Chapter 25

Not once until the last five years since I've given Darcy my damn house key had she ever needed to use it. Until today, of course.

"Holy shit," Darcy said under her breath, as she took in the sight of Bella. I didn't tell anyone that Bella was back; not Ben, not Angie, not Darcy, and not even my sister. I wanted to make sure she was here to stay before I brought anyone back into her life. Besides, I new that Darcy and Alice weren't exactly Bella's biggest fans.

I stood stark still, unsure of how to proceed from here. Bella and Carlie were simply staring at each other, both wide eyed.

Finally, Bella spoke. "Yeah, sweetheart. It's me."

"You came back? To stay?" Carlie asked carefully.

Bella glanced at me quickly, as if asking permission to say something, and I gave her a nod.

"To stay," she confirmed, nodding her head. "How do you feel about that?"

Darcy excused herself politely, and I breathed a sigh of relief that she chose not to make a scene. I made my way over to where Carlie was standing and crouched down next to her. Carlie remained silent. "It's okay to say what you want to," I told her, as she unconsciously moved closer to my side.

"I'm scared," Carlie said. I could see her little frame start to tremble.

"Why are you scared, sweetheart?" Bella asked gently.

"Because Daddy said that you were sad when you went away. I'm afraid to make you sad, because then you'll go away again."

"That's not even possible," Bella promised with a sad smile.

"Promise?" Carlie asked shyly, still clearly nervous.

Bella brushed a stray tear from her own eyes. "Promise," she said with a smile.

"Then why are you crying?" Carlie asked perceptively.

"Because I'm very happy that we can be together again."

I felt both happy and anxious at the same time. Carlie reacted exactly as I expected she would- hesitant and unsure. I wasn't sure where to even go from here. Luckily, Carlie solved my problem for me.

"Do you want to see my room?" Carlie asked her.

Bella's answering smile lit up the room. "Of course I do!"

Carlie tentatively reached a hand out, and Bella took it in awe. I smiled at her in encouragement, and together they disappeared into Carlie's room.

I let out the giant breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, and I flopped down on my couch, my head in my hands.

Am I really ready for this? I asked myself. It wasn't supposed to go like this.

After a few minutes, I couldn't fight the urge to see how things were going. I poked my head into Carlie's bedroom door and found Carlie and Bella, both sitting cross-legged on the floor. Carlie was showing her the mass of Barbie dolls she had, explaining carefully the traits of each one. Bella looked absolutely engrossed in every detail Carlie shared with her, from where she got it, who gave it to her, and what she liked about it. As I took in the scene before me, I felt an emotion I hadn't felt in some time- hope.

Realizing it was getting late and Carlie hadn't eaten yet, I decided it was time to interrupt them. "Do you ladies want me to order dinner?"

"I can make something," Bella offered. "Do you like to cook, Carlie?"

Carlie nodded. "Daddy lets me help in the kitchen, but I'm not allowed to touch the stove or the knives."

"That's very smart of your daddy. Would you like to help me in the kitchen today?"

Carlie nodded excitedly and followed Bella out to the kitchen, where she lifted her onto the counter and started rummaging around the cabinets looking for something to prepare. I watched them work together. Bella ran the kitchen like she'd lived here forever, quickly falling back into her old routine.

It was both beautiful and terrifying.

When they were finished preparing the meal, we awkwardly shuffled around to find a place to all sit together. The room was only big enough for the breakfast bar, which had always been enough for Carlie and me. I ended up pulling Carlie into my lap to eat while Bella took the other seat.

"This is really good, mommy," Carlie said, taking a big bite of the mashed potatoes Bella had prepared.

"I'm glad you like it sweetheart," Bella answered with a smile.

As we ate, Carlie continued to talk. She talked about school and her "funny uncle Emmy," and her cousin Emma. Barely taking a breath between sentences, she quickly filled Bella in on everything important to her in the world. Bella listened intently, absorbing every word.

As they continued to talk, I almost choked on my food when Carlie asked, "So you live here now?"

Bella opened her mouth to say something, but froze and looked to me with panicked eyes.

"I don't know, Carlie…" I said. "Your mom and I need to talk about that."

"But mommies and daddies are supposed to live together!" she protested. Looking to Bella with sad eyes, she asked, "You don't want to be here with me?"

"No, Carlie, that's not it," Bella said quickly. "It's just that… I've been gone for a while and your daddy and I need to work out some things first."

Carlie had already tuned us out. Her breathing sped up and her face started to turn pink. I realized that Bella was about to witness one of Carlie's panic attacks for the first time.

"Carlie, deep breath," I coached her gently. She tried, but couldn't seem to catch herself. I got up, cradling her in my arms, and sat down on the floor, still holding her in my arms. I learned the hard way that when she was about to have a panic attack, to move her away from anything breakable.

"Tell me what's wrong," I said calmly.

"I told everyone today that mommy was going to come home, like you said! I don't want her to leave!" She exclaimed through gasping breaths. Looking at Bella, she screamed, "Why are you leaving? You're supposed to stay here!"

"Oh, sweetheart, maybe in time…" Bella started, but it was no use.

When Carlie started coughing through her sobs, I knew it was only a matter of time before she made herself sick. I brought her to the bathroom, but it was too late, and she lost her dinner all over herself. I didn't even notice that Bella had followed me until I felt her small hand on my shoulder. "Let me try to help her," she requested. "Please? Let me talk to her, explain things?"

I nodded in assent.

As I left Bella to clean Carlie up an ease her through her panic attack, I made myself busy by cleaning up what was left of our meal. I'd long since lost my appetite, and I'm sure Bella had too.

Bella emerged nearly a half-hour later. "She's okay," she said. "She had her bath, and she asked if we could watch a movie before I left. I told her that was okay. I hope I didn't overstep…"

"No, It's fine," I assured her. "That sounds nice, actually."

"She's putting her pajamas on now. I told her that I could visit every day, but that we wouldn't live together. She wasn't happy, but she calmed down eventually."

I wished then with everything I had that I could tell Carlie that her mom was moving home, and that we'd all be a happy family again.

But that just wasn't realistic. Was it?

I realized Bella was still talking and snapped out of my trance. "I'm sorry, what?" I asked her, embarrassed.

"I asked when you think we should tell her about Charlie," Bella said quietly.

"Oh, umm… probably not today; Tomorrow, definitely. I think she's had too much excitement for one day."

"I think so too," Bella agreed.

"But we shouldn't wait too long to tell her. She needs to know."

"I think you're right."

Carlie interrupted us by running into the room with a DVD in hand. "Can we watch this one?" she asked both of us. I saw that it was one of her favorite cartoon movies, and smiled and nodded. We settled in front of the television- as a family- with Carlie between us on the couch.

It felt really nice.

Carlie fell asleep halfway through the movie. I picked her up gently and put her to bed. Bella and I both kissed her goodnight, but she didn't stir. She had had too much excitement for one day.

I walked Bella back out to the front of the house, but I realized that I really didn't want her to go. The thought of her going out alone to some motel room- alone- didn't sit right with me. It felt downright wrong. She shouldn't be alone when so much had happened that day. Her father passed and she met her daughter for the first time, all in the same day. While she seemed to have control of her emotions, it simply seemed wrong to send her away.

"Stay with me tonight?" I asked.

She looked up at me in surprise.

"I mean, stay here, in the house. I can sleep on the couch, or whatever, it's just… I thought you might not want to be alone?"

I couldn't believe how awkward asking her to stay felt. It was like I was asking my girlfriend to stay over for the first time. She wasstill my wife, and this wasour house, and her daughter is in the next room.

It still felt like the first time, though.

"I'd like that," Bella said. "Thank you. I really didn't want to be alone. But I don't want you to sleep on the couch either. I'm the intruder here, I'll sleep on the couch."

The thought of her sleeping on the couch didn't appease me either. Channeling my bravery, I suggested, "We could both stay in the bed? I mean, just to sleep?"

"Really? You sure?"

"Positive," I answered; and I was.

"I don't have any clothes here. I should probably get my bag from the motel."

"I never got rid of your old clothes. They're still in the closet. I'm sure you can find something to wear."

"Okay," Bella answered, shuffling nervously. "I guess I'll go get changed?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Bella disappeared into the bedroom and emerged a few minutes later wearing a pair of sleep pants and a tank top. They were a little snug on her, but they still fit.

"I guess I gained a little weight," she muttered.

I couldn't take my eyes off her as I approached her. Cupping her cheek, I pulled her face up to look at me. "You're beautiful," I murmured, kissing her lightly on the mouth.

The kiss was an unconscious gesture. I didn't mean to do it, but it just felt right. As soon as my lips touched hers, it was like the world just faded away, and I couldn't bring myself to pull away.

She hesitated in surprise, then kissed me back hesitantly.

When we broke free, I laid my forehead against hers. "That was nice," I said.

"It was," she agreed.

"By the way," I said, stepping back and taking in her appearance. "I meant it when I said you looked beautiful. You look healthy. I don't think you realized how thin you were back then. You were sick."

"I was," she confirmed. "It's just kind of shocking, you know? Looking at all those clothes. I can't believe you never got rid of them."

"I knew you'd come back," I whispered. "I always knew."

We kissed again, and this time it was much nicer, less hesitant. "Let's go to bed," she murmured against my lips.

We both knew that nothing further would transpire that night, but I was anxious just to hold her against me, feel her soft skin, breathe in her sweet scent.

As she snuggled against me under the covers, I couldn't help but run my hand down her side, feeling her soft skin and her delicate curves. I wrapped my arm tightly around her and nuzzled my face into her hair.

For that blissful night, it felt like she never left.

When I awoke the next morning, my first thought was just how well rested I was. I couldn't recall a more peaceful night of sleep. Contented, I rolled over and let my eyes flutter open. When I took sight of my alarm clock, I sat bolt upright in bed.

Shit! I yelled inside my head. I'd overslept by fifteen minutes. Jumping out of bed, I hurried made my way to Carlie's room and thrust the door open, but she wasn't there. I ran out to the living room where I found Carlie sitting, fully dressed, watching cartoons and eating cereal.

Then I smelled bacon.

Whipping my head around, I found Bella smiling in the kitchenette over the stove, making two plates of bacon and eggs. "Morning, Edward," she said brightly.

"Umm…" was all I could say, scratching my head. She cocked her head at me, and I said, "Sorry, I overslept, I'm a little out of sorts. Thank you."

She chuckled. "You didn't oversleep, I shut your alarm off. I was going to wake you up when breakfast was ready. Carlie said she only wanted cereal. Is that okay?"

"It's fine," I said, in awe. I sat down at the breakfast bar and she placed a cup of coffee and a plate in front of me.

"Two sugars still?" she asked, motioning to the coffee.

"You remembered," I commented.

She sat down next to me and started to eat.

"I can't believe this…" I said quietly, between bites of food.

"What?" Bella asked anxiously. "Oh, God, are you mad? You looked so peaceful when I got up, and I didn't want to wake you. Shit, I screwed up already, didn't I?"

"No, love, no. Everything is perfect," I assured her. "It's just that things are usually so chaotic around here in the morning, and you already got her up and ready for school and made breakfast. I'm just kind of in shock."

She smiled shyly, and we continued our meal in silence. Bella offered to clean up while I took my shower, and we were ready to go with plenty of time to spare.

"Do you think you can take me to Charlie's to pick up my car?" Bella asked. "I guess I should go back to the motel."

"Sure," I said, grabbing my wallet and keys. Together we got Carlie into the car. I noticed Bella watching carefully as I buckled the booster seat. I drove over to Charlie's house first. We had plenty of time, thanks to Bella.

As she moved to get out of the car, I wanted to kiss her, but thought it might be best to keep the PDA to a minimum around Carlie for a while. Instead, I got out and followed her over to her car, glancing at Carlie to check on her every few seconds.

Somewhere during the morning, I had made an important decision. I was just nervous about telling her.

"Bella… when you go back to the motel, maybe you can just get your stuff and come back to the house? Carlie has an appointment today with her therapist at four. I thought maybe you could come with? We could tell her about Charlie there."

"That's a good idea, to do it there," Bella agreed. "But when you say get my stuff, do you mean…?" she asked uncomfortably.

"Listen, I know this is all going pretty quickly, but I love you. I never stopped loving you. I know we have a ways to go in making our relationship right again, but we've been apart for so long, I don't want to waste another day. Come home with me?"

When tears filled her eyes, I worried that I had said the wrong thing, until she launched herself into my arms. "Really?" she gasped.

I smiled at her exuberance and returned her embrace. "I'm serious. I know things might be a little awkward at first, but we'll get there. I don't want to waste another minute. Please?"

"Of course I will!" she exclaimed. "Edward, you've made me so happy. I promise I won't fuck this up. I promise."

Forgetting about Carlie's watchful eyes for a moment, I pulled her in for a kiss, which she returned happily.

"Do you still have keys? I know you still have the keys to Charlie's house."

"I do. I never got rid of them. If the locks are still the same, I can let myself in."

"They are," I confirmed. "Darcy usually picks up Carlie from school. I guess I'll have her drop her off at the house when she's done?"

"I can pick her up," Bella offered. "Or is it too soon for that?"

I contemplated for a minute. If I trusted Bella enough to let her back into my home, then of course I could trust her to retrieve Carlie safely and bring her home.

"I'll put you on the pick-up list for school," I said. "But you need to get a booster seat for your car."

"I'll get one this morning," she said, pecking my lips again. Looking straight into my eyes, she said with complete sincerity. "Thank you, Edward."

I brushed my hand down her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered.

And I practically skipped back to my car.

Carlie was looking at me curiously from the back seat when I got back in the car, but said nothing. I had a feeling it was going to be an interesting appointment this afternoon.

Once at Carlie's school, I added Bella to her emergency contacts list and told the office assistant that Bella was picking Carlie up from school. She looked surprised, but didn't comment on the change.

Even with the detour of dropping Bella off at Charlie's, I found myself with some free time before classes, so I called Emmett to check on him. He was in charge of making the funeral arrangements for Charlie.

Because Charlie was such an honored and respected citizen of Forks, his funeral would be no small event. Small police departments in the area, out as far as Port Angeles, had offered their honor guards to conduct the service. Emmett seemed overwhelmed with the details, and I told him that I would give him any help I could. The funeral would be scheduled for two days from now.

News of Charlie's death had spread rapidly through the town, and I was offered condolences everywhere I went in the school, from administrators, teachers, and students. Many voiced surprise that I was even in attendance that day, but honestly I didn't see the point in breaking my routine. In all, I was overwhelmed by the end of the day by how many people had stopped me to offer their condolences.

Bella texted me around noon and told her that Carlie had been picked up and that they were safely at home, just like Darcy always did. I found it a thoughtful gesture, especially since I didn't ask her to do it.

After school, I couldn't wait to get home and see my girls. It had been a trying day, having had to talk about the loss of my father-in-law with so many concerned people. I just wanted to go home for some peace, quiet, and family time.

That idea was short lived when I pulled up to my house and saw Alice, the queen of unannounced visits, getting out of her car. Before I could put my car in park and jump out to intercept her, she was already making her way up to the door.

Alice had made no secret over the years that she was furious with Bella for leaving. While it was hard to blame her, I had always hoped that if the time ever came that they were to be reunited, that she would be more forgiving. Alice had said many hateful things over the years about Bella.

I hadn't yet had a chance to discuss Bella's return to my life with her yet. This had the potential to get ugly, real fast.

"Alice!" I called. She stopped to face me, and I breathed a sigh of relief until the front door opened and Bella stepped out.

Alice turned sharply at the noise of the door opening and glared straight at Bella.

"What in the hell are you doing here?" Alice sneered. She whipped her head back to me and crossed her arms over her chest, silently demanding an explanation.

I closed my eyes and braced myself for the wrath of Hurricane Alice.

A/N- Once again, thank you all for all the wonderful reviews and support I've recieved for this story. You guys are amazing!

That being said, the story is wrapping up! It's looking like one regular chapter and then an epilogue left. I plan to get an update out sometime this week, and the epilogue out this weekend, as long as everything goes to plan!

Thanks for reading!