Chapter Twenty One
Jasper
I don't know what I expected this year but having Bella's father with us for Christmas certainly wasn't on my list of possibilities. It was clear from the way that Charlie clung to him and Maggie seemed to hang on his every word that Grandpa Charlie was important to them both. I just hoped that the Chief wouldn't live to regret our interference in his life. Becoming a vampire wasn't something to be entered into lightly. I cursed Jake and his stupidity. The mutt had no concept of responsibility, he was a dangerous fool.
I hadn't been prepared to start trouble in Forks for the sake of my son and Bella's father but one way or another Jake would pay for what he had done.
In the meantime, Maggie and Charlie were giving their Grandpa a guided tour of the house and I discovered that our son had already planned the sleeping arrangements. Whether he liked it or not the Chief would be sleeping in Charlie's room.
It hadn't occurred to me that perhaps the children wanted contact with non-vampires. After all, they were hybrids and still discovering what that meant.
Jake's actions had other consequences too. The Volturi were now waiting impatiently in the wings for Bella and the Chief to take the final step and join our world. We had been gifted this Christmas as breathing space but I knew that pressure would be brought to bear very soon.
For now, I intended to enjoy the festive season with all the family and we were soon in fits of laughter playing games with the children. It was easy to forget that they were still very young when they acted so maturely most of the time but it was true and I loved to see them act as the children they were.
I called Emmett to check how he and Peter were doing and discovered that they would be home before midnight. It seemed Hunter had taken a shine to Peter and insisted on sitting on his lap.
"Peter hasn't stopped moaning."
I heard my friend's voice in the background.
"I wouldn't mind so much but he weighs a fucking ton. Has no one explained to the mutt that he's too fucking big to be a fucking lap dog?"
Visions of Peter squashed in his seat by the bulk of the Chief's dog were amusing and I knew Emmett was appreciating the humor even if Peter wasn't.
"When you get here remember to keep the noise down. I'm hoping the kids will be asleep and I don't want them waking or Bella won't get any sleep at all."
"Oh, don't you worry about that. We'll be as quiet as fucking mice. It's this dopey animal you should be talking to."
"Right. See you later then."
I told the others that Emmett and Peter would be here before morning but vetoed Maggie's idea of staying up to wait for them.
"If Santa sees you are awake he won't stop here. Is that what you want? Besides, Uncle Em and Peter will be here when you get up in the morning."
The Chief who was now constructing Lego buildings with Charlie sat back and looked at the kids.
"I hate to have to tell you but I haven't been able to get you anything for Christmas. I feel really bad about it. Maybe we can go shopping in a couple of days and you can choose something kids."
Charlie climbed onto the Chief's lap and Maggie held his hand, "We have you, Grandpa. That's all we wanted for Christmas, and you are going to stay, aren't you?"
The chief glanced at his daughter, "Yes. I'm not going anywhere unless your Mom and Dad throw me out."
"They wouldn't do that." Maggie sounded scandalized.
"No, but if they did you could live in our tree house, Grandpa."
Maggie rolled her eyes at her brother's suggestion, "Charlie, it's freezing out there. Grandpa would turn into an icicle."
"He could have the blankets off my bed. Besides, Hunter would keep him warm."
Charlie turned to Bella, "Mom, Hunter has to sleep on the bed or he gets lonely. You will bring him up when he gets here, won't you?"
Bella promised that she would and then took her Dad and the kids out into the kitchen for something to eat.
Carlisle smiled after them, "I'm glad Chief Swan knows the truth. It felt wrong lying to him and he and the children are so happy. I just hope he can cope with becoming a vampire."
I heard a car pull up outside, "I just hope he can cope with Edward. It sounds like he's here at last. Did you tell him about Charlie's little adventure?"
"No. I thought it could be a surprise. He said he had a couple of stops to make on the way here once I told him that Maggie was better. He never asked why Bella hadn't called and I decided not to enlighten him."
I thought I saw a wicked gleam in Carlisle's eye as he spoke, but I guess that I could have been mistaken!
Esme and Rosalie had followed the others into the kitchen so I went to greet our guests and groaned as I saw Edward hidden under a massive pile of presents.
"You'd better hide those in the barn or the kids will never get to sleep tonight. What the hell did you do? Buy up the whole toy store."
Angie had the grace to look embarrassed.
"I told him not to go crazy but some are for Charlie. We were so worried about poor Maggie. I guess you forget how vulnerable little children are. It's a good thing Charlie didn't catch it from her. He didn't, did he?"
"No, he's fine. Come on in. There are some people I want to introduce you to. You can find your own way, Edward."
He stood there staring at me frowning. He'd read my mind so he knew who was in the house. What he didn't know was how and why.
I escorted Angie into the kitchen and made the introductions.
"Chief, this is Angie. Edward's wife. Angie, this is Bella's father. And this is my old friend Charlotte. Her husband Peter will be joining us later."
Angie was wary of the Chief, she was always nervous around humans but he didn't seem to notice. I think he was so wrapped up in his grandchildren that he didn't really care.
Charlotte shook hands with Angie and the two stood talking as Maggie came to greet her stepmom with a hug before going back to her supper. Charlotte was filling her in on Charlie's adventures so as I heard the front door shut I went back into the living room to give Carlisle some moral support.
Edward was furious, "What the hell is going on? Why is Chief Swan here? Are you crazy? The Volturi will not be happy about this."
"Calm down, Edward. The Volturi already know. They have given us the festive season to work it out."
"Work it out?" he lowered his voice, "He's got to die. We both know Bella's father is never going to choose to become a vampire. He's so closed-minded and parochial he wouldn't even understand there is a supernatural world out there."
"Don't you think that's his choice to make? Besides, he already knows that supernatural beings exist. Jacob Black introduced him to the world of shapeshifters and vampires."
Edward's eyes opened wide in shock, "Jake? What the hell has he got to do with this? As far as he's concerned Bella is dead."
"Actually, he found us. He discovered that Bella was still human and used the kids to lure her back to Forks."
"The kids? Maggie? Is that where she was? Carlisle, you told me that she was in bed sick."
"She was."
Edward turned on me, his eyes blazing, "So, it was your son who caused this mess?"
"Yes, Charlie went with Jake but it was Maggie that he approached first."
As Edward opened his mouth to continue Maggie came bursting in and threw herself at him. He smiled in genuine pleasure and lifted her.
"How's my little Princess? Are you OK now?"
She nodded but her face was grave, "Don't blame Charlie Daddy. He didn't understand the trouble it would cause. He's just a little boy. I wanted to go too. We love Grandpa Charlie."
Edward smiled at her but glared at me over her shoulder and I knew I would hear more from him later.
When Charlie and the Chief came in Edward smiled at my son and held out a hand to the Chief.
"Chief Swan. I didn't expect to see you again."
"No, I guess not. Your little act was pretty convincing. I'm sorry to hear about your arm. Charlie told me you lost it protecting his sister. That was brave of you."
"She's my daughter. What else was I going to do? You of all people should understand that."
"Oh, I do. I guess we should just bury past animosities, especially under the circumstances. Merry Christmas, Edward."
"Yes, Merry Christmas, Chief Swan."
Edward allowed Maggie to draw him away at this point. She wanted to show him her latest drawings and he no doubt was looking for an opportunity to grill her about Jake.
The Chief came to my side, "I still don't like your brother much and I know he sure as hell doesn't like me."
"I wouldn't worry about it. Edward doesn't like anyone much, but he'll be civil in my house."
The Chief nodded and strode to Charlie who was calling him to help with the Christmas stockings Bella was preparing to hang on the mantelpiece. Maggie had insisted on one for each of us and I noticed an odd couple hurriedly made for her Grandpa and Hunter. I wondered what Bella planned to put in the last.
When Maggie and Edward came back downstairs we settled down to watch A Muppets Christmas Carol, chosen by Charlie, before the kids were persuaded to go upstairs to bed.
Grandpa Charlie was in great demand once more to help Charlie get ready for bed and to tell the children a story. It was nice that they were so happy and our family was complete. I had always felt it a little one-sided, all our family had been from my side. Now Bella had her father and she was very happy.
Edward who usually had the honor of reading a bedtime story to Maggie looked less impressed. How could a grown man be so juvenile and jealous? He gave way with little grace and I could tell that Angie was not impressed. She had never seen this side of Edward before. He'd always gotten his own way since they met.
Once the children finally settled down we gathered in the living room around the fire and I noticed that Angie and Charlotte seemed to be getting along famously. Edward glared and I couldn't help smiling. That must really get his goat. Edward had never liked my friends. He considered Peter a loathsome, foul-mouthed Hillbilly and Charlotte a country bumpkin. He was wrong of course but Peter did nothing to dispel this idea. He loved getting under a person's skin and needling anyone who would give him a reaction and Edward did so every time.
Deciding it would be better to clear the air I filled everyone in on the complete story of Jake's visits and Charlie's trip to Forks. No one had the whole story so it avoided a lot of questions. Only Edward had more to say.
"If you kept a closer watch on the children this would never have happened and we wouldn't be in this situation now."
"I'm sorry, Edward. What situation are you in exactly?"
He scowled at me, "You know what I mean. Chief Swan is under a death sentence until he decides what to do."
"Oh, I've already decided, Edward. I know this is going to shock you but I happen to love my daughter and my grandchildren and I have no intentions of walking away. If staying in their lives means becoming a vampire then that's a price I'm willing to pay."
Edward nodded in grudging admiration. What could he say to that? I think he understood any animosity between himself and the Chief would make his relationship with Bella and his daughter extremely awkward.
He wasn't over though, his next target was me.
"What about Jacob Black?"
"What about him?"
"Are you just going to let him get away with everything?"
"What in particular am I letting him get away with?"
He scowled, "He kidnapped your son and took him all the way to Forks in a blizzard. If it had been Maggie I would have done something about it."
"I did. I went to Forks and brought Charlie back. As for the blizzard. I doubt Jake would have attempted that if he'd thought for one minute it would put Charlie in danger. He had no intention of harming either of the children."
"He used them to try and force Bella to remain human."
"Yes. Because he still loves her and hates vampires. If anyone should be angry with Jake it's Bella. He put her father's life in danger. I pity Jake. He is in love with a woman he can never have, that must be miserable."
It was a barbed comment and his eyes narrowed in anger, but he let it pass.
"Jake was already gone by the time we reached Forks and getting Charlie and the Chief back here was more important than chasing after him."
"So, you're just going to leave it? Are you going soft?"
Carlisle cleared his throat, "Edward, I would think carefully before insulting a man in his own home and in front of his wife and family. It's the season of goodwill so let's all show some. Chief Swan has made his peace with what happened and to be fair none of this actually affects you or Maggie. Maybe it would be best if you let it go."
Edward hated it when Carlisle stood up to him and he looked ready to reply when Angie took his arm.
"Come on. We should sort out those presents now that the children are asleep."
He allowed her to lead him out and I sighed, "We should have left his invitation off the list. I'm sorry, Chief Swan."
Bella's father had watched Edward leave.
"That boy has a chip on his shoulder a foot wide. I wonder if he realizes just how alike he and Jake are?"
I laughed, "Don't let him hear you say that, Chief. He'll sulk for days. We are sorry for what has happened but pleased you're here."
The Chief put an arm around Bella, "Me too, son. Me too."
"I guess we should enjoy the peace. It won't last long. Peter and Emmett should be here soon."
Carlisle sighed, "Yes. Your friend certainly has a certain knack for winding people up and Edward is in just the mood for him. Sorry, Charlotte."
"Oh, don't mind me. I have to live with him."
Everyone began to relax and I saw the Chief stifle a yawn. We had forgotten he was human and needed sleep just like Bella. I motioned to her and she took the hint.
"Right, folks. I'm going to love you and leave you. Coming, Dad? We could both do with some rest before Santa comes. We can leave these nocturnal creatures to their own devices."
Charlie glanced around, "Don't vampires sleep then?"
I shook my head, "We don't need to. Enjoy it while you can, Chief."
He nodded, "I will and I promise not to wake the children. Goodnight everyone."
I watched as my wife and her father walked upstairs arm in arm and smiled. Bella had the only Christmas present she needed and seeing her so happy was the only one I would ever need.