58

Between Angela getting a cold and life in general, Bella and I haven't had much time to sit down and talk about Renee's parting words, and I'm starting to get frustrated.

It feels like every time I get her alone, something happens.

"DAD! Let's go!" Angela's weak voice calls from downstairs, and I roll my eyes.

She is finally starting to feel better, things are finally starting to settle down, and Alice got the call this morning that the star of the school play is out with the bug that swept through the entire city. Alice is the only understudy who didn't fall victim, so she'll be playing the lead role on opening night.

Tonight.

As a favor, the drama teacher managed to get us three front row tickets so we can be there for her.

I grab my wallet and find two of my girls waiting not so patiently for me by the door. I step into my shoes and ignore their impatient huffs.

"Okay, are we ready?" I ask, and they both glare. "Let's go."

Alice left this morning so she could get fitted for her costumes and have her hair and makeup done, but we're going early.

I thought Bella was going to faint with happiness when Alice asked her if she'd come in and help run the ticket booth. Alice has come such a long way in such a short time, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

As soon as we park, Bella rushes off to find the drama teacher, and Angela tells me to help her look for Ben and Jasper. They pop up seconds later, making her squeal and making me jump.

"Mr. Cullen," Ben greets, wrapping his arm around Angela's shoulders.

"Edward," I correct.

"Edward," Jasper says with a smile, and I frown.

"Mr. Cullen." His face falls, and I laugh. "Just kidding. Hi, guys. Tonights the big night."

Angela and Ben whisper back and forth before she steps forward and hands Jasper her ticket. "Ben and I are going to sit with some friends. I think Alice would really like to see you up front for her debut."

"Thanks, darlin'." Jasper grins and leans in to kiss her cheek, but Ben pushes him back with a growl.

"Get out of here." He laughs.

"We're going to find Lauren and Eric so we can try to get decent seats," Angela tells us. "See you afterward."

At the last minute, I remember the giant bouquet Bella made me stop and get for Alice that's in the trunk, so Jasper and I head back out to the parking lot.

"Ali already has the arrangement I got her," he tells me. "I had it sent this morning after she called to tell me the big news."

I remember a time when I hated this boy. When I wanted more than anything for his infatuation with my daughter to fizzle out. Now I can see just how much he cares for her, and I'm happy, albeit a little jealous.

Both my girls are in healthy relationships with vampires, and I live with the one I want and haven't gotten anywhere with her.