Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Chapter 27: Meeting the InLaws

Bella Swan

I was a nervous wreck as I waited for noon to finally arrive. My parents were driving in from Forks for Matt's birthday party and they were going to be meeting Edward for the first time. I didn't know how they would react to him. They knew I had a boyfriend, but I didn't know if they would like him.

"You can leave now, love. You don't have to wait until noon," Edward mentioned as he entered my office, closing the door behind me.

"I said I was working until noon. I just can't leave. Plus, I have to look over this case and have my notes prepared for Monday's meeting," I explained, shuffling the papers on my desk.

"All of that can't wait," he replied as he walked around my desk before taking the papers from my hand. "You're worrying too much, again."

"And, you never worry," I pointed out causing him to laugh. "You are aware that my mother and father will be in my house in less than six hours."

"I'm scared shitless," he admitted as he leaned against the edge of my desk. "I've never met a girlfriend's parents before."

"But, you sure hide your fear well," I commented, taking a deep breath as I leaned back into my chair. I really wanted my parents to like him.

"I'll be on my best behavior," he assured me as he took my hand kissing my palm. "From what you've said they seem like really nice people. I'm, honestly, more worried about your father than your mother."

"My dad can be quite protective. It took me days to convince not to go after Mike and kill him," I commented causing Edward to roll his eyes.

"He should have," he replied in an angry tone. "I hate that stupid prick."

"He's not important," I answered as I got of my chair to stand in between his legs. "What happened with him is in the past."

"I just hate the fact that he hurt you," Edward replied, his hands resting on my hips as mine rested on his shoulders.

"I'm over it," I responded with a smile. "After all, I have the most wonderful, caring, handsome, and sexy boyfriend in the world."

"Do I know him?" He questioned with a sly smile before I leaned in to kiss him fully on the lips.

"I think you may," I teased as we broke apart.

"Is there anything I should do today to impress your folks?" He asked, looking genuinely concerned. He really did want my parents to like him.

"Just be yourself. My dad may be a bit more hesitant than my mom. But, that's just the way he is. Don't take anything he says too personal," I replied before kissing him once more.

"I'll be good," he stated, giving me a smile. "Can I stay over tonight? I promise to keep my hands to myself and be on my best behavior."

"Edward," I sighed as my fingers played with the ends of his hair. We had already discussed this and I knew neither one of us were really happy with the arrangement. I had no problem with my parents knowing that we were together in that way, but I didn't want to flaunt it in their face. It didn't seem respectful of us to do that.

"You know I hate sleeping without you," he urged as he peppered my neck and jaw with kisses.

"I do too," I agreed in a gasp. "But, we can't. It's only two nights. We can do it."

"The longest two nights ever," he commented causing me to nod in agreement.

"I promise to make it up to you when they leave," I added sexily. Hopefully, that would give him an incentive. He was being extremely understanding of the situation.

"I look forward to it," he answered before giving me one last chaste kiss.

"I'm going to swing by the supermarket before picking up Matt. Can you bring a bottle of wine when you head over?" I stated as I made my way to pick up my purse.

"I'll be there around six," he replied with a grin as I made it to the door.

"Love you," I called with a smile.

"Love you, too," he answered before I left the office.

Edward Cullen

Work ended up dragging forever. I had done a good job of hiding my nervousness in front of Bella, but it all came back the minute she left. It was extremely important to me that her parents liked me. And, I really didn't know what to do to impress them.

"Do you have the Smith file?" Carlisle asked as he walked into my office.

"It's right here," I stated, handing him the top file from my desk.

"Are you alright? You look a bit pale," he commented, observing me carefully. "Is something wrong?"

"Bella's parents are coming into town today," I explained causing Carlisle's eyebrows to arch as he closed the door of my office and took a seat.

"Are you meeting them?" He inquired curiously.

"I'm supposed to join them for dinner today at Bella's house," I answered nervously. "I really want to impress them, but I don't know how."

"First things first, do they know about you?" Carlisle questioned as he dropped the file he had come to get on the empty chair next to him.

"Bella has mentioned me to her mom. I know she knows and I assume she has told her husband," I replied with a shrug.

"I can't give you much advice other than be polite and watch your manners. I also recommend keeping your hands to yourself," he stated with a laugh.

"Are you implying that I can't keep it in my pants?" I asked in mock outrage. Did he think I was some sort of horn dog?

"I don't know, you tell me," he responded causing me to groan.

"I'm fucked," I mumbled causing Carlisle to laugh harder.

"Just be respectful and be mindful of what you say and do. Might I also suggest taking her mom some flowers. It will probably earn you some major brownie points," he added, giving me a knowing smile.

"That's a great idea," I said, feeling a bit more confident. If I won approval of her mom, I was bound to eventually win her over her father too.

"I wanted to ask you, Edward. Have you the both of you made a decision about Chicago?" He asked. It had been a few weeks since he had offered Bella the job, but she still had not made a decision.

"She's still thinking about it. She's afraid of doing that to Matt. She doesn't know how he will take the move," I explained, taking a deep breath. I really wanted her to take the job, but it was completely up to her. I was where she was.

"Kids are very resilient," he commented as he stood up. "I don't think he will have trouble adjusting."

"I don't think so either" I agreed.

"Good luck tonight and don't try too hard. If Bella likes you, they'll come around," he finished before exiting my office.

I was sure that I would eventually grow on them, but what was I to do in the meantime?

Bella Swan

Traffic had been a complete nightmare and I had less time to clean and cook than I had originally planned. After I had put away all the groceries and had made sure that the chicken was defrosting I had to start the dreaded task of cleaning.

"Matt, pick up all your video games," I yelled as I noticed that he had them scattered across the coffee table and living room couch. He apparently didn't know how to put them back in their cases.

"But, mom," he cried as he came down the stairs, slightly pouting.

"Matthew, I'm serious. Pick them up and then make sure all your toys are put away," I ordered as I began to dust the wall unit and television.

"Why do we have to clean?" Matt whined as he began to put the games in their cases. "This sucks."

"I know it's no fun. But, grandma and grandpa are coming over and we want the house to be clean," I explained as straightened out the cushions on couch.

"What time are they coming?" He asked happily, stopping what he was doing.

"They should be here in an hour or two," I answered, finishing up with the living room before heading to the kitchen with Matt following me behind. "Did you finish picking up the games?"

"Almost," he answered with an innocent smile.

"Finish," I replied causing him to sigh deeply before returning to the living room to pick up.

I followed him into the living room, making sure he was picking up. I felt kind of guilty for acting crazy, but this was very important to me.

"Thank you, Matt," I said with a smile after he had finished.

I somehow managed to finish the dusting the house and put fresh sheets in the guest bedroom before helping Matt shower and showering myself. I really wanted everything to be perfect for when my parents arrived. I didn't want them to think I couldn't handle working, being mom, a girlfriend, and running the house.

I had just finished putting the chicken in the oven when I heard my doorbell ring. "Grandma and Grandpa are here!" Matt announced excitedly as he ran down the stairs, beating me to the door.

"What have I told you about opening the door?" I scolded Matt as he reached for the door knob.

"Hurry up, mom!" He replied, practically bouncing in place as I opened the door.

"Guess who's here?" My mom immediately asked with a huge grin as Matt practically jumped on her to give her a hug.

"Grandma!" He cried, hugging her tightly as I noticed my dad was still dressed in his police uniform and they had driven the cruiser.

"Bella," my father said, giving me a hug after he had put down their overnight bag. "Where's that boy Renee has been talking about?" The uniform was definitely on to scare Edward.

"Charlie! What did I tell you?" My mother reprimanded as Matt jumped onto his grandfather and my mom brought me in for a hug and a kiss.

"You look wonderful, sweetheart," she gushed as she looked me over. "Is that handsome man you keep talking about here yet?"

"Mom, Edward is at still work and will be coming in a bit," I answered, leading them inside.

"Dad, you can put the bag up in your room," I said as he responded with a nod before he headed upstairs with Matt hot on his heels.

"So, tell me more about this mystery man of yours," my mom ordered as we entered the kitchen. "You're practically glowing with happiness, you know."

"It's not a big deal," I lied, looking away from her, concentrating on getting the salad ready.

"It's a huge deal, Bella," my mom corrected as she began to chop the tomatoes. "He wouldn't be joining us for dinner if it wasn't a big deal."

"Mom, don't scare him," I requested before stopping what I was doing. "He really means a lot to me and I don't you both to overwhelm him."

"We'll do no such thing," my mom assured me before Charlie and Matt walked into the kitchen.

"Matt has been telling me all about meeting the Mariner's team," Charlie mentioned after he had taken a seat at the kitchen table.

"It was so cool, grandma. They all signed the ball and we took pictures." Matt explained with a huge smile on his face. "Edward is really cool."

"Edward?" My father inquired causing me to blush.

"He's my boyfriend, dad," I clarified as the front door opened and Angela pranced in.

"I'm here," she announced, immediately rushing into Charlie's arms. She was definitely 'daddy's girl' while I always had a better relationship with my mom.

I busied myself getting the salad together and checking on the chicken while Angela told my parents about school and her job. "How about you, Bella? How are things going at the law firm?" My father questioned.

"It's going great," I answered with a big smile. "I was actually offered the chance to start my law degree in Chicago."

"Are you moving to Chicago?" My mother asked in shock.

"I don't know," I admitted with a shrug. I still hadn't made up my mind, but I really did want to hear what my parents thought of the opportunity.

"What the hell are you going to do in Chicago by yourself? Do you even know anyone in Chicago?" My father inquired angrily causing me to sigh. I knew his reaction was going to be the most negative.

"I won't be by myself," I corrected just as I heard the front door open signaling Edward's arrival.

"Edward's here!" Matt announced excitedly before jumping off the chair and rushing out to greet him.

"Be good," I warned as Edward walked in with a bouquet of purple Gerber daisies and a bottle of wine.

"Hi, love," he greeted softly kissing my cheek before handing me the wine bottle.

"Edward, this is my mom, Renee, and my father, Charlie. Mom, dad this is my boyfriend, Edward," I introduced giving them a smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Edward stated politely. "I brought you some flowers, Mrs. Swan."

"You're so sweet," Renee answered, blushing slightly as Edward handed her the flowers before kissing her cheek. "Isn't he sweet, Charlie?" Renee questioned as my father glared at Edward.

"Super sweet," he commented in an ambivalent tone. Things were not going to go well.

Edward Cullen

I attempted to keep my nerves under control as I walked into Bella's house. I would be myself and hopefully that would be enough. I immediately heard Matt running towards me before he jumped onto me.

"Hi, Edward! My grandma and grandpa are here!" He exclaimed excitedly as I followed him into the kitchen while ruffling his hair.

I took a deep breath as I noticed how beautiful Bella looked in her soft blue shirt and tight pair of jeans. I had to mentally remind myself that I had to be on my best behavior for the next few days while her parents were around. I had to make a good impression.

I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist. "Be good," she warned in a whisper so only I could hear.

"Hi, love," I answered kissing her cheek softly before Bella introduced me to her mother and father.

Bella's mom, Renee, looked a lot like her daughters. She had the same brown hair and eyes, but her hair was shorter than either Bella's or Angela's. Charlie, their father, was a very intimidating man. He was tall and his police uniform made him seem much powerful than he normally would. The fact that he was carrying a gun was not lost on me.

"The food is ready!" Bella announced once I had given Renee the flowers and noticed the cold glare Charlie was giving me. It was definitely going to be a long night.

Dinner proved to be a very tense and awkward time. I wasn't quite sure what to talk about and Charlie's stare was making it hard for me to even eat. "What do you like to do when you're not at the station, Chief Swan?" I inquired hoping to make some sort of conversation.

"I fish," he replied shortly causing Renee to glare at him.

"Do you fish, Edward?" Renee asked causing Bella to giggle.

"I've never really been fishing," I admitted with a sigh.

"Obviously a city boy," Charlie mumbled under his breath.

"Dad!" Bella protested, dropping her fork. "That's not nice."

"Come on, Bella. You know real men fish," he stated in an obvious tone. I had to bite my tongue and remind myself that this was Bella's father and I couldn't lose my temper.

"I happen to love this city boy, dad," Bella explained in anger as I took her hand squeezing it reassuringly.

"Bella, it's alright," I stated, hoping to smooth things over.

"No, it's not," Bella corrected as she stood up angrily. "Mi-, that cheating bastard fishes and does all those outdoor things. Look how great he turned out."

"Bella, that's not what I meant," Charlie corrected, but it was too late. Bella had already left, leaving us all at the table.

"I should go talk to her," I said, taking a deep breath.

"Charlie," Renee stated in a scolding tone as I stood up.

"What?" Charlie asked with a sigh just as I made my way out of the dining room and up the stairs to the bedroom.

"Bella," I said knocking on her softly. She hadn't closed the door all the way, but I really didn't want to just walk in. I knew she was mad.

"I want to be alone," she replied and instantly knew she was crying.

"I'm not leaving," I answered as I pushed the door open slightly.

"Is it too much to ask for both of you to get along?" She inquired as I made my way to sit next to her on the bed.

"I really don't know what to do, Bella. I do want him to like me, but he's not making things easy," I explained as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. "I'll try harder."

"I don't think he's ever going to accept anybody," she responded before she leaned her head against my shoulder.

"He's doing it, because he loves you," I reminded her before leaning in and kissing her lips softly and gently.

"Am I interrupting something?" Charlie asked with a loud knock on her door.

"No, nothing," Bella answered as I inwardly cursed myself. How was kissing Bella in her bedroom going to win me points with her father?

"I just want to apologize to both of you," he stated nervously. "I haven't exactly been fair to you, Edward. And, I should trust you more, Bella."

"You should," Bella replied.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt again, Bella," he explained as he stared down at the floor. "I never want to see my little girl in so much pain again."

"I won't hurt her," I stated honestly. "I love your daughter, Chief Swan."

"We have that in common then, Edward," he responded giving me a weak smile.

"Do you promise to at least be civil to each other?" Bella inquired as she looked at each of us.

"Promise," we both replied together causing her to smile.

"I don't make any promises for tomorrow. That cheating motherfucker better not mess with you," Charlie added with a menacing glare. I think Charlie and I were going to get along just fine.

A/N: Edward has met the parents…What do you think? Poor Edward had to make it through Charlie's over protectiveness. Is it what you all expected?

A few of you have asked what my next project will be after Readjusted has finished posting. I have many stories in my head, but two of which have complete plots. I will be working on a Harry Potter/Twilight crossover. The Harry Potter characters will not be in the story. It will be more like our favorite Twilight characters in the magical locations of Harry Potter. I'm excited for it. I will begin to post it once I have a sufficient reserve of chapters. As of now, I am working on the outline.

Next Chapter: Matt's Birthday Party

Muggleinlove