do in the gang? Had he killed anyone? Why had she told him her name? Criminals were dangerous! Although, she pondered, he didn't look dangerous.
Later, when Papa came home, Bella was ready with his favorite supper of pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans.
"I know what you're trying to do, Bells. But it's not going to work," Charlie said gruffly as he sat at the table.
"Papa, I'm sorry. I didn't know Mr. Cullen would wake up all of a sudden. We were only talking."
"Have you no sense of self-preservation? I would go crazy if one of my prisoners harmed you. You mean the world to me."
Bella dashed away a tear and said, "I never meant to hurt you."
"Don't ever do something like that again, Bella. My heart can't take it. In all this time since your mother's been gone, I've never had to forbid you from doing something. You've pretty much had free reign. I've probably been too strict with you."
At the shake of her head, Charlie lifted her chin with his finger. "Bells, don't think I don't notice every boy of marriageable age in this town give you a second look. You're beautiful, and not just to your old Papa. I just don't want to lose you to an outlaw. I want you to marry someone who proves himself worthy."
"You are definitely not old, Papa," Bella affirmed.
Charlie said, "I'll take supper over to the jail tonight. You rest up. I love you, Bells." He gave his precious daughter a hug.
Later that evening in the jail, Edward asked Deputy Mike for a pencil. He began writing on one of the blank pages at the back of the Holy Bible in his cell. "Dear Bella…"
Author's Note: I truly appreciate every review. Thank you so much!