Geekiness alert for this chapter. You have been warned.

The drive to the Swan's house was filled with pleasant silence. Bella had opened her window slightly, allowing the cool air to hit her face as she tried to come to terms with the fragility of certainty. Was anything certain? What had certainly appeared to have been the makings of a happy and relaxing Christmas at the Cullens' had instantly been crippled by one phone call – one idiotic decision by an intoxicated person.

As Bella steered the car towards her home, she couldn't help but glance at the man beside her and wonder what moment or decision had led him to the hospital Burn Centre.

"What are you thinking?" Edward asked, noticing Bella's concentrated brow.

Bella sighed.

"Probably what you're thinking about. The conspiring natures of the world… The illusion of control that we're given…"

Edward couldn't help but grin.

"So an existentialist you are not."

Bella, absorbing the now academic tone of the conversation, raised an eyebrow at the man who still was very much a magnificent mystery. Every time that she was with him, she seemed to be able to add another piece to his puzzle.

"That is a big word for such a small creature, Yoda," Bella prodded, quite intrigued as she pulled the car to a stop.

Edward's expression turned faux serious, as his mind seemed to comfortably navigate the conversation. It was almost as if there was a little droid in there tampering with some blocked files.

"Judge me by my size, do you?"

Bella's breath left her as Edward's darkened eyes drew her in until his lips met hers with some force. Bella felt her stomach clench and tingle as Edward's warm lips moved to the corner of her mouth and then slowly travelled down her jaw. His slightly unshaven jaw tickled her as she came back to herself.

"Edward," she murmured, capturing his attention and meeting his lips one more time, before pulling back.

Edward took in Bella's flushed cheeks and plumped lips and tenderly ran his hand down her cheek.

Could anyone have received a greater gift? He pondered before noticing Bella biting down on her lip with a cheeky glint in her eye.

"Clearly, the force is strong in this one," she whispered, looking up from beneath her lashes. She brushed some hair that had fallen over his forehead away from his eyes and shook her head. "Star Wars references… Edward Cullen, will you ever stop surprising me?"

He leant in and kissed her forehead, playfully.

"That depends on whether or not you like surprises…"

"She usually doesn't," a deep voice filled the car cabin from Bella's open window.

"Dad!" Bella gasped with wide eyes, turning around in her seat and placing her hands on her lap, wondering how much her father had seen.

Charlie Swan glanced from his daughter to the copper haired young man – quite handsome despite his slight scars – with a questioning eyebrow, quite enjoying watching both squirm in their seats. He didn't know why Isabella had brought who he could only assume was Edward home, but he was quite eager to meet and lay down the law to the man who had appeared to capture his daughter's heart. Maintaining his stoic façade, even though he was amused under the surface, Charlie opened Isabella's door.

"Bells, this is Edmund, I assume."

Isabella's eyes boggled out.

"Edward, Dad," she grumbled, reminding Charlie of her mother. "Edward, I'd like you to meet my dad, Charlie Swan."

Edward swallowed before raising his hand and nodding his head.

"It's nice to meet you, Sir."

"And it's nice to finally meet the man who has been occupying most of my daughter's free time. I'm glad to see that he didn't make you miss turkey and cranberry sandwich time, though, Bells."

Bella held her breath as she watched Charlie walk around the car and open Edward's door. "Come on in, Edward," he said, turning towards the trunk and then calling over his shoulder. "All are welcome!" Bella hurried out of the car towards the trunk, to collect Edward's things. Charlie made a move to extract Edward's suitcase

Quite smug with himself, and seeing his daughter occupied, Charlie walked beside a smiling Edward - obviously trying to appear pleasing - who had emerged from the car and was taking in his surroundings.

"Yes, all are welcome here, Edward," he mumbled in a low voice that he knew was loud enough for the boy to hear, "as long as their lightsabers stay hidden."

With a knowing wink, Charlie left a frozen Edward to his thoughts.

If anything he knew that he had to show this guy, despite the rough time that he'd been through, that, when it came to his daughter, the force – the Police force – was with him.

Don't ask me why my mind went this way when writing this, but are there any Star Wars fans reading this? I'm not a huge fan of the series, but I do enjoy Episodes 4, 5 and 6 now and then.

What about Charlie's reaction, ha?

Interesting times ahead for Edward and Bella.

I know that lots of people are reading this, so thanks for reading. I do like feedback...

On holidays at the moment so next update should come your way soon,

Karry.