Author's note; Happy Friday! Today we're hearing from Charlie's - a first for me!

… Chapter 11...

Charlie's POV

Stupid kids.

They must take me for an idiot. I'd be insulted if watching them sneaking around wasn't so damn funny. They think they're smart, but I've been on the force since before those two were in diapers. I can spot a lie a mile off. They couldn't be any more obvious if they tried. Makes me think they want to get caught.

For one, Bella is a different person from the one who went to Seattle. She's so happy since whatever the hell went down there. As for Edward, he has a smile as big as a Cheshire cat. He's had it bad since Bells returned home, but even before that, he was always asking about where she was .… what she was up to these days? If she came home often to visit?

But if he's good for Bells, that's all that matters to me. He's not gonna lie and cheat on her like that mongrel Jake. I only have to mention that guy's name and watch Edward's reaction to know he would never betray Bella in that way.

I don't know why they try to hide it - I'm not a fool. You have to be blind to miss the puppy dog eyes he has for my daughter.

Time to mess with them, l think, smugly.

"You can head off home if you want to, Bells."

"Are you sure, Dad? I'm fine waiting till you're done here," she offers. I don't miss the longing look she sends Edward's way.

What did I tell you - obvious.

"No, you head home. I swapped with Paul, so I'm on the late shift tonight. You go home and have fun, or relax, whatever you want to do with your night." I cringe when I realize what I've said. I know exactly what those two will be up to, given the chance.

"Thanks, Dad," Bella says softly, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. She must have it bad if she'd prefer a couple of extra hours at the station with lover boy over a night off.

While Bella is packing up her things, I glance across at Edward, who looks fucking miserable. Told you the kid's got it bad, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Despite the ribbing I give him, he's one of the good guys, not to mention incredibly protective.

When Waylon was brought into the station and spotted Bella in the office, he said something jokingly that was bordering on sexist; a throwaway comment, and I saw red. I was second away from throwing him in the cells for disrespecting my daughter, but Edward stepped in and beat me to it. He dragged him to one side and had some not-so-friendly words for the usually harmless old drunk. I don't know what was said, but he's not tried anything since; he won't even look Edward in the eye, let alone glance in Bella's direction.

Yeah, Bella couldn't be in better hands. After Jake, she deserves someone who treats her right, and there's no denying Edward is good for her.

"Why don't you head off too, Edward. It's a quiet night, plus we have Seth on the late shift with me."

"Really? You don't need me to stay?" he asks, trying to hide his excitement. I ain't stupid, or blind.

"Nah, you head off- this is Forks, not the big city. We've got it covered. You can drop Bella home on the way if that's not too much of an inconvenience. Her car is in the garage - you'd be doing me a favor."

"Of course, Chief." Edward doesn't need telling twice; he's up and out of his seat and straight over to my delighted daughter, who looks like the cat that got the cream when Edward leans down, whispering something in my little girl's ear that makes her smile, and her cheeks blush.

They're getting too confident … too cocky, but I love seeing Bella smiling. She's practically beaming. Shit, maybe I need to give them the talk again. They're still young, and I don't want to be a grandaddy so soon.

I'm getting ahead of myself - they might not even be having se—.

No, I can't finish that sentence.

Who am I kidding; they can't stay away from one another, as proven by their current display. As a detective with over thirty years on the force, I see everything.

Hands linger … eyes focus solely on each other … smiles widen. It reminds me of Bella's mother and me when we were younger, but I'm not worried for them. Edward isn't me, and Bella definitely isn't Renee. These two kids are gonna make it work. I'd bet over thirty years of service on it.

They just need to tell everyone and get it over with…

Author's note; Most of you already guessed Charlie was on to them ;) This chapter confirms your theories!

There are a couple more chapters, and an epilogue to go before I mark this story complete next week. Thank you for reading :) xx

Today's rec; Bye Baby by Mighty Morphing Pomegranate- such a funny and sweet story, and it's complete too!