Chapter Twenty-Three: Paternal Insight

Edward's POV

Charlie was in a panicked fluster when he got to the hospital. Bella is the most important thing to him. I was moderately surprised to find out just how much Charlie and I had in common. Bella is the person we both love more than any other person in this world. We both exist for her. We both go a little ballistic if there is anything wrong with her.

So many similarities yet so very different people. Charlie loves her in a very different way than I do. She is Charlie's daughter and the love of my existence. Bella takes care of Charlie; I take care of Bella. I was insanely happy that Bella was so close to my family; Charlie wasn't exactly thrilled.

Bella did extremely well with her explanation to Charlie. Our surreptitious life was not something Charlie should know about. I didn't want to leave Bella's side but I did anyway. Charlie was screaming in his head for me to get out. Bella needed a moment to explain things to Charlie and I would give her anything.

I decided to go to the cafeteria and get Bella some food. She stuck to the truth as much as was safe. I was amazed that Bella so easily led Charlie to believe that I hadn't been home at all. She was getting a lot better at stretching the truth. I love her so much.

Of course, that was when Charlie brought up what was concerning him. He didn't like that Bella seemed to belong more to my family than to his. It felt like we had replaced him and Renée to Charlie. Bella assured him that she was still his. She refused to give any member of her family up.

I listened carefully when Charlie asked where I fit into Bella's family. What would she tell him? Would she be honest or spurious? I was paying for her food as Bella replied to Charlie's inquiry. I smiled as she hinted at our engagement, which thrilled the lady at the cash registerbecause she thought i was smiling at her but I wasn't paying attention to her. My beautiful Bella was truly brilliant. Charlie was shocked at how close we were. The fact that she never labeled our relationship precisely made Charlie suspicious. He was wondering if we were secretly married. It made Charlie uncomfortable not to know. He wanted to talk to Carlisle and get a diagnosis on Bella. The sooner he had her home the better in Charlie's opinion.

He was leaving as I reached Bella's room. There was a grimace on his face as he nodded at me. He wanted to tell me to stay away from his daughter but thought better of it. In Charlie's opinion, Bella would never find a more mature, loving guy for her to be with. That was good that he accepted the fact that I wasn't going anywhere. Not without Bella, at least.

I brought the food over to Bella as I thought about what Charlie might do. He was looking for Carlisle now, thinking about what's best for Bella.

She asked if I was listening when I didn't say anything. I came over to her with the tray and kissed her. The teasing in my voice was evident in my answer as I sat.

Bella wanted to know how Charlie took their talk. She bit her lip and waited for me to talk. I wanted her to eat so I tore a piece of muffin off and offered it to her. She didn't argue as I fed her. I told her what she wanted to know. I paused so I could think of what to tell her about Charlie's thoughts of our attachment to her. She must be thirsty so I opened the milk as I thought.

She asked about the family talking about her in front of Charlie. An amused, loving smile was on her soft face. It was clear that she was pleased with the family. I smiled because they loved her a lot more than they had let on. I told her Charlie's reaction to our affection and smirked. He wanted to believe that it was just a crush Bella felt for me. It kind of knocked his legs out from under him to know that he was wrong.

Bella asked if Charlie was mad at her. She wondered if it would be worse to tell Charlie about our engagement. The little dent that formed between Bella's eyes when she concentrated or worried about something appeared as she waited for my answer.

I chuckled and kissed her head; as if Charlie was ever really mad at Bella. I told her that he wasn't but that he was going to wait and see what else Bella had kept from him. I stopped and ducked my head. I didn't want her to know that Charlie was freaking out about if Bella was pregnant or not. That is ridiculous. I would more that likely hurt Bella if we tried and she wouldn't be on her period if she were pregnant. Bella could never be pregnant as long as she is with me.

Bella asked what exactly Charlie wanted to know and what she should tell him. She looked really nervous and I wanted to ease her stress.

I only told her one part of what she wanted to know when a thought caught my attention. Charlie and Carlisle were talking about Bella's condition. Apparently, Bella would have to be put on bed rest for at least a week. Charlie was thinking about what would be best for Bella. He didn't think he would be able to take care of her.

I vaguely heard Bella ask me what was wrong. She had her warm hand on the side of my face but I couldn't let that distract me. Charlie's thought process was more important at the moment; this was the only instance I can think of when that would be the case.

Charlie's decision was one I never would have expected he would make. He was going to ask Carlisle something no one would have ever suspected he was capable of asking for. Of course, it was for Bella's own good and not meant to make my family and me happy but I knew it would. The decision was astonishing.

"I don't believe it." I mumbled, still not convinced Charlie would really do it.

"What? Tell me what is going on!" Bella demanded. The irritation was evident; I knew she hated it when I didn't tell her things like this.

I turned my head to her and smiled. "Charlie is going to do something neither of us will think he is capable of. You'll find out in a few minutes. Right now, the family wants to see you." Charlie was asking Carlisle for his favor and the shock colored Carlisle's thoughts. I knew he would say yes. I focused on the others' thoughts.

I could hear them outside, demanding to see Bella.

'Edward, you have had long enough with her. Let us in!' Emmett shouted at me in his head.

'I need to see my sweet daughter. Please let me in, Edward.' Esme moaned.

'I miss my sister!' Rosalie whined.

'Don't make me break down this door, Edward. So help me, I will if you don't let us in now!' Alice threatened.

'Bella needs me. Let me comfort my sister.' Jasper tried to reason with me. He could feel Bella's anxiety and was dying to ease it for her.

Bella nodded but still looked extremely irritated as the others came in.