EPOV

I had called Bella to check in on her. She said that pain was dulling and that she wanted me to come by tomorrow. I'm assuming that her dad wants to meet me and see if I deserve his daughter. Frankly, I don't, but I'm too selfish to let her go.

I breathed deeply and rang her doorbell. Bella opened it and let me in. She gave me a one-armed hug and I kissed her on the cheek.

"Ahem. I'd like to have a word with you, Cullen."

"Yes, Mr. Swan, sir."

I followed him into the kitchen and sat across from him. Bella made herself busy.

"My daughter tells me you've been spending a lot of time together."

"Yes, sir."

"What are your intentions with Bella?"

"I care very much for her, sir. I would like to have a future with her. She's the most amazing person I've ever met. I don't deserve her."

"You don't?"

"No. She's too good for me."

"Daddy! Stop interrogating him like he's a Prisoner of War or else." Bella joined us with drinks in hand.

"Or else what?"

"Or else I'll never cook for you again!" She said with an edge to her voice.

"You wouldn't deny a man who's been out serving his country a home cooked meal!" Charlie was wide-eyed.

"Swans don't make empty threats or break promises." Her resolve was not breaking.

Surprisingly, Charlie smiled. "That's my girl!"

"Edward. Thank you for being there for Bella. I know how much pain she was in when they told her the news of my disappearance. I'm glad she had someone strong to protect her. I shouldn't have left her all alone in this house."

His statement shocked me and Bella. "Dad, I can take care of myself."

I reached out to hold Bella's hand. "I will always take care of Bella, sir."

"Stop with the sir, you can call me Charlie."

I chuckled lightly. Bella and I went to her room.

"How's your arm?" I said as I kissed it lightly.

"It's better. I think my dad's warming up to you."

"I thought he was going to rip my head off when I walked in the door."

"Don't worry. He's a big softie, just like Emmett."

"I hope so."

Bella leaned into kiss me, but I backed away. She looked confused.

"Sorry love, but I want to stay on your dad's good side for now."

She laughed and kissed me anyway.

BPOV

Darn it all! I couldn't play in the championship game because of my broken arm. Carlisle said that it was healing well and that I shouldn't do anything strenuous. That gave Edward free reign to treat me like the lady I am. His words, not mine. He was very chivalrous for his age, which made me internally smile. Every girl needs a good gentleman by her side.

My arm was still in a cast, but at least it didn't hurt anymore. The painkillers wiped out any source of pain and left me almost neglecting my arm, as if it was as good as new. I was constantly reminded to take it easy.

The girls wanted me to dress up as a cheerleader so that I could support my team. No way in hell was that going to happen. I was going to be on the field in my uniform. Carlisle had relinquished my game jersey to my dad, who gladly accepted. He wouldn't pass up the opportunity to wear the Swan name proudly.

The championship game was the biggest thing for this little town. Every store had closed down and it seemed like the whole population of Forks was present in the small stadium. This was it. We need to win.

"At least let me punt!" I begged my team to allow me some kind of involvement in the most important game of our lives.

"NO BELLA!" They all yelled in unison.

"Ugh! It's so unfair. I could play better than all of you with one arm tied behind my back! (no pun intended, ok a little)" I tried to reason.

"Swan, you've got doctor's orders to stay out of the game. Don't make me order you off the field!" Coach reprimanded.

I sighed in defeat. There was no way I'd beat all of them down. "Fine, but you guys better win or there will be hell to pay!"

The guys laughed. Jasper ruffled my hair and Emmett pat me on the back. "Don't worry, we'll beat them." Edward said confidently.

We got the ball first and Tyler had made an impressive run of 44 yards for our first down. Austin used his amazing hands to catch Edward's pass for our second down. Mike dropped the ball, but Ben regained possession. The other team was proving to be worthy opponents. We were down 17 points by halftime. Coach was livid. I would've been mad too, but I was too busy thinking of a way to win. If I couldn't physically be out there, I would play mentally. The other team had holes in their lineup. I told the guys to take advantage of that.

"Jasper, I think play 7 will come in handy."

"You mean, the upside down pass around?"

"What's that?" Connor asked.

"It's where Edward will pull a matrix as the guys rush him and pass the ball behind him. Then that person will run as far as he can before passing it to the side to another guy that will eventually score." I explained.

"Sounds cool." Lee said in awe.

"Thanks, it's a Bella Swan original." I said casually. "Now get out there and bring me back that shiny trophy!"

The guys were refreshed and pumped. They would play their hearts out for me, for the school, and for the community. The guys pulled off the play flawlessly. We were coming back and coming on strong.

*AN: Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight! You guys are awesome with the reviews. Thank you so much! This is the second to last chapter of this story, hope you enjoyed the ride.