14
"Her parents?"
"Were killed in a car wreck. She was in her car seat and just had a few cuts and bruises."
"But…"
How did she word all her questions about him being her parent and sharing a last name and…
"I'm technically her godfather. That's where the 'Pop E' comes from. Garrett was her Daddy. I was her Pop. I've filed to adopt her, but that takes time. Kate and Garrett, her mom and dad, were some of my best friends. We went to school together and when Kate turned up pregnant freshman year, I helped take care of Carlie while they took classes."
"What about your own education?" Bella remembered how premature Carlie had been. That had to be a nightmare once the child left the NICU.
Edward laughed in a self-depreciating way.
"School has never been an issue for me."
"What do you do?"
"I'm an architect. So I can go pretty much anywhere and work. Emmett's raved about how he loves Forks, so I thought I'd give it a try and God knows, Carlie needed to leave Chicago. Too many bad memories."
"So, here you are."
"Here I am."
He looked over his shoulder and caught Rosalie quickly pulling back from the window where she had been spying on them.
"Now, the question, Ms. Bewla, is what is Tant Academy's policy on teacher's dating student's parents."
"Are you asking me on a date, Mr. Cullen?"
"Yes, Miss Swan. I am. I don't want to create a dilemma for you, but I would certainly love to repeat this evening. Even if I have to wait until the end of the school year."
"I think we can arrange something before that."
She smiled and loved the grin back she received.
So, happy birthday, Diane! I hope you enjoy this little story I did on short notice.
Thank you to Ms. Fran for providing the -ward suggestion. I greatly appreciate the little spark that created this nugget.