Chapter Three

Cherish

Esme put a tall glass of orange juice in front of Edward as he sat at the wooden table tucked in under the bay windows that overlooked the backyard and the dark green forest beyond. "Yes, Isabella. Isabella Swan. Isn't that the prettiest name you ever heard? And she is just as pretty as her name, isn't she Carlisle?" Esme chattered on "You two would be so…." Then Esme's voice trailed off as she saw her husband shake his head ever so slightly and scowl.

"Edward," Carlisle's strong voice sailed over his wife's now quiet one, as he walked over to the fridge. "Would you like your egg poached or boiled. I'm afraid Esme cannot bear the smell of fried eggs." Carlisle bent and peered into the fridge, pulling out the basket of fresh eggs.

"Boiled is fine, thank you." Edward sipped his orange juice. "So, Esme you were saying that Isabella and I "would be so …what?" Edward, not having noticed Carlisle's expression, prodded his aunt to continue.

Esme shook her head. "Forget it, I was just rambling, it was nothing important. Ah, so what brings you here, Edward? You almost never come to our neck of the woods, at least not without your father dragging you here." She chuckled as she raised her cup of tea to her lips.

"Well you two certainly know how to cross-examine a guy. I feel like I'm on Perry Mason or Dragnet. To be honest, I was trying to be sneaky but I guess I have to confess." Edward laughed.

"Do go on." Esme inquired, her curiosity peaked by his uncharacteristic rambling.

He raised his green eyes to her and Esme could see an excitement in them that she had never seen before. "I met a girl. She lives in Forks and I promised that I'd come see her."

Esme smiled at him indulgently, her romantic soul stirred by Edward's eagerness. "Must be a pretty special girl to have you abandon your cosmopolitan lifestyle in the sophisticated city of Port Angeles and come to our hick town." She and Carlisle laughed.

"She is pretty special." Edward smiled, picturing Isabella and her beautiful brown eyes as he raised his glass to his mouth for another sip.

"And who is this "special" girl?" Carlisle picked up his cup of coffee and took a big swig.

"Isabella Swan."

Carlisle choked on his coffee and Esme ran over to pat him on the back. Edward thought it was pretty sweet how Esme fluttered around her husband.

Edward turned in his chair to face the couple. "I met her at last night's game. Spoke to her for a bit and told her that I'd be here today. I had no idea that she was Chief Swan's daughter though."

Carlisle had regained his breathing and looked at his nephew with a frown. "I hope that you're not thinking of fooling around with Isabella, Edward."

"Hey, what do you mean? I was planning to ask her for a date. Maybe bring her here to meet you and Esme. But obviously she's been here before and met you both, so I'll probably just take her out to the diner on River Road." Edward took another sip of his juice, a faint smile hovering around his lips as he thought of Isabella and what he'd like to do with her after the diner. Carlisle saw the gleam in his nephew's eye and new instantly what he was thinking.

"Esme, darling? Would you mind excusing us for a few minutes? I need to talk to Edward, man to man."

Esme was curious but nodded her head. "Of course, Carlisle. I'll just go upstairs for a bit. I have to get ready for the day anyway. I'll be down in a few minutes." She gave her husband a peck on the lips and scurried out of the kitchen, giving Edward a little wink as she disappeared out the door.

Carlisle's eyes followed his wife's form and when she was out of earshot he turned to his nephew, his tone was serious. "Edward. Chief Swan is a good friend of mine; of ours, mine and Esme's. For the first time he is raising his daughter. She has been with her mother most of her life, other than the occasional summer vacation here. So he is understandably very protective of Isabella. It doesn't help that she is a very pretty girl and that boys are all vying for her."

"So, he won't allow her to date?"

"I'm not sure. But he did suggest that Isabella help Esme so that she would be kept busy and have somewhere to go and someone to talk to when he is at the station on the weekends. He worries as any father would. He does not want her getting hurt. Nor do I."

"I wouldn't hurt her."

"I don't think you'd intend to. Truth is, you may not mean to hurt her but it's likely that you will. You have a reputation, Edward. Port Angeles may be bigger than Forks, but it's not so big that word doesn't get around that you are something of a skirt chaser and a heartbreaker."

"I don't ever chase girls; they want to be with me. They chase me." He smirked conceitedly. "And, I've never lied to or tricked any of them in order to get them."

"Edward, you wouldn't need to lie to a girl in order to hurt them. Most girls have romantic ideas and you are a perfect fit for their ideal of the romantic boyfriend. You must know that. Isabella Swan is only sixteen, and although she may seem mature beyond her years, she is very young, very innocent."

"But, I only want to talk…she .."

"Don't lie to me." Carlisle held up his hand and interrupted Edward. "Until you can figure out how to have a relationship with a girl that doesn't mean using her, you should leave Isabella alone. Her father is my friend and he is the Chief of Police. And believe me; you don't want to get on his bad side. Or mine."

Edward's cheeks grew red with embarrassment, "I won't. I promise I'll be on my best behavior," he held up his fingers, "Scout's honor."

"You were never a scout Edward." Carlisle's eyes narrowed.

"Well, Cullen's honor. I'll be on my best behavior." Edward was swiftly calculating how to get out of this mess.

'See that you are. Edward, Isabella is a girl to be cherished. She's smart and sweet. In many ways she reminds me of Esme when we first met." Carlisle smiled, thinking back to the day he'd first met his wife and remembering how lovely and innocent she'd been. He wanted to explain that to his nephew, explain to him that women like Isabella and Esme were to be loved and honored.

"Edward I've had my share of women, mostly older women, women who had no desire for a long-lasting relationship. Esme was different; I knew that from the outset. I knew that she was the type of girl who wanted to be taken care of, the kind of girl who wanted a man who would offer marriage and children. If I couldn't be that person for her I would have made it clear, right away. I would never have strung her along and played with her heart. Fortunately, I did want that, with her. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes, I do. Isabella is a good girl." Edward wondered to himself how on earth a good girl could look so temptingly bad.

"Isabella is the type of girl whom you marry and have children with. She's not the kind of girl you bed and then say see you later, understand?"

Edward nodded.

"So, if you want to see her, you need to treat her with respect."

Edward nodded again.

EPOV

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I had no idea that Carlisle (and probably Esme) saw me as a user. Did my father talk about me with them?

When Esme came back to the kitchen she sat next to me on the bench. I must have looked despondent because she gave Carlisle a questioning look.

"Esme?"

"Yes?"

"Didn't you say that you wanted to deliver some of your preserves to Chief Swan?"

"I was going over there later today."

"Maybe you could take Edward when you go?" He suggested.

Esme turned to me, beaming from ear to ear. "Oh that would be wonderful. Ever since I met Isabella I've wondered how to get the two of you together. You're both so bright and good-looking. I think you'd be perfect for each other. I'm so glad that you two have finally met. I guess you met at the game last night, huh?" Esme prattled on as I looked over at my uncle who was looking at me with raised brows. I couldn't back out of meeting her now; if I did then Carlisle would know that I'd been up to no good.

"Yes, I talked to her after the game. She was with that fu…quarterback, James." I answered her.

Esme wrinkled her nose. "Yes, I don't like that fucker at all." I erupted in a shout of surprised laughter, I had never heard Esme curse before.

"Esme!" Carlisle sputtered, clearly shocked by her foul language .

"Well he is a bit of an idiot, darling. He and his father both seem to think that the sun shines out of their…"

"Esme!"

Esme giggled. "Sorry darling, but you know how I get when I'm riled up."

Carlisle smiled indulgently at her. "Esme, I know, but I don't think it's appropriate for you to swear in front of Edward."

"Sorry." She apologized to me. "I do sometimes forget that you are my nephew."

"It's okay. It's nothing that I haven't heard before in the locker rooms, believe me."

"Well, so it's settled. I'll call Chief Swan and tell him that we'll be over in an hour, okay?" She patted my hand, a twinkle in her eye. I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't want to do some matchmaking , and my aunt Esme was no exception. She bubbled with excitement.

An hour later we stood side by side on the Chief's front porch, facing the front door. I was carrying a large basket of Esme's homemade berry preserves, lemon curd, and fruit compote. I felt like a fool. The door swung open and there stood the Chief. Funny, he looked a lot younger than I remembered. He still had the mustache that reminded me of Inspector Clouseau, and I suppressed a snort of laughter.

"Charlie, how are you? When I called Isabella earlier she said you were still at work. I hoped you'd be home."

Chief Swan smiled at Esme and held the door wide for us to enter. "Come on in, Esme. Isabella is in the kitchen making something or other."

As we stood in the foyer, Esme turned to me. "Edward this is Charlie Swan, and Charlie, this is my nephew Edward Cullen." I put my hand out and it was taken into a strong grip.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chief Swan."

"Likewise, young Edward, it's a pleasure. I must say Esme, you look much too young to claim him as your nephew."

Esme giggled at the compliment."Oh, Charlie, you know he's Carlisle's nephew. Don't they favor each other?"

"Yes, indeed they do."

"And he's just as smart as Carlisle. He plans to go to Dartmouth next fall." Esme was so transparent. She was lauding me in order to get Charlie's approval to date his daughter. The glimmer in Charlie's eyes told me that he was on to her as well.

"Congratulations, Edward. Come and sit." He said as he led the way into the living room.

Esme took the basket from me and held it up. "I have a few treats in here for you and Bella. Just some of my preserves, a thank you for letting her help me."

"She enjoyed it Esme. And she enjoyed her time with you." He said sincerely.

"Thank you Charlie. I enjoyed her just as much. I'll just take this to the kitchen and I'll be right back."

Charlie sat down in a worn brown leather armchair that had seen better days. I sat on the checkered sofa across from him. Picking up his pipe from the round table next to the chair, he proceeded to fill it and lit it with a puff. The sweet aroma filled the room. He looked even more like Inspector Clouseau, and I prayed that I wouldn't give in to a fit of laughter.

"So, Edward, I hear you're on your way to the state championship for the second year in a row."

"Yes, sir. We have a strong team and a great coach."

"And I hear you are a great quarterback."

"Sir, as you know, football is a team sport. One guy, no matter how good, doesn't win the game on his own."

"So true. You're humble, I like that. You don't blow your own horn."

"I have no need to, sir."

He chuckled. "Enough people do that for you, I imagine. But still there's no shame in accepting praise graciously. In my opinion there's nothing worse than false modesty."

At that moment I knew, Charlie Swan saw right through me. He's probably the first adult in my life who saw how arrogant I was, and he did not hesitate to call me on it. "I suppose that's true." I agreed, reluctant to meet his eyes. My gaze rested on the table near the sofa that had a few family pictures. One of Isabella in white sundress leaping over the frothy waves of a beach caught my attention and I lifted it to examine it closer.

"She is pretty, isn't she?"

"Yes, sir. She is very pretty."

There were a few moments of silence as I studied the portrait closely. She was not just pretty, she was beautiful. I put the picture back down.
"You know Edward there is one rule I've lived by most of my adult life. 'To thine ownself be true.' It's a good maxim. If you are true to yourself, about yourself, about who you are; then you will lead a life well-lived. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Actually I didn't get it. What was he on about?

"Know who you are, Edward. It's only then that you can figure out others. In my line of work it's been invaluable."

"Uh huh." Where were Esme and Isabella, for pete's sake? I was stuck in here discussing Chief Swan's philosophy and the meaning of life.

Charlie leaned over, placing his elbows on his knees, a cloud of fragrant smoke rising above his head. He was looking straight into my eyes. "In an interrogation I can pick out the good guy from the bad guy in a heartbeat. You know why?"

"Why?" My heart thudded. Was he trying to tell me something? Good guy, bad guy. Which would he see me as?

"Because in my life, I've been both."

"Sir?"

"Yes, I was once a young punk, a thug, a petty criminal. You wouldn't have wanted to run into me in a dark alley."

I had a hard time reconciling Chief Swan sporting the Inspector Clouseau mustache with my vision of a young thug. The doubt in my eyes must have been apparent because Chief Swan smirked and then continued.

"I was born in Boston. My parents died when I was seven, and I was sent to live with an aunt in Chicago. The southside of Chicago to be exact. Her husband was a violent drunk and my aunt was a weak woman. In spite of the fact that they got my parent's insurance money, we had nothing. They barely managed to keep a roof over our heads. Many days I went hungry. In my teens I became a liar and a thief; I had to be in order to survive. I'm not ashamed of my past. But once I had a choice, I chose the right path."

By this time I had become intrigued by Chief Swan's story, I sat forward in my seat. How had someone with such a dim future pulled himself out of it?

"After high school I joined the marines. I finally felt like I belonged, like I could be a part of something greater than myself. It was just after World War II and just before Korea, so I didn't go into combat. But Edward, I saw a whole new world of possibilities. When my four years were up I came with a buddy to Seattle, and joined the police force. Two years later, when the job opened up here in Forks, I took it."

Chief Swan sat back in his chair, a kind smile forming around his mouth.

"Edward, you're a good guy. No doubt about it. But we all have a little bit of bad in us. Just always remember, I will know when you're up to no good. And I may be a forgiving man, but I'm not a forgiving father."

I gulped. "Yes sir."

At that moment Esme came in to the living room, followed by Isabella. I stood up.

"Hello, Isabella." I smiled at her. Despite the fear that Charlie Swan had instilled in me, my heart tripped when I saw Isabella again.

"Hi, Edward." Isabella blushed, probably because I was staring at her.

"Isabella made some tea and vanilla muffins." Esme said. Not until then did I notice the platter of muffins and butter and preserves that Esme held. I took it from her and put it on the center table. Isabella set down the pot of tea.

I waited until the women were seated and then sat back down; Isabella was between Esme and me. "Would you like some tea, Edward?" she asked.

"Yes, I would." I watched her transfixed. She was wearing a brown turtle necked sweater and a cream polka dot skirt, tucked demurely around her knees. Was it possible that this quiet girl is the same girl I saw last night? The girl who had shimmied her backside and flipped her ponytails was gone, in her stead was a quietly beautiful girl who allowed her brown hair to fall forward to conceal her blushing cheeks.

"Mmmm. Isabella, these muffins are delicious." Esme raved. "Don't you think so Edward?"

I took a bite and agreed. "They are very good."

"It's my Nana's recipe. I can give it you, Esme, if you want it."

"Oh yes, I'd love it." Esme munched on, the nausea of the morning apparently done and over with.

Charlie Swan looked up with a twinkle in his eyes. "I've gained at least ten pounds since Isabella's been here. She's quite the little cook, a regular little Betty Crocker."

Isabella's brown eyes flashed, and she stood up suddenly. Oh yes, this is the same girl from last night.

"Charlie, you know I don't like it when you say that."

"Say what? What did I say?" he teased.

"I'm nobody's Betty Crocker." And she stormed off back to the kitchen.

We all stared after her with varying expressions on our faces.

We heard the banging of pots and pans coming from the rear of the house and her loud muttering, "I'm nothing like Betty Crocker, for god's sake. I'm not the little woman, and I never will be. When will you get it into your thick skull that I'm a liberated woman, huh Charlie Swan?"

Charlie's smile widened. "That's my Isabella!"