What I heard as I listened was a father having a heart to heart with his daughter. Charlie was worried about her being too young but then said she had always been older than her age. He said Bella had an old soul. But he did not understand how she could forgive me so quickly. I had left her, how could she take me back with open arms. Bella asked her Charlie if it had been her Mom that had come back to him after a few months, what would he have done? Would he send her away or admit that he still loved her more than anything? That was the way Bella said she felt. She said from the very first day that she met me, she felt it. Bella felt this pull towards me and it was an unwavering undying love. Charlie asked about Jacob and Bella told him that Jacob was her friend and nothing more. Charlie told her that there seemed to be more to them than that. Bella told him that Jacob read more into it than what there actually was. It was because Jacob wanted more from her and she was not interested in Jacob like that. She saw him as a friend and that was it. End of story. Charlie told Bella that there was something odd about me and my whole family and Bella asked him was he now going to start buying in to all the gossip. Charlie laughed and said he was grasping at straws. In the end, Charlie told her he was not exactly thrilled with the idea but he supposed she could have done worse and that he would accept the fact that she was engaged to me. But he said when I came by later today, he would be talking to me. Bella said of course, that this was what I would want. Then Charlie wanted to know when and Bella said after graduation before we went off to college. Charlie seemed satisfied with the answers. Bella wanted to know why he suddenly gave in. Charlie said it was because he was young and in love once himself and who was he to deny her that same experience. But Bella said to him that his didn't turn out so well and Charlie replied that it did not matter. He would do it all over again just to have the chance. Bella got up and did something unBella like and hugged Charlie and told him she loved him and he told her the same. He then told her he was going to Billy's for now and told her to call me to come over. She said she would and then he was gone. I walked out of her room and met her at the top of the stairs.
"That was unexpected," I said.
"I'll say it was. But I am glad he changed his mind. I would have never thought it would have been that easy. Are you sure Jasper isn't outside somewhere," she asked.
I laughed and then pulled her into me. I had been too long without her in my arms. Her hair smelled of wild strawberries in a dewy meadow. Bella herself always reminded me of fresh lavender and a hint of honey and freesia. It tantalized my nostrils and sent sparks up and down my spine. I looked down into her dark brown eyes and was pulled into them. I leaned over and placed a kiss upon her moist lips. That feeling alone was all I needed to scope her up and carry her back to her bedroom. As I lay down her down and loomed over her I saw something that made my heart soar. There was such love and adoration in her face that it was almost blinding. Bella reached up and touched me face.
"I guess I did leave you hanging in the shower," Bella said.
"I suppose. But it is more than that. I feel the need to make up for lost time," I answered.
"I hope you are not talking about our lost months again."
Bella looked like I had irritated her. I sat up and she did as well.
"No. I did not mean the lost months. I was actually meaning any time I may have wasted when I was not being a better boyfriend."
"You mean fiancé."
"Yes, that was exactly what I meant. Are you stalling for a reason? Am I undesirable to you now?"
"Did you really just say that? Edward, what did I tell you last night?"
"Oh. Oh, now I remember. Sorry, love, but I am afraid you awoken a new kind of beast."
"Really, and what kind would that be?"
"The horny teenager in me. I have not really had to contend with that problem until recently."
"You mean in all your 90 something years you were never tempted?"
"I would not say that. I would say more uninterested. No one appealed to me like you do."
"Is it because I am your singer?"
"Not entirely. I say it has more to do with the fact that you simply awaken new things in me. You know, like a woman does to a man."
"I see."
"So, I guess we could go and get the car. We could come back here. Do you think Charlie would be upset if you were not here?"
"Well, he did not say that I was ungrounded. Maybe I should stay here and wait on you."
"Okay. Maybe you should eat breakfast, I can hear you stomach rumbling from here."
"Maybe you should as well. Your eyes are getting darker."
"Love, I am fine but if I see a deer in the woods I'll stop and have a bite."
"You are weird."
"You just now figured that out? Come here, one more kiss to sustain me," I said as I pulled her into me once more. She stood on her toes as we were now off the bed and placed a sweet kiss upon my lips.
"That's all for now. Maybe more later."
"Bella, are you trying to be a temptress because you are doing an excellent job? I will see you soon, love," I said as I jumped on the ledge.
"Edward?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"And I you."
I leaped down to the ground and looked up to see her standing at the window waving. I waved back and took off through the forest. Luck was on my side today as I moved cautiously through the trees once I caught the smell. A mountain lion had decided to take a morning stroll to look for some food. Poor creature, he would now be my food. I leaped on him before he even had the chance to realize I was there. Mountain lion was my favorite. It had such a wonderful flavor. It does not taste as wonderful as Bella had but that was something I did not plan to do again until it was time for her transformation. That feeling I could suppress now. But the other call she had on me I could not. Who knew these hormones I had would suddenly come to life with a vengeance? Not that I didn't like them, on the contrary I quite enjoyed them. This is what Jasper and especially Emmett had been going on about for so many years. I could see why now.
Once I had finished, I proceeded back through the forest and into the clearing behind my house. I could see Carlisle and Esme planting flowers on the deck that led off the kitchen. I ran to greet them.
"Good morning," I said.
"You seem to be in a better mood. Did you talk to Charlie," Esme asked.
"Not yet but he talked to Bella this morning and he wants to talk to me tonight."
"So everything is going to be fine," Carlisle asked.
"It looks that way. Charlie told Bella that he could see a little of himself and Renee in the two of us. That is how he could understand our feelings for one another."
"It is nice that he understands it now but you still plan on waiting until after graduation," Carlisle asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"Hi, Edward," Alice said as she came out on the porch with Jasper. "Beautiful morning."
"You already know don't you," I asked.
"Well, I couldn't spend the whole night wondering what happened. So, yes, I know. But why wait until after graduation? You could just change her now and save the hassle," Alice replied.
"Alice, if I change her and then she is missing from school or home, Charlie will come looking for me."
"Well, get married, immediately change her, and then say you are gone on an extended honeymoon."
"It sounds so simple when you say it but I think Charlie would have a fit if we got married now. I want to, badly, but I don't think it is feasible."
"What do you think, Esme," Alice asked.
"I think Edward is right. As much as I want them to officially start their lives together I understand what Edward is talking about. Charlie will definantly object to his daughter marrying so young," Esme responded.
"I think that he would accept it," Alice added.
"No, he won't," Jasper answered.
"You know, I am going to leave it as we will get married after we graduate for now and see what happens. I am going back to Bella's," I said as I walked indoors to head for the garage. Alice followed.
"Do you want me to see if I can see you two getting married before grad," Alice asked.
"No. Just leave it be. But thank you just the same," I said.
She sighed and headed back to Jasper. I walked to my car and got in. As I drove down the road I thought about what I would say to Charlie. I needed to be calm and respectful. I also needed to explain things in a way that he would accept and understand. After so many years of solitude I never expected to be having this conversation, especially with a human. Who would have thought a vampire would fall in love with a mortal? Carlisle had never heard of such a thing so I guess that made me the first. You know I think I know why. It's Bella. There has never been anyone like Bella before and I was the lucky one to have her in my life. I wanted to be sure that I explained the depths of my love for Bella because I figured as another man Charlie would understand how I felt. Or he would look at me like I had lost my mind. But I knew how I felt and I knew what she meant to me.
The thought occurred to me that even though he told Bella he would talk to me, it did not mean that Charlie would give us his blessing. He may just want to hear my side of the story and then pull the rug out from under us. I guess I should have let Alice look to see if he listened to our conversation and if it was successful. I don't think I had felt the apprehensive since Bella had been attacked by James and the waiting in the hospital with Renee and Charlie. Or when I left her and the pain and anguish I exuded on myself was nothing to what I had done to her. Why was I dwelling on this? She had forgiven me and I was supposed to move on. It was quite difficult to do so. I still felt the need to beg and plead for mercy, for forgiveness. But Bella said that all was forgiven. It was so hard for me to just move past all this. It was so much easier to live a life of self loathing than being like this. But when I was with Bella she made me feel like a different person. I felt like I was the man that she wanted me to be. I wanted to be better for her. I love her with all that I was or ever would be.
I arrived at Bella's house and knocked on her door. She stood at the door and smiled at me. She took me by the hand and led me in the house. I pulled her to me and kissed her forehead.
"I missed you. I am sorry it took so long. I was stopped by my family and questioned of course," I explained.
"I would not expect anything less. So, Charlie called and he should be here soon," Bella replied.
"How soon?"
"I'm not Alice so I have no clue. Are you nervous?"
"How could you tell? I don't think I have ever been this nervous. Well not since I met you for the first time. I was afraid I was going to kill you. Your blood was singing to me so loudly. It was all I could think about."
"I know. I don't know how you survived it. I am so tempting."
"Be serious. You were in a lot of danger. Actually, my dear, you still are," I laughed.
"I'll take my chances. Why don't you let me temp fate a little bit more?"
She took me by the hand and led me into the living room. It was then I noticed that she was wearing a very small pair of shorts and a tank top. I watched the sway of her hips as she moved. I was mesmerized by her. I wondered what she was thinking, why she was leading me to the living room. I found out as soon as she turned and pushed me on to the couch. It was then she straddled my lap and began to kiss me. I kissed her back with the slightest amount of force. She was so tempting and so passionate. I would like nothing more than to give in to her but it was at that moment that I heard Charlie's cruiser. I quickly moved Bella from her current position.
She looked at me startled until she heard the key in the door.
"Charlie," she asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"Are you ready?"
"As I will ever be."
Charlie opened the door and looked towards the living room where Bella and I were seated on the couch. He hung up his jacket and gun. He then proceeded to walk to me. He looked none too happy.
"Bella, could you give Edward and me some privacy. I would like to talk to him," Charlie said calmly.
"Sure. I'll go start dinner," she said as she got up.
"Actually I would like for Edward to join me at the table in the kitchen. Maybe you could go read in your room."
"Okay."
Bella got up and nodded at me in encouragement. She looked as nervous as I felt. I could always dazzle him and get it over with. But I wanted to do this honestly, not use any kind of vampire 'magic' so to speak. I was not even going to read Charlie's mind. I wanted this to happen naturally. Like I was a real man asking him for his daughter's hand. Charlie stood up and motioned for me to go into the kitchen. I did as I was asked and looked at him as far as where I was supposed to sit. He pointed to the chair located opposite of his. I pulled out the chair and sat down. He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of what they called Vitamin R, Rainier beer.
"Would you like something to drink," Charlie asked.
"Water will be fine," I answered.
Charlie pulled a glass out of cabinet and then a cold bottle of water. He poured the contents into the glass and handed it to me.
"Thank you," I said as I put the glass to my lips and pretended to take a sip.
Charlie sat down and opened his drink. He took a very long draw from the can. He sat it back down and looked at me. I was determined to have him be the first one to speak.
"Edward, you know why I want to talk to you today. Bella told me about your engagement. Would you care to explain?"
I looked at him and started to speak the words I knew to be true.
"Sir, all I can say is that I love your daughter with all my heart. No, that is too small. With all my soul, my very being. There is nothing in this would that I would not do for her. I can promise you that she will always be taken care of and that she will never want for anything. I can also promise that each day I will love her more and more. I would have asked you for her hand but since that is not possible; I would like your blessing."
"And what do you plan to do with your life? How do you plan on taking care of my daughter? You are still in high school. Unless you have some job that I know nothing about, there is no way you can support her. Do you plan to live off your parents? Is that your plan?"
"No, sir. I do have plans. Bella and I are going to Dartmouth, we have already been accepted. I am attending medical school. I plan on being a doctor, like my father."
That was not a lie. We were accepted and to be honest I already was a doctor. I had received my license several years ago. When I wanted, I returned to school to keep my credentials up to date. Usually when I practiced I was only able to do so for a couple of years. I looked too young to be a physician. I could go to the mission fields as a doctor and they did not care about my age at all. As long as I was helping people I was happy and so were they.
"And when do you plan on marrying my daughter?"
"After we graduate, before we go to college."
"I thought you would want to do this right away. I mean if you love her so much, why wait?"
"Because neither one of us want to hurt you. We felt it would be completely improper to do so. We know that you feel that we are too young to make this kind of decision and us waiting was a way to show you that we were capable adults able to make decisions for ourselves. I do not wish to make you mad, Chief Swan. I want you to accept me."
"But you can understand why I would be apprehensive of Bella marrying you. After the way you left her for so long and never even bothered to call or write. You left her and it was Bella's darkest time. She was completely devastated and just when I thought she would get over you, your sister comes back into Bella's life and tells her you are in trouble and she runs off to help you. You could have given her peace but no, you come back and want to marry her."
I could sense that Charlie was getting angry, that he wanted me to leave. But I would not back down, I would not lose Bella. Not ever again. I was a fool once and I knew that.
"Sir, I know that I have been quite the fool. But I promise you that my intentions are honorable. I was a beast for leaving her as I did. I thought I was doing what was best for Bella but I can see that I was completely wrong. I thought I caused nothing but problems for her that I was only bringing her down. But once I was gone I realized how miserable I was and I was going to come back but then I got very ill and Alice thought I would not make it so she brought Bella to see me thinking it would bring me to life so to speak. And she did. All I needed was to hear her beautiful voice to know that I wanted nothing more than to live. Above knowing that I knew that I did not want to live without Bella. She is my reason for living, always has been always will be."
That was all that I could say. There was nothing else needed. I hoped that would be all that I needed to say. I would wait for him to absorb it. He stared at me intently. I almost wanted to read his thoughts but I did not.
"Edward, although I am not completely happy about this, I can see how this is possible. I too fell in love early. Renee and I were not much older than you and Bella are. Can you understand how I would want a better life for her? I want something more for Bella. I don't want her to regret this like Renee did. She felt trapped and she had to leave me. I would not want the same for my daughter."
"Dad, it won't be the same," Bella said from behind me.
"Bella, this is between Edward and me," Charlie told her.
"No, it's not. This is part of my future too. You act like I am a child and that I need to be babied. Dad, I'm not. I'll be 18 soon and if I want to marry Edward then I will. But we wanted you to give us your blessing. Edward's family is very supportive."
I knew that was the wrong thing for her to say. Charlie stood up and knocked over his beer. Bella grabbed a towel and cleaned it up. Charlie went for another beer and stood over the sink.
"Bella, they are not losing their daughter," he said as he leaned over the sink.
Bella walked to her father. All I could do was watch and wait. I had said all I could say at the moment. This was their time.
"But you are not losing me either, Dad. You are actually gaining a wonderful son-in-law."
"I don't know if I am ready for that yet or not. It is what? A little less than 2 years and you'll be married?"
"Something like that. Dad, I would do it tomorrow if you gave me your blessing. I love Edward with all my heart and I am certain he is the one. I would stake my life on it. There will never be anyone else."
Charlie turned to face us and he looked mad again.
"You never tried. It has always been only Edward. You half heartedly gave Jacob a shot and then you stopped talking to him. Do you think that is fair?"
Bella mood turned frigid. I placed my hand on her arm and she looked at me. I shook my head for her not to say anything horrible to her father.
"Dad, I have no interest in Jacob other than a friend. I never had. That was all his doing. I never made any sort of motion that I was remotely interested."
"What about how you almost kissed him? I think there might be a little more to the two of you than you think."
I was curious about that one myself. She had almost kissed the mutt. I did not know about this. Bella had never told me about that. Why would she keep that from me?
"Dad, we never kissed. Not once. He thought we were going to. That was the day Edward called and he would not let me talk with him. It was my house, my phone and I was not allowed to answer. Get used to the fact that I love Edward, not Jacob."
That was not as bad as I thought it would be. She was not too harsh on him. But best of all she had not actually kissed Jacob. My heart felt elated. But this was not over with Charlie. He was no longer fuming.
"Obviously there is little more than I can do than give you my blessing. I am not thrilled but you are dead set on Edward. Now what I want to see you do is call your mother and tell her what you plan on doing."
That was how he was going to punish us: make Bella tell Renee what we planned to do. Charlie handed Bella the phone and she took it. She dialed the number and waited.
"Hello, Mom," Bella said.
I heard Renee answer. She sounded like she was worried. Bella wasn't supposed to call yet.
"No, there is no problem, Mom. I have some news for you. Edward asked me to marry him."
Charlie looked like he was satisfied. But I did not hear Renee get mad. In fact she sounded excited. Bella looked shocked but happy.
"Uh, after graduation. Just a small affair, family and close friends. Oh it is a beautiful ring. Why did I call? Charlie thought you should know. He's been talking to Edward today. He asked me yesterday. It was perfect the way he did."
Bella talked to her mother at least 30 minutes. The whole time Charlie looked green. I know he expected Renee to side with him and when she agreed with Bella he was at a loss. I wanted to smile but I had the good sense not to. When she hung up, Bella looked very pleased with herself.
"Well, I suppose if Renee gives you her blessing, then everything is okay. But don't ask me to be overjoyed for you. I am still not 100% sure about all this," Charlie said.
"Does that mean I am not grounded?"
"I suppose not."
"Thank you, Chief Swan."
"I suppose you can call me Charlie."
I stuck out my hand for Charlie to shake. He looked at me then shook it. Although he gave me a strange look from the coldness of my touch I was glad that it was over with.
"Sir, do you mind if take Bella to my house so my family can hear the good news?"
"No, go ahead. Have fun."
Bella ran over to Charlie and gave him a hug and kiss. I could tell that she was really happy as was I. I nodded to Charlie and took Bella by the hand and led her to my car. Once inside, I leaned over and kissed her. One small kiss turned into an almost make out session, but we were in front of her house in plain view. I backed up from her and smiled.
"I think we should go before the neighbors start talking."
"Edward, do we have to go to your house now?"
"What did you have in mind, love?"
"Could we go to the meadow?"
"And why would you want to go there?"
"It's a nice day and I'd like not to be inside, if that is okay with you."
"Whatever you want."
I pulled out from in front of her house and started the drive. I was speeding as usual and she leaned over and looked at the odometer and smiled.
"What's that smile for," I asked.
"For once, I am happy that you are going fast," Bella answered.
I chuckled. I am sure she was having the same thoughts as I was. I told her earlier that she had awakened something in me that I was having a hard time controlling. To be honest, I really didn't want to control it. I liked how she made me feel. And I wanted to feel it all the time. I wondered how the others kept from staying in bed 24 hours of every day. If it was this amazing to the rest of my family I don't see how we ever accomplished anything. I suppose it was all about balance. It would be something Bella and I would have to learn. But we could always honeymoon for a very long time. Fifty years would be a nice start.
I pulled in front of the house and helped Bella out. Alice began as soon as she realized we were not coming in the house.
"Now where do you think you are going," Alice said to only me.
"Bella and I want to spend some time alone together after our harrowing morning. Besides, we will not neglect the family. And you know what happened this morning with Charlie so I am surprised you have not already told the rest of the family," I answered only to Alice.
"Don't you think you to had enough alone time last night?"
"Alice, you can actually ask me that after I have spent years and years listening to the rest of you. I think I deserve this time. I know Bella does after what I have put her through."
"Edward, I am only going to tell you this because I am worried. There is something going to happen."
"Can you be a little more specific?"
"I can't see it."
"Well, why even mention it?"
"Because I know something bad is going to happen. It is foggy. Like there is something in it that is keeping it from being clear."
"And you want to watch us? Alice, I really don't want you doing that. Things might get . . ."
"Edward Mason Cullen! I do not want to see that! God! I just want to make sure that you don't need help."
"Can you look without looking then?"
"Yes, I can. Just don't be out there all day. Where are you headed anyway? The waterfall?"
"No, our meadow."
"Just be careful. If you get my sister killed, I will personally kill you."
"Point taken."
Bella was content to ride on my back oblivious to what was going on. And I was happy to keep her in the dark. I sat her down in the brightest spot and sat across from her. I moved over to be a few inches from her. I needed to touch Bella as much as I could. I did not want to be without her. I knew she felt it too.
"Edward, it is so peaceful here. I love being here with only you," she said as she placed her hands on my face.
"As I love to be here with you. Our place," I replied as I closed the gap between us.
Our lips touched and the lightening jolted through our bodies. I loved the sensations I got whenever I kissed Bella. I would not stop but she needed to breathe. I let her leave my lips long enough to take one and then I assaulted them again. Bella made me feel alive, wanted, needed, and loved. Before I knew it, my shirt was gone and so was Bella's and her bra as well. I knew I was fast but when did she get so fast? I didn't care; I liked having my body so close to hers. I wanted nothing more than to lay her back on the grass and make love to her. But she stopped me. I looked at her curiously.
