(Bella)

Charlie knowing about Montana was maybe the worst thing that could have happened. I would have been glad if there was any way to keep him in my life, but with the Volturi already looking so closely in my direction, it was beyond dangerous.

"Dad, you can't move to Montana." I said, hating the expression of hurt on his face.

"Bella, I know that's where you're going. You can't stop me from following you. If you move, I'll just find you again." He looked determined.

"You know who the Volturi are." Jasper said bluntly while pulling me onto his lap comfortingly. "Do you have any idea what would happen to Bella if you moved so close to her? How long do you think it will take for them to figure out that you knew more than you should and investigate?"

"I hadn't thought of that." Charlie said, his face falling. "How do you know they'd find out? I mean, they haven't bothered me in all this time."

"You got lucky." Jasper said. "Carlisle has spoken to one of the kings already about Bella. We've spoken to another of them while we were in New York. They will be watching us closely."

"I have one year to appear before them in Italy." I said. "Jasper and I will be leaving tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night? But you have a year. Can't you stay longer?" Charlie said, distressed.

"We'll need the time to prepare." Jasper explained. "You cannot interfere. It would be safer for you to get yourself a fishing cabin on the reservation if your friends will allow it. The wolves will protect you and you will remain hidden from the Volturi. Keep to the plan of phone calls."

"I'm sorry Bells. I just don't want to let you go. Isn't there another way?" He looked broken. I wanted to cry, but there was little I could do. I knew I would have to say goodbye to my father eventually.

"I'm sorry Charlie." Jasper said sadly. "The law only allows for two options. Death or transformation."

"You mean, become one of you." He grimaced. "I'm not sure I want that. I've spent my whole live upholding the law. I could never be okay with knowing I'd have to break it."

"Dad, it isn't like that exactly." I tried to explain.

"You don't need to sugar-coat it for me Bells. I understand and I can even respect the way you all seem to do things, but I couldn't. Besides, I'm kinda looking forward to retiring." He sighed.

"I understand. This life isn't for everyone." Jasper nodded. "At least you'll still be able to talk. You won't lose her completely, I promise you that."

"Fine. I know of some properties up for sale on the rez. I would have missed Billy anyhow." He conceded.

As much as the thought of my father staying with me forever was tempting, I knew it wasn't something he would want. He was happy living his life, he didn't belong in the supernatural world. He spent his entire life trying to ignore it while I did everything I could to become part of it. Maybe after the trip to Italy was done I could even visit him sometime, I hoped.

"Dad, I'm having a party on First Beach tomorrow night. Do you have the number to the barbeque place you used for the police picnic from last 4th of July?" I asked, distracting him.

While I would have gladly cooked everything myself, I was feeling time slipping away and I didn't want to waste any precious minute I had left with my father. I watched his familiar face scrunch as he tried to remember.

"Yeah, I think it's in the kitchen, top drawer on the end." He told me.

"How'd you find us anyhow?" Jasper asked speculatively.

"You left your motorcycle here. I might have ran the plates while you were gone." He said abashed. "From there it took some real digging. I didn't have much luck until I did a nationwide motor vehicle search for Peter and Charlotte Whitlock. I just had a hunch. The address on your identification is phoney by the way, I could have you arrested." He grumbled.

"You could try." Jasper laughed, impressed. "The address you found for them isn't real either, but the state is right."

I shook my head, the expression of annoyance on my Dad's face and smugness on Jasper's just too much. I hopped up and got the menu, bringing it back to the living room and spread it out on the small coffee table.

"You think they can deliver out to the rez on such short notice?" I pondered aloud.

"Let me handle it darlin'. What time is your party?"

"Umm... six o'clock. I want both chicken and ribs with all the sides. Better make it for thirty with how the wolves eat."

He nodded and dialed. I listened in as he placed the order. I could hear the man on the other end protesting as he heard the time we wanted it delivered but Jasper offered him double the cost and got him to agree. I was impressed, but a little scared to ask the final bill. I handed my card to Jasper, but he deflected my hand hand used his own credit card to pay before hanging up.

"You didn't have to do that." I said.

"I wanted to." He smiled at me. My Dad laughed, shaking his head.

"Good luck son, she's stubborn."

"I noticed." Jasper said with a wink. "Why don't you take the day off tomorrow, sir? Spend the day together."

Charlie looked at me and nodded. "I think I'll do that."

Dad got up and dialed the station on the home phone, telling the deputy on the other end he wasn't coming in tomorrow. He told him that I was moving back to Phoenix to go to school and he wanted to spend the day with me before I left town. Charlie chuckled at something the man said and thanked him before hanging up.

"Phoenix?" I asked. "Don't they know Renee is in Florida?"

"Yeah, but it's no secret you miss Arizona. You're eighteen now and if I told them you went to live with Renee, someone might have told your mother and that would have raised questions." He plopped down in his favorite chair, looking exhausted. "I need something to tell people when you disappear Bells."

"You're right. That's a good idea." I admitted.

"No matter who asks, stick to Phoenix." Jasper said. "Tell no one about Montana, block it from your mind as best you can. It's safer that way."

"I can do that." Charlie agreed. "I'm good at keeping people out of my head and I won't breathe a word about it."

I played with my phone, hoping Emily was making progress with Sam. The fact that I hadn't heard back from either of them yet had me worried. The longer I waited the more likely she was having a hard time convincing him. I was sure Jasper was no threat to anyone, but they had to fight their instincts which said otherwise.

"Expecting company?" Jasper asked. His sensitive ears picked up the approaching vehicle before it pulled up in front of the house.

"I forgot, Billy is coming over to catch the game tonight." Charlie said. He looked at Jasper for a moment. "He doesn't like your kind much, I hope that isn't a problem."

"I'm sure it will be fine. I can wait upstairs if you like." Jasper said.

As nice as it was for Jasper to offer, it annoyed me that he would even consider hiding away. He was my guest and this was still my home. There was no way I would allow that, Billy would just have to deal or both of us would be upstairs. I wouldn't let him be run off like that.

I looked out the window, moving the curtains. Jake was with his father, of course. I was more surprised to see that there were two other passengers in the truck. Sam and Emily had come along.

"I don't think that will be necessary." I grinned. "Sam and Emily are here too."

I almost ran to the front door, flinging it open. I rushed down the steps and up to the car, hugging Emily and trying to read her expression. She looked excited, so I took that as a good sign.

"Don't celebrate yet!" She whispered. "He wants to talk to him first, but it's looking good."

"I'll take that as a yes anyhow." I hopped up and down, still hugging her.

Sam chuckled at us both, hefting a cooler out of the back.

"Women!" He grumbled affectionately, getting a grunt of agreement from Billy.

Emily and I led the procession into the house and I saw her looking around for Jasper. He had retreated back to the far side of the room, standing near the kitchen. When she saw him, she shot me a look and mouthed "nice" to me with a goofy grin. I winked back with a smile.

I heard Sam's low growl as he pushed past us, walking a bit stiffly as he put the cooler down on the table next to Jasper.

"Jasper." He acknowledged.

"Nice to see you again Sam." He replied.

I laughed at their macho stances. Dad and Billy greeted each other in their usual way, by teasing each other and making jokes. Everyone was talking at once and the atmosphere was light and happy. Charlie flipped the channel to the game and Sam brought the older men a cold beer before sitting down himself.

"You guys want some pretzels?" I asked.

"Sure, thanks Bells." Dad said with a grin, all the tension from his earlier stress gone. "That would be great."

I pulled Emily into the kitchen and we filled a couple bowls with them. She kept shooting looks back to Jasper. Handing her one of the bowls, I let her go first and grabbed Jasper's hand on the way by him, pulling him with me.

"Jasper, you know almost everyone already. This is my Dad's friend Billy Black. He's Jacob's Dad." I said pointing him out. Billy looked at him with an almost blank face and nodded. It was about the best reaction I could hope for. "And that's Emily, Sam's fiance." I pointed to my friend who smiled and waved at him.

"Pleased to meet ya both." He bowed slightly and smiled.

"I'm so glad to meet you." Emily said. "Bella told me so much about you!"

"Did she?" He said, looking at me with curiosity.

I blushed a little and squeezed his hand, sending him some affection. Emily nodded and gave me a devilish grin.

"She didn't mention that accent though." Emily grinned so large it looked like her face would crack and I could almost feel her happiness for me.

I led Jasper to the last unoccupied armchair, setting the bowl down on the coffee table. He sat down, pulling me into his lap. I saw the Quileute's expressions of disbelief at that move but I ignored it, popping a pretzel into my mouth.

"I was just telling Bella earlier that I decided to retire when my twenty years is up at the force." Dad said. Everyone turned to him in shock, saving me from having to answer any questions about my seating arrangements.

"You're retiring?" Billy said.

"Yep. It will give me more time to fish." He grinned. "Was thinking of selling this old place. Maybe buying something on your land if you'd allow an old pale-face like me to move in."

"You'd need approval from the council." Billy said seriously. "Luckily, I happen to know a council member." He winked.

"And I happen to know the Chief would welcome you on our lands." Sam said smiling.

"I thought you didn't have a Chief?" Charlie said confused.

"We didn't until recently." Billy said quickly. "But Sam here is our Chief... for now." He looked pointedly at his son who rolled his eyes.

Charlie followed the action, catching on to what was happening quickly. I could see the spark of knowledge as he put the pieces together. I mouthed "Alpha" to him since everyone was staring at him instead of me. He nodded slightly as he mulled it over.

"I see." He said under his breath.

"Nothing would make me happier Charlie than to have you join us on the reservation. I've always thought of you as my brother." Billy looked at me, his eyes sad. I could see how much the secrets he kept weighed on him.

I sent my concern to Jasper and some indecision, hoping he'd catch on. Was there any reason to hide anymore? Charlie knew pretty much everything, so did Billy. Why make them suffer? I felt Jasper send back some encouragement and I relaxed. The real question now was would my Dad want Billy to know. I'd have to be careful to figure that out.

"So guys, we decided to have barbeque brought in for my going away party tomorrow night on First Beach. You know, since I'm moving to Phoenix for college." I stressed the last statement, adding everything but an exaggerated wink to the end. "I asked Jasper to be my date for the evening, that's okay isn't it?"

"Why would Jasper need permission?" Charlie asked, right on cue.

Billy looked uncomfortable. In the past the two men had argued about the Cullens, it getting so heated they spent weeks avoiding each other over it. Charlie looked at me and I looked between him and Billy, giving him a small shrug and a wink. I hoped he'd get the ball rolling for me.

"Is this because he's a vampire?" Charlie said in a straight voice as if he was commenting on the weather.

"I don't want to argue with you Charlie. I know you don't believe in our legends." Billy said, not realizing how serious his friend was.

"I'm not arguing with you this time Billy." Dad said, taking a sip of beer. "I've always known, I just didn't agree that they were boogeymen."

"What?" Billy said, choking a little on a pretzel. "You knew? I thought you didn't remember the legends."

"Your grandfather swore me to secrecy about all of it. You remember how much time I spent taking care of him? I probably know more about the legends than you do." He chuckled. "I never told a soul until I realized Bella was about to take off and I had to tell her to stop her. Turns out she knows more than all of us."

The room was full of shocked faces except for mine and Jay's. I couldn't help smiling as I realized my Dad would have people he could confide in if he needed to and a pack that would protect him. He would be safe with them and if I was ever able to get back around here to visit, I could see my father again.

"You know Bella's not going to Phoenix right?" Jake said finally.

"Yeah, but if anyone asks, that's where she went. And no, I don't know where she's really going and I wouldn't tell you if I did." Charlie said firmly. "I'm trusting Jasper here with her. She's got a lot to deal with thanks to the Cullens and he seems like the kind of man that doesn't lose."

"I've never lost yet." Jasper agreed.

Sam's focus shifted to Jasper. His almost black eyes meeting the red ones in thought.

"Jacob told me you intentionally killed a man." He accused, despite Emily's disapproving nudge.

"I was there Sam." I said in defense. "We were walking in New York City and there was this guy getting beaten to death. I told Jasper to do it, I gave him permission. That murderer was brutal, he was laughing as he beat his victim." I spat out the words, angry. "If anything, Jasper was too kind to him. The monster didn't even suffer, Jasper finished him off quickly. The victim died slowly, bled onto the street and finally died in pain."

"Oh sweetheart." Charlie said. "I'm so sorry you saw that. That's why I became a cop, to stop things like that from happening."

"It's okay Dad. I'm alright with it. It was horrible, but knowing he's dead and can't hurt anyone else..." I trailed off. Charlie nodded in understanding.

"One time exception for the party." Sam said. "Should you want to visit after Bella's change." He glanced at Charlie, noting his expression. "Call ahead and we can discuss it."

"Thanks Sam." I said. "I was hoping to see Dad again someday, after I meet with the Volturi and everything calms down again."

"I figured." He sighed dramatically. Emily gave him a kiss and I snuggled into Jasper, feeling like everything was falling into place.

When the game started the guys got into it, including Jasper. Sam switched seats with Emily and we chatted quietly about the party, making a list of things we'd need that wouldn't be provided by the caterers. Even though the guys seemed engrossed in the action, they'd occasionally contribute an idea here and there.

Jacob said the pack would get firewood for us. Sam said he'd provide folding tables and lawn chairs. Billy volunteered to bring a stereo as long as no one put any rap music on. Emily and I added paper goods and utensils, chips and drinks. We'd need several coolers and ice to keep everything cold. She suggested we get the guys to each bring one along and I agreed.

Jasper said he'd go pick up everything we needed to buy so we made sure to be specific since he was both a man and a vampire and therefore doubly clueless. He looked affronted at our descriptions but conceded that it might be helpful.

I ordered pizzas partway through the game. I wasn't really hungry but I knew Jacob could always eat so they wouldn't go to waste. Cold pizza was just as good anyhow.

All throughout the evening I just tried to take everything in. It might be years before I could do this again. Just hang out with my father and our friends like this in front of the TV. Dad kept giving me looks every now and then that were both happy and wistful, as if his thoughts were along the same line as mine.

When the game was over, everyone said goodbye and our guests filed out. I wasn't cheering for either team, not being a sports fan, but "our" team had won so everyone was happy. I hugged everyone, even Billy, letting Charlie walk them out as I cleaned up the empty drinks and plates. Jasper helped me with it and we were done in no time, the living room back to normal by the time Charlie walked back inside.

"Wow, you two work fast." He commented.

"Yeah, I had help." I grinned.

"Was there anything you wanted to do tomorrow?" Dad asked me, looking awkward. We hadn't really done very much together since I moved here. We had a good relationship, but our interests were very different. To me it was enough just to spend some time with him, it worked for us. Now that time was running out, it felt like we should do something.

"Let's go fishing Dad." I said with a smile.

"You don't like fishing." He frowned.

"I like the quiet. It's relaxing. Just don't expect me to clean any fish, deal?" I smirked.

"Deal." He laughed. "We leave at 6am. I still have your fishing pole from when you were a kid. Jasper, you coming along? I have a spare pole." He offered.

"No, you two go. I have a shopping list to get." He held up the paper Emily and I had worked on. I could tell it was an excuse. He could get those things in no time at all. He was just trying to give me some time with my father.

"Alright, well I doubt we'll be out there all day anyhow." Charlie nodded. "I'm sure Bella will get bored before too long with just the old man for company." He chuckled as he went to get the fishing gear ready.

"See you in the morning." I called out to him as he headed down to the basement.

I heard a muffled reply and went upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. Jasper took his shower after mine and I waited for him in my room. I heard a knock on the door and Dad's head poked in a moment later.

"Jasper staying up here?" He asked awkwardly.

"Yeah." I said. "That okay?"

I was an adult, but I was still living under my father's roof for now and it was a bit awkward having my boyfriend staying with me. Jasper would be staying up here no matter what Charlie said, but it felt right to get his approval.

"I trust you Bells. I mean, you just started dating him after all... and you're all grown up now, it's none of my business anyway... I mean... umm..." He blushed tomato red.

"Dad!" I said, mortified.

"Goodnight!" He said retreating.

I pulled the covers up over my head as I heard him go into his room and close his door. I felt a wave of humor coming from Jasper and sent back annoyance. Sure, he could find it funny... Charlie wasn't his father!

A minute later Jasper came into the room, shutting off the light and slipping into bed with me, still chuckling. I huffed and crossed my arms, resisting his attempts to kiss me by turning my head.

"Darlin' I can tell you aren't really angry with me." He whispered, kissing my cheek.

I rolled my eyes and turned to face him. His gift was inconvenient right now. I wasn't through being embarrassed. When I saw he was still slightly damp from the shower and only wearing soft cotton pants without a shirt, I changed my mind.

"I missed you today." He said softly. "I'm becoming addicted to your lips." He kissed me softly. "I don't know how I'll stand it tomorrow when I won't be able to see you."

"You should have agreed to come with us." I said, my mouth almost touching his as I spoke.

"No, you and your father need some time alone." He said. "I will have you to myself soon enough."

He let his lips find mine again and he attacked me eagerly. His lips forced mine open, his tongue exploring my mouth. I moaned into him, my hands locking into his soft, damp hair. He pulled me against him, his hands sliding down my sides to rest on my waist, his fingers making little circles on my hip bones that were driving me insane with desire.

I panted, feeling like electricity was shooting through every nerve on my body as I felt his fingers touch my skin where my shirt had ridden up, pushing my pelvis into his as he pressed against me. His mouth pulled away from mine as I gasped for air, trailing open mouthed kisses along my jaw and to my ear.

"I would do anything for you my Bella." He whispered. "I would give you anything."

He moved back to my mouth, kissing me firmly. I wanted to reply, but he kept me too busy and distracted. His palms flattened against my sides, the cool temperature doing little to cool my desires. My own hands were moving along his back, exploring territory I had yet to see for myself.

When I needed to breath again, I tugged his hair and made him look me in the eyes. The moonlight from outside reflected off his face, making him look even more beautiful.

"All I want is you." I told him. "I love you Jasper."

His eyes reflected back his feelings and he rolled us onto our sides, cradling me against him. His fingers traced my face softly and he swallowed a few times.

"I love you Bella. Whatever is left of my heart is yours."

The emotions flowing between us were overwhelming. I felt tears leaking from my eyes as we stared at each other, but I couldn't stop them. Jasper wiped them away with his fingers, bringing them to his lips and tasting them. I watched in fascination.

"It's going to be hard for me too." I admitted. "Being away from you tomorrow. You're right thought. I do need some time with Charlie. What will you do all morning?"

"Besides get the stuff on the list?" He smiled. "I need to check in with Peter. See how the others are doing. I thought if you didn't mind I'd pack up your things. You wanted to leave right after the party, right?"

"Yeah, I don't want a long goodbye." I said.

"Besides clothes, is there anything you want to take?"

"My bike. My scrap book." I thought about it. There wasn't much else that couldn't be replaced. I lost my attachment to my books between Renee and Edward abandoning me and I didn't listen to my music anymore. The scrap book I had gotten from Charlie for my birthday I had re-done with pictures of my Dad and friends from the rez after finding Edward had taken his picture from it. It held the people I wanted to remember in it now.

"That's all?" He asked.

"Yeah. Nothing else matters to me." I shrugged.

"I'll get it all packed then and load up the truck tomorrow. I'm getting Charlie a cell phone as well. I noticed he seems attached to his old phone, but it would be better if he had a reliable way to get in touch with us."

"I tried convincing him before. He sorta hates cell phones." I warned him.

"I think I can change his mind." Jasper winked.

"You're not going to use your gift on him are you?" I accused.

"I won't have to. I'll just explain how it's for talking to you and he'll take it." He told me confidently. I wasn't convinced, but I let him have his illusions. I hoped I was there when Charlie refused it.

"Good luck with that." I smirked.

Jasper just kissed me again, projecting his confidence. I glanced a look at the clock, noticing time getting away from me. I'd need to be up early to go fishing with Dad and I felt wide awake now.

"Jay?" I whispered. "Would you help me sleep? I need to but I'm not feeling tired."

I snuggled down into the pillows, getting comfortable and Jasper helped me get the covers just right. He had his back to the wall now and I turned to lean into him, my back resting against his chest. I pulled his arm around me and sighed happily.

I felt the emotions seeping into me. Contentment was the first thing I felt along with Jasper's love. I smiled softly as the sleepy feelings drifted in, gently lulling me into a peaceful sleep.

"I love you." I managed to get out before I went under.

I heard him repeat the words back to me just as I dropped into unconsciousness.