Disclaimer: Not mine…just playing with SM's characters. The plot is all mine though so no stealing. Stealing is bad.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading & reviewing! I know, I know…mean to end on a cliffy, but I bet you all know who Edward saw right? Well, you're about to find out now!

BTW, this chapter turned out a whole lot more angsty than I thought it would have, but it was necessary, and not super angsty or anything. Plus, my beta liked it so I think all of you will too LOL

As always, thank you to my friend and beta eternally_addicted. She makes all of my nonsense make sense. :-D

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

- Rascal Flatts, "Bless the Broken Road"

Chapter 24: Bless the Broken Road

Age 25

Bella's ears were ringing and she felt like she couldn't breathe. All she could hear in her head over and over again was Edward's voice, yelling and sounding angrier than she had ever heard him. Her eyes were stinging because she hadn't blinked once and she couldn't take her eyes off of him. Bella never thought she was ever going to have to see that monster again, but there he was in the flesh: Ed Masen, Senior.

From the corner of her eye Bella saw Edward's form shaking and she knew he was going to lose it soon. When he spoke again, he wasn't shouting, but there was no mistaking the anger and venom in his voice.

"I said, what the hell are you doing here?"

Edward's voice snapped Bella out of her shock and she blinked her dry eyes rapidly. She noticed her mother had backed up and was standing a whole lot closer to her now, and that her father had pushed forward. Charlie clapped a hand down on Edward's shoulder.

"Let's just go, son. We can eat at the diner instead," Charlie said, but Edward moved out of his grip and stepped forward towards his father.

"Edward!" Bella cried, stepping forward to grab his arm but missing. "Edward!"

It was like Edward didn't hear anyone or see anyone else. He was completely focused on the man who stood before him now. However, Ed Masen, Senior was not the man that Bella remembered.

He was still tall, obviously where Edward had gotten his height from, but he had lost so much of his muscle mass due to the illness that was claiming his life. Ed looked weak and frail, and Bella noticed that he had a cane in his left hand. His clothes seemed to be hanging limply on his frame, but there was no mistaking that it was him. Though the area around his eyes looked different, it was the eyes that gave him away. He shared the same eyes as his son.

"Edward, son, it's good to see you," Ed rasped.

"Good?" Edward continued to roar. "GOOD?"

Charlie pushed himself between Edward and his father and another man Bella didn't recognize joined Ed at his side.

"Edward, calm down, boy," Bella heard Charlie hiss. "You're making a scene. Let's take this outside."

Bella felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and she turned her watery eyes to her mother. Renee squeezed Bella's shoulders reassuringly.

"You want me to calm down?" Edward hissed, turning his fury on Charlie. "What I want to know is how the fuck this monster is out of prison!"

Bella's eyes widened slightly when she saw Ed flinch at the tone of Edward's voice and the motion of Edward's arm when he flung it and pointed at his father. Charlie gripped Edward's arm and pushed it back down.

"This isn't the place for this conversation, Edward," Charlie said calmly, using his best negotiator voice. In all his years, Charlie Swan never had to talk down a criminal in a hostage situation or anything like that.

Charlie kept speaking. "Come on now. You're scaring Bella."

The sound of Bella's name was what seemed to snap Edward out of his rage. He turned quickly to see a teary Bella clutching her mother, who looked on worriedly. Edward quickly rushed to her side and he cupped Bella's cheeks gently, swiping away the tears that trickled down.

"Oh, baby…baby, I'm sorry…" Edward whispered before leaning down and kissing her softly. "I'm so sorry."

Bella sniffled and wrapped her arms around Edward's waist. He pulled her to his chest and hugged her tightly. He could feel her trembling body start to calm, and he could feel his own heart rate begin to slow and the red in his vision begin to recede. Edward took a deep breath and closed his eyes, holding on to Bella tightly and whispering how sorry he was for scaring her.

Seeing that her daughter was okay, as was Edward, Renee Swan rushed to her husband's side, where he stood talking to Ed Masen, Senior and who Renee learned was his full-time hospice caregiver, Marcus.

"I didn't know he was in town," Renee heard Ed say to Charlie.

"Yeah, well…I wasn't aware you were here in Forks either. Elizabeth mentioned you were out on parole and uh, also due to your health issues," Charlie answered uncomfortably. "If I knew you were around, I would've told Bella and Edward to stay away."

Renee watched as she saw Ed's face fall. While she hated him for what he had done to her daughter and to his own son, a very tiny part of Renee's heart felt bad for him. Ed was dying and had spent all these past years in jail. It didn't make up for what he did, but looking at him, Renee felt that he had changed. She had a feeling that he was looking to make amends with his son. Renee wondered if Elizabeth even knew he was in Forks.

"I…I originally came back and looked for a hospice here in Forks. Liz doesn't know I'm in Forks, but I was planning on meeting her later this week," Ed had to stop talking, coughing violently after speaking such a long sentence.

"Yes, well…" Charlie drew out, "I think it would be best for all of the patrons of the Lodge if we all left separately."

"Charlie, Edward's here. I want to speak to him," Ed pleaded.

"Not tonight," Charlie said firmly. "And you need to accept that you might not speak to him ever. What you did to that boy…what you did to my daughter…as a father myself, no amount of time could forgive what you did. If Edward ever wants to talk to you, he'll decide."

"Please, Charlie. I…I don't have much time left. Only a month, maybe two."

Renee gasped softly. She stepped forward and clutched Charlie's arm. She knew her husband was too far-gone in "papa bear mode" to be thinking straight. Sure he had done his police chief duties and stopped a fight from breaking out, but Renee could clearly see that Charlie was now in protective papa mode. Renee smiled at Charlie, Ed, and Marcus softly.

"Do you have the contact information for the hospice you're living at?" Renee asked. She shot Charlie a glare when he started to protest and he immediately silenced himself.

"Just in case," Renee added.

Marcus reached for his wallet and pulled out a business card and handed it to her.

"One of Ed's wishes was to come enjoy a good old rib eye steak. He was feeling pretty good tonight so I brought him to the Lodge. This isn't our usual outing," Marcus explained. "Ed and I will have a seat and wait until Edward is gone? Unless you'd like us to leave here and you continue on with your reservations?"

Renee shook her head. "I think they want to go. Thank you, Marcus. Come on, Charlie."

"Don't you come looking for him," Charlie warned, leveling Ed Masen with a glare. "Remember what I said. It's up to him."

"Charlie!" Renee hissed tugging on his arm. "Let's go!"

"Please…just let him know where I am," Ed begged, looking at Renee instead of Charlie. Renee simply gave him a tight nod before she turned and headed back to where Edward and Bella were still hugging and whispering to each other near the front doors.

"Let's go," Renee said, placing her arm around the young couple to guide them towards the door. "Perhaps we can just eat at the inn?"

Edward turned and stared at Renee. "I want to speak to my mother."

"Edward—" Bella started but was cut off.

"I need to speak to her. I…I can't…I need to know if she knew he was here. I…I need…I just need to talk to her, Bella."

Edward ran a hand through his hair and paused halfway, tugging on a handful. He was incredibly angry and frustrated and didn't know what to believe. All he knew was that he wanted to talk to his mother. She had told him before that she had visited Ed when he had been in jail. There was no way Edward was going to go back in there and talk to…talk to his father. Edward could barely even think to call him that.

"Okay…" Bella said slowly. "Let's go outside though. Maybe my mom can call your mother?"

Renee nodded and pulled out her cell phone and walked the couple outside as Charlie apologized to the Lodge manager and a couple of the townspeople who were sitting nearby. Charlie gave a gruff nod towards Marcus and Ed before he headed outside to join his wife, daughter, and Edward.

Edward was pacing in front of the cars, his hand buried deep in his hair and tugging at the roots. Bella was leaning against their rental car gnawing away at her bottom lip while she watched Edward with her arms wrapped around her waist, and Renee was standing off to the side whispering on her cell phone. While Charlie Swan had not been looking forward to this dinner, this was definitely not the way he pictured the evening going.

"Baby?" Bella called out. "We're supposed to go see your mother tomorrow anyway. Maybe we should just wait until then?"

"Wait?" Edward cried, exasperatedly. "Wait? How can I…why—"

"Because you aren't thinking clearly right now, Son," Charlie interrupted. "You're upset and you're likely to say some things you are going to regret."

Edward stopped pacing and let out a loud huff, leaning his head back to look up at the sky.

"How can you ask me to be calm, Chief?" Edward said to the sky. "That's my asshole of a father in there. How can you…how can you be calm about all of this when you know what he did to Bella?"

Charlie sighed. "Because I was here during the aftermath."

Edward's head snapped up, annoyance now joining his anger, but Charlie held his hands up in surrender and the universal sign that he meant no harm.

"I'm just saying, Edward. I've had years to deal with what happened. Sure, I pretty much wanted to kill Ed when I found out what had happened, but I knew it would only do way more harm than good. I had to think about what was best for Renee and for Bella. You need to ask yourself the same thing, Son. Would rushing off to your mother's house in the state you're in right now really be for the best?"

Edward let out a loud sigh and ran his hands down his face before letting out a frustrated cry. Bella walked to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist. Edward took a deep breath before he reciprocated the gesture.

"Let's just go back to the inn and eat something there. We'll calm down and tomorrow, we'll go speak to your mom," Bella whispered against Edward's chest.

"Fine," Edward whispered back. "But tomorrow, I'm getting some answers."

"Bella, come in the kitchen and help me! All of your pacing isn't going to do Edward any good," Renee called.

Bella sighed and stopped in the middle of the living room. From where she stood she had a perfectly clear view of the driveway, and Edward still wasn't back yet. Her father was also still at work, and Bella was in her childhood home cooking and baking with her mother. As much as she loved her mother, it was the last place that Bella wanted to be at that moment. Where she really felt she should have been was at the hospice home across town with Edward and his mother.

Their visit with Edward's mother two days ago had gone well enough. Edward had calmed down some from the night before, but he was still holding on to some of his anger at seeing his father so unexpectedly. In the end, they both believed that Elizabeth had not known that Ed was back in Forks. Elizabeth confessed that she had visited him when he was in jail and that they had been talking, and that she had also known he had gotten out of jail, but he hadn't contacted her, and she had no idea that he had moved back to Forks. Though Edward was mad when they arrived, Bella was extremely glad that nothing hasty had been said that might've ruined their still rebuilding relationship.

Things did however get heated when Bella was recounting the evening prior for Elizabeth, and she mentioned that Ed had asked to see Edward.

"Why are you bringing that up?" Edward hissed at Bella. Bella flinched in shock at the tone of his voice and Elizabeth frowned at the couple.

"He asked to see you? He didn't even know you were in town," Elizabeth said slowly. While she never thought Edward would harm either one of them, he did have a bit of a fiery temper like his father, and she could see that beginning to show.

"What does it matter?" Edward shouted, throwing his hands in the air. "So he asked! It's not like I'm going to go!"

"I already know what you're going to say, Son, but…why not?"

Edward's head snapped towards his mother, anger burning in his eyes.

"Why not? WHY NOT?" Edward shouted. "Have you forgotten how he used to beat the shit out of me? Out of you? Or how about how he almost killed Bella? Or the fact that he never wanted me!"

"Edward, that's not true!" Elizabeth cried. Bella could only watch on in horror, unsure of what to do.

"Which part, Mother?" Edward hissed sarcastically. "Because I'm pretty sure if you took some x-rays of my ribs and examined them closely, you'd see the evidence of thefractures!"

"That he didn't want you! That was never true!"

"Oh spare me, Mother!"

Edward stood up and Bella jumped up with him, scared he was going to leave.

"Edward!" Bella cried, gripping his arm. "Don't go! Please, just hear her out!"

Edward turned and looked at Bella like she was crazy.

"You want me to listen to her? Really, Bella?"

Bella swallowed heavily and nodded.

"Please, Edward," she begged. "She's the only one who knew him before you were born, and has talked to him since after he was clean. Hear your mom out, Edward. Please."

Bella hadn't been sure that Edward would listen to her pleading. As much as she hated the Ed Masen, Senior, that she knew, he was still Edward's father, and he was dying. It was ironically Edward who had made her believe in second chances, and if Elizabeth could forgive her formerly abusive and ex-junkie husband, then maybe Edward could too.

Elizabeth told them about the day that Edward had been born. Ed had been so proud to have a son to call his own, and had even tried to take out an ad in the front page of the newspaper down in Huntington Beach. It was even Ed who had taught Edward to swim and to surf. He had been the model father before he was seduced by the allure of high paid lawyers and money, and just what that money could buy. Elizabeth pointed out that Edward had so many good memories of his father from before that time, and that she hoped Edward could forgive that man, and grant him his dying wish.

Edward argued that it sounded an awful lot like his mother was trying to guilt trip him into visiting the man he still considered a monster, but it was Bella who sealed the deal in getting Edward to agree to go and see his father. Edward and Bella had left his mother's house that day, not giving her a definitely answer of whether or not Edward would visit his father, but later that night, Edward made his decision.

"What do you think I should do, Bella?"

Edward had been quiet for such a long time, lying there in the dark on their bed, that Bella had thought he was sleeping. Bella sat up a little so that she could see Edward's face. He was staring up at the ceiling, not even acknowledging that Bella had moved.

"What do you think you should do?"

Bella knew her response was going to irritate him, but in the end, this could only really be his decision. Edward turned and glared at her in annoyance just like she thought he would.

"That doesn't help me at all, baby."

"I can't make this decision for you, Edward."

"But you think I should go don't you?" he asked, his voice getting louder. "You think I owe it to him? That I really owe my father this…this favor?"

Bella sighed, reaching up and running her fingers down Edward's cheek. His eyes closed and she could feel the tension leaving his body. She pushed herself up so she could lean over and kiss his lips softly. Bella was lying on his chest and she pulled back to look at him, her fingers continuing to stroke his cheek softly.

"I just don't want you to feel guilty or feel like you have questions that you never got answers to when he…when he's gone," Bella said quietly.

"How could I possibly feel guilty about that man's death?"

"Don't' say that!" Bella cried, smacking his chest. "Whether you like it or not, he's still your father! And without him, you wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't have the love of my life with me today!"

"So what? Just because his sperm was involved and I share his DNA, that means I should forgive him for beating the ever loving shit out of me and almost killing you?"

"Think about what your mother said!" Bella argued, her voice getting much louder. "Think about the man he was before the drugs and the alcohol! Think about the man that used to take you to the beach every day after school or took you to Disneyland every summer! Think about the man who taught you how to surf, Edward!"

Edward pushed Bella off of him, quickly but gently, and sat up.

"That man is gone, Bella," he muttered quietly.

"No he's not! Not yet, Edward!" Bella shouted.

"He was gone the first time he hit me, Bella!" Edward yelled, standing up to face her. "Why can't you get that? How can you ask me to go and see him? To talk to him and listen to him! To…to absolve him of his guilt before he dies!"

"Because that man I saw at the Lodge isn't the monster that tried to kill me when I was girl! Because the man I saw last night was a broken and remorseful man, who is honestly dying for a chance to make things right!"

Edward let out a frustrated growl and turned, slapping his palms against the wall. He leaned his forehead against the wall and took a deep breath. Bella stood slowly and moved behind him, resting her hands gently on his hips.

"Please, Edward," she whispered. "I don't want you to live with the guilt. I know you think you won't, but you will. Go see him, let him say what he wants, but say what you need to also. You have a chance to say everything that you never got to say to him years ago. He deserves a chance to talk, but so do you. I think you both will…will feel better if you do."

Edward sighed and turned, wrapping his arms around Bella's body and leaning his forehead against hers.

"If I do this," he whispered. "I don't want you to come with me."

Bella opened her mouth to protest, but Edward shushed her quickly.

"I can't…I can't stand the thought of him being anywhere near you, Bella. He might be…dying and yeah, maybe he's changed, but I just…I just can't. Don't ask me to tolerate having him in the same room as you, knowing that he tried to take you from me forever. That he did in fact take you from me for a very long time. Please, Bella…if I do this, this is something I need to do on my own."

Bella sighed but nodded. "Okay. Okay, baby. I understand where you're coming from…but can I suggest something?"

Edward nodded silently, already thinking about the fact that he was going to agree to go and visit his father.

"If I can't go with you, please take your mother with you? I think she should be there as well. You're all family after all."

It was silent for a few moments, and when Edward spoke, Bella almost didn't hear him. She did though, and a small smile spread across her face as Edward crushed her to his chest and buried his face in her hair.

"Okay, Bella. I'll go see my father."

The slamming of the oven door snapped Bella out of her memories, as did the smell of freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that her mother just pulled out.

"Well, I'm glad you stopped pacing!" Renee called. "I thought you were going to make a hole in the floor over there!"

Bella just shrugged as she walked into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. Her mother gave her the kind of smile that only a mother could give, the one that seemed to reach all the way down into a daughter's bones and make her feel like everything in the world would be all right.

"You want a glass of milk, baby?" Renee asked as she reached up to grab a glass for herself.

"Yes, please," Bella answered quietly, watching as her mother went about getting their glasses of milk and a small plate for their cookies.

The cookies were barely cool enough to eat before Bella grabbed one and dunked it in her milk before taking a big bite. Her mother's recipe was pretty basic, but her cookies always tasted like they were the best sugary creation in the world when she made them. At least, that's what Bella thought. Renee smiled as she watched her daughter enjoy her first few bites of her cookie before Renee took a bite of her own. The mother and daughter sat quietly for a few minutes, enjoying their sweet treats before Renee spoke again.

"Bella, baby, you need to stop worrying. Edward and Elizabeth will be back here for dinner, and your father will be home from work too."

"I can't help it," Bella said quietly. "I just…I just want so badly for this to…to…I don't know! Work out for Edward? For him to get some closure I guess. He deserves some peace of mind when it comes to his father."

Renee reached over and covered her daughter's hand with hers.

"It might take some time for him to realize it, but I know Edward will get the closure that he needs. It might not be apparent right away, but he'll get it. As long as you're by his side to help him sort through it all and support him, Edward can get through anything."

"He didn't want me at his side today though," Bella almost sulked. She understood his feelings, but she also felt like he was sort of shutting her out.

"Bella, Edward has always been overprotective. Even as a teenager he would've done anything to keep you from any sort of harm. There were times I felt like that boy wanted to wrap you up in bubble wrap and stick you under a glass dome or something so no harm could come to you!"

"But don't you think that he's almost…shutting me out emotionally?" Bella argued.

Renee shook her head. "Bella, he hasn't had the same amount of time as the rest of us to deal with the past and the monster that Ed had been."

"But shouldn't I be there to help him through it?"

"It's still painful for him, Bella. Edward hasn't had the chance to deal with all of his anger towards his father like the rest of us have. Didn't you tell Edward that you forgive Ed for what he did?"

"Yeah…"

"And it's taken you a long time to get to that point right?" Renee pointed out. "It's taken you years to be able to say that, baby. Edward's only known about his father's circumstances for a few months, and he only saw him face to face a couple of days ago. Edward might not realize it, but he has a lot to work through when it comes to his father."

Bella shook her head and looked up at her mother, giving her a small smile.

"When did you get your psychology degree, Mom?"

Renee chuckled and shook her head. "You hear all kinds of stories when you run an inn, kid. Especially when you sometimes have to play front desk manager, bell hop, waitress, and bartender all in one day."

Bella nodded and sighed, her eyes betraying her nervousness one last time as they strayed to the empty driveway again. Renee rolled her eyes.

"He'll be fine, Bella! Their talk is going to take some time!"

"Okay, okay…I'm sorry, Mom."

"Good. Now…I need your help deciding what we should make for dinner and dessert tonight."

The two Swan women distracted themselves with talk of more food and menu and grocery list planning. It was many hours later, when the food was pretty much ready, that headlights flashed across the kitchen window and Bella dropped everything to run to the front door. She tried not to be too disappointed when she saw that it was just her father in his squad car.

"Well, try to be at least a little happy to see me!" Charlie called as he walked up the drive.

Bella sighed. "I'm sorry, Dad. I just…I just thought that Edward would be back by now."

Charlie chuckled and shook his head. "You worry too much, Bells. Things will be fine. And Marcus is there to make sure things don't get too out of hand."

"I know, but I just worry," Bella replied.

"Got that from your mother, kid."

Edward had left early and dropped Bella off at her parents' house before Charlie had to head in to work. That gave Charlie time to apologize to Bella like he should have ages ago. He knew he still owed Edward an apology, but at least things between father and daughter were right again. Charlie knew he was being irrational and overprotective, and Bella knew that it took a whole lot of humility for her father apologize, let alone admit that he was wrong. All Bella needed was for Charlie to apologize to Edward, and things with her father would feel perfect.

Just as Bella was about to nod and agree with her father about his previous comment, another set of headlights appeared down the street, and Bella quickly recognized the rental car Edward had gotten in Seattle. Charlie patted Bella on the shoulder before he headed on inside. He needed to prepare himself for another dose of humility and find the words he wanted to say when he apologized to Edward.

Bella frowned when she saw that Edward was alone in the car, and that frown deepened when she saw the look of exhaustion on Edward's face. She quickly walked over to him and Edward received her in his arms gladly, pulling her tightly to him.

"Where's your mom?" Bella whispered against his cold chest.

"She decided to stay with my father for dinner. They had a lot more to talk about than my father and I did."

"More?"

"They were together for a long time, Bella. There's a lot of history for them to sort through. For whatever reason, my mother still loves him, and he still loves her. That right there gives them a whole lot to talk about."

"And what about you? Do you still love him?"

Edward was silent for a few minutes.

"Can we…can we just go inside, Bella? I'm cold, tired, and pretty hungry."

It obviously didn't escape Bella's attention that Edward never answered her question, but she let it slide. It had been a long day and that was clearly written all over Edward's face. Bella walked with him inside, Edward having tucked her against his side with his arm around her shoulders, and they were greeted warmly by Renee and Charlie at the dinner table. After washing up, Bella and Edward joined her parents.

"So…how did things go?" Renee asked calmly once everyone had some food on their plates.

"Cut right to the chase why don't you," Bella grumbled under her breath. Edward placed a calming hand on her thigh.

"It's okay, baby. I know you guys want to know. I would want to know too if I were in your position," Edward said with a sigh.

He took a sip of his water and everyone put their forks down to listen.

"He talked…said it was all of the drugs and the alcohol that had messed with his brain. He said that the…allure of money and power and success sucked him in. He said that the…the monster was all because of the drugs, that he didn't know what he was doing. I couldn't buy any of what he was saying."

"Edward—" Bella started, but he held up a hand to silence her.

"I was so…so angry when he stopped talking. I just exploded, calling him just about every dirty name I could think of and swearing at him with every word in the book. Marcus was alarmed and thought I might hurt myself or break something, but…all I needed was to get it all out. Once I stopped seeing red, I just let my father have it. I didn't hold back, reminding him of every single time he beat me or beat mom. I reminded him of the night he ruined my life and yours, Bella. I told him I hope he suffered when he was in jail."

Edward sighed and looked down.

"I'm not completely heartless though. I remembered what you and my mother had said, Bella. I remembered the man my father was before the drugs, before he hit me for the first time. I told my father that…that I can forgive that man. The man that used to take me to the beach and taught me how to surf was a good man. I told him I could forgive that man, but I don't know if I can ever forgive the monster that man became. I told him the monster didn't deserve anything from me, but my dad, the man who died when I was a little boy…I told him I would always love him, and that I could forgive him."

Bella could feel tears prickling her eyes as she looked at Edward. He looked so sad as he spoke, and Bella gasped softly when she saw a tear trickle down Edward's cheek.

"He was in tears, but he…he thanked me. He thanked me for giving him a chance and coming to see him. For forgiving the man he was sixteen years ago, and for giving him a chance to say that he was sorry. So, so sorry…"

Edward broke down, tears pouring down his cheeks, and he covered his eyes with one hand as he tried in vain to hide them. Bella was out of her chair in a heartbeat and pulled Edward to her, wrapping her arms around him and kissing the top of his head.

"I love you," Bella whispered. "I love you so much, Edward, and I am so proud of you."

Edward simply wrapped his arms around Bella and squeezed her tightly. It was like they were the only two in the room, completely forgetting about Bella's mother and father. Renee had gotten out of her chair and moved to Charlie's side. Charlie wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him tightly. They watched the younger couple in admiration. Edward and Bella had been through so much, yet they had found each other again and were an even stronger pair than they were before. The kind of love and support Edward and Bella had for each other seemed rare in this day and age, and the Swans couldn't help but admire it.

Some time had passed before Edward and Bella emerged from their little cocoon, and Edward's cheeks burned in embarrassment when he remembered that they weren't alone. Renee and Charlie had made themselves scarce after some time and were watching television in the living room.

"I should apologize for ruining dinner," Edward said quietly.

"You didn't ruin anything," Bella protested. "You needed to get all of that out. It wouldn't have done any good to hold it in. Besides, we can always reheat dinner."

Bella's last comment got a small smile out of Edward and the couple stood and twined their fingers together before heading out to the living room. Renee and Charlie both stood up when the younger pair entered, and it was Charlie who made the first move. To the female Swans' surprise, Charlie wrapped Edward up in a hug, which Edward returned in full.

"I'm proud of you, Son, and I have the upmost respect for you," Charlie said quietly. "It took a real man to face everything you did today."

Charlie pulled back and clapped Edward on the shoulder. "It took the kind of man that I would be honored to have dating my daughter, and I hope I can call a son of my own one day."

Charlie's statement was bold, but it didn't bother or surprise Bella and Edward. They hadn't really talked about marriage and the future, but they both knew that would come along. They were it for each other.

"Thank you, Charlie," Edward said quietly.

"Well, you're welcome, Son. And hell, I'm sorry for the way I overreacted, but trust me, if there's such a thing as karma, you'll know the pain of what it's like to be the father of a girl in love with a boy."

At that Bella groaned.

"I think that's enough, Dad!"

Edward and Charlie both chuckled, albeit Edward more nervously than Charlie, and let go of each other. Renee clapped her hands, taking in the scene.

"Well, how about we reheat dinner and finish up before I bring out the berry cobbler Bella and I made from scratch this morning?"

"That sounds like a plan, dear!" Charlie called out, turning to usher everyone towards the kitchen.

Bella moved to Edward's side and took his hand in hers once more. Things finally felt like they were moving forward, and things were as they should be.

Bella squealed loudly as a salmon flew past her head. Edward was all laughs, barely able to hold on to his camera in front of him. Bella huffed as she walked back over to him.

"I hope you got a picture of that! Those workers are all laughing at me!"

The previously mentioned workers laughed and waved. Edward waved back and wrapped his arm around Bella's shoulders.

"Oh come on, baby. That's one of the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle. We had to do it."

The two were enjoying a morning of strolling through Pike's Place Market and downtown Seattle before meeting back up with Angela and Ben. Edward had somehow been able to convince Bella to take a picture with the famous fish thrower guys who worked down at the market. He wished he knew what the name of their company was instead of just calling them the fish thrower guys.

"Well maybe you should've been the one in the picture with a salmon flying at your head!"

"Oh come on, Bella!" Edward chuckled. "It wasn't that bad."

Bella simply let out a harrumph as they continued on through the market. Ben was cooking them dinner that night, so there was no need to buy any ingredients, but both Bella and Edward wished that there was something like this market place area in Hawaii. The two decided to stop for lunch at Lowell's Restaurant. Their table had a great view of the water, and as they looked out at the water, Edward decided it was as good a time as any to bring up the future.

"So…I got an email from George the other day," Edward started off.

"Oh?" Bella replied, knowing that George was Edward's manager. "What did he say?"

"They want me to rejoin the tour at the end of August and start competing again even though I'm out of the running for world champion this year. He also said all of my endorsement deals want to pick things back up again."

"Okay…we talked about this. I want you to keep surfing, Edward, and I'll talk to Esme about the time off when you travel so I can go with you. I just need a list of your events in advance so that I can plan my schedule with her."

Edward sighed. "You're really still okay with all of this?"

"Of course," Bella answered with a confused look on her face. "I would never let you give up your dream of surfing, Edward."

"I know…but, I mean…you're really okay with this?"

"As long as you're careful and still loving what you're doing."

"Will you sit down with George and me then when we get home? So that we can work out my schedule and see where it fits best with yours?"

"I'll text Esme and let her know."

Edward smiled, feeling like everything was falling into place. There was still a small part that was hurting because of his talk with his father a few days prior, but he pushed it away. He wasn't ready to deal with that yet, and he wanted to enjoy the rest of his time in Seattle with Bella.

"Can I ask you something else too?"

Bella smiled brightly. "Of course."

"You know how you spend a lot of time at my house? And how you bring Patches over and have clothes there and stuff? And uh…how I gave you a key?"

Bella had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She knew what Edward was getting at, but wasn't about to put him out of his misery. She smiled and nodded, waiting for him to ask his question.

"Will you, uh…will you move in with me? You and Patches?"

"Of course!" Bella cried. "We would love nothing more."

"Oh, thank God!" Edward sighed in relief.

"Did you honestly think I'd say no?" Bella asked with a chuckle.

"Don't laugh at me, woman! That's a pretty big question to ask! It's probably second after that other big one."

Bella shook her head still laughing.

"Well, I'll put you out of your misery then. Whenever you ask that other big question, I'll say yes then too."

"I'll keep that in mind," Edward answered, a wide smile on his face. He wasn't going to propose any time soon, but he knew he was going to marry Bella someday.

The two of them were still smiling and giggling like giddy little teenagers when Edward's phone rang. He sighed as he pulled it out of his pocket.

"I bet that's George. I swear he has the worst—Oh…it's my mom."

Bella took a sip of her water as Edward answered the call happily. His relationship with his mother was much improved, and Bella was happy about that. Edward had even invited her out to visit them in Honolulu.

"When?" she heard Edward rasp. Bella looked up to find Edward's face pale and his eyes closed tightly as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Okay," he murmured. "We'll leave tonight."

Edward hung up and kept his eyes closed. Bella could already feel it in her gut, but she couldn't assume anything.

"What did she say?" Bella whispered, already knowing the answer.

"It was about my…my father. She said he died this morning."

Well? Yes? No? That's not really a cliffy right? We saw that coming? I needed to wrap things up with Ed Masen, Senior. This chapter was way more angstier than I thought it would be, but I think it was a little necessary. Edward needs the closure.

So…what do you all think is going to happen next? How will Edward handle this? What about the tour? Will Surferward be back in action soon? Well, we'll see very soon friends! I have Chapter 25 planned out, but just need the time to type it up. We'll be back to the fluffy happy times before you know it! :-D

Let me know what you guys thought, good or bad, pretty please? You can find me on Twitter (NoelleSeven) and Facebook (Noelle Seven). Just please let me know you're from FFn otherwise I may not add you LOL. Can never be too careful. :-) Hope to update soon!