A/N: so Charlie is a bit out of character, but I like it this way. He has accepted that Edward is the only one who is going to make Bella happy and that he will always protect her. He's even, dare I say it, beginning to like Edward. He sees the change that Edward brought in Bella when he came back. He's forgiven Edward so that he doesn't have to see Bella go back to how she was when Edward was gone. He trusts him with his daughter. Get it? Got it? Good.
CH. 7
Edward's POV
I knew the moment she had fallen asleep. Her breathing slowed, as did her pulse. I kept my arm wrapped around her and never wanted to let go. I was perfectly content to inhale her heavenly scent and gaze at her beautiful face for the rest of eternity.
When I pulled into the driveway, Charlie flipped on the porch light, flooding the yard with a warm, yellow glow, and whipped the front door open. I looked down at her sleeping form and took in her peaceful face and couldn't bring myself to wake her. I picked her up and placed her hands on her stomach. Her engagement ring glinted in the moonlight. I smiled. She was so beautiful, and she would soon officially be mine. How had I ever gotten to be so lucky?
As I neared him, Charlie looked first at me and then at Bella. His eyes zeroed in on her left hand where he saw the diamond ring that would adorn her finger for the rest of eternity. His once-anxious face broke out into a smile. "Congratulations, kid."
I turned my seemingly permanent smile to him and whispered my thanks. I made my way up the stairs and into her room. I walked over and laid her on the bed. I pulled off her shoes and pulled the blankets up over her. I wished she didn't have to sleep in her dress, but there wasn't much I could do about that right now.
The moonlight coming in through the window splashed over her sleeping form. I stood there, taking in the magnificent sight before me, for an immeasurable amount of time. Time seemed to stand still when I was with Bella. Everything else seemed to disappear. I gently brushed the hair out of her face and pressed my lips to her forehead. "I'll see you soon," I whispered against her skin.
When I turned to leave, I noticed Charlie's silhouette standing in the doorway for the first time. How had that happened? I didn't know what to say. I simply settled with what I was feeling. "Thank you, sir. I can't even begin to say how much this all means to me."
"Just take good care of her for me."
"Always. I promise you that." His thoughts showed that he believed me. That was good. No, that was great. He finally trusted me with his daughter.
"Edward…" Bella was talking in her sleep again. She rolled over restlessly and smiled. "I love you."
My long-dead heart melted every time those words graced her lips, conscious or not. I looked back at her wistfully.
"You know, uh, Edward… You can, uh, stay with her tonight…if you want to…" It's not like he's not going to be tomorrow night anyway… I'm surprised he doesn't sleep next to her every night as it is… They're fricken inseparable during the day…
I had to resist the urge to laugh. He had no idea. "I'd like that very much." I smiled appreciatively at him. It's not like I didn't every night, but this time, it'd be allowed, technically speaking.
"Consider it an early wedding gift. I've thought about it all night, and I can't think of a single thing to give either of you."
"I wouldn't expect anything from you. You've given me enough. As for Bella, just give her your love. We've got everything else we need," I said to him. "All I need is her," I whispered looking back down at her and picking up her hand. I didn't mean for Charlie to hear, but I think he did.
"Where do you plan on living," he pressed.
"I planned on staying with the rest of my family while we're not at college, but if she wants to go somewhere else, it's totally up to her. I inherited quite a large estate near Chicago from my parents, so there's always that option."
Chicago…that's a long ways away… But he's a lovesick puppy. He'd follow her to the ends of the Earth and back if she wanted him to. Good. He's going to support her in everything; I'm sure of that now. Bella's got herself a good man. I'm glad she's happy. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Edward." He turned to leave but stopped and turned around to point his finger at me. "Just no funny business, you hear me? And remember: I'm a cop, so I have a loaded gun with me at all times."
I still held Bella's hand, but looked up at him innocently. How would a normal teenager react to a death threat? "Of course not."
"Goodnight then."He turned again and closed the door behind him. I knew without a doubt that he would be coming in to check on us constantly throughout the night.
I grazed the back of my hand across her cheek and sat down on the edge of the bed next to her. "I love you, Bella Swan," I whispered.
"Edward," she sighed. She seemed happy.
I pulled my jacket, belt and tie off and draped the over the rocking chair. I kicked off my shoes and left them on the floor. I undid the top two buttons of my shirt and laid down on the bed next to her. She rolled over to face me and buried her face in my chest. Her arms were folded between us. I wrapped my arms around her to hold her to me. When I kissed her hair, she stirred.
"Edward?" She was still only semi-conscious.
"Shh, Bella, I'm here. Go back to sleep, my love." I started to hum her lullaby in her ear to help her go back to sleep. She snuggled closer to me and was back asleep in no time at all. I buried my nose in her hair. I knew Charlie would be checking on us all night, so I decided to feign sleep and "dream" of Bella.
Sure enough, around midnight, I heard the door creak open. We were still in the same position we had been in an hour ago when we went to bed. Good, they're asleep. His thoughts paused, and he simply watched us. He holds her like she's the most precious thing in the world. To him, she probably is. I'm sure I'm doing the right thing—letting them get married. Renée will just have to deal with it. She hasn't seen them the way I have. They really were made for eachother. He closed the door again and went back to bed. I buried my face further in her hair and waited until morning when I could gaze into her deep brown eyes once again.
A/N: So, I hope you liked it. An insight into Charlie's mind. Did it help? I like his character in this. Also, I can offer a sneak peak to any reviewers. Bribery tends to work for my other fic… Please review!!
