CHAPTER FIVE

Dying

I was grateful Rosalie took Nessie away as Carlisle was trying to suture Emma's hand back. She was in apparent pain, but she refrained from screaming, adding to Edward's torture, and exacerbating his anger towards me. Carlisle did the best he could, he put all of his past long years of medical expertise into helping her, but I could see in his eyes he wasn't satisfied by the results.

To be honest I wasn't at all worried about Emma, what really scared me was the dejected look Edward had on his face, a look I haven't seen, not since the time he left me after my doomed birthday party accident. For it hadn't happened, we could have avoided all of the volturi trouble, and most importantly escaped Emma's comeback. The hole in my chest was back, only deeper engulfing me into folds and folds of fear and darkness.

"Having a long day ha?" Alice chatted breaking my chain of terrifying thoughts.

"Oh, yeah," I faintly answered.

"We were on our way to help with the bears' situation, until I got hit by another graphic vision," she teased, directing her speech at Edward.

"You saw Emma's attack?! I thought you couldn't see wolfs," I wondered puzzled.

"I didn't, I saw Edward and someone else's flying head," She taunted, obviously referring to Jacob.

"Emmet, Jasper, we need to trace that other vampire Jacob mentioned. If we really have a devious nomad vampire scouting the area, we need to know who he is and why he is here?" Edward ordered firmly, cutting off Alice attempt to lighten up the atmosphere, and bringing back that nauseating pain to my chest.

He kneeled down to touch Emma's face and whispered, pain breaking his tone,

"I am sorry for all that happened today."

"It wasn't your fault," she immediately replied a touch of anger injected in her voice.

"But as we are all here, I need to ask you all for a favor," she continued mainly eyeing Carlisle and Edward.

"Please, don't try to change me, better yet don't even try to help me. It's too late for that," her voice was breaking with agony as she held her injured hand close to her chest.

"I have accepted that, please try to accept it too. Don't force me to leave. If I am really dying, at least let me die with all of you, let me die with my family." tears broke on her face amdist the shock of all of us.

Edward was fast to wipe her tears off.

"Your humanity is beating the beast in you Emma. Don't talk about dying, you are only a hundred years old, you are too young to die." she heartedly smiled resting her head over his chest.

"You should rest now, Alice please help her upstairs."

Alice rushed to help her, as Edward gestured for Emmet and Jasper to move.

Before I even thought of following them, he turned abruptly to face me,

"I think you should stay here Bella, we don't know what we are dealing with, besides I think Nessie needs you, you got some explaining to do."

He was firm, distant and that made me refrain from arguing with him, especially when Rosalie walked in with a very curious Nessie in her hands.

She jumped in her daddy's arms and complained,

"You are leaving again?!" she said sadly, poking out her lips in an animated pout.

"Sorry darling, I have something important to do, but I will be back soon," Edwards charmingly apologized, holding her deep to his heart and showering her with kisses. Seeing them together tuned down my all day frustrations and worries.

As Edward left, Nessie focused all her attention on me. I watched her closely as she indulged on how she spent her day with Rosalie and Alice. Her wide eyes flickered like butterfly wings every time she got too excited, her sweet little hands gestures were pleasure to my eyes. Her little stories were the only entertainment I had for weeks, right up to where Jacob starred in one of them. I felt a cringe in my stomach just thinking of him and of the decisions Edward is enforcing on all of us.

"Speaking of Jacob darling, he won't be able to come here for a while," I tried to keep my voice as casual as I could, stripping away any urgency or importance to what I was saying.

"Why?" She instantly asked, anxious, not at all falling for my bluff.

"The pack have some problems in the reservation that requires their full time, the elders are not allowing anyone to leave."

"Okay," she bleakly responded, letting out a frustrated sigh, a million questions written all over her face.

I could have left the conversation at that, and put an end to a very annoying discussion, but I could not leave my daughter to suffer again with struggling thoughts without any clarification.

"What's wrong?" I asked her gently, giving her a chance to speak her mind.

"Did Jacob ... hurt Emma...?" she hesitantly asked, obviously stressed and bothered by what she heard has happened, torn between both Jacob and Emma.

Her question brought the attention of the whole family, who turned their focus to me awaiting for my reply, and that just made me determined to answer as firm and as clear as I could, I wasn't going to let Edward or the Cullen's force their own hate ideas about the wolfs on Nessie, especially not about Jacob,

"Listen to me carefully Nessie, what happened to Emma was an accident, Jacob was only doing his job."

Both statements were absolutely true, she didn't ask any further questions, my words were like gospel to her, my clarification was all she needed for the subject to be closed, for all her worries to rest. I never realized I held that place for her except now, I am her mother, the person she looks up to, the person she trusts the most. That thought itself scared me a bit, I looked into her eyes and prayed God to never fail her trust and to always be worthy of it.

She took my mind off things for a while, before she finally gave in to sleep in my arms. I wished she had stayed awake a bit longer or for Edward to be back. Time dragged, every second lingered over like forever. I froze in place, avoiding eye contact with anyone in the room. Their silence made me self-conscious and their whispers added to my discomfort. I felt like a guilty defendant on a witness stand, I wanted to escape to disappear. For the first time with the Cullen's I felt like a stranger and that feeling was the worst I had all day.

My conflicted feelings were getting the best of me. I felt like an emotional bomb that's about to explode. I had to leave, with Nessie in my arms, my only way out was to put her in bed. But halfway across the stairs I realized I will be putting my daughter in bed with Emma, and the thought itself tormented me. Yet I needed the break, a moment alone to gather myself after a long disappointing day.

As I put Nessie in bed, I couldn't help but notice Emma's heavy breathing. Either she is really deeply asleep or she is just a very good actress.

"Why are you here Emma? Why complicate my life? My daughter's life? Divided we fall Emma, and ever since you set foot in this house, you have been dividing us, I ... never felt more distant from my family,"

Just as I said the words I realized that they are my family. What was I thinking?! I had no reason to hide or escape, even if I was at fault today, forgiveness is what families are all about and I will be doing a bigger mistake if I don't man up and get over my family insecurities.

As I left the room, I could hear Edward and Carlisle arguing.

"What's going on," I eagerly asked, but Edward was too angry, he wasn't too keen to answer. Jasper took the initiative to explain,

"We found a trace of a vampire, not only in the clearing, but also around our house, your cottage and around the wolfs reservation. From what we gathered we believe he is a very resourceful vampire, who went out of his way to hide himself. He covered his scent and his trail extremely well. It's almost as if he never set foot on land. He was invisible, almost like a ghost."

"He was a ghost, if it wasn't for your expertise, and the traces of burned trillium you found, we would have completely missed him," Emmet interrupted praising Jasper.

"What's trillium?" I wondered.

"That's a flower that was used by very old vampires. They used to burn it with other ingredients to cover their scent," Jasper clarified.

"So Jacob was right," I uttered knowing it wasn't the right time to mention Jacob, but I couldn't miss the chance to defend him. My statement didn't find any support from any member of the family, especially not Edward.

"Would you forget your precious Jacob for a minute Bella, and focus on the problem in hand,"

His intense voice and hard stare made me regret even thinking of Jacob.

"There is no problem Edward, at least not yet," Carlisle calmly stated and that only ignited Edward more.

"Again... After all we showed you, after all we told you. This vampire could be as old as you if not older. He was around our houses and we didn't even feel him. He was stalking us in the clearing today and almost got Emma killed, and we were completely oblivious to him. And you still think we don't have a problem," Edward squealed enraged.

"I am just asking you to have patience son, and not to jump to hasty conclusions. First we don't know for sure that the vampire is old, the trillium trick is old yes, but any vampire could learn it from an old vampire or even from the Internet. We also don't know if he is stalking us or just passing by," Carlisle gently argued, defending his point of view.

"We got famous in the vampire world after our Volturi face off, and many vampires just pass by to see Nessie, even from a distance. It happened a couple of times before," Esme added.

"They all know about the wolfs too and that may explain why they would want to hide their scents."

"There is also the possibility that this vampire is sent by the Volturi either for Nessie or for Emma. The possibility that he means us harm and that he is a part of a bigger plot that we should be ready for," Edward warned, still cross and irritable.

"Sure, that's also a possibility and that possibility is the only reason I am asking you to be calm. We don't know what's planned for us, and the biggest mistake we could do right now is to fall for the lure and get distracted. We should stay put, stay alert, and guard what is important for us. Instead of wasting our energy chasing a "ghost" as you described him," Carlisle wisely advised trying to reach Edward's reasonable side.

"I think Carlisle is right, and coming from the most anxious member of the family to pick a fight, this should mean something, right?" Emmet mused slightly breaking the tension in the room.

"We should all sit together and plan what we should do. We can't leave it to random efforts," Edward firmly suggested and everyone agreed.

Jasper made a tight plan, everyone had a strict job. Nothing was left for chances. Patrols were set around the main house, our cottage and even around my dad's.

I had one task only and that was Nessie. She was my sole responsibility. My one and only job was to keep her safe, something I can handle only by my motherly instincts. Initially my Package had included Emma, but seeing my reluctance, Esme volunteered to take care of her.

"I think Emma and Bella have to work things out first, before we threw them together on the same boat," Esme gently stated and I strongly agreed.

Every one was weighed down, it was going to be tough to keep up with the set plan, but the wolfs were strictly counted out, not only because of Edward's orders, but the whole family was against the idea, even Carlisle. I always seem to underestimate how much the Cullen's are a tight family, how protective and unforgiving they get when it comes to their own. Nothing and no one mattered or compared, the wolfs are no exceptions.

Edward interrupted my deep thoughts,

"Do you want to go home? Or should we stay in tonight?"

"No, let's go home," I immediately replied, I wanted to leave the Cullen's house all night.

"Fine, I will go get Nessie then," he answered, his frustrated voice showed that he would have rather stayed.

Two steps on the stairs and I remembered that my daughter is sleeping in the same bed with Emma.

"No, wait," I screamed behind him, like a complete fool.

Edward stopped and turned to face me, and even though he couldn't hear my thoughts, I felt he read right through me.

"We will get her together then Bella," he suggested, his menacing eyes scared me.

I rushed into the room and immediately to Nessie's side, trying to keep him away from Emma, but in vain. I just made it easier for him to go for Emma. He sat by her side, carefully watching her, He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek, a smile broke across his face.

"What?" I anxiously asked.

"What do you mean?" he strongly disregarded my question.

I decided to move it along, the faster I get Nessie the sooner we could leave. The second I touched my daughter, I was hit by the weirdest vision ever. I saw Emma and Edward passionately kissing in what seemed like a wedding ceremony.

"What the hell! Can you believe that Nessie is dreaming of you and Emma getting married?!" I was fiercely disappointed, I couldn't swallow the idea of my daughter thinking of something as hurtful as that.

"Relax Bella, it's not her dream," his calm voice and his fixed gaze on Emma, made it clear the vision was hers.

"Their gifts are way too similar, when they touched, Nessie just channeled what Emma was dreaming about," he proudly explained his theory.

"And you are okay with all of this? Ooh...This explains why you were smiling earlier, you were enjoying it weren't you?!"

Before he could say a word I poured my heart out,

"Look Edward, I find it hard to believe that she sleeps, and having that specific dream just right at the moment you entered the room, only proves that I am right. She is faking it all and I can prove it."

I hastily moved closer to her and pushed her hard with my free hand to wake her up from her fake sleep. Edward was screaming behind me, uttering something about her dreaming of wolfs and stretching his arm across the bed in a desperate attempt to stop me.

Her reaction wasn't at all what I had expected, she jerked away from me, flying off the bed in absolute horror, hitting her head hard in the night table and yanking the night lamb to the floor. Edward lunged forward pushing his body against hers trying to break her fall, but he was a second too late, they both ended up crashing into the broken glass. She screamed in terror, staring in our faces, fear is unmistakably evident in her widened eyes. He enfolded her into his arms, trying to contain her panic and gently removing the glass pieces of her body.

And again she ended up into my husband's arms and I ended up on the other side... the other side of the bed.

With all the commotion and the screams, Nessie was waking up and the Cullen's were all at the bedroom door.

"What's wrong?" Carlisle and Esme anxiously asked in the same breath,

"Nothing dad, Emma just had a bad dream," Edward instantly replied through clenched teeth, his furious eyes fixated on me.

"Must have been dreaming of wolfs," Emmet cynically mumbled.

"There is nothing funny about this Emmet, it's actually tragic. Please accompany Bella and Nessie to the cottage, I will be staying here for a while longer," Edward strictly ordered.

"I can take care of myself and my daughter, thank you very much. She is my responsibility remember," I angrily refuted his order and detested the way he kicked me out.

I took Nessie in my arms and swiftly left. I struggled with frustrating thoughts all the way home. Thinking of the fragile vampire who SLEEPS and who is slowly stealing my husband's attention, affection and Care. Thinking of Jacob who is on our enemies list , and of the old vampire stalking the family. Just when I thought my life could be normal.

Half way to the cottage, I had that indistinct, vague feeling of being followed. I stayed calm, but extremely focused. It was absolutely silent around me, with no scents in the air, but I learned the hard way to never count on scents anymore.

I abruptly turned to look behind me, but there was nothing, not a trace, nothing at all, not even a moving tree branch. I turned back and Jacob was straight in my face,

"My God Jacob you startled me," I gushed breathing a sigh of relief, and thinking again about my inadequacies, if I missed a scent as Jacob's then may be I am not the best choice to protect Nessie.

"Oh..so I scare you too now," Jacob sarcastically asked disappointed.

"Come on now, you know that's not true," I gently answered.

I wanted to update him about that stalker vampire, but then I realized that confirming the threat would only ignite him more, and he wouldn't leave Nessie's side, and even though we need his protection, the situation at the Cullen's now wouldn't allow it.

"How is she?" he gently whispered.

"She misses you." I tried to comfort him.

"I promise you I will work things out soon. But please, don't push things now," I calmly added.

We walked together to the cottage, and despite promising to leave, I could still smell his scent all around the house. To be honest knowing that he was still there made me feel more safe.

I tucked Nessie in bed, and watched her sleep. I had that deep feeling that was taking over me. I don't know if it was frustration, annoyance or may be even jealousy. My daughter was sleeping and sharing dreams with a stranger, something that I can never share with her, or can I? Could we really sleep? With all our powers and strength?

I laid down next to Nessie and decided to give "sleep" a try. I wraped my arm around her and tried to give in to sleep, but it never came. I only struggled with racing thoughts, not only thoughts of what happened today, thoughts of every problem and every embarrassment I had all my life. Kind of the same struggle I went through every night of my human life. My brief human days reminder made me want to give the whole thing up, but as I gazed upon my baby's angel face, and with my desperate need to share this experience with her, I opted for another try.

This time I took another approach, I chose to focus on her. She would be my anchor point to sleep. I closed my eyes and let her innocent scent, the beat of her heart, and the rhythm of her deep breathing be my gate. I concentrated on my inner silence, and after a brief fight with my stubborn restlessness, everything was quiet. My body started to let go, it felt heavier and heavier. My mind was finally peaceful, almost serene and dark. I don't know how long the darkness lasted, but slowly the light crawled in. When my vision was finally clear, I was in the meadow laying with Edward by my side. It was like when we first met, like no time has passed at all, except Nessie was there, playing around us and enjoying the sun.

Everything was perfect, but as always it didn't last for long. Suddenly the Sky became extremely cloudy and the sun completely disappeared. A dark shadow lurked behind the trees. It called out for Nessie and she instantly followed. I ran behind her, desperately trying to stop her.

"Who is there, Nessie stop!" I screamed my lungs out, but she didn't answer.

Across the field the whole family were frozen, staring into space. Their gaze was cold and dead, just like zombies. I was torn between them and my baby.

In a second my daughter was gone and my family have turned into ghosts. I was chocking, I could feel my breath racing, gasping for air even though I don't need it so I forced my eyes opened.

My eyes wondered across the room trying to process what I just saw, it felt so vivid, so real, but when my eyes met Edward's I realized it was just a nightmare. His scent surrounded me, so familiar, so comforting and when he ran his hands down my arm, his touch made me feel safe.

"Calm down darling, you were just dreaming," he whispered in my ears, I sighed resting my fears into his embrace, but that horrible feeling was still consuming me.

He carried me off the bed and out of the room, probably not to wake Nessie up. He headed for the terrace with me still in his arms. I couldn't shake the feeling of horror that dream forced on me, but Edward had a wide grin on his face.

"What's with the smile?!" I asked.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be insensitive. I just missed watching you sleep," he gently said, indulging in the memories of my human days.

"You never seize to amaze me Bella, how did you mange to do it?" he continued intrigued.

"It was easy actually, not harder than falling asleep as a human, same struggle really," I casually stated, enjoying my moment of success.

"Tell me about your dream."

Going through the details of my dreadful nightmare, troubled me even more, it sent deeper shivers through my bones that I started shaking again. Edward tightened his arm around me and tried to comfort me, associating the dream with a ghastly mind reflection of the anonymous vampire stalking us.

His face suddenly changed, he became tense, slightly distant, reluctant about something and when he finally spoke he was so careful,

"Speaking of human life, Carlisle has an interesting theory about Emma."

With the way he was acting and the mention of Emma's precious name, I knew I was in for a treat.

"He believes that she is somehow reverting back to her human self," he cautiously continued, carefully monitoring my reaction.

"That's impossible," I firmly denied the assumption.

"Well, he has a medical explanation for it. He believes that when she deprived herself of blood, her venom level gradually lowered, allowing her cells to return to their original structure. If you think about it, this is a reasonable explanation of why her healing is slow and for the tears she cried today. He is sending her blood and tissue samples to be examined at a high tech lab in Switzerland, run by a friend of his. The results should be in within a week," he continued

"Can you believe this Bella, the potential that assumption offers. I mean if starving ourselves is the price to pay to redeem our souls, that's a simple price to pay, right?" he tried to keep his voice composed, but I could see the excitement and eagerness shining through his eyes.

Humanity was back to hunt me. This can't be true. I was never worthy of Edward's love as a human, or even as a vampire. I can't return to being a clumsy, inadequate, good for nothing human, especially not with Emma in the equation, I won't stand a chance.

"I don't know what to say!" I was literally speechless, a million thoughts were racing through my mind.

"Would you consider it? I mean if it's proved to be true, would you do it with me?!" he anxiously requested, anticipating my answer with bated breath.

"No," I decisively answered, without thinking, just like I always do. But this time my answer hit him like a spear to the heart. He was more hurt than I expected. I always knew how much he hated being a vampire, how much redeeming his soul meant to him, but I never though it was that deep.

I tried to search for a reason to justify my harsh rejection,

"Nessie... She needs us, we can't turn to humans at least for her. She needs our protection, our support, she needs us to always be there for her. And us ... Why settle for a few decades when we can have centuries together, when we can have forever as a family." My reasons were solid, but my hesitant, shaky voice wasn't convincing. He knew I was hiding the real reason behind my return to human life repulsion.

He was quiet, obviously disappointed. He even looked away, chagrined.

"Why don't you come to bed with me, may be you could give sleeping a try too." Another unsuccessful, desperate attempt to distract him and change the subject.

"No, you go ahead. I want to have some time alone," his tone was so detached almost angry.

He spent the whole night at the terrace, staring into space, burdened by deep thoughts. It wasn't until Nessie was up that he started being himself again.

"I want to go see Emma," Nessie cheerfully requested and he instantly complied.

Emma was at the front door when we arrived, Nessie just ran into her arms to a deep embrace.

"How are you today Emma?" I took the initiative trying to lower the tension between us.

"I am feeling better, thank you," she faintly answered, her week voice reflected she was still in pain.

"Can you show me my future now, please?" Nessie happily pleaded.

"That's not very nice Nessie, Emma need to rest," Edward tried to correct Nessie but Emma cut him off,

"No,no. It's totally fine. I'll be delighted to show you whatever you want sweetheart." She thoughtfully held her hand and they both closed their eyes and ventured into the near future.

Minutes later, they both opened their eyes and smiled,

"Seen enough?" Emma asked winking at her.

"Yeah, we are going to have fun today," Nessie joyfully answered.

Her promise of fun was comforting, we walked into the house with hopes for a better day.

Inside, the house was different. The living room was emptied, no piece of furniture was left. There was one huge speaker on each side of the room. Every one was wondering about the reason behind all this, but I knew better. I instantly searched for Alice who was more cheerful than usual. She flashed a wide smile towards me, just as she touched the screen of her phone. A deafening voice echoed through the new speakers,

"The Cullen's family DJ presents, Alice Cullen Dance through Time Remix."

We all broke into laughter, calling Alice name in renouncement.

She ignored all the negativity and swiftly moved to the center of the living room, that now looks and feels like a dance floor, Jasper in her hand.

"Are you ready to dance? Or are you afraid of the challenge?" She daringly raised the question, showing off her amazing dance skills and tempting all the reluctant family members to join in.

Although they all refused the idea at first, when the Charleston music started, they all joined in. Esme and Carlisle, Emmet and Rosalie, even Edward. His face lit and his eyes darted towards Emma. They exchanged a quick grin, as if the music resonated a shared memory between them. He walked up to her and held out his hand. She delicately smiled and placed her hand in his without hesitation. He then gracefully led her to the dance floor, leaving me standing alone on the side with Nessie.

Watching all the males in the family dance the Charleston was mesmerizing. They lifted their dance partners as if they were butterflies, and caught them back in their arms with such beauty and skill. Edward was so careful with Emma, still their dance was smooth, flawless and exquisite. I would have never been able to do it, even if I had known how to do the dance in the first place.

The tracks on Alice's play list kept changing, from one dance to another and I watched them elegantly step into the new dance with no effort at all. They did the jitterbug, the Boogie Woogie, they even twisted and disco-danced.

Even though I was left out and I was not too keen about the intimacy of all the dance moves between Edward and Emma, I actually enjoyed watching them dance happily and carefree, they all have not had any fun in a long time.

Once Waltz started, Emma excused herself from Edward and gestured me to come join him. I was so eager to join the dance mania and Waltz was actually a dance I could do. Edward gently approached me, took my hand and pulled me closer to him. He circled my waist with his hands, and I firmly clasped my hands around his neck and we swayed to the music.

The music changed and changed, and I tried to keep up as much as I could. I looked over Edward's shoulder, and Emma was teaching Nessie some simple dance moves, they were both truly enjoying themselves. May be I was unfair to her, may be I never gave her a chance.

The dancing frenzy continued, I watched Carlisle perform a perfect moonwalk, Jasper nailing the break dance, Alice and Rosalie mastering the steps of all the single ladies, while I could barely do La Macarena. But the main highlight was Emmet doing the Gangam style.

When the music finally stopped, everyone was exhausted but happy, we all have had a great entertaining time, a well needed break, and we owe it all to Alice.

Nessie was glued to Emma all day, she was like her shadow. She had that strange admiration for her. Even when it was time for us to leave, she asked if she can spend the night with Emma. They all anticipated my answer, even Edward who could have easily granted her permission. I saw it as an opportunity to patch things up with him, with the whole family really, so I agreed. Giving the relief I saw on everyone's faces, I made the right decision.

I was still euphoric when Edward and I left the main house,

"You can stay here if you want, I have to patrol your dad's house tonight," he genuinely offered.

"Would you mind if I come with?" I playfully suggested.

"What do you have in mind ?" he wondered intrigued .

I moved close to him, pusher my body against his and looked him straight in the eyes,

"Nothing," I teased.

"I just miss my room, so I thought we could spend the night there, doing you know what. And if any dumb, old vampire dares to show up, we will just have to kill him. Not only for trying to do my father harm, but also for interrupting us," I was mumbling, utterly lost in his eyes and enjoying my moment to the fullest.

"Well, it's a very bad idea, I just have to think about it," he taunted, as cool as ever, and just walked away. I ran behind him and jumped on his back, nearly knocking him to the ground.

"I am not letting you go that easily ," I whispered, kissing the side of his neck.

He secured me tight on his back and darted towards my father's house, just like the old days. When we arrived someone was leaving.

"Oh, it's just Sue Clearwater, but this late? Your dad has been naughty Bella," he declared, his voice dripping with mean mockery.

With me still on his back, he jumped inside my room through the opened window.

"I could have jumped on my own you know," I said proudly.

"I know, but you and I haven't been here for a while and as we are reliving your human days, I thought we do it the old way," he said mesmerizing in memories, a touch of sadness crossed his face.

My room was exactly the same, the smell, the light, and ... Edward. Having him back in my room flashed back lots of feelings.

"Come lay in bed with me, for old times sake," I seductively invited.

He laid down on the bed beside me, and slowly moved towards me. When his lips finally caught mine and sealed warmly into a kiss, the kiss was as fierce as our Passion. It felt exactly like the first time we kissed, the same overwhelming rush of feelings that freezes your brain and leaves you numb, longing for more.

He abruptly stopped, also exactly like our first kiss.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me you are afraid to hurt me," I ranted completely let down.

He just grinned and pressed his lips again on mine, but this time he was determined, not much on the kiss, but on keeping me quiet. Only a second later, he gently pulled back.

"Your dad is outside the door with some really loud thoughts," he explained, whispering right into my ears, being more joyful than usual.

"What?" I asked puzzled.

"Nothing," he said nothing but his face had "something major" written all over it, something he was trying to hide behind his wide smirk.

"Edward!" I insisted.

"Well, it's nothing you wouldn't know about later," he alluringly stressed every word, and pressed his lips again on mine, but this time he was more tenacious, and I was more than willing to give in to him...

I didn't realize I fell asleep again, except when Edward woke me up. I was still curled up tight in his arms when he gently whispered,

"Wake up sleepy head, we need to head home. Your dad must be close to our house by now."

"My dad at the Cullen's? oh ...It's last night mystery, isn't it?!" I wondered, trying to get some information out of him and miserably failing.

"Believe me Bella, you would want to hear it all from him," He said cheerfully.

We beat Charlie to the house, just to meet an over beaming welcomed us home with a heightened enthusiasm, exchanging sneaky smiles with Edward. I kind of expected that really, if anyone would have foreseen my dad's little secret it would of course be Alice.

I heard Charlie's car park outside, so I impatiently ran up to him.

" Good morning dad, what brings you here so early ?!"

I knew I was absolutely rude to him, but Edward and Alice had me worked up very good, curiosity was getting the best of me.

"Good morning darling, I am happy you came outside. I kind of want to talk to you alone." he was a bit anxious, or may be even worried.

"Of course dad, whatever you need. Let's go sit in the garden."

He sat me down and tried to talk... whatever he was trying to say was making him completely uncomfortable.

"Listen... Bells...um... " he rubbed his hand over his sweaty forehead, and tried to start again "Bella ... I ... .I ... Asked ...errr...uh!" his voice was trembling, he was struggling with words.

"What is it dad?! You can tell me anything," I said gently, holding his hands in mine, trying to comfort him.

He forced his eyes closed, and tried to gather his strength,

"I asked Sue to marry me," he finally said through clenched teeth, his eyes still closed. But when he opened them, he was staring at me, waiting for my reaction. I was still in shock, that was my father's big announcement, he is getting Married! Oh... Edward should have at least slightly prepared me for this.

"If you are not okay with it, I won't do it. But I really want you to be okay with it. Are you okay with it?!" he tried to break the awkward silence, his cute mumble and blushing cheeks made me want to tease him a bit more.

"I don't know dad, I could agree... But only under one condition," I firmly stated keeping a straight face.

"What is it Bella?! Anything," he sincerely offered.

"My room stay off limits."

"Of course Bells, I was not going to let anyone come near it any way."

he was so serious and stressed that I just broke into laughter.

"My God dad, you should not have a doubt in your heart that I want nothing for you but absolute, pure happiness and if marrying Sue Clearwater would make you happy, then I completely, heartedly agree. I am surprised you would even ask," I said looking straight into his eyes, wishing I could make him see through my heart, to know how much I love him.

He held me deep into his arms, tears building up in his eyes.

"Let's go inside and break the great news to everyone. It's time to celebrate," I said excited, wiping the precious tears off his face.

The Cullen's were all thrilled to hear about the coming wedding, but Alice was more excited than anyone, she and Charlie always had their own special bond. But her over excitement had a different reason behind it.

"I will throw you the best wedding ever. I can picture it all in my head and let me tell you, it's PERFECT," she said, her voice tingling with affection. She always had a passion for organizing over the top celebrations.

But Charlie was cautious, he didn't share Alice enthusiasm.

"Actually, Sue is planning everything, even the wedding date. And I wouldn't want to bother you anyway,"he said with an awkward smile that didn't go well with Alice.

Emma chose to congratulate dad from a distance avoiding the hand shake. Nessie on the other hand threw herself into my dad's arms, utterly excited about the wedding and what she should wear for it.

I was excited about the wedding too, for me it wasn't only about my father's happiness, it represents the perfect opportunity to try to mend the burned bridges with the wolfs. This wedding can bring us all back together, like we used to be, before precious Emma came into our lives. A chance to bring back Nessie's companion.