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How Can I Help You?

Chapter 17

EPOV

Sleeping was not coming easily for me. Not only was I reliving the kiss I shared with Bella, but her reminder that Charlie was coming in the morning and that he wanted to speak to me wasn't helping. I think I may have managed 3 hours of sleep before giving up and getting dressed. My clock read 4:30 so I decided to head upstairs to the studio to work on the CD that I wanted to record for Riley. I wanted Bella to be able to play my music for him when I wasn't able to be there.

I walked up to the second floor checking first on Kate, then Irina, both were sleeping soundly. I tried to be as quiet as I could as I eased Riley's door open and walked over to his crib. He hadn't moved since Bella put him down for the night. I was really just in awe of Riley. He had just the right amount of baby chubbiness, with his chubby cheeks and dimples, his mother's tendency to flush. The joy of just observing him filled me to bursting. I slowly backed out of the room, not wishing to bring the wrath of Mommy if I were to wake Riley this early.

Bypassing Bella's door, not wanting to tempt Fate if I opened it, I walked into the studio. Bella had told me that Charlie would be by on his way to the station, so I knew he'd be here sometime after 6AM. I set my cell phone alarm so I would be downstairs when he got here, then got to work. I recorded several slower pieces including Bella's song, then I started playing the lullaby I had been working on for Riley, just finishing before my alarm went off. I headed downstairs to start a pot of coffee and make some breakfast.

I was hoping that maybe eggs and bacon would lessen Charlie's desire to kill me. The breakfast was just finished when I heard a car pulling up to the house.

Here goes nothing.

Charlie POV

After speaking to Bella last night, there was a nice spring to my step this morning. So far everything seems to be coming together for my baby girl. I knew she wouldn't have much to worry about when it came to Carlisle and Esme Cullen, but I have to say the one surprise for me has been Edward. He had every right to be angry at Bella. He could have punished her by making legal demands, but he's accepted the baby with open arms. I think he's maybe hoping for not just a relationship with Riley, but Bella as well. That's why I'm taking Bella her clothes, its time to have a talk with him.

I'm usually on duty by 7 AM, so I left early enough to give myself at least enough time to put the fear of God in him. I drove up to the quite Cullen house arriving there by 6:15. Bella told me what to bring for her, so I carried up her overnight bag, as I walked to the door. I'd never admit it if asked, but I was nervous about this. Bella and Edward had a history I wasn't sure I really wanted to know about. I think in this case perhaps ignorance is bliss.

I had just raised my hand to ring the bell when the door opened. And there he was, looking a little green around the gills. "Morning, Edward, I hope I'm not getting you up too early."

He led me into the kitchen and poured me a cup of coffee. "Bella told me to expect you this morning. I was already up working on a new piece in the studio. So Chief, what do you want to say to me?"

I sat beside Edward on a barstool. "I…look Edward, this is a sensitive topic for me. I wouldn't have any problems if this involved someone other than my daughter and grandson. I know you are aware of what a father goes through for his little girl. I honestly thought until Bella came home, that she and Jake were the perfect family…"

I couldn't do this sitting down just yet. "I guess with everything that was going on with Renee, I just didn't see it, or want to see what was happening with her. I have to tell you that I was ready to haul you into the station and get one of the deputies to make you disappear for hurting Bella the way you did. I wanted to make sure you wouldn't do anything to hurt either of them again."

I gave him my best 'Chief' glare, before smiling down at him. Edward just sat there willing to take whatever I was going to throw at him.

"After listening to Bella tell me how easily you accepted Riley, how you didn't react to Bella the way either of us expected…I wonder why you let her go so easily."

Edward looked up at me, a determined glint in his eyes. "I know you probably don't want to hear this, Charlie, but I've been in love with your daughter for so long…I don't think you can imagine the hurt and anger I felt when Bella- well I thought it was Bella, broke up with me. Jacob called, telling me he knew about us, that Bella had told him all about our history. He spun it so that I truly thought she was where she wanted to be, and that she didn't want me. I remember you telling me about Bella's big news, being pregnant, you kept saying how happy both of them were and I was just sick to my stomach. I don't blame Bella at all; I blame two people for the time lost with my son, for the hurt Bella suffered, the hurt I suffered as well. Jacob had a large hand in this, but we don't have his exact reasoning, I can only imagine it was his way of keeping Bella. He knew about us, knew she was moving back to be with me and he was desperate to keep her. I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing, because I did something much worse a long time ago, I pushed her away."

I knew I wasn't going to want to hear this. It was getting into that gray area where fathers are best left in the dark.

"Was this the reason Bella suddenly took off for California? Are you the reason she gave up the scholarship to UW?" I was trying to keep the anger and fear of the answer out of my voice. I needed to be levelheaded to hear this. He was looking down at his hands, his shoulders slumped.

"I thought that doing what I did was the right thing to do. I said some things to her, trying to make her hate me. I never thought she'd give up UW…"

"What did you do to my daughter, Edward? Just what happened that you needed her to hate you?"

He stood up and walked over to the coffeepot. "When I told you I've been in love with your daughter for a long time, I didn't mean just a couple of years, Charlie. I fell in love with Bella 8 years ago. About 6 months after Tanya's death I admitted to your daughter I had serious feelings for her, but some things happened and Irina was having such a rough time coping, that I broke it off with Bella. I thought she deserved to have a better life, she was young and had so much ahead of her and I didn't want to hold her back." I could still see the hurt and confusion on her face as I lied to her again and again.

"I made the biggest mistake of my life that day. I kept hoping I would get a chance to apologize to her and maybe we could find our way back, but then Jacob was back in her life and I knew she had moved on. I tried my damnedest to not think about her, I concentrated on the girls, work, but she was always with me. Renee is the one that made me go talk to Bella. She saw us react when I went to see her in the hospital. Your wife was such an amazing woman, she told me no matter what Bella had told her, she knew she wasn't happy and that she wanted me to make her happy. I fell harder for Bella during the time we were together. We made serious plans for when she moved home. She and Jake had talked about filing for divorce, they were separated already. Hell, I went to my mother and got my grandmother's ring for Bella. I was all in then, and I am all in now. She's giving us a chance, and I want it with all that I am. All of it, Bella and Riley, living here, married, more kids."

As a father it was all I could do not to both punch him and hug him. Edward had just confirmed that he and Bella started when my baby was still a baby. He hurt her…but he did it to help her. Edward could have manipulated Bella so easily back then, she would have given up college period if he'd asked, I'm sure of it. I can see that he loves her and I know he's a good man. Hell, he's only had a few speeding tickets in his life and he's got a clean record…

Hey what's the use of being Chief of Police if I can't run a background check on the man interested in being in my daughter's life?

"Are you really ready for what the commitment to Bella and Riley will mean, Edward? I know you and Bella have talked about how the news is going to affect you all, but what about your friends, family, your work? How will everyone take the new addition to your family?"

"I couldn't care less about what anyone thinks about me, I'm ecstatic about Riley, so grateful to Bella for coming home. My parents are thrilled with the newest grandchild, Bella and I are telling my sister and cousins tonight, but I'm not expecting them to react harshly. I think the biggest reaction will be around town, but something else will draw their interest soon enough. I want you to know, Charlie, I have always taken care of my family and Bella is part of my family. I'm a financially sound, single father that has taken care of his children relatively well for the last 8 years. Regardless of whether Bella and I get married, and I really want that, rest assured they will be taken care of."

I nodded my understanding to Edward and motioned for us to both sit again. "What are you and Bella planning to do about Jacob and that woman?"

"We're still trying to decide. I know Bella wants to confront Jacob, but I don't want her to fly to Sacramento by herself and she doesn't really want to do this over the phone, but will if she has to. As far as Chelsea goes, I think she's going to have to watch her back for a long time to come. She's hurt not just me and Bella, but she told lies and twisted my daughter's feelings so much… I want her gone, but there is really nothing legal I can do to her."

Hmmm… perhaps I can help.

"Can you give me this Chelsea's full name and information? I could always call in a favor with a friend on the SPD. They could give her a few headaches, maybe a mistaken stop for unpaid tickets, or pulling her over for failure to signal, things like that."

Edward smiled and laughed at that suggestion. "It's tempting Charlie, but that's too much trouble. I'm just going to freeze her out again. Bella and I will make a trip down to Seattle and have a little chat with Chelsea and then there will be no more contact with her."

I looked at my watch and noticed I'd been here longer than I intended. "I've got to run, Edward, but I just wanted to tell you on more thing. Bella will ask if I said it, so I might as well do it." I cleared my throat, deepening my voice. "If you harm one hair on the heads of either Bella or Riley, or hurt them in anyway… I will make you disappear." I gave him my sternest glare before cracking a smile and holding out my hand. "Welcome to the family, son. Take care of them, they are my whole world."

Edward walked me out; bringing the clothes I had brought for Bella with him. "Thanks for coming by, Charlie. I'll take these up to Bella."

As I drove in to work I realized I wouldn't have to worry so much about Bella anymore. She was in capable hands, and Riley was going to have the benefit of being raised by two loving parents.

BPOV

"Shhh, hey little man, let's not wake Mommy just yet."

"Daddaddadada"

I came awake to happy squeals from Riley over the baby monitor. Edward was already in there tending to him.

Edward….Charlie… Oh shit!

I bolted up out of bed.

Dad was supposed to come over this morning. I looked at the clock and saw that it was already 7:30. I ran out of the door and down to the nursery.

Edward was changing Riley's diaper when I walked in.

"Good morning boys." Riley's head whipped around trying to see me, when he did his face lit up. "Hey big guy, did you sleep well?" I walked over to him and kissed his cheeks and nose while Edward finished changing him.

"Morning, Edward." He looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Are you ok? You look so tired." He leaned down and kissed my hair. "I'm fine, just not enough sleep last night. Charlie was by here already and left your clothes. I put them on the rocking chair over there." Edward was acting like he normally did, so I assume everything went well with Dad. Riley was anxious to be up so Edward stood him up on the dresser. "You ready for the day, little man? Let's go get some breakfast." The boys headed downstairs while I went up to shower and get dressed. There wasn't much to do today, so I had told Dad just to bring jeans and a t-shirt. Once I was dressed I went down to the kitchen to make breakfast for the girls.

There was a lot of laughter coming from the kitchen, Kate and Irina were sitting at the bar eating cereal, Riley was in his highchair between them eating cheerios and bananas.

Edward was at the stove as I walked over to see what he was doing.

"Hey… what time do the girls have to leave? Do you want me to drive them over to school?" Edward plated a delicious looking omelet and turned around, wrapping me in his arms. I looked over towards Irina, but she was smiling at us. "The girls are riding with friends this morning, so you just sit and enjoy your breakfast. Shelly is off for the day, but will be back tonight to watch Riley and the girls while we meet the Alice and the others." I sat on the kitchen side of the bar watching the way Irina and Kate were playing with Riley, they were so absorbed that they didn't react to the horn blowing outside.

Edward looked at the kids and laughed. "Girls, that's Mrs. Snow. Go grab your bags."

They popped up, kissing Riley, telling me goodbye before running to the door with their backpacks.

I moved over to a stool beside Riley. "That was fun. They've grown into such great girls, Edward. Irina was pleasant this morning, she was nice yesterday… and she didn't freak out when you gave me a hug. It's progress." I picked up my fork, trying to finish my breakfast.

Edward walked over to me, taking my fork and putting it down. "What?"

He pulled me up, "I haven't gotten a chance to really give you a proper 'good morning'. I wrapped my arms around him as he lowered his head to kiss me. It started out chastely just lips brushing each other, but it quickly heated. My skin suddenly felt too tight, too hot. Edward pulled me closer, and I pressed myself against him.

Riley was not happy being ignored and threw his bottle on the floor. When we broke apart, it took a few moments to catch my breath. It was obvious that Edward was as affected as I was. He was slow to release me from his arms, but finally did as he walked over to Riley. "Sorry about that, champ, but we're going to have to talk about your timing, son." A laugh bubbled up while I listened to Edward instruct our not even one year old about how Mommy and Daddy need some time to hug and kiss, too.

He's going to scar the baby for life.

I cleaned the breakfast dishes as Edward cleaned up Riley. I knew there was work for Edward to get done, so I went to get my things while he played with Riley on the den floor.

"I wish you didn't have to go, but I've got less than a week to get the arrangements finished. I'd tell you two to stay but I'd never get the work done."

Riley was climbing onto Edward's chest as he lay on the floor. "We'll be back before you know it. We're meeting everyone for dinner, right?" I was already planning to bring an overnight bag when I brought Riley back later in the afternoon. Even though I knew Riley would be well taken care of, I still didn't want to leave him yet.

"Come here, baby. We've got to let Daddy get some work done." Riley gave my cheek a smacking kiss as I picked him up.

"No, don't kiss me bye-bye, kisses for Daddy." Edward was getting to his feet and Riley was already reaching for him. "Da! Daddaddada!"

"Be good for your Mommy, OK?" Edward ruffled Riley's hair and kissed his head.

I grabbed the diaper bag and the duffel Dad brought over.

"Let me take those, you just take him." He took the bags from me and opened the door.

I got Riley fastened into his seat and went to open my door, but Edward beat me to it.

"It's going to be too quiet in there now." Edward had the most adorable pout on his face.

"That's a good thing. You can get your work done quickly then we'll have more time together later. Don't forget you'll be at my house tomorrow, and I am planning on your help tomorrow, so save your strength."

"You don't need to worry about my stamina Bella, I'm in for the long haul." He hugged me to him, just enjoying the feel of being close to one another.

"Call me when you're done, I'll make sure we're ready."

I got into my seat and Edward called to me, "Bella?" I looked up into his eyes, they were glowing with happiness.

"Make sure to bring an overnight bag. I'm not going to let you go tonight." He kissed me quickly then shut the door.

I drove back to Charlie's wishing I could just go back to Edward's. It was becoming easier and easier to be open with each other. I was trying so hard not to rush back into a relationship, but with Edward it was hard to resist.

EPOV

This was starting to get old.

Watching Bella leave for the day made me more determined to get my work done as quickly as possible so she can come back.

I made my way back into the house, planning to refill my coffee cup and then to head up to the studio. Those plans were put on pause as the house phone rang.

She's missing me already…love that. I grabbed the phone, not even checking the caller ID, "Five minutes… that's a record, love, missing me already?"

"I always miss you, Edward. Why don't you ever come to see me?"

No fucking way, "Chelsea? Why on Earth are you calling my house? You've never learned have you, Tanya told you years ago that my family was off limits to you."

"But Eddie, you're my only family…"

"Don't call me Eddie…listen there are a few things I need to say to you, but I really can't do it now. Can I meet you Saturday afternoon? I'll drive over to Seattle, you name the place."

The most annoying laugh came through the line. "I knew I could get you to myself. Why don't we have a late lunch and then go back to my place?"

I gave an involuntary shudder. "Send me a text of where to meet you and what time and I'll be there."

I didn't tell her that I wouldn't be coming alone. Bella was going to kill me for arranging it this weekend, but I wanted this over. I'd help her get everything set up in the cottage tomorrow and we'd take the kids to my parents Saturday.

I hung up on her and went up to work.

O~O~O

It was close to 3 o'clock when Katie sent me a text that she and Irina were on their way home. I had worked straight through lunch and my stomach was starting to let me know. Great progress had been made on the arrangement, so I didn't feel guilty at all for calling it a day. Calling Bella was at the top of my list of things to do as I walked down the stairs.

I dialed her number as I made my way into the kitchen. It rang several times before rolling over to her voicemail. I left a message that I had finished working and wanted them to hurry back over. I closed the phone and made a quick sandwich, finishing it just as the girls walked in.

"Hey Daddy!" Irina ran over for a hug. It was great that my baby girl had made a fast reappearance from that sullen angry child. Kate kissed my cheek and started to tell me about her day, as soon as boys entered into the conversation my brain decided to check out of it.

"So can I go?" Kate was looking at me with the biggest eyes, pleading with me.

"I'm sorry, where are you going?" Irina was laughing and Kate scowled at her. "Dad, Brady asked me to the Homecoming dance next week. May I go with him?"

Oh God, I was not ready for this yet.

"How old is Brady? You've never mentioned him before."

"He just moved here a few weeks ago, he's a junior, Dad, 17." My baby girl is growing up.

"Ok, but I need to meet him before you can go out. Make sure he knows if I don't meet him you aren't going with him. Do you want Alice to find you a dress, I could ask her tonight?" Kate was shaking her head.

"No, I thought Bella could take me and Rini shopping. Jared asked her to go to the dance." One of the throw pillows hit Kate square in the face.

"Shut it Kate." I just looked at Irina, "really sweetheart, Jared asked you to go? So when were you going to ask permission?"

That earned an eye roll from her. "We're just going as friends, Dad…besides you know he doesn't go for girls."

Jared was a sweet kid; he had been a great friend for Irina growing up. I had thought he'd be her first boyfriend, but his first boyfriend was a year older than Jared was.

"Well Bella will be over here after I call her, so you can ask then. Oh and I know you're excited about having Riley here tonight, but remember to watch him when he's down on the floor, he's at the point he can get into trouble easily."

They went up to do their homework and I tried to reach Bella again. Just as I thought I'd get her voice-mail, she answered. "Ed-Edward?"

"Bella, honey, what's wrong?" She was crying. "Is it Riley?"

I was trying to stay calm, but the stuff that goes through my head at times like this…

"No, Riley's fine. I'm sorry to blubber in your ear. I'm OK, really. There was a message from Charlie on the table when I got home. Jake's been calling him and needed to speak to me, so I called from Dad's house phone to see what was so urgent. It didn't go well, and I tend to cry if I'm angry, so that's what it is."

"Are you sure? Do I need to come to you?" I heard her chuckle, "No, I've got everything ready so Ry and I will be there soon. I'll tell you all about it then."

Christ it has been a day. Jacob had better hope it wasn't anything serious or I will be taking the next flight to California and handing him his ass.

I was waiting outside as she drove up. I walked over to her door and pulled her out of the car. "Are you sure you're alright?" She nodded but leaned her head on my chest. "It just got ugly." She was grabbing the diaper and overnight bags as I took Riley from his car seat.

"Jake is coming up to La Push to visit Billy for Halloween and wanted to have time with Riley. He also told me that he wasn't shipping the nursery furniture, so I need to order a new set from the baby store. I didn't even get to confront him about the lies. If he's coming into the area, I'd rather do it in person."

We settled into the living room and I sat with Riley on the floor so he could play with his toys. "What all did he say, Bella?"

She looked at me, then taking a deep breath she sighed. "He started by telling me he wanted me to come home. He didn't ask anything about what I had done since moving here, didn't ask about Riley, all he said was I want you to come home with me.

I told him that wasn't going to happen, that Riley and I were moving into our new house tomorrow. Then Jake dropped the bomb about not shipping the furniture. Aside from our clothes those are the only things I wanted from the house, so instead of fighting about that and having to wait another week or two, I'm going to order a new crib and see if it can be delivered tomorrow. When Jake started making ugly comments about you and Riley, I hung up. I couldn't listen to him anymore."

She was starting to shake again as the anger built back up.

"Deep breath, love, Jake isn't worth working yourself up over. We'll deal with him in a few weeks, for now let me call the store and order a duplicate of Riley's crib for the cottage."

BPOV

Edward went to get the paperwork from his delivery. I wasn't even going to argue, speaking to Jake had drained me. I'm starting to think that Jacob is trying to drive me crazy. Our divorce is final in just a few weeks and he's telling me I need to come home? He's delusional, and now he's going to be in town stirring up trouble on Riley's first Halloween.

I. Don't. Think. So.

He's not going to mess up the life I am rebuilding here. If necessary I'll take out a restraining order. I really needed to calm down, especially since we were meeting Alice and Jasper tonight. I was looking forward to hanging out with Emmett and Rosalie, but anything could happen with Alice. Riley was busy building a block tower and getting pleasure from knocking it over.

I'm glad he hasn't been affected by all the craziness that goes on around him.

The girls came down and were playing on the floor with Riley when Edward came back and sat on the sofa beside me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I snuggled into his side. "They're delivering tomorrow afternoon, so no need to worry."

We sat on the sofa enjoying the sight of the children on the floor. If I allowed myself it would be so easy to see a few more in the mix.

I could feel Edward's stare burning a hole in me. He knew what I was imagining, just as I knew he liked the thought.

"We've got a couple of hours before we need to meet everyone. Are you comfortable leaving Riley with the girls for a few minutes? There's something I need to tell you."

He stood up and pulled me to my feet. "Sure, they'll be fine, and it's not like we're leaving the house."

Edward told the girls to watch over Riley, that we were going outside to the deck to talk.

I followed as he led the way through the back door.

"What's going on Edward? You sounded so serious for a minute." He took my hands as we settled into the same loveseat we'd used years ago.

"I got a call this morning right after you left. I thought it was you when I answered and got a not so nice shock when I realized it wasn't. You and I have a late lunch meeting scheduled for Saturday in Seattle, Bella."

What? "Why are we going to Seattle and who are we meeting?"

Edward rubbed a hand up my arm trying to soothe me. "The caller this morning was Chelsea and Saturday we are ridding ourselves of her forever."

O~O~O

Ok, so we didn't quite make it to dinner with Alice and Jasper, but that will be up first in the next chapter. Also its moving time for Bella, she'll finally get settled into the cottage.

So Chelsea will be dealt with and Jacob is coming to town in a couple of weeks.

Just to clarify it is early October in Forks, so we have holidays approaching.

Please let me know what you think, I can take it, I promise

I'm taking the kids to Universal next week, but will still try to have another update by next Friday. Until then have a great week.