A/N Major thanks to my beta Robzbeanie, and my prereader CShepherd91. Without them, this fic would be messy and I'd be a wreck. Thank you guys so, so much.
Way too early the next morning, I awoke to the smell of frying bacon drifting into the den and a bright blast of sunlight sneaking through the blinds. Before I fell asleep, I'd run several potential scripts I could use on Charlie through my head, but nothing seemed quite right. The thought that I'd awake and the right words would magically appear was apparently a naïve one.
I ran into Emmett and Rose on my way to the kitchen – they were heading out early to run some errands in town before they picked up Charlie from the hospital. Emmett told me there was a heap of food, as well as "the little hyper one" waiting for me in the kitchen.
Sure enough, huddled around a pan full of bacon and a magazine were Alice and Bella. Their voices were low but their giggles were unmistakeable.
"What's so funny, ladies?" I asked, startling them both.
"Oh – hey! I made bacon!" Bella grinned, thrusting a plate in my direction. "Alice is thinking that a country-chic décor plan is the way to go."
"What are you talking about?" I chuckled, shaking my head at their early morning absurdity.
"For your place," she said matter-of-factly.
"Wait – what place? She knows?" I asked quietly. I was a little disappointed that Bella had spilled the news before I had a chance to talk to Charlie.
"I won't say anything, Edward," Alice quickly interjected. "Bella was practically bursting, so I knew something was up – she needed to tell somebody. It's safe with me, I swear."
"Nobody – not even Jasper, ok?" I demanded. I was too close to this for it to all explode somehow.
"Not even Jasper," she said, placing her hand over her heart. "But anyway – what do you think of throw pillows?" she asked seriously, struggling to keep a straight face.
"First of all, why is this all so funny – and secondly, why are you "designing" my theoretical home?"
"Alice wants to go to school for interior decorating. It'd be good practice," Bella shrugged.
"I'll tell ya what – let me talk to the old man first. After that, if everything goes as planned – as long as it's warm and clean, I don't care what you do with it. Deal?" I resigned. They were having fun and I wasn't about to ruin it – it didn't matter at all to me where I stayed or what it looked like, so long as it was here.
"Why don't we all go take a look at the old shack?" Bella suggested. "I'm almost positive it's where you'll be staying – I don't know where else Charlie could put you."
"Yeah – let's do that. I need to keep busy or I'm gonna go crazy," I sighed.
"Well, start here–" Bella reached over and uncovered a heavy metal pan on the stove and stuck two thick pieces of French toast with a fork. She plopped them next to the mountain of bacon on my plate, and shoved it closer in my direction. "We'll go look, then you can finish up your chores while Charlie gets settled." She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, then slid the maple syrup down the counter at me. Her confidence in all of this was putting me at ease – I only wished I could somehow siphon some of it off of her.
After I finished up my breakfast, we made our way out to the old cabin. Bella led us on a shortcut through the pasture that I didn't know about, and we passed Sam and Embry already at work beneath the hood of the tractor next to the barn. It was chilly out again, but the sun glaring down on us was providing a nice break from the cold and giving the guys a chance to finish up outdoor work that would soon be impossible.
After we passed the first hill in the pasture, Bella and I joined hands while Alice tiptoed her way around cow patties – or any pile of dirt/mud she automatically assumed was a cow patty. I noticed Eclipse grazing – she had a flannel blanket over her back, but she looked healthy and well.
"There it is." Bella pointed out ahead of her. "That's the one."
Hidden just behind the treeline was a cabin very similar to Bella's – if hers had been through a tornado, that is. Mouldy, dried-up leaves covered the roof and the entire front door step. The weathered wooden siding made it camouflage perfectly with the dense brush surrounding it. It had a pair of small windows so clouded up with dust that you couldn't see inside. Moss clung to the doorframe, while cobwebs spun around in the breeze beneath the porch railing.
"Holy crap, Bella," Alice exclaimed. "Are you sure about this? It looks like a shed."
"Yeah, I'm sure. It's old, but it's not that bad – just look inside, k?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa – I'm waiting here. You guys go ahead."
"How are you supposed to "design" if you haven't even seen inside?" I teased.
"Mice, Edward," she replied sternly. "I'll die. You tell me when it's clear, or you'll be carrying my fainted body back to the main house and everyone will freak out and ask questions, and yeah – not good."
"She's serious – it's not pretty," Bella grinned, rolling her eyes behind Alice's shoulder.
"Alright – follow me."
With Bella right behind me, we climbed the front steps. Despite the overgrowth, the steps felt sturdy beneath my weight, which was definitely reassuring.
"Do you have the key?" I asked, it just occurring to me that we'd need to get in somehow.
"Key?" Bella laughed. "Welcome to the rural North, Edward," she chuckled, pushing past me straight through the unlocked door.
What I saw inside shocked me. Cobwebs and an inch of dust and grime covered nearly every surface, but remarkably, it was alright. Decent, in fact. There was no furnace, but a wood burning stove was tucked in the back corner. A large wooden bed frame was pushed up against the rear wall.
"So?" Bella asked. She looked nervous.
"You know – this could actually work out ok. I like the table," I said as I brushed my fingertips through the dust on the heavy round wooden table in the centre of the space. It had three mismatched chairs tucked beneath it, but it looked strong. The whole place was well constructed – it just needed a facelift.
"If you hate it, it's ok. I know this–" she pointed around, "Isn't exactly what you're used to."
"No – it's good. I don't need anything fancy. It just needs some TLC." I turned a tap in the sink, but was met with a rattle and nothing but air.
"There are plumbing and power – same as my place – it just needs to be hooked up again. Charlie actually lived here, and no one has since."
"He did?"
"Yep. Actually, Emmett stayed in here for about a week a few years back, but it wasn't for long."
"Why hasn't he stuck anyone else in here? You guys could use the space," I asked, baffled.
"Don't repeat this, but he always said this one was special. That's why I think he'll give it to you," she smiled.
"Hello? Have you been eaten by sasquatch?" Alice hollered from the deck.
"It's clear – haven't seen any critters yet," Bella called back at her.
"Well – it's surprisingly promising. I think I can work with this," she mumbled, taking in the space around her.
"I think we're getting ahead of ourselves here," I replied, realising that it wouldn't be long until Charlie was back. "It's now or never, right?"
"Right," Bella sighed. "Go finish up your chores – we'll find you later, k?"
I left the girls in the cabin and met up with Sam and Embry. I gave them a hand on the tractor even though I knew next to nothing about mechanics. Sam was patient, and it was a good place to be – I'd be able to see Charlie arriving from where they were working.
Just as we drained the last of the oil from the engine, I could hear the rumble of Emmett's truck in the driveway. I watched as he pulled up close to the front step – Charlie got out of the back seat, and I could tell he was moving a little slower than usual. Sue hopped out of the other side, followed by both Emmett and Rose.
"Earth to Edward?" Embry called out, smacking me in the shoulder. "You gonna pass me that wrench or is it stuck to your hands?"
"Sorry, man," I said, snapping out of my daze. I handed him the wrench and rag I'd been holding.
"You somewhere else there, Eddie?" Sam asked from beneath the hood.
"Yeah, you could say that," I groaned, embarrassed that they noticed.
"What's up?"
"I've just got some stuff to talk to Charlie about."
"Bella stuff?" Embry asked with a smirk. He'd opened up a lot to me since I'd first got here – the kid that used to be so shy was now turning in to a typical lippy teenager.
"Maybe – I don't know," I stammered, not wanting to get into details with them, too.
"Shit. Good luck, buddy – you're gonna need it," Embry teased, then tossed the lid from the fresh bucket of oil right at my head.
I grabbed another rag from the pile beside me, twisted it up quick and snapped it at him.
"I don't have time to screw around, you two," Sam grumbled, elbow deep in the tractor. "Embry, go get me that flashlight. And you," he looked right at me, "Come back here when you can think, ok?"
"Deal. Wish me luck," I said with a sigh, and headed for the house to get cleaned up.
Inside I went straight for the washroom. I went to the one by my old room upstairs – the familiarity comforting. I washed my hands, then my face twice. I put on extra deodorant – I definitely needed it – and ran to my room to quickly change my shirt.
I started down the hall towards the stairs down to Charlie's bedroom. I'd never actually stepped foot in Charlie's room before. It was common knowledge amongst all of the guys that his room was completely off limits. None of us ever questioned it – for a guy who gave every part of his home, life and business over to a bunch of strange kids, it made sense he'd want a place of his own.
Just as I hit the bottom stair, I met up with Sue coming out of Charlie's room.
"Hey – how are you, Edward? It's good to see you back," she said in a soft voice. She had a calming personality – for which I was grateful at the moment.
"Thank you, I'm glad to be here," I replied, clearing my throat. "Do you think it would be ok if I talked to Charlie for a minute?"
"I don't think that'll be any trouble. In fact, he's been expecting you," she smiled. "Just let him know I'll be back with lunch soon, but take your time." She patted her warm hand on my shoulder as she walked past me up the stairs. Something about the simple gesture put me momentarily at ease. Not enough to calm my pounding heart or dry my sweaty palms, though.
I knocked twice on Charlie's door – his familiar gruff voice barked out for me to come in.
"Hey, Sir," I said quietly, as I opened the door and took a look around the room. It was much bigger than I'd expected – big enough that a king size bed, a love seat and chair and a small fireplace were all housed inside with plenty of space to spare. "Can I come in for a minute?"
"Sure. Welcome to 'Casa Charlie' – don't get comfortable," he grunted with a grin. He looked much better than he had at the hospital, but still looked tired.
"I didn't want to bother you, but we do need to talk."
"That we do," he nodded. "So, son? What do you think? We get you for the long haul?"
"Well, yeah –" I stopped, clearing my throat. I sat down on the edge of the chair near the foot of Charlie's bed. "But there's something we need to talk about first."
"Go on." He eyed me curiously, his hand going straight to his moustache.
"Um, it's about Bella. And me. Me and Bella?" I spilled.
He stared back at me behind a raised eyebrow.
"You and Bella what, son?"
I cleared my throat and went for it – "We're seeing each other. We're together."
It was out, and Charlie said nothing. He just propped himself up a little higher on his pillow. I didn't dare ask if he needed any help.
"Jesus, kid. You trying to give me another heart attack?" he finally replied.
"No, Sir. I'm sorry – we should've told you sooner. I shouldn't have–" Anxiety was mounting, my carefully planned speech long forgotten. I was flying by the seat of my pants and was quickly going under.
"Stop it, Edward," he mumbled.
"I just didn't know how to–" I kept going, my half-ditched attempt at pleading my case failing miserably. I was stumbling and stuttering like a fool.
"Edward, stop," he replied more firmly this time.
"I'm sorry," I sighed, eyes glued to the ground.
"Let me ask you something, boy." He took a long, slow drink from the glass of water beside his bed. "Do you think in all my years at this I've never had an idiot boy sneak out on my watch?"
"Um – no, Sir?"
"Right. This is no surprise to me, Edward," he stated, shaking his head. "I've known for a while now."
"You did?" I looked up at him, shock all over my face.
"I did."
"Then – wha – why didn't you say anything?"
He paused again and picked up a small picture frame that was sitting on his bedside table.
"Look – that girl?" he sighed as he passed the picture frame in my direction. "She's everything to me. I know I won't be able to take care of her forever."
The picture was of Bella, Charlie and a cow. Bella was holding up a blue ribbon with 4-H written across it. She was missing teeth – was all smiles and messy hair.
"I don't know what to say. I really am sorry, Charlie. I didn't mean for this to go this way. It shouldn't have been a secret–"
"She's a good girl – she knows what she wants, and she deserves to be treated well," he continued, seemingly ignoring everything I was saying. "I was a young dumb-ass in love once, too." he chuckled, but it turned to a cough.
"Is it still ok if I stay?" I asked. I'd experienced plenty of vagueness from Charlie – this was a situation where I needed it to be clear.
"It is, son. But remember what you're here for. No special treatment – no foolin' around. You and Bella are adults, but when you're on my clock, what I say goes – got that?" he asked, the familiar, strong Charlie showing his face again.
"Yes, Sir."
"Alright then, boy. Welcome aboard."
The entire next week went by in a blur of excitement, hard work and nervousness. After I had left Charlie's room that day, I went straight for Bella. I heard "I told you so" more times than I could count, but I didn't care. All of the stress – the weight on my shoulders – was gone. Bella and I could just be. I had countless opportunities ahead for work/schooling, and I got to stay with my new friends.
After I told Bella, I spoke to Carlisle first. He was proud of me for coming clean to Charlie, and was excited for the opportunities that I had ahead of me. I phoned Esme next, and though she was a little sad that I wouldn't be returning, she was very understanding. She had told me that she'd get right to work on boxing up some of my things for me, but insisted that I return home at Christmas to retrieve the rest. She even threatened to hold my CD collection hostage until I came to visit.
The news was spread officially to everyone else throughout the week. Everyone basically knew about Bella and me, but the guys were all surprised to hear that I was sticking around for the winter.
Emmett was particularly relieved – with Charlie taking on less of the work, Emmett was filling many of Charlie's past duties, which meant less time for his programs at the school. Charlie had retired himself to office duties only, after some prodding from Bella, for at least the next few months. Carlisle had helped by getting him a head start on some grant and funding applications, but the paperwork alone for the Ranch was a full time job.
As soon as Emmett found out that I was staying, he made arrangements with the principal for me to take over the sports program for him, and I was beyond excited at the idea. It was exactly the type of experience I needed, and having Emmett as a guide was great.
I didn't see as much of Bella as I would've liked during my first few nights as a permanent resident. Charlie had scheduled me for night shifts in the grain dryer – which meant long hours of doing nothing but reading and waiting all by myself, making sure that nothing caught on fire and taking a moisture sample here and there. Part of me knew it was a necessary task, but the other part of me wondered if Charlie stuck me out there on purpose. We agreed that my hours of work would be 6am to 6pm, with occasional overtime as needed. Apparently, it was needed instantly, but I wasn't about to tell him no. Bella and I agreed that we'd sneak away to celebrate that weekend, and I couldn't wait.
As Bella had predicted, Charlie did assign me his old cabin as my living quarters. Jasper and I spent a solid afternoon sweeping, scrubbing and otherwise tidying up the place. Despite our hard work, Jasper informed me that before I'd be able to move in, serious renovations were in order. Apparently, there was a problem with the water lines, which meant that I was stuck on the guest couch for the time being.
Friday finally rolled around, and I was relieved to have a night off to relax and spend some time with Bella. I finished up dinner with the group and went upstairs for a long shower. When I came downstairs, everyone had cleared out but Bella.
I grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into the pantry with me.
"Hey you–" she cooed, pulling up on her tiptoes to meet my lips. "I've got something to show you at the cabin – the plumber came out."
"Right now?" I groaned. It was already dark out, and a combo of rain and snow was falling. Combined with the frigid northern winds, it was miserable outside.
"Yes, now. It'll only take a minute."
"Can we stop at your place first?" I teased, pulling her hips tightly to mine.
"Later. Maybe," she smirked.
"Fine. Let's go." We grabbed our coats and took off out the backdoor.
Bella led the way to the cabin, the yard lights lighting most of the way there. I could see lights on inside, meaning that the power must have been restored problem-free. I was grateful – the sooner I could get off that couch, the better.
I also noticed a pair of navy blue curtains in the window – I hadn't been back to the cabin in days, so it was a surprise.
"Who put the curtains up?" I asked, stopping at the steps.
"Oh – I just threw those up," Bella shrugged. "Come check this out though." She extended her hand to me, motioning me forwards. She had a huge smile on her face – I immediately knew something was up.
I twisted the doorknob and pushed the heavy door forward.
I was floored.
"Welcome home!" everyone cheered – and I mean everyone. Sam, Embry, Seth and Quil were all sitting around the table. Carlisle, Charlie and Sue were standing in front of a roaring fire, and Rose and Emmett were curled up on an overstuffed couch. Jasper and Alice were perched on the edge of the bed – which was made up with a thick, navy blue comforter and a ton of pillows. It was a tight fit in the small space, but everyone found a spot.
The cottage looked amazing – you'd have never known it was abandoned for years by the sight of it. Nothing was fancy, but it was warm, cozy and clean.
"How did you guys do this?" I gaped – completely in shock. I noticed a small TV and a CD player set up, and a fuzzy area rug next to the bed. There were some mismatched dishes stacked on the counter next to a microwave, and an apartment-sized fridge had been moved in. A dresser was tucked against the back wall, and I saw a pair of picture frames on top, which I made note to take a closer look at later.
"We wanted to surprise you – I picked out some stuff in town with Bella. Charlie let us have it at," Alice smiled in his direction.
"Think this will do you ok?" Charlie nodded at me.
"It's perfect – thanks, you guys – I'm shocked!"
"Can we eat this now – I'm hungry," Seth said, pointing at a huge cake on the table. The words "Welcome home, Eddie" were piped on the top in bright blue icing.
We spent the next hour or so eating cake and visiting. Charlie and Carlisle shared a few stories about their days at the Ranch – the story about Charlie lighting his area rug on fire, complete with Carlisle pointing out the burn mark still on the floor, was a definite favourite.
Amongst the mingling, I had a chance to take a closer look at everything. The pictures on top of my dresser were my favourite part – one of me, Carlisle and Esme and another of me and my mom. When Bella caught me looking, she came up behind me and explained that she had Esme scan and email them to her. The thoughtfulness of the gesture – of putting the whole place together for me – was incredible.
As everyone started trickling out for the evening, I made sure to give special thanks to Alice, who said she was more than happy to help. Carlisle was the last to leave – he stuck around a little later so he and I could go over the plans for the next morning, as he was catching a flight back home.
"So – you're happy?" Bella asked, flopping down beside me on the couch once we were finally alone. I noticed a bottle and two champagne glasses on the coffee table in front of us.
"I honestly don't think I've ever been happier," I sighed, taking her hand in mine. "I can't believe you guys did this for me."
"You're doing a lot for us by staying. I just want you to feel at home," she shrugged, picking up the bottle in front of us.
"I do – I've never felt more at home. Champagne?" I asked, kind of surprised.
"Sparkling cider, but whatever," she giggled, pouring us each a glass. "This is a big day – a big deal."
Sitting there on that couch, in my cabin, with my girlfriend, I was beyond grateful that I took a chance and gave this place a shot on that day only mere weeks behind us. I knew there would be struggles, there would be hard times, but I also knew I now had support and love around me that could get me through anything. I was willing to take charge of my life, accept responsibility for wrongs I had done, and show – not tell – others that I could do right. I didn't have answers for what would come next, but I had this – and for now, it was perfect.
"Cheers to our futures, Edward," Bella smiled wide, raising her glass. "Cheers to us."
"Cheers to our future, cheers to us, and cheers to the Ranch."
THE END.
Well, almost. There will be a short epi posted in the next week or so. I'll save my goodbyes and my thank you spiel for that. ;) Thank you so much for reading, reccing, and reviewing – you guys are wonderful!