AN: When will these two ever talk when they are supposed to? The talk will come but for now, Jake & Leah's wedding and reconnection

Thanks for SunflowerFran for her beta skills and getting this and the next few chapters back to me so quickly

And of course to MeteorOnAMoonlessNight who pulled this into shape when I got lost

Your reviews make my day, so leave me some, if you so choose

Nothing has changed since last week, clearly Edward still belongs to Ms Meyer

And Rob isn't mine, either, though the lovely pictures and interviews have gone some way to keeping me happy this week. It's beena long time since we heard so much from him, I've loved every minute, and my phtot collection has grown alarmingly!

On with the next chapter

Chapter 36 Bella

Jake recovered quickly from his concussion, and he and Leah decided to set a date for their wedding. Although Billy's betrayal cut them deeply, they decided on the end of August, wanting to waste no more time.

The next few weeks were busy, and Edward, as promised, called and texted often. It wasn't the same, but most of that was my fault, as I was unable to move past the difficulties of having two such separate lives. Between my business in Jamaica and his job in Seattle, I had no idea what to do to find a solution, and whenever Edward broached the subject of where the future would take us, I procrastinated, using the half-truth that Seth deserved a break. There was also Jake and Leah's upcoming wedding, after which I knew I would have to return to Jamaica.

Instead, we passed the time talking about Emmett, who was planning to move in with Rose in the very near future. They were building a life together, and I found myself jealous of their possibilities while I was unable to even talk to Edward about ours.

He talked about his job in Seattle and how he felt a little out of place. I commiserated, saying that it was bound to be difficult for a time, and I was sure it would all iron itself out in the next few months. He was, however, enthusiastic about the work itself, and I couldn't fault him for that.

I knew that Alice was planning to move to LA to be with Jasper, and that meant that Carlisle and Esme would soon have an empty house. It seemed only natural that Edward's move back into his childhood home would be welcomed, and I had no idea where I fit in with his plans, or if he had made any.

"Bella, can we talk for a moment?" Charlie's request came out of the blue. Sue was at the reservation, and for once, he and I were alone for the evening meal.

"Okay," I answered slowly. Charlie had never asked me that question.

"What's up with you and Edward? You've been quiet these last few weeks, and you don't seem to be happy. Has he done something?"

I was silent for a moment, not wanting him to even guess at the reason for my reticence. I knew Sue was suspicious, but hopefully, he hadn't noticed the few mornings I had been unwell. I remembered that day at the cabin, and the lack of protection with unease, but I hadn't allowed my mind to dwell on the possibility until some of the regular signs had appeared; such as nausea most mornings and sore breasts. Shaking my head at my inner musings, I returned my attention to Charlie.

"I'm fine, Dad. Just missing Edward, and no, he hasn't done anything … that's the problem." The last part of that sentence was spoken in a whisper, which I hoped he hadn't heard. Realizing that he was still waiting for me to say more, I blurted. "It's just ... things are a little difficult."

Charlie narrowed his eyes, telling me that he never missed anything; he wasn't the Police Chief for nothing. I was glad, however, that he chose his battles and for the moment would pass over that remark.

"Tell me, Bella. What's difficult?" Despite his uncomfortable demeanor, I could tell he was just concerned.

Heaving a big sigh, I told my dad almost everything. "He's moved back into his parents' house and seems happy there; I know they are glad to have him home again. Then there's his job ..."

"What about his job, Bella?"

"It's in Seattle, and he loves it; I can hear it when we talk. And then there's the bar; I have to go back soon for the new season, or I won't have a bar to worry about, and ... and ... I have absolutely no idea how he feels or what he wants ..." I trailed off, not sure what else I could add, my mind flicking back to the thought that I might be pregnant.

"Have you talked to him about it?" Charlie was asking all the right questions.

"No, not really, I just don't know what to say to him. I can't ask him to give up his job and what would I do if I came back here? Not that I'm against Forks," I hastened to assure him. "I have no idea what I would do for work, and then there's the situation between us."

"What situation is that, Bella?"

I looked at him and then closed my eyes before whispering the thought that had been reverberating through my head for the last couple of weeks. "I don't know if what he feels for me is real."

When Charlie didn't answer, I opened my eyes to find him looking at me speculatively.

"What?"

"When your mother and I began to have difficulties ..." he began.

I looked at him in amazement, as he had never broached anything personal about him and my mom.

"We never talked, you know? I knew she was unhappy in Forks but, I was adamant that we had to stay here. That it would give you a better, more stable life. To be honest, that was some of my reasoning, but mostly I was scared."

"Scared?" I seemed to be reduced to one-word questions.

"Yes, scared. Scared to move away from what I had always known. My parents and their parents before them were born and bred in Forks. My father was the Chief of Police before me, and it was all I had ever wanted. Or so I thought."

He took a swallow of his beer before taking a breath and continuing. "I just buried my head in the sand, Bella. And then, one day your mother had had enough, I guess. She told me she couldn't stay in Forks for one minute longer, that she felt stifled and needed more."

He looked directly at me. "I let my fears ruin our marriage, and I lost your mother and you. I spent years alone and on my own, and yes, I have Sue now, and Seth and Leah, but I can never get back that time; all because I was pig-headed, and too afraid to follow you both. Don't make the same mistake, Bella. If you love him, then you deserve a chance, and if he loves you, as I suspect he does, you have to give him a chance, too."

We sat in silence for awhile, the sound of ESPN the only noise in the room. Eventually, when I was sure he had nothing else to add, I cleared my throat and quietly wished him goodnight. He had given me a lot to think about.

After a restless night, I woke the following morning having made a couple of decisions with my tossing and turning. I missed Edward badly, but before he and I could discover where our feelings led us, I had to sort out the bar. After my morning shower and tea - now that coffee was out of the picture - I called Seth, telling him to close the bar and come home for Jake and Leah's wedding. Speaking of weddings, it was time for me to stop wallowing and get involved with the arrangements. I was Leah's maid of honor, and I still had no dress.

When Edward called me at lunchtime, I invited him to the wedding, and although I wasn't sure what I would say to him, I had to tell him how much I loved him.

Leah was overjoyed when I called her next. Laughingly, she told me she would pick me up in half an hour, before I could change my mind. "I found my perfect wedding dress in a small boutique in Port Angeles. Why don't we make the rest of the day of it, and get you the perfect dress, and I'll even treat you to lunch at La Bella Italia, too."

Ending the call, I shot up the stairs to exchange my ratty sweats, and holey t-shirt for skinny jeans and a white gypsy top Rose had given me when we stayed at her apartment. I was running a brush through my hair to put up in a ponytail, when I heard Leah's car pull up outside. Feeling happier than I had a while, we laughed and sang along to the radio on the ride to PA, and for once I felt like a teenager.

Five hours later, with aching feet despite the flats I had worn, we made our way back to Forks. Leah dropped me off outside the house, along with my dress and bags containing underwear, shoes and a few other things that had caught my eye while we were shopping. Surprisingly enough, the day had been full of fun and laughter, and we parted company with a promise to meet in a day or so to finalize the rest of the arrangements. Hidden in the depth of my purse was a test I had purchased when Leah's attention was elsewhere, and I was now certain that before I could talk to Edward, I had to know if I was pregnant or not.

The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear and promised to be an unusually warm one; perfect for a wedding. It was just as well the ceremony was at four o'clock because the impromptu bachelorette party at Charlie's house went on until early morning. Rachel and Rebecca, Jake's twin sisters showed up mid-morning, and a stream of all our friends arrived over the early afternoon. Angela, Emily, and Claire made up the rest of the party along with Sue, and we all gathered in the living room, drinking wine, handing out inappropriate presents for the bride-to-be, and exchanging stories of our school days and the years in between.

I remembered how many friends I really had, and I was greeted as if I had never been away. Sue, ever the most responsible of us, made sure we had plenty of food to soak up the wine, and encouraged us to switch to water before we all crashed in various places around the living room.

During an excursion to the kitchen to exchange my cocktail for a mocktail, Sue cornered me. "You need to tell him, Bella."

"I know I do, I'm waiting for the right time."

Now she was in the loop, she kept me supplied with fruit juice and water instead of wine and cocktails, which hopefully would keep everyone else in the dark.

Edward had briefly dropped in around midday to say hello, before meeting down on the Rez, with Charlie, Jake, Embry, Sam, and Ben, where I was sure they imbibed as much beer as we did wine. Sue, bless her, had made sure that they too, had food and water to soak up the alcohol.

By three-fifteen, we were almost ready, with just the finishing touches to makeup needed. Leah looked absolutely gorgeous; she was glowing with happiness. Although she and Jake had agreed on a modern wedding, they had kept some of the traditional elements of the Quileute tribe and had incorporated a handfasting ceremony.

Charlie arrived in a highly decorated squad car, which Jake had insisted on, saying that it was appropriate since both he and Leah were on the force. Sue herded the rest of us into the cars outside, leaving Charlie to follow with Leah as he was standing in for her father, Harry.

As I walked down the aisle on Seth's arm, I caught sight of Rachel behind us on Edward's arm. Jake had talked about asking him to be in the wedding party, but I hadn't realized that he had agreed. His smile from across the other side of the platform, beside Jake, filled me with warmth. Charlie arrived with Leah, and led her to Jake, barefoot as she had planned. Taking his seat beside Sue, Charlie smiled warmly at me, his gaze letting me know that I was loved.

The ceremony passed in a bit of a blur as Edward took up all my attention until I was nudged by Rachel to hand Leah's bouquet back after Sam had pronounced them man and wife. I had eyes for no one but Edward as congratulations, hugs, and kisses were given between the guests and the newly married couple, while we were slowly making our way toward each other.

"Bella ..."

"Edward ..."

We both spoke at the same time and moved closer to each other, irresistibly drawn by the spark; igniting the moment he touched me. His arms pulled me against him and mine, as usual, wound round his neck and I buried my fingers in the hair at the base. Our lips met, softly at first, and then with more passion, showing that he wanted me. No doubt mine were telling him the same thing.

Becoming aware of the catcalls, good natured ribbing, and remarks about getting a room, we separated a little sheepishly, my cheeks red with embarrassment. I caught Charlie's gaze as he shook his head, grinning at our little display, and I ducked my head into Edward's shoulder as he hugged me tightly against his body.

Quickly enough, everyone dispersed to find food and drink and a seat; the younger people settling on the blankets and cushions strewn around the bonfire, which was to be lit at six o'clock. It would ward off the cooler night air and provide a backdrop for dancing on the sand and the football game that was sure to break out among the Rez lads.

Edward and I wandered over to the tables, never letting go of each other's hands, while we filled one plate between us with the delicacies displayed. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough hands to hold both our drinks and the food, so we let go only long enough to grab both and make our way to one of the driftwood seats set around the fire.

I didn't think either of us was willing to break the silence with talk of what the future would hold, and it seemed that we had come to an unspoken agreement to leave that for the following day. There were things he needed to know.

"How long are you here for?" I asked once the plate was empty.

"I have to be back Sunday afternoon," he answered, "I have to be at work on Monday morning."

The silence became a little strained, knowing that there was an important discussion we would have to have at some point; I had a lot to tell him, but I was still waiting for the right time.

"Well," he began again. "It was a lovely wedding, wasn't it?"

"It was. I love the beach theme." I was frustrated at myself for the monosyllabic answers, which were the only ones I could seem to find.

"Dance with me?" Edward blurted out suddenly, holding out his hand.

"If you're sure you want to risk your feet, then yes, thank you." Smiling, I stood and accepted his hand as he walked me over to the makeshift dance floor that had been set up a short distance away from the bonfire.

"You look beautiful today, Bella." He pulled me close to his body as we swayed to the slow music, choosing to stay on the dance floor for the next few songs. We were joined by Sam and Emily, and Charlie and Sue; the tension and awkwardness between us slowly subsiding. In its place, the spark intensified until I was virtually vibrating with it and couldn't wait to be alone with Edward.

**CD**