Chapter 6: Dinner

Edward's POV:

I drove up the driveway to my parents home. I got out of the car and made my way up to the door. I let myself in and could smell that my mom was making dinner in the kitchen. I followed the scent and discovered Alice helping my mother set the table. I waved at her and made my way to where my mother was standing. I leaned down and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. I would always be mommy's boy.

"Hello sweetie," She responded and continued stirring what was in the pot.

I leaned over and discovered it was gravy. "What's for dinner, Mom?"

"Stuffed mushrooms and mashed potatoes," She responded. "Bella said she would bring over dessert."

That puzzled me. I didn't know she had planned on stopping at the house on her way home from work. Usually she came straight here. If I had known, I would have waited for her before heading here.

"How was dinner with Tanya?" My mother asked casually, knowing she was truly interested in the answer.

It had been over a week since the dinner with Tanya. Bella seemed completely okay with it, she had even invited her to dinner this weekend. "It went really well. Bella is making an effort to become friends with her. She's coming over for dinner on Saturday."

I had expected the reaction my mom had. It was the same one everyone experienced when they learned about the new relationship we were forming with Tanya. The sound of the doorbell interrupted us and I made my way to answer the door. I knew it was Bella because everyone else had a key. I opened the big oak door and found my love standing on the doorstep. She held a container in one hand and was attempting to open her phone with the other. She looked up as I answered. I took the container from her and kissed her on the lips.

"You didn't tell me you were stopping by the house before coming here." I accused her. She smiled and kissed me again.

"I'm sorry, it was spur of the moment. Mom gave me a call while I was work and I volunteered to bring over dessert. I slipped my mind to call you." She looked away from me during the last sentence. I wouldn't push her real reason for wanting to be at the house alone. Not yet anyway. I made a mental note not to forget about that.

She lead the way into the kitchen and hugged my mom as I set down the container on the counter top. My mom and Bella always seemed to get along. She had gotten into the habit of calling my parents mom and dad, but she still knocked on the door. It was a habit she couldn't seem to shake. Charlie, Bella's dad, and I were not on those terms. He liked me, but I knew that he seemed to want to keep me at a certain distance away.

I heard the door open and close followed by footsteps in the hall. My dad walked in and kissed my mom before turning to greet the rest of us. They were always the ideal couple in my mind. They had shown each other affection since I could remember. It was the perfect marriage. I hoped Bella and I would be the same.

"Dad, can I speak to you in private?" I asked him quietly, not wanting Bella or my mom to catch on.

My dad nodded and lead the way to his home office. I followed him and closed the door behind me. He sat behind his desk and I took seat in a chair in front of him.

"Okay, what's going on?" My dad got straight to the point.

I swallowed nervously. I always came to my dad before making a big decision in my life. He was the first person I was going to run this by and his opinion mattered the most to me. "Dad, I think I'm ready to ask Bella to marry me."

I stayed silent, waiting for his response. "Have you thought this through completely? Marriage is a very permanent step in a relationship, son."

I jumped into my reasons for wanting to marry her. I had it all planned out. "Dad, I plan on proposing after I get permission from Charlie of course. Once I get his okay, I will propose. We can have the wedding after her graduation. It would be perfect dad. I love her, I can't see myself with anyone else. I see you and mom out there, and I know I want Bella to be with me when I'm old. I want us to be like you, too."

"Hey, who are you calling old?" He said jokingly. "I believe, I'm proud of you for making this choice. Honestly, your mother and I have been wondering what's taken you so long. When do you plan on going to see Charlie?"

"As soon as I can get away without Bella knowing where I'm going. I want this to be a complete surprise to her. She's expecting it after graduation in June." I replied.

"Maybe Esme and Alice can take her out for a day to just shop." He suggested. I gave him one look and he said, "or not. Maybe they can have a girl's day at the spa in the cabin."

I knew Bella would go for that idea if my mom asked her. It would be something Bella would enjoy greatly. "Yes, that sounds perfect. I want to tell mom. I'll tell her tonight before I leave. I promise."

I smiled and rose from my chair just as I heard a small knock on the door. "Come in," My father said. Bella opened the door slowly. My dad turned to look at me before giving her a long hug.

"Dinner's ready." she said taken a back by my dad's actions. I came forward and gave her a hug.

"Let's go eat sweetheart." I grabbed her hand and led her back into the dinning room.

We all sat down to eat. I kept watching Bella stare at her phone every few minutes. I was sure she had it on vibrate. It was beginning to make me worry. Conversations were going on around us when I decided to ask her about what was going on.

"So, why did you want to be at the house alone today?" I asked her. She looked back at me, she was shocked that I had caught on.

"It's Jacob. He's dealing with a big issue on the reservation and I'm trying very hard to be there for him now. I needed a good place to just talk to him without giving away information about his situation. I'm waiting for a phone call back from him. I might leave early." She told me quietly. I knew she would always have a soft spot for Jacob, but I knew she wouldn't cheat on me. He was younger than her anyway. So I had nothing to worry about.

"Okay, if you must. I'm going to hang around here until Alice leaves if that's okay." I asked her. I knew she wouldn't say no, but I always wanted her to have the option to do so.

"Yes, of course. Wake me up if I'm already asleep when you get in, I want to say goodnight." She began to rise from her chair. She kissed me and said goodnight to everyone else before leaving the house.

It was perfect. It was meant to be. I could use this time to tell my family what I had planned. I cleared my throat and I saw my dad squeeze my mom's hand. She looked at him and then back at me. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that I've decided to ask Bella to marry me." I wasn't able to get much else in. Alice was screaming at me from one side and I could hear my mom repeating, "finally" over and over. I was glad that Bella would be coming into my family.

We spent the rest of dinner making preparations for my weekend over in Forks. My mother said I could go on Saturday. She would take care of making sure Bella was away from Seattle and Forks. I had to make sure Alice would keep the secret. I trusted her, even though her and Bella were best friends. I knew she would enjoy helping me create the perfect moment for her. I just had to get the "yes" from Charlie.

Author's Note:

Many people keep wanting them to be engaged. Well, in reality a lot of couples wait at least five years before wanting to take that step. But I agree, Edward and Bella are meant to be so theyare bound to get engaged, just stick me with on this.
All I'm going to say is that huge drama is about to come.
ANd it's going to be fun.
Please review!!!

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