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*This story is a collaboration with Kari Twilight Mist and she has my permission to add it to her stories as a twin. She is NOT stealing it.*

Worth the Wait

Charlie's POV

Takes place in chapters 26 & 27 in Eclipse

I was standing in Jake's small room watching Dr. Cullen work on the massive injuries Jake had all over his body from his motorcycle crash. My brain was on replay and the thought just kept repeating 'thank goodness Bella wasn't there, thank goodness Bella wasn't there."

The terrified look on my face must have given my thoughts away because Jake suddenly stopped his screams of profanity and said "Bet you're glad she loves Cullen instead of me today, huh, Charlie?" There it is, the very thing I didn't ever want to hear. If he wasn't so hurt I would've snapped at him. Even with the motorcycles Edward had still done more damage to her.

It couldn't have been any worse. It was coming out of Jake's mouth straight into everyone's ears including that punk kid Edward that came to Billy's with his father. Why was he even here? Probably to just get a look at Jake in pain. I know as soon as I look at him he is going to have that smug know it all grin on his face. As I looked up my eyes met Edward's features and the surprise hit me like a runaway train. He seemed worried about Jacob almost as if that was his brother lying there.

I watched in awe as a side of Edward I didn't think could even exist came into view. As I watched a while longer I noticed he was concerned almost to the point of being in pain himself! He worked side by side with his father. Assisting in a caring and selfless manner. Was this the Edward Bella knew? I never understood why she would even consider this Cullen kid after what he did to her. She could, no she should be with Jake. As Dr. Cullen was finishing up with Jake I had this sudden uncharacteristic urge to speak to Edward in private. I almost felt it in the air. I feared that even though Edward didn't seem to be gloating at Jake's statements that it being said out loud by Jake would bring on a change somehow.

"Edward, lets get some air", I calmly said.

"Yes sir." Edward replied in a perfectly polite manner as he followed me through the house and out the front door.

I turned to Edward and the look on his face was unbelieving then it change to display complete attention. Almost like I was a teacher and he was the perfect student.

"Jake is right, Bella does love you, but I want to make something clear to you too" I stated with more emphasis on the last part. "Bella is my daughter even though its no secret I don't necessarily agree with all her decisions. I do want her to be happy and have what she wants. I am not choosing your side on this. My place is always with Bella and her happiness. That is what I am supporting. You've destroyed that once already. I wont allow it to happen again." I placed a heavy emphasis on the last part making it hang like a transparent threat in the air.

Edward's face changed to reflect respect and sadness, "I understand sir, I know what happened to her was entirely my fault and the thought of her in so much distress haunts me everyday. Please know that I will never cause her that sorrow again and I will do everything in my power to make her happy. She is everything to me"

"Your right it was your fault but slow down there. Don't get over excited. You're both young and have your whole lives ahead of you."

What was with this kid? It's just that kind of talk that gets you into a dark place when the real world hits you. The more I thought the angrier I became." You are to young and inexperienced to be talking about Bella being EVERYTHING to you!" My last statement almost sounded like a yell.

Edward's eyes pleaded with me to understand and he simple said "I love her, always."

This was getting to in-depth for me. This isn't where I want this conversation to go.

"Fine, but I am reminding you. I will not allow you to destroy my daughter again. You don't deserve her!" I added some heat to my words to let him know I meant business. "If she has really chosen you then know I will be watching and I expect, no I DEMAND that you be the young man I just saw in at Jake's bedside. Be selfless and caring, be like you father Edward." My words came out a bit to fast and a little louder than I expected, but I could still sense a change and I was not having it.

If only he could become the man his father is. Then he would be almost in Bella's league.

Edward's voice had a hint of a begging tone to it. Like he was a son seeking a parent's approval. "Yes sir, I will. I will be what Bella deserves. I give you my word Chief Swan"

"I will hold you to that word Edward..." my voice was calm again but still stern and my glare burned into his eyes, "...and Edward being what Bella deserves means keeping your hands at a respectful distance" He better not touch her if he knows what's good for him. My sweet innocent daughter is the kind of girl that is worth the wait.

That's when it happened. The Edward I was familiar with appeared. His demeanor changed from a young teen boy into what can only be described as a determined wise man. He looked right into my soul and said with conviction "Yes, I agree. My promise stands. You have my word."

His hand extended out to shake mine as if we were two businessmen or lawyers. I put a little more force into it than I should have but I have to say that kid really has a grip. I certainly hope the old saying is true... 'cold hands... warm heart.'

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I was glad to be home. It had been an eventful day. I think my talk with the boy went well and after Bella's statement of "...it just got to the point where I had to choose..." sunk in I was even more pleased with myself for the timing.

Not to bad for a single father I thought. Bella was obviously upset, but it didn't hold a candle to her past depression. She needed rest so I directed my attention back to the flat screen as she went up to bed. I was feeling relieved even though I wondered what was to come next in my adventures as a father. I still felt like a change is gonna come. But I have made my choice. My support is focused on what makes Bella happy. She puts the color in my world. I am a father that will always be good to my daughter.

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Play List

A Change is Gonna Come by Seal
Daughters by John Mayer