oOo

Smiling, her dad shook Edward's hand.

"Good to meet you, Edward. I'm Charles."

"Thank you for the invitation," Edward said, feeling Bella's father consider him for a moment, but not in an unfriendly way.

"And my mum – Mum, meet Edward," she called.

A very pretty woman with dark blonde hair and an open smile joined them. She was probably only a few years older than Rosalie. Bella had told him that her parents had been in their mid-twenties when she was born.

"Mrs. Swan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, call me Renee." She shook his hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Edward."

More introductions followed. The elderly lady was Bella's grandmother, and Jackie introduced him to her boyfriend. Leah was also there, along with her brother Seth and her parents, Harry and Sue. He was slightly overwhelmed, but felt immediately at ease with Bella's family and friends. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and over the next half hour, more people started to arrive until the living room was filled with chatter and laughter and Charles declared the buffet open.

Bella was never far away from him, touching his chest, slipping her arm through his, taking his hand.

It was getting quite obvious to him where she got her warmth and cheerfulness.

He was having a plate of chicken salad, chatting with Paul, when Leah joined them.

"Hey," she smiled, the small gap between her front teeth showing. "Nice to meet you again, Edward."

"Yes, you too."

"Bella's looking very happy."

"She makes me very happy, as well."

There was a small silence.

Seemingly sensing the growing awkwardness of the situation, Paul excused himself.

Edward took a deep breath, facing Leah with a light smile.

She was looking at him with stern, dark eyes.

"I just hope you know that Bella isn't all that tough, not the way she may seem. She's strong, and she has more courage than anyone I know, but she's fragile, too."

"That's rather obvious, isn't it?" Edward huffed. He was beginning to resent Bella's friend for insinuating – well, whatever it was. "What exactly are you trying to tell me, Leah?"

"Just… Look out for her. I know she's a very caring, warm-hearted person, but please remember that Bella needs to be cared for too."

"I don't know what makes you think that I don't," he said. "I want to take care of her, I want to protect her. Our relationship may be new, but I'm not an idiot. I know she has issues. So do I." He shrugged. "But I'm positive that we'll manage."

"'kay."

At last, Leah's smile became genuine, just a second before Bella joined them, slipping her arm through his.

"Do you like the salad? I made it, even though there's chicken in it." She grinned.

"It's perfect."

Edward slid his arm around her waist and placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

"So you're a painter, huh?" Leah said, cocking her head.

"I am."

Bella squeezed his bicep as she smiled proudly.

"I'm having an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in February. I'd love it if you came."

"I just might," Leah replied, once more revealing her charming tooth gap.

.

Three hours and many small talks later, Edward felt that he had come to know the Swan family rather well. They were a lively, cheery bunch of people. Bella's parents were very friendly with him, even though Edward was aware of the fact that they might have second thoughts about their daughter dating someone sixteen years older. If they had, they didn't show it, chatting with him about his work and Bella's, asking questions about his painting, but never getting inquisitive.

It was after ten when most of the guests were leaving.

"Do you want to come to my place?" Edward asked Bella, who was putting plates into the dishwasher. He handed her a couple more that he had collected from the kitchen table.

"Thanks." She shut the machine and looked at him. "Yes, I'd love to. I mean, I helped all day. Jackie can do the cleaning up."

"I helped, too!" Jackie cried from the doorway.

"Yeah, you threw paper streamers over the lamps," Bella giggled. "No, no, sweetie. I am leaving here." She twined one arm around Edward's waist. "I want to spend the night with my boyfriend."

Standing on her toes, she kissed Edward's lips, and Jackie shouted, "Woo-hoo!"

Edward blushed, but couldn't help the smile that spread over his face.

oOo