We spent as much time with Carlisle and Esme as possible over the next couple days. I wanted to stay longer, but Bella had another doctor's appointment on Tuesday, and Carlisle had more lectures to give in other cities.

We both cheered up when Carlisle asked if they could come to us when his business was finished in a few days. After his speaking engagements, he had planned on flying directly back to England, but they decided they wanted more time with us.

Bella and Esme had grown as close as Carlisle and me. Esme doted on my sweet wife, and Bella soaked up the attention like a sponge. The two of them would chat away, sipping green tea or the cranberry juice Bella seemed to crave constantly. She also got Esme addicted to the Dulce de Leche ice cream she was so fond of; I knew I had better stock up the freezer before they arrived. I loved hearing their laughter, and both Carlisle and I would gaze fondly at them, smiling at their antics.

Arriving back home, Bella was excited as she puttered around, looking forward to their visit. When I requested more time off, my senior supervisor shook his head. "All these years, nothing. No time off requests, no sick time, not a day." He chuckled. "It's nice to see you living, Edward." He stamped my request with relish. "You could, however, stop working while you're off. I see the emails, you know."

He was right. I couldn't change completely. Even at home, I was available. I was planning on taking more time after our daughter was born, and I had to admit, I enjoyed the time I was away from my office.

I laughed. "One step at a time, Demetri."

"You're a good man, Edward."

I returned to my office, realizing for the first time, I hadn't protested when someone said something nice—and it felt great. I glanced over at the picture on my desk of Bella and me on our wedding day, smiling at the camera.

She had made me see I wasn't what Alec had told me all my life. I was a good man. I thought back to Carlisle's words. I was like him.

My father.

The day after we got home, he had called me with the news. The DNA tests had proven it conclusively. He was so happy; I could hear the tears in his voice as he told me what we had already known, but now we had concrete proof. I was his son.

I was no longer under Alec's shadow. His nasty bitterness was part of my distant past, and what he thought, how he felt, no longer mattered.

I had a far kinder man to turn to. One who already showed me he cared more in the short time I had known him than Alec had my entire life.

I couldn't wait to see him again.

~o0o~

Bella and I waited at the airport, anxious and excited. When they appeared, I wasn't sure how to greet them, but it was Carlisle who reached out, hugging me warmly, then stood back with a smile. "Hello, Edward, my son. How are you?"

I couldn't help the grin. "I'm good…Dad."

We burst out laughing when Bella and Esme squealed. He clapped his hand on my shoulder. "I need a good stiff drink and to put my feet up for a while. I hate these talking gigs and I am exhausted. Can we do that?"

"Absolutely. I've got a great scotch at home. You'll love it."

He beamed at me. "That's my boy. Let's go."

~o0o~

A few days later it felt as if I had known Carlisle my entire life. We spent hours talking and sharing. Together we hung a framed copy of the DNA report on my office wall, proving he was my biological father. Not that either of us had any doubts, but he thought it was great for each of us to have a copy.

Bella and Esme took endless photographs, amused at how similar we were in so many of them. The two of them were constantly laughing, making plans, and doing things together.

Every evening was spent with the four of us around the table eating a delicious dinner and talking, often with friends dropping by. The house it seemed was constantly full. It was so different from my solitary life of only a few months ago; the transformation was mindboggling to me.

I entered our room one afternoon while Bella was having a nap. Esme and Carlisle had gone for a walk, planning to take care of a few errands and get groceries to make dinner, so I took advantage to spend a little time with my wife. I slipped in beside her, tugging her back to my chest, wrapping my arms around her. I buried my face into her neck, inhaling her scent as I rubbed gentle circles on her rounded stomach.

She sighed in contentment. "I knew you'd come find me."

I grinned against her neck, kissing the skin reverently. "We've been so busy and I missed you."

"We're in the same house," she pointed out, but snuggled back against me.

"Surrounded by people."

She tilted up her head, studying me. "Is it too much, Edward? All the people and the talking?"

"No. I love having Carlisle and Esme here, and having our friends come to meet them. But I miss our quiet nights and being able to simply hold you and feel our daughter move against my hand."

"We've missed you, too."

I slipped a small box into her hand. "I got you something."

"Edward!"

"It's just something small. I saw it while I was out with Carlisle and wanted you to have it."

"I need to see you."

I chuckled and rolled out of bed, over to her side, sliding back in to face her. She was having trouble with some simple body movements these days so it was easier for me to be the one to shift and roll. I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her stomach. "Hi, little one. Are you having a rest with Mommy?"

Bells giggled. "She was until she heard your voice."

I rubbed the little nudges I felt under my hand. "Open your gift, and I'll read to her. That always puts her to sleep."

"Me, as well."

"We can all have a nap."

She smiled as she tugged on the ribbon, gasping at the ring I had bought her. Her fingers were swelling, and her wedding ring had to be put away which had upset her greatly. This was a simple band of emeralds I knew she would like since they were the color of my eyes.

"Edward—it's beautiful!" She lifted her tear-filled eyes to mine. "I love it!"

I tugged it out of the box and slipped it on her finger. "You can wear it here now, and after our child is born you can move it to your middle finger. I know you missed having a ring on your wedding finger."

She looked down at it, stroking the shiny metal. "I did. Thank you."

I shook my head. "No, Bella. Thank you."

"For what?"

I groaned as I cupped her face, kissing her sweet mouth. "For what? Where do I start? For loving me. For our child. For giving me the strength to find the truth and giving me my father." I kissed her again. "Because of you, I'm no longer alone—I have you, and we're having a baby. I have a whole family to love. The house is filled with love and laughter—you made it a home, Bella. You brought me to life. You are…everything," I breathed against her mouth. "Everything."

"I love you," she whispered. "I love our life."

I tugged her close, slipping my hands under her shirt, stroking the soft skin of her back. "I love you."

"How long are Carlisle and Esme gone?"

"Long enough. How's our girl?"

"Napping."

I covered her mouth with mine. Our nap could wait until later. "Perfect."

~o0o~

I sat back with a contented groan. "Dinner was amazing, Esme."

Bella nodded in agreement. "What a treat not to have to cook. It was delicious. Thank you."

Esme smiled. "I love cooking for you. And the selection you have here—it inspires me!"

Bella grinned at her. "Feel free to be inspired anytime."

Esme got up to put on the kettle. Tea was a must with them, and Bella and I found ourselves becoming addicted as they were. Esme loved Earl Grey and we enjoyed the flavor.

Carlisle looked my way again, his brow furrowed. I shook my head at him.

"What's going on, Dad? You keep looking at me as if you have something to say."

He sighed. "I have, but I'm not sure exactly how to say it."

I tensed, and Bella tucked her hand into mine, squeezing it tight. "Have you changed your mind?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood that had suddenly ascended on the room. "Are you withdrawing from the dad job already? Had enough of me?"

"Oh, Edward…" He shook his head so wildly his glasses slid off his nose. We all laughed as he grabbed for them, shoving them back in place. "Not a chance, my son. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life. Our dad-son thing is irrevocable."

I relaxed a little. "Okay, what's up?"

"Esme and I have to leave next week."

"I know." I hated that fact, but I knew it was coming. They had their own life in England. "But, hey, we can call and Skype. We'll stay in touch."

"I want more than that."

"I don't understand."

He leaned forward. "I missed so much of your life, Edward. Years I will never get back. Memories I can't share. I don't want that to keep happening."

"What are you saying?"

"You're about to become a father. I don't want to miss this child's life, too." He reached out, taking Esme's hand. "Esme and I looked at a small house today. It's two blocks from here. We want to put in an offer on it."

"You…you're moving here?"

"I have a sabbatical coming up. We had planned to travel, but we've decided to come here." He paused, his eyes focused on me. "If you want that," he added, looking unsure.

I glanced at Bella, who had tears in her eyes. I could feel my own getting damp. I looked back at Carlisle and Esme who were emotional, as well.

"You want to move here…for me? For us?"

For a moment he stared at me, then he spoke, using words I had never heard. "You're my son, Edward. I love you. If you let me, I want to be a part of your life, not just an image on a screen, or a voice on the phone."

"I'll let you," I managed to get out, my throat tight. "I want that, too."

Esme and Bella were both sniffling. Carlisle smiled at me, teary-eyed. "Then we'll be back in a couple months, before the baby is born. We had everything arranged to travel, so instead we'll come here and set up a new place."

"What happens after a year?" Bella asked, wiping her eyes.

Carlisle and Esme laughed. "Why don't we see what happens. We may divide our time; we may move…we'll figure it out. But for now, you're stuck with us."

I nodded, too overcome to say anything else. But I was good with that.

~o0o~

After Bella and Esme went to bed, Carlisle and I were left alone with a bottle of scotch. We enjoyed our drinks, and before long, we'd had enough, and neither of us were feeling any pain. He entertained me, telling me stories of students and funny things that happened on his lecture tours. I loved hearing him talk.

"Is there anything else you want to do before you leave?" I asked, trying to be a good host.

"There is."

"Name it."

He leaned forward, clasping his hands. "I'm going to see Alec tomorrow."

I could feel how huge my eyes got. "What?" I half-yelled. "Dad, what the hell?"

He grinned. "I love hearing you calling me that."

I beamed back at him. "I love saying it." Then I frowned. "Now, what was that you just said?"

"I'm going to confront that little asshole."

I laughed a little. He had picked up enough of an accent, asshole came out more like arsehole.

I picked up my scotch. "I'm coming with you."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Esme is already going to be mad about the fact I'm going. I don't want you in trouble, too."

"She doesn't know?"

He held a finger to his lips. "Nope. She'd freak out. She thinks I'm going to do something stupid, and wants me to leave it be."

"How are you going to get in? He's a tyrant at the office. You won't get past his secretary."

He bent close, crooking his finger so I would come closer. "I called his office. Told the girl I was family and in town to surprise him. I have an appointment just before lunch." He grinned broadly, leaning back in his chair. "At least I can ruin his appetite."

"I have to go. We can confront the fucker together."

"Edward," he tsked. "Language."

"He is. There's no doubt." I insisted.

"I'll give you that. He's an arsehole fucker." Realizing what he said, he started to laugh. I joined him and the two of us guffawed until we were almost crying. I looked up to see Bella and Esme standing there, staring at us, their arms crossed.

"Oops." I chuckled, then started to laugh again. "I think we're in trouble, Dad."

He didn't look worried. "Esme, my love, Edward and I have errands to run tomorrow," he announced.

I perked up. I guessed we were going arse-fucker hunting.

"Is that a fact?"

"Yep. Father and son stuff." He clapped me on the shoulder. "Man things."

I nodded. "Me and my dad. We have business."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Okay, boys, whatever mischief you have planned, it can wait until the morning. Come to bed, Edward."

I waggled my eyebrows at her. "There's an offer I can't refuse." I pushed myself to my feet, stumbling a little. "Whoa."

Carlisle shook his head. "My son can't hold his liquor." He stood up, swaying. "Uh-oh."

Esme stepped forward, wrapping her arm around Carlisle's waist. "Neither can his father. Seriously, Carlisle, you are such a light arse."

"But not an arse-fucker," I chortled.

Both Carlisle and I started to laugh again. I laughed so hard, I bent over, clutching my knees. Bella chuckled softly. "Come with me, Edward."

Still laughing, I took her hand, letting her lead me down the stairs, Carlisle and Esme following.

"Edward," Carlisle called out.

I turned to look at him.

"You and me. Tomorrow. Let's do this, son."

I nodded.

Me and my dad.

And the arse-fucker.

I was ready.

Hmmm... The dynamic duo...I wonder how that visit will go?

Thanks for reading...see you mid-week.