DISCLAIMER: Still not mine

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Read and review… like you always do! Because you're all wonderful! If you like this story check out my newest story: A twist in my story. =D

(you're winter by Sister Hazel and Truth doesn't make a noise by The White Stripes)

-BPOV-

It was my turn and I was a nervous wreck. Edward said he wanted to meet Charlie officially… as my boyfriend. I cringed at the thought of having Edward, Charlie, and the word "boyfriend" in the same room together. Edward had told his family though so it was only fair.

The plan was for Edward to join us for dinner. I had the chicken in the oven, the salad dressing was made, and Edward would be here in an hour. I still hadn't told Charlie yet. I paced around the kitchen for another five minutes. I checked on the chicken. I put the salad dressing in the fridge. I debated starting the salad but I knew it would be limpy if I did that now. There was nothing left to do but talk to Charlie so I took a deep breath and walked into the living room where he was watching a baseball game.

"Hey Dad." I greeted him, trying to hide my nervousness but I don't think I did very well.

Charlie grunted as a new player came up to bat. I sat down on the couch beside him and watched until the next commercial. I didn't figure interrupting the game would be a good start to the game.

"Did you have a good day Bells?" Charlie asked as soon as the screen faded into the first commercial.

I internally rolled my eyes. He was all eager attention as long as there wasn't a game on.

"My day was good." I said and he smiled. "We're finally reading Austen's work in English lit."

Charlie nodded and I looked down at my hands in the sudden silence.

"That's good Bells." Charlie replied awkwardly.

We had been doing so good but there were times, like this, when conversation didn't come as easily as it should. I decided to just get it over with. What was the worst that could happen? It wasn't like Charlie was going to shoot Edward. I gulped. I may have to make him promise ahead of time.

"Would it be okay with you if someone joined us for dinner tonight?" I asked nervously.

I had already invited him and he would be here in a little over half an hour so I really hoped Charlie was in the mood for company.

Charlie narrowed his eyes suspiciously. I hadn't had anyone over since I moved here. I had always gone to the Cullen's and on occasion to Alice's. I had even gone over to Angela Webber's house once but I had never invited anyone over here. There wasn't really a reason; I just hadn't.

"Who?"

That was the question that I didn't want to answer. I looked at my fingers, twisting and untwisting them anxiously. This was one father/daughter milestone that I wouldn't have missed.

"Edward Cullen."

Charlie frowned.

"Why?"

I exhaled irritably.

"Because he wants to meet you… officially."

Charlie grunted. The game had long since recommenced but he was still watching me broodingly.

"Is he… he's not your… your boyfriend. Is he Bella?" Charlie was red and flustered and I almost snickered at seeing the blush upon his cheeks. I could see why everyone said we looked alike. I could most definitely see the resemblance in that moment.

"Yeah." I said hesitantly. "He is."

Charlie's frown deepened.

"He's a little old for you, don't ya think?"

I rolled my eyes.

"We're the same age." I defended.

Charlie kicked back against the back of the couch and crossed his arms over his chest deliberately.

"Which one is he?" he asked, seeming deep in thought.

The one that eerily resembles Adonis? The bronze haired, green eyed Greek God?

"The youngest Cullen." I reminded him instead.

"Hmmm… not the big one right? I'm sure he's a nice person but he seems a little too… scary to be dating my daughter."

I laughed.

"That's Emmett Dad, Edward's brother. He's a year older than Edward."(AN:I realize that Emmett and Bella have a class together but it's a mixed class. There's different grades in that class. Kay?)

Charlie sighed. I think he had realized there was nothing he could say at least until he had met him.

"Fine."

And that was the end of that. Charlie went back to scrutinizing the television screen intently. I smiled and kissed his cheek before getting up.

"Thanks Dad. I love you."

Charlie turned his attention away from the TV to look at me with a surprised smile. When he smiled I could see the man my mother married as a teenager. His eyes crinkled at the corners, making his face almost glow. He looked like a teenager again.

"I love you too Bells." He said and I couldn't help but to smile back.

I knew everything was going to be okay. If someone had showed me this scene when I arrived at his doorstep a little over two months ago I wouldn't have believed my own eyes. Then again I wouldn't have been able to believe that I had an amazing set of friends that I had come to love as family and a resplendentboyfriend either. I felt like I had truly gotten a second chance.

I turned around when I got to the bottom of the stairs.

"Hey Dad?"

Charlie glanced up from the game with a questioning look.

"Be nice okay? He's important."

Charlie rolled his eyes and made an imaginary halo above his head. For some reason I didn't believe him but I walked upstairs anyway. All I could do was hope for the best. (AN: Had to put it in. I love Charlie in the movie. He's hilarious!)

---

What do you wear when Adonis is coming to your house to meet your father? For some reason I didn't believe they made an etiquette book for that. I sighed, tossing a pair of faded denim jeans that I didn't deem worthy for the occasion onto my bed. When did I become so… girly about my clothes? Ugh.

I was debating between the only two skirts I owned when the doorbell rang. My eyes went wide and I looked at the clock. Edward wasn't supposed to be here for another twenty minutes! Leave it to Edward to be early.

My eyes scanned my room for anything to wear. There was nothing so I sighed, admitting to defeat, and threw on a sweater Alice had gotten me and a pair of jeans just as there was a knock on my bedroom door. I was surprised that Charlie had let Edward come up to my bedroom. I wasn't complaining though. I opened the door with a huge smile on my face, eager to see Edward again, and started with surprise.

"Hey Bella! I have come to help you!"

Alice was standing there with a bag in her hands, her eyes light with excitement.

"Hi Alice." I said, still confused.

Alice walked passed me and set the bag on my bed.

"Bella! We don't have all day. Come on! We need to hurry! Edward will be here in fifteen minutes!"

I shut my door and went to sit on the edge of my bed, glancing apprehensively at the bag.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

Alice sighed.

"I told you Bella. I'm helping you!" She grabbed the bag and opened it, dumping several pieces of clothing onto the bed beside me.

I corked an eyebrow at her and she smiled angelically.

"I knew you wouldn't have anything to wear." She stated plainly and I wrinkled my nose. "So here I am! Now pick a top out of those."

She pointed to the pile beside me and I rolled my eyes.

"Hurry up Bella!" She chided me.

I picked up a stylish blue top and held it up for Alice's approval. She nodded and I beamed. Maybe I was getting better at this. Although my only choices already had Alice's endorsement. She threw me a pair of black skinny jeans and I made a face. I hated skinny jeans!

She crossed her arms over her chest and I stood up before she could argue her point. She would convince me to do what she wanted eventually anyway.

I was overjoyed though when I came out of the bathroom and she handed me a pair of black flats. There was no way I was wearing heels. She already had me in heels for the dance and I still wasn't convinced I would make it out of that alive yet.

"Edward will be here soon so I'm going to leave now. Have fun!" she chirped and kissed my cheek before heading for the door.

"Thanks Alice." I said.

"It was no problem." She assured me. "It was fun! We should do this more often!"

I cringed and she laughed, filling the room with beautiful musical bells.

"Besides you don't realize what you have done for our family."

I frowned.

"What do you mean?"

She sighed.

"Edward was not the same person before he met you." she told me.

I sat on the edge of my bed again, listening with full attention.

"He was just there." She attempted to explain. "He didn't really live ya know? He never smiled and the only thing he would talk about with any enthusiasm was Alaska."

I nodded slowly. I remembered him mentioning his home in Alaska that day at our meadow but I hadn't really thought about it since then.

"But since he met you he's back! He smiles and jokes and Emmett hasn't threatened to murder him because of the mood swings recently!"

I chuckled. I could see Emmett threatening Edward.

"What about his plan to move to Alaska?" I asked, a lump suddenly forming in my throat. I couldn't imagine living without Edward. But I also couldn't imagine allowing him to change his life plan for me. The thought of moving back had brought him so much joy. I wasn't sure if I could let him give that up.

"He told me he doesn't care about that anymore because he found his happiness somewhere else." Said Alice quietly.

I looked up at her with tears in my eyes. I had never seen Alice so calm, so quiet, but she seemed to realize this was an important moment for me.

She smiled sweetly and stood beside me.

"Don't cry Bella." she sad softly.

I bit my lip. I desperately wanted to believe that Edward would give up something that had once meant everything to him for me. As a matter of fact I did believe that he would give it up for me but I wasn't sure if I could let him.

"Don't do anything stupid!" Alice chided me as if she could see the decisions forming in my mind or something. She was watching me almost harshly.

"I know my cousin and he loves you more than anything! Please just talk to him before you decide something you will regret later."

It was almost as if she were pleading with me. I wiped a tear that had made it way down my cheek and nodded.

"Okay." I whispered.

Alice gave me a hug and she didn't release me for a moment.

"Promise me." she demanded.

I nodded.

"I promise." I finally said.

Talking to Edward couldn't hurt anything. The only thing I feared was that he would lie about how important this was to him to protect me from the guilt I would no doubt feel if I made him give up something he loved. There was nothing I wanted more than for him to be happy. Even if it wasn't with me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: What do you think? Please read and review. Thanks!

-PREVIEW OF THE NEXT CHAPTER-

"Please tell me." He implored.

I wiped one angry tear away as I realized this was a crossing. I was going to give him the option to leave, no, I was going to try to convince him to leave and if he listened to me and went back out of that window my reason for living would leave with him.

"Alaska." I squeaked out.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: remember that I put this under drama/ROMANCE. Before anyone threatens my life remember I am a BIG team Edward fan. I am not going to break them up!