AN: - I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who as read/review/added as fav, I cannot say how much a appreciate you!!! You all make me want to write a really great story! A special mention to twilightmom35, poppy111 and oana93 who all made my weekend with their reviews!! The story is taking a completely different direction to what I intended so please bare with me if i take a little longer between chapters. I dedicate this Chapter to my father, i base some of Charlies characteristics on him. Enjoy!

Ch 21 – Family matters

As I felt my body shifting out of consciousness, memories of the night before flooded my mind, his smell, the way a tendril of his bronze hair contravenes the rest and hangs over his right brow, the gentle touch of his fingers along my jaw. I clenched my eyelids tightly together, I was petrified that last night was a dream and that I would wake up alone in bed, in Charlie's house.

I felt around me in the bed, empty. I trust myself forward into a sitting position, rubbing furiously at my eyes to get them to wake up. Gradually the scene before became clearer, I was in a large room that I knew wasn't mine. Instantaneously a smile spread widely across my face, I threw myself backwards on the bed in pure jubilation. I was truly happy.

My phone bought me out of my delirium as it buzzed on the table beside the bed. I had 6 messages and 10 missed calls, 3 calls from Jake, 3 from Rose and 4 from Al, all no doubt wanting to know how my date was.

Answer ur fuckin phone bitch – Rose

Bella, is it true Edward is back? Xox Al

The reason u r ignoring me better b because ur bumpin uglies – Rose

R u ok? Was it newton? Ewww!! haha luv Jake

Bella ur killing me…is it him???? How is it going? Xox Al

Ok Im getting worried, Im calling Rose - Jake

I replied to Jake letting him know that I was alive and safe, but didn't reply to Rose or Al, those bitches can wait! Especially Rose, how could she keep a secret like that from me? I quickly sent Charlie a text letting him know that I probably wouldn't be home tonight, at least I was hoping that I wouldn't be home tonight.

"Morning Princess" Edward said as he entered the room. My heart instantly lifted in my chest.

"Morning" I said smiling like a kid at Disneyland.

"Sorry I wasn't here when you woke up I wanted to give you breakfast in bed, I was hoping to be back before you awoke."

"It's ok I haven't been up that long…so what's the plan for the rest of the day, do we have to check out soon?"

"Actually if it is ok with you I might book the room for tonight as well, and we can just hang all day."

"Sounds perfect" I smiled slyly, there was really only one thing I wanted to do today.

I looked over at Edward nervously as we sat in Charlie's driveway, it was now Sunday evening, we had spent the entire weekend without leaving the room once. Edward didn't have anywhere to stay as Al's house was still be remodeled. We were going to ask Charlie if he could stay with us. I was very hesitant, I already knew how Charlie would feel about my boyfriend and I living under the same roof, even it was just for 3 more days. Earlier today the Cullen's had signed the contract for a rental property, they would move in on Wednesday.

"Bella, if you don't want to do this I can just stay in a motel, or at Rose's, it's really not a big deal."

"No I'm ok, I'm just nervous I guess. Come on let's go"

As I approached the front door, I was suddenly nervous for an entirely different reason. Charlie knew why Edward left, would he accept him now that he was back? He seemed understanding at the time, but as a parent do you really want your daughter going out with a boy that thought he had impregnated another girl? I took Edwards hand in mine, inhaled deeply and opened the door.

"Bells, is that you?" Charlie called from the lounge.

"Yeah, its me" I smiled at Edward and then led him into the lounge, Charlie was sitting with his back to us intently watching the highlights package of last nights games, I cleared my throat to get his attention. Charlie swiveled in his chair face us and as his eyes fell on Edward a look of surprise shot across his features, I watched his face vigilantly hoping he would give away his true feelings but I couldn't see anything other than genuine surprise.

"Edward, wow, your back…are…are you back?" Charlie asked as he stood to shake Edward's hand.

"Yes, Sir I am back, it's great to see you again."

"Please, cut that Sir crap, its good to have you back" Charlie said more to me than Edward.

"Yeah, about that Dad, see the thing…"

"Well he is going to have to stay here with us, Allie's place is still under construction, I guess we can grab a spare mattress and throw that on the floor in Emmett's room" I really never gave Charlie enough credit, and I had really underestimated how he felt about Edward and Emmett. Perhaps for him he was finally getting the sons he never had. I looked into Charlie's eyes and noticed that for the first time in many, many years he looked really happy, I suspect that he may need those boys just as much as they need him.

"Thank you very much Charlie, it is really appreciated, it will only be until Wednesday, then we will be out of your hair."

"Wednesday?" Charlie was never a very good actor and the disappointment that Emmett and Edward would be moving out we written all over his face, in bold.

"Yes, our parents have rented a property here in Forks and we will be moving into that.".

"Ah, that's tight Em did say something about your parents coming to join you here in Forks, I would really like to meet the infamous Dr. Carlisle Cullen." I'm not sure that Charlie meant for it to come out as sourly as it did. I looked at Edward and it appeared Charlie's tone was not lost on him either.

"I know that they are really looking forward to meeting you Charlie, after everything that you have done for Emmett and myself." Edward had a look of complete adoration and appreciation on his face, it was very touching and I was hoping that Charlie would identify it.

"Ok great! Bells would you please go and get Edward a fresh set of sheets and what not, I just want to have a quick chat with him." I looked skeptically from Charlie to Edward and when Edward nodded indicating that he was ok I made my upstairs and then stopped once I was on the landing to listen to what Charlie had to say.

"I really am glad that your back Edward. Listen, Bella told me about why you had to leave and I want you to know that I don't judge you, Renee and I had Bella at a young age, and I really admire that you were going to accept your responsibilities. See the thing is son, when you left, my daughter was a shell of the person she once was, she wouldn't leave the house, the spark in her eye was gone completely. The love you two have is so overwhelming and it is so evident to anyone who sees the two of you together. I only ask one thing of you, please don't hurt her, I don't think that I could take it, seeing her like that again. Last time I threatened you not to hurt her but this time I am begging you as a man, a father, who cherishes and adores his little girl." Charlie choked out the last few words. I didn't even bother wiping the tears from my face, as soon as I did they would be replaced by more.

"Charlie, I deeply regret that I caused Bella pain, more than I can ever truly express. I will not ever make that mistake again. I know that we are young but I love her, and intend on spending the rest of my life with her, I won't do anything to jeopardize that." I loved both those men more than I can put into words, Charlie who held my past and Edward who held my future.

"What is it with you Cullen boys declaring your love for my babies, I have had Emmett tell me exactly what you have just told me. Haven't you two heard of playing your cards close your chest" Charlie chuckled as he moved into the kitchen. "Beer?"

"Yes, thank you Charlie" I heard the chairs in the kitchen scrape along the floor as Charlie and Edward sat at the table.

"So Charlie, what has it been like having Emmett here?" I heard Charlie laugh as he was no doubt remembering any of the multitudes of fuck ups Emmett caused during the few weeks he has lived with us.

"Well, he isn't the quietest fucking person I have ever lived with and he has eaten me out of house and home, I thought I would have to get a second job just to pay for his groceries! But honestly, I have enjoyed every moment of it, your brother is a really good kid, he has a heart of gold he just doesn't always show it. I want to say something to you but I don't want you take it the wrong way." Charlie paused and im assuming that he was waiting for a sign from Edward to continue.

"See, the kids in this town, their lives are…well they're fucked, but it's not their fault, it's their no good absentee parents. These parents really get my goat Edward, and when I heard that your and Em's parents were the same, I was really angry, as I am with Al's and Rose's. You kids deserve more, it's all well and good to have the house and the cars and the money, but that doesn't buy you love Edward, John and Paul were right about that." The was another pause, then I heard the bottle clink as it was placed back on the table top.

"I guess what I am trying to say is that you boys should be really proud of yourselves, you are very mature, clever boys and im guessing with little or no thanks to your folks. Now you don't have to worry about me offending your folks when I meet them, I have too much respect for you and Emmett to embarrass you."

I stood up off the landing and threw the sheets and towels into Emmett's room, I have been trying not to go in their too often, it has this certain…smell, I cant quite figure it out but whatever it is it's unpleasant. I walked back into the kitchen to find Charlie and Edward enjoying their second beer.

"Chief Swan, Am I going to have provide you with a ticket for providing alcohol to minors?" I asked in my best police officer voice, I grabbed a beer out of the fridge and sat next to Charlie, I was willing to see how far I could push him.

"Thanks Bells" Charlie said as he grabbed my beer and took a sip, apparently I couldn't push it that far.

"I hate to point out what a massive hypocrisy you are creating in this home. It is ok for men to drink but not women? I have rights too Charlie…"

"You sure do pumpkin, you have the right to shut the hell up" Charlie laughed at his own joke as he took another sip of beer, I looked at Edward who was trying very hard to contain his laughter, I huffed and went to the fridge to get a beer. This time I stood at the fridge and chugged as much as I could, spilling some down my chin and shirt.

"See, perfect example right there Bells" Charlie pointing out the beer that was on my shirt, Edward was now wetting his pants. I scowled at both of them, "Yeah well you can make your own dinner tonight!" I yelled as I stomped out of the kitchen and threw myself onto the couch, Charlie and Edwards laughter still ringing in my ears.

I was happily watching re-runs of Rock of Love when the front door burst open and a shrill high pitch squealing assaulted my ears.

"For the love of all that is sacred turn it down a notch Alice" My father yelled from the kitchen, if there was anything he was thankful for it was that I was not a squeally girl.

"Ohmygod! Edwarditstrueyourback!!!"

"Alice take a breath" I said as I walked toward the cyclone that was now latched onto Edwards neck.

"Sorry, you know I hate being out of the loop, I was just so excited when Rose told me that you were back…you are back right?" She asked her eyes darting to mine. I nodded.

"Al we are about to get some takeaway would you like to join us?"

"Thanks Charlie, but I as actually just dropping in on my way over to Jaspers. His parents are home and I'm meeting them tonight." I recalled my conversation with Jasper at the bon fire when he had described how his parents just didn't get him. I was slightly worried for Alice, as she can be superficial and overly concerned with material things, which is everything they hate.

"Ok well good luck with that" Charlie said returning his attention to his beer.

"Luck? Who needs luck when you have the charm of Alice Brandon!" We all laughed as Alice walked toward the door. "Bye everyone, its really good to have you back Edward" and with that she was gone, blink and you miss her.

"I'll send Em and text and see if he will be home for dinner" Edward announced. No sooner had he sent the text than the front door opened and Emmett came bounding into the kitchen.

"Jesus Christ boy! Someone mentions food and you come running at the speed of light" Charlie said laughing while handing Emmett a beer.

"It's a talent! So whats on the menu tonight at El Casa Di Swan? Oh...hey Edward, didn't even see you there"

"Nice Em, I always knew I was less important to you than food?" Edward punched his brother in the arm and Emmett just looked at him nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.

"So Wednesday hey?" Emmett asked Edward with a sense of dread in his voice, apparently Charlie wasn't the only one that wasn't looking forward to Wednesday.

"Yeah Wednesday!" Edward replied gently obviously picking up on Emmetts hesitation.

I hope you enjoyed, please review

Cheers

Court