Hi everyone! I am about to travel for the holidays and don't know how much I will be able to update over the next week so I wanted to go ahead and get this one posted. If I don't post again, hope everyone has a merry Christmas and happy New Years!

CHAPTER NINE

EMMETT'S POINT OF VIEW

I don't know if I had ever taken something this seriously in my entire life. My vegetarian diet and my mate were in the same ball park, but I found a new attention span and patience I had no idea I was capable of. I had gone through the database of every single asylum in Washington, searching for any clue that could lead us to Bella's birth father. It had been a few days since our conversation, and Rose and I both felt like brand new people. Not only were we overjoyed to be parents, but we were falling in love with each other in new and exciting ways. All of a sudden, watching her read to Bella or play a silly human game of hide and go seek was the most beautiful thing in the world to me. It was a side of her I had never seen before.

And Bella... sweet Bella. She had already changed our lives so greatly and we hoped we were changing her's as well. Thinking about what she had endured at the orphanage and in the days prior filled me with an anger I had never experienced, and honestly was a little bit afraid to explore. I knew the second she was threatened by any danger in the future, she would be protected by the fiercest parents around with no hesitation. I just wish we could have been there from the start.

The truth is, I don't remember if I wanted kids as a human. I could have, but it certainly wasn't important enough to me to make a lasting impression in my vampire memory. When Rosalie turned me, I instantly knew I would do whatever it took to make her happy. It killed me that for so many years I hadn't been able to give her what she would always want. I thought for all this time I wanted a child to please my mate, but I had no idea how much I wanted one myself until we had Bella. I didn't really know anything about being a father, but I wanted to. I wanted to learn and be whatever she needed me to be. If she needed someone to talk to, I'd be there. If she needed a teacher, I'd teach the little doll everything I could. If she needed a disciplinarian... Well, that one might have to fall on Rosalie.

I heard Edward chuckle as he read my thoughts. The idea of me being able to even slightly lay down the law to my sweet Bella was admittedly hilarious. She had me so wrapped around that tiny human finger and had absolutely no idea.

It had been days of searching when I found record of a Charles Swan in Eastern State Hospital. He had been admitted two years ago, after court ordered mental treatment. "I found him." I stated in a low tone. Bella had just fallen asleep, so there was no need to wake her and yell for my family when I knew they could hear me anyways. I found myself quickly surrounded by six other vampires, all staring with me at the computer screen.

"Is there a picture, Emmett?" Alice asked.

I clicked on the image link attached and we all were taken aback by what we saw. This man was undeniably Bella's father. He had the same pale skin and dark hair, the same chocolate brown eyes, and nose. It had to be him. I don't know what I was supposed to feel, but I was filled with complete gratitude towards the man on my computer. While I was sad for his loss and the obvious trials he had gone through, I was thankful that he had given us Bella. I hoped he would be receptive to our visit.

Rosalie and I had discussed this the night Bella asked. We were both slightly weary of taking Bella to a mental health facility, and we didn't know what it would do to her emotions to see her dad like that. Was he crazy, or was he misjudged? Either way, Alice constantly reassured us that we were making the right move and he wasn't dangerous. Even if he was, we would obviously protect Bella with no problem. It just made it a lot smoother if he was safe. Rose and I looked at each other in agreement- We would go tomorrow. I set up the visitation appointment online and it was done. Now we just had to wait.

My throat burned, and as if he were reading my thoughts, Carlisle asked if I'd like to hunt. I immediately said yes, and Jasper decided he would like to go too. Alice saw the chance for all girl time, and shooed Edward out as well. They were so hopelessly in love, I all but had to pry her off of him. Dude was whipped.

Hunting was a very unguarded experience, so we usually went with our mates because it led to mind blowing sex. But you know, this worked too. It would be nice to have guy time with my dad and my bros. We each kissed our respective mates goodbye, except for Jasper obviously who seemed to be perpetually alone.

I let my mind wonder for the millionth time why he was single. I guess he was so powerful, it was hard to find a woman he could let down his guard for. Not that women hadn't tried, of course. He had plenty of babes lined up all the time that he was turning down. They either wanted him for his power and reputation, or his looks. He was probably, aside from maybe the Volturi, the most powerful creature to walk this earth. I looked at Rosie and smiled. If I had to choose between power and love, I'd go for my woman any day. She was hot. Mmmmmm... I started feeling all the feels when Edward and Jasper both started throwing things at me.

"Dude, snap out of it. You're projecting way too much lust for me to want to go hunting with you."

"Emmett, PLEASE stop thinking about my sister like that. I don't need any more of those images than you already think about 24/7."

I shrugged with a goofy grin and led them out the door to hunt. They were just jealous. Carlisle rolled his eyes at our antics and we all started racing out into the forest. Jasper beat us, then Edward, then me and Carlisle. Rude. I smelled a deer and let my senses take over.

About 30 minutes later, we had all done our part for the forest population control and were satisfied enough to go home. Edward was finishing up on a bear when Carlisle approached me with his hand on my back. "How are you doing, son?"

"I'm feeling pretty good, thanks. That group of deer didn't know what hit them." I said proudly with a grin.

He smirked. "You know what I mean, Emmett. How are you doing with soon being a dad?"

I met his eyes and felt my smile fill them completely. "I've never been better."

He met my expression with one of his own. "I think you and Rosalie are going to be great parents. How are you feeling about the appointment tomorrow?"

I sighed unnecessarily. "I'm kind of nervous. Bella says she needs it, so of course we will do everything we can to make sure it goes well. I just don't really know what to expect."

"Emmett, I've adopted 5 children. They each come with their own stories and baggage. But have you ever felt like you weren't a part of this family?"

I gave it some thought before I realized I didn't need to. "No, I haven't."

"Exactly. Love, Emmett. You guys both love Bella, and as long as you have that then you will get through it."

Jasper approached us. "And I know Bella loves you too. I feel it radiating off of her in waves every day. She is changing our home for the better."

I smiled at him, proud that my little girl was even getting through the Major's thick heart.

—

BELLA'S POINT OF VIEW

I woke up after a weird dream. The past few days, I had been sleeping the best I ever had. I had a nice warm bed, in a home with people who loved me. I had dreams of family and fun and laughter. Last night was different.

In this dream, I was walking through a dark hallway with Mrs. Rose. I could hear people screaming, but didn't know where the sound was coming from. It was just perpetual darkness and screaming. Even Mrs. Rose seemed to be scared, and I had never seen her afraid of anything.

I had barely opened my eyes when Esme and Mrs. Rose came in. "Good morning, sweetheart! Emmett went out to give you breakfast. He should be back soon. Why don't you get dressed and then come see us downstairs? We have a surprise for you."

I rubbed my eyes groggily and nodded. "Okay. Thanks."

She smiled at me and closed the door. I made my way out of bed and found some clothes to put on. There were entirely too many clothes in this closet, but I managed to find some jeans and a pretty shirt. I was pulling on my sneakers when I heard the door open downstairs and Emmett walk in.

I ran down the stairs to meet him and was almost there when I started to fall. I'm always falling, so I really should have known better than to run. I was about to feel my face hit the floor when instead I felt two strong arms catch me. I opened my eyes and was surprised to see Emmett standing there, holding me.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I don't think I hit anything. Thank you for catching me." I could feel my whole entire face turning red.

He set me down and messed up my hair, laughing. "Silly Bella. I will always catch you when you fall."

I ate the delicious breakfast he brought me while Emmett and Mrs. Rose told me about their plans for the day. "We have a big surprise for you, Bella. We found your father."

I dropped my fork. They found him! I was going to get to see him again! I never thought I'd ever see my dad again. I was too emotional and excited to speak, so instead I just ran straight to them and wrapped my arms around them both the best I could.

It wasn't too long after that I was in the car, and felt myself getting nervous as I watched Emmett drive us around. I almost wished Jasper was here. He always calmed me down. We had become really good friends over the past few days, and I loved to hang out with him and read books together.

"Emmett? How far away are we?" My leg was shaking, I was so nervous. I had been the one to ask for this, so I wanted to be brave and let them know how thankful I was. But what if Daddy didn't remember me? What if he wasn't proud? Would his feelings be hurt that I wanted to live with a new family?

"We're about 3 minutes away, Bella. Are you excited?" He asked, looking back at me.

"Yes." I said, trying not to show my nerves.

Mrs. Rose looked back at me and took my hand before squeezing it. "Bella, we are in there with you. You won't go through any of this alone, okay? We can stay as long as you'd like."

I closed my eyes and nodded, squeezing her hand back. I watched as Emmett pulled into a big parking lot with not very many cars. We were here. My dad was in that big, scary building. Here goes nothing...

Wow! So many things happening... I'm kind of nervous for them myself. As I mentioned above it will probably be about a week before I can update again, so please leave some reviews! That's all I want for Christmas. I need them like Cullens need blood and Rosalie needs a kid. :) Thank you to all of you for reading and Merry Christmas!