Here's a Father's Day chapter from our favorite Daddyward!

I know I'm so bad at responding to reviews, but I cherish every single one of them! Thank you all so much, you don't know how much your reviews mean to me!

Thank you, Sherry and Paige, for your guidance and friendship!

"She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak

I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks

I've been drawn into your magnetar pit trap

I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn back."

-Nirvana-

EPOV:

The knowledge that my girl loves me has me fucking elated. Never have I been more at peace with myself. I've been on cloud nine since hearing my girl admit her feelings, and admitting my own, has me so incredibly relaxed. The words have been on the tip of my tongue, yearning to be expressed and now that they've been said, I can't stop repeating them. I spent the last day of our trip, constantly telling my girl just how much I love her.

When she says she loves me too...God, no words have ever sounded sweeter. Her feelings toward me are more than I've ever hoped for. I just can't wrap my head around someone loving me, especially someone who is not obligated to. My father loves me, but I'm his son, and Charlie loves me, but I'm the only father he has. Bella could have chosen anyone she wanted...and she chose me. A struggling single dad. It's fucking baffling to me, but that doesn't mean I'm not thrilled. Shit, I'm beyond thrilled...I don't think there are words to describe the amount of happiness these past few days have brought me. I've been so happy, I completely dismissed any of Cassandra and Devon's misgivings on our last day.

We had gone to Juniper Swim and the sight of me in my swim trunks had shocked them both. I had forgotten that they hadn't known the extent of my body art and piercings. Well, they know now. I got a lot of stares that day, but the only look that mattered was the one coming from my girl. I couldn't keep my eyes off her either, in a simple black bikini, she looked absolutely stunning. The black, thin material against her creamy, smooth skin...God, I can imagine it even now. If it weren't for Charlie's grandparents close by, I would have shown Bella just how sexy I thought she looked.

Although, Cassandra and Devon hadn't warmed up to me during our trip, they seemed at peace with the fact that I was Charlie's guardian and respected their daughter's decision. It was nice seeing Charlie in the loving arms of his grandparents. I had been close to my nana. She had always treated Seth and me equally and was one of the only people who ever made me feel truly cared for. I was a mess after she died.

The highlight of the last day was teaching Charlie to 'swim.' I allowed him to lay flat on my hands, with his belly in the water, as he kicked his feet and waved his hands around. With his huge floaties on, he looked pretty adorable. My heart felt as though it would burst, as Charlie laughed and played in the pool. It's amazing to know that he's so happy. I hope I can always make him this happy.

Cassandra and Devon still seemed in denial about their daughter's death by the time we left Bend. Although they loved Charlie, I could see the pain in their eyes from time to time as they played with him. I'm sure they must see their daughter when they look at his baby face. I wanted to open up about Seth, just so they would know I understood their feelings, but their lukewarm reception of me kept my mouth closed. We left with promises of returning, and I hope that when we do, Kate's parents will be closer to reaching some sort of acceptance.

I was exhausted, mentally and physically, as we left Oregon to return home. I just wanted to be in the comfort of my own bed, with my son and my girl cuddled up against me. As much as I have enjoyed a few days off, I am happy to get back to the monotonous days of getting up early, going to work, and heading home. Due to my exhaustion, I got us fucking lost, and it added an extra hour to our trip. When we finally did arrive home, I passed out on my bed as Bella tended to my son. The last thing I managed to mutter was a tired "I love you," before falling to sleep.

I was whistling a merry tune as I rolled into work this morning. Emmett gave me a knowing grin and patted me on the back as soon as I walked by.

"You look like you just had an amazing lay." He fucks with me.

I roll my eyes and punch his shoulder. "No, man, it's not that." I laugh and continue, "Well, it is that, but it's also so much more."

Emmett gives me an expectant look and takes a chug of his water.

I feel embarrassed bringing this shit up at work. I don't like to get all mushy and talk about my feelings, but I'm so fucking happy, I can't contain myself.

With a shit-eating grin I tell him, "My girl told me she loves me."

Emmett's face lights up like a Christmas tree and he slaps me on the back and says, "That's amazing, man! I knew Bella loved you. I mean, you talk about her all of the time."

I chuckle, unable to wipe the smile off of my face. "I know I do, man, I just can't help it."

All I do is think about her, so it makes sense that all I do is talk about her.

"You and Bella should come out with Rose and me some time," Emmett suggests.

I've never met his girlfriend, but he talks about her a hell of a lot as well. Maybe Rose could be a good friend for Bella.

"That would be awesome, man. It would be nice to hang out with another couple."

Emmett promises to make plans soon before heading back to work. The day goes by quickly and I spend most my time thinking about how good it will feel to get home to Charlie and Bella. After spending every second with them for the past few days, it's odd being on my own, even if it's just ten hours.

I call Bella before leaving work, and after the weekend we've had and the day she just spent watching Charlie, she's spent as well.

"Babe, let me just grab something on the way home. You've worked too hard. I don't want you to stress about cooking dinner."

"As long as it's no trouble for you…" Bella trails off. Although, she doesn't want to admit it, I know she needs a nice break.

"It's no trouble," I assure her, as I make my way to my car. "I'll just stop by a sandwich place or something and get us some take-out."

"Sounds good." I can hear the smile in her voice. "I love you."

This is the first time we've said it to each other over the phone, and my breath catches in my throat. With a giant grin, I respond, "I love you too, baby. I'll be home soon."

"Drive safely."

I end up at a nearby deli, which is packed with the 5 o'clock crowd. I swipe through pictures of Bella and Charlie on my phone until I get close to the front of the line. As I'm planning my order, I see a face I recognize. It's the woman from Target, the beautiful one, and she is waiting for her order at the end of the counter. I can't help but stare at her. It's not because of an attraction I have for her, or any shit like that, I'm way too invested in my girl to think about other women. I stare at her because I'm trying to fucking place her. Why on Earth does she seem so familiar?

I continue to stare, hoping that she doesn't notice me. Her copper colored hair has been freshly cut and styled, making her look much younger, and her slim figure is dressed in, what looks to be, expensive clothing. She doesn't look much different than the other women in town, and yet there is something about her that stands out.

"Sir?"

My eyes dart to the counter, where a kid behind the cash register is giving me a confused look. Feeling fucking embarrassed for gawking for so long, I step forward and quickly place my order. As I grab my ticket and move down the counter, I feel compelled to talk to this woman. I don't know what is possessing me, but I manage to keep my mouth shut. The woman's order is up, which consists of two large coffees to go, and she grabs them, quickly thanking the barista before heading out the door. My eyes follow her as she leaves.

She's greeted by a man, as soon as she exits the deli. A man I know all too well. My mind is reeling and I'm paralyzed with shock. He greets her warmly, as if she was an old friend, before taking what appears to be his order of coffee. He doesn't look at me, thank God, because if he did notice me, I wonder what the fuck he would say. What could he say? He laughs at something she says, and I watch them walk away until they are out of my sight.

"Sir?" A teenager asks, holding up my order.

I hand her my ticket and take my food, feeling completely numb as I leave the deli. What the hell did I just witness? And why the fuck did it make me feel so sick?

A/N: Don't hate me guys! Can't wait to see what you think!

Song- "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana.