CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

I heard the doorbell ring downstairs as Alice finished with my hair. I couldn't understand why she insisted on a full makeover, but the fuss she made was giving me anxiety over our guests. I didn't feel threatened by Tanya or any other woman in the world until Alice made it her goal to make me look as glamorous as possible. Was Tanya so beautiful that I had to look my absolute best to convince her I was a match for Edward? Was she someone I would have to compete with?

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the chorus of greetings sounding from the living room, alerting me that it was time to go meet the woman trying to take my man away. Alice had already left to go play hostess, and I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror, observing her creation before making an appearance. Okay Bella. You can do this. You have no reason to be nervous.

While I sat there trying to calm myself down, I heard Dad approach. "Bells?"

"Hey Dad." He came up behind me and softly touched my hair. I looked up at him to see his warm, sympathetic and fatherly gaze. I immediately felt loved and comforted.

"Baby… You look beautiful. Why do I feel such nervousness and inadequacy coming from you?"

I looked down, somewhat ashamed of myself. "It's nothing, really. I wasn't nervous about meeting Tanya until Alice insisted on making me over. Is Tanya that extraordinary?" Edward had always made me feel so beautiful in our time together that I never worried about another woman. But I was starting to question that with the fuss everyone kept making. With Emmett constantly trying to prepare for my hatred of Tanya, Alice playing Bella Barbie relentlessly, and even the way Rosalie insisted on taking Whitney on a special "Godmother bonding outing" today so I could get ready… It was all getting to be a little much.

Daddy sat next to me on the bench facing the mirror in the master bathroom he shared with Alice, and carefully put his arm around my shoulders to pull me closer to him. "Sweetheart, do you really think I would let you be involved with Edward if I ever thought for one second if I thought he would have eyes for anyone else?" I giggled softly into his chest. "And look at yourself…" He raised my head to look at my reflection. "You're absolutely breathtaking, baby. You have your mother's heartwarming smile, and so many other features that have made you beautiful since the day you were born." I strained my eyes, trying to see what he was seeing. "But more than that… More than being beautiful, you're the strongest woman I've ever met. You've been through so much, and yet you've managed to let us all in. I was nervous when I heard your story, because I knew you might not want to embrace a large new group a people after being hurt so badly. But you've taken it all and made the best of it, and given us all two very precious gifts- you, and Whitney. You're a wonderful mother, daughter, companion, and sister. After all you've been through and been able to handle, Tanya will be a piece of cake. Don't let her scare you. You've overcome so much more."

My heart completely melted. It meant so much to me that he seemed to understand the battles I have fought for so long by myself, always aching for the comfort of a father. I smiled, and I would have been crying if possible at his heartwarming speech.

"Besides… If Tanya gives you any problems, this southern father has no problems protecting his baby girl. Did you know they used to call me the God of War?" He said with a cocky smile.

I rolled my eyes, but smiled at him anyways. "Of course they did Dad. I'm sure you were very deserving in the title, and I'm sure you handled it with complete humility." I gave him a nod of mock affirmation, while secretly trying to hide how impressed I was. God of War? Man. My Daddy is good.

"Of course I did. What do you say Isabella? Ready to go meet this little girl we call Tanya?" I nodded, took his hand, and let him lead me out of the room after one last glance in the mirror. I could see it now. I was ready.

We got downstairs, and that's when I got my first eyeful of the woman I was determined not to hate. She was tall, slender, and sported a trophy of long strawberry blond hair. Her pale skin was just as beautiful as every other vampire's, but that's not what caught me. Her face was illuminated by elegant makeup, and she was overall a beautiful woman. But her eyes held a certain determination that caught me off guard. It was as if she was looking for a target, a prey amongst friends. I swallowed, mustering up my courage. Daddy squeezed my hand, and I felt waves of extra courage being sent my way. I squeezed his hand back in appreciation before clearing my throat to announce my presence.

Tanya turned around from her place in the living room, where she had been catching up with Alice and Emmett. "Hello there. You must be Bella! Alice and Emmett were just telling me that Jasper found his long-lost daughter. How exciting!" She said with what seemed to be genuine enthusiasm. Maybe she didn't know about Edward and I. Maybe I could make a good first impression before she found that part out.

"Yes, and not only has she completed the family as Jasper's daughter, but she has also taken her place as Edward's mate." Emmett added, oblivious to the plan I had just concocted. I tried not to be irritated with him.

I watched as Tanya's face contorted while she absorbed this information. I felt Dad start to come to my rescue and say something, but I jumped in before he could. It was time to be a grown woman. "Yes… Guilty as charged! Hi Tanya, it is very nice to meet you. Where is your family?" I swept over to shake her hand, determined to make the best impression I could, and not show any signs of weakness. She can probably smell fear… What was wrong with me? This woman was not a threat to my relationship… yet.

"Oh how wonderful that you've settled into the family so nicely. I had no idea that Edward had taken another lover. My mistake!" At this, I saw all members of my new coven narrow their eyes. That has to be a lie… right? She continued, oblivious to the anger her words had just provoked. "As for my family, they opted out of the trip. There was a situation that arose in Alaska, but I just couldn't miss the chance to come see my Ed- my friends!" She made the error quickly, but loudly enough that we all caught it. "Where is the rest of the family? I've missed Edward so much; he has always been a dear friend to me. And of course Esme and Carlisle as well."

Dad jumped in. "As thrilled as we are to see you Tanya, those three have unfortunately taken an extended hunting trip and we do not know when they will be back. Rosalie is out for the day." It had taken all my willpower to convince Edward to go. He needed to hunt, and this would be a good way to move Tanya out of the house a little quicker. Of course, he did not want to leave me to deal with her alone, so we made a deal that he could come back and see me every night at midnight, when Alice had agreed to keep Tanya distracted. The trip was only supposed to last three days, but we weren't going to clue her in on that. I also noticed how Dad omitted the part about Whitney, and I was thankful. It was for the best that I know what I am up against before bringing my daughter into the equation.

"That's alright. I can stay as long as I need to." I tried not to let my smile falter as I realized she wasn't planning on leaving without seeing Edward. "How strong you must be to be apart from Edward for an undefined amount of time. Most mates I know can barely stand to be apart for more than an hour. It's nice that you aren't codependent… Refreshing." She added, with a sickly sweet smile.

What was she getting at? Was she somehow insinuating that my relationship wasn't as strong as others? Of course I missed Edward. I missed him with every aching moment that he wasn't at my side. Relax Bella… Don't let her get to you. I looked over and saw Dad focusing on sending me waves of confidence and peace. "It's very sweet of you to see it that way, but on the contrary…. We practically had to be pried away from each other. It's pretty annoying for my empath of a father to deal with his baby girl constantly emitting lust and passion, but I can't help it. He's just so… Well, you've seen Edward. I'm sure you can imagine." I added with a wink.

Dad looked at me with shock, probably uncomfortable with the direction I had taken things yet secretly proud of me for putting her in his place. Alice giggled to herself, and Emmett sent me a not-so-discreet thumbs up. Tanya didn't seem to appreciate it as much.

"Oh, well… Yes. I can certainly imagine why that would be a problem for you. Umm… well. If you could excuse me for a moment, I need to call my sister and let her know I made it here safely." She awkwardly stepped outside, and I visibly relaxed. I already couldn't wait for this visit to be over.

Quiet cheers erupted from my family members.

"Atta girl Bella! Who knew you had that in you? My baby niece kicks butt!"

"That was brilliant Bella. And your outfit was perfect for that kind of confrontation."

"Well done darling… She was radiating discomfort and awkwardness. But must you constantly throw in my face your attraction to Edward?"

I laughed at Dad and stuck my tongue out at him before exhaustedly saying, "Guys, how long is she staying? That was tiring and it took all of five minutes."

"No kidding Bells. She was just telling Emmett and I before you came down that she feels she's ready for a relationship now, and she was hoping to make a connection on this trip. It didn't need to be said that she was referring to Edward. She seemed pretty determined."

Dad nodded. "Alice is right Bella. She likely will not back down until she sees that Edward is completely obsessed with you. I felt her motivation she moment she stepped into the house."

I sighed… "Emmett, where did you say that hair dye was?"