Thanks so much for the great response to this little story. I wish I could respond to each and every review, but I think you guys would prefer I keep writing, huh? I also think in this chapter Charlie will redeem himself a bit. Let's see...

I don't own Twilight. I do own a hell of a lot of Doc McStuffins crap for my kid for Christmas!

~* 21*~

"So, Edward… what is it you will be taking at college?" Charlie asks as they first walk out onto the covered back porch. The rain is coming down in a steady drizzle, but every now and then there is a loud clap of thunder or flash of lightning. There is obviously a big storm coming and Edward hopes Jack doesn't get scared by it; otherwise the day could be ruined by his incessant crying.

"Computer science, Sir," Edward replies simply as he hands Charlie the plate with the hamburgers on it that Bella had him take outside. "I already have one semester under my belt from when I was in college back in Chicago, and I am able to transfer my credits over, thankfully."

"And what do you want to do when you graduate?" Charlie questions, finally firing off some of the many questions he had lined up for Edward last time they met.

"I'd like to do computer programming or database development. I'm going to see what the courses at Peninsula focus on before deciding." Edward smiles, assuming his honesty will impress Charlie, but it does very little to alleviate his concerns.

"What made you drop out?" Though Charlie has his assumptions, he has to ask. He's determined to leave no stone unturned in his conversation with his daughters' suitor.

"Jack." Edward grabs at the hair at the back of his neck, nervous about how Charlie will perceive everything he says. Will he assume Edward dropped out because it was the easy option, or will he understand that Edward needed to get his head on straight before he could tackle school and a baby? "He was born in February and since I am his only parent, his mother signed over her rights to me, and I took the semester off and have been raising him." Charlie glances over at Edward as he shuts the barbecue and can't help but let out a small sigh.

"How did your parents react to all of this… with your son?" Charlie knows that his time with Edward is short, so he takes the opportunity to get answers to all of his questions. After all, Bella has been a closed book where her relationship is concerned.

"They took it as well as can be expected," Edward answers, his heart beat racing. "They were disappointed at first, but they are supportive of me and my decision to raise him. They love him and me, unconditionally. If anything, I think Jack's arrival and our move to Forks has brought our family closer. I couldn't have given him up for adoption; I didn't even consider it."

"I can respect that Edward, I really can. My only concern is for my 18 year old daughter. As a parent yourself, you know you will do anything for your child, and as I've told Bella, I'm worried she's getting in over her head." Edward completely expects the concern that Charlie is explaining to him, but he's not sure there is anything he can do to make him think better of Edward, or how he feels about Bella.

"I'm trying to do my best for my son. I'm going to get my degree, get a job and I'm figuring things out as I go along. I adore your daughter and I think she is wonderful. Jack absolutely loves her and I know she loves him too."

"And what if she gets too attached and you guys break up?"

"What if we fall head over heels in love, we get married, and she wants to adopt Jack?" Edward questions, making Charlie draw his lips into a thin line. He's clearly frustrated with Edward's response. "I'm sorry, sir, but we have no idea what tomorrow will hold. We have just started dating and you need to give both of us the benefit of the doubt. We want to be together. Yes, it's overwhelming enough to be dating, let alone to throw my son into the mix, but I think we are good together. If you disapprove, it won't make a difference to me. If Bella will continue to have me, that is what matters."

Edward reaches for the door handle and is about to step back into the house when Charlie claps him on the back. "I don't disapprove; I'm just worried about my little girl. I know what it's like to be a single parent, Edward." Edward nods softly as Charlie gently reminds him that he is a police officer, and he will know where to hide his body if he has too. Edward offers him a small smile before going back inside.

Jack is happily sitting on the counter with Bella holding him tightly as she tries to clean mushed apples from his hair. "What the heck?" Edward laughs as he looks at the scene before him. Bella looks absolutely frustrated and Jack looks like the happiest baby ever, which isn't much of a change for him.

"I was going to feed him the applesauce you brought, since you mentioned he loved them and he was done his sweet potatoes, but just as I opened the lid, he shoved his fingers in and began smearing it on his head. He's a quick little bugger," Bella adds as Edward takes Jack from her grasp and she is able to clean him up easily. "How did things go with my dad?"

"Fine, I think. He doesn't approve, he's just worried. He thinks I am going to hurt you and I am trying to get him to see that I can't predict the future. I have no idea what will happen with us, but I want to see where we can go, you know?" Bella nods and then leans in to softly kiss Edward on the cheek. Charlie walks in a moment later and scowls at the scene before him. When Bella scowls in return, Charlie realizes he needs to get over his fears because he can't protect his little girl forever.

The rest of lunch is an easygoing affair. Jack nods off in his high chair while sucking on his bottle, and everyone else enjoys the conversation throughout their meal. Charlie is impressed by Edward's determination to do his best for his son, and when he explains how little his parents are involved in their life, Charlie has to admit he is surprised. He assumed Esme and Carlisle were very hands-on with Jack, but that is not the case at all, unless they are babysitting him. Of course, come September when school starts, they will spend more time with their grandson, especially Esme, who is excited about it.

After lunch, they all enjoy some Mariners baseball in the living room and Charlie and Edward discuss their common love of the sport. Though Edward is a Cubs fan, Charlie doesn't seem to mind, since Edward explains that he has a newfound appreciation for the Mariners since they moved to town.

With Jack sleeping soundly, Bella invites Edward to help her take the garbage and recycling to the garage with her. Edward is unsure at first, but when Bella winks at him he quickly volunteers to help. Five minutes, and lots of heavy petting and groping later, they walk into the house to find Charlie sitting in his favorite chair, with Jack perched on his lap and sucking on his teething ring.

Bella can't help but smile and hopes that her father is relenting somewhat in his concern about her and Edward.

"I figured you guys probably got lost, so when this little guy here woke up, I thought I would help out." Jack looks absolutely pleased as punch to be sitting with Charlie, who is rocking his chair softly. Edward and Bella don't even try to take Jack from him, knowing full well that Jack will throw a mini-tantrum. "Should I not have?"

"As long as you are okay with him, it's great. Jack looks positively ecstatic to be with you," Edward adds as he sits beside Bella on the couch just as Charlie lets out a groan.

"Little guy grabbed my moustache, maybe I should get a trim?"

"I wouldn't go that far, dad."