Baby You Can Stop Running
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight

Chapter Twenty Five

Charlie

I'm a man who takes pleasure in the simpler things in life; the quiet of the early morning when I find myself fishing on the Sol Duc river with Billy or Emmett by my side, the taste of a cold Rainer Ale after a long shift at work, the pride I feel in the Mariners, hell, even the Seahawks, when they win a game. It doesn't take much to make a content person. In fact, I revel in the quietness of my life. I prefer to be alone.

It might be one of the reasons why Renee left all those years ago. I should have known that she was better suited outside of Forks and I suppose it was my fault for thinking that I could convince her that life in a small town could be rewarding, or at least, something that she might want. I knew better… I knew that she was destined for other things and yet I selfishly tried to keep her tied to the town, I guess I thought, or rather hoped, that children would have cemented that. It was foolish, and it was a wrong choice on my part. Still, her leaving… It created a deep hole that never quite filled.

She took Bella, or rather, Bella opted to go with Renee while Emmett had decided to stay in Forks; he was almost finished with high school and his social circle and place on the varsity football and baseball team had been cemented. So when Bella moved back because Renee remarried to that minor league baseball player, I was thrilled. Having Renee back was never an option, and I guess I always assumed that Bella would forever be with her, so the fact that she was finally coming home to me, well… I guess you could say that it was enough to fill the ache that Renee and left in my heart. My child, the baby girl whom I had spent so much time away from, was coming home. Still, with Renee's past and my knowledge of how much Bella hated the rain and the cold, Forks was never really meant for her. I suppose it was also the reason why I never pressured Bella to come back. Her disgust for the town was easy to witness and it was always easier to accept her leaving if I put it in those terms, and not in the way that I always figured; I was hardly an active parent, what did Bella owe me?

I never wanted to let her down. Stanford had been a great opportunity for her; she was intelligent to a point that it sometimes scared me… But I was proud of her and though I know I never spoke the words often enough… I did, no I do, love my daughter. Probably more than she could ever imagine. So now that she was back, I was hoping that there would be some way to keep her here… Or at least, keep her in my life once again. Seeing her walk into my room that day was one of the happiest days of my life because up until that point, I was certain that I would never see her again.

"So… You might want to know what's going on in Bella's life." Emmett spoke only minutes after walking into the room.

I could almost feel my heart race in my chest. That couldn't be good. The last thing I wanted was something to drive her away and the only thing I could think of was Jacob. She had told me her story and though I had been heavily sedated at the time, I couldn't help but feel the anger rise to the surface. Now that I was more coherent, all I wanted to do was grab my rifle and give him a piece of my mind. Sure, Billy was my friend… My best friend at that… But what his son had done to my daughter was unforgiveable.

"What" I said cautiously. If Jacob ran Bella out of town again I knew I would do something I would live to regret if I ever did make it out of here, but it would have all been worth it.

"Your doctor and her have hit it off." Emmett grumbled and I found my eyebrows furrowing.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that they are getting serious."

"They've known each other for three? Maybe four days?"

"Rose won't let me interfere."

My thoughts instantly drifted to Edward's words, the words spoken because he thought I had not been awake. And, for some reason, I found that I trusted him. "The one thing that I'm sure of Charlie, the one thing that I'm certain about, is that your daughter is the first person to make me feel like a human being. The first person to make me see something more in life, to make me want a future. I've spent so much time watching my life pass by that for the first time I want to be somewhere else than this hospital, I want to be out living life and I want to live my life with her." Though it was true I had no idea what the context of their relationship was at the time, I assumed it was no more than a friendship of sorts, though it was obvious he had intentions for something greater. I couldn't help but feel reassured by his tone. The words he spoke, he spoke with such conviction it was obvious he was telling the truth and I admired that. He had been through what seemed like hell and I was happy that Bella was seemingly providing him some comfort.

Still, I had reservations. He could, theoretically, hurt her just as much as Jacob had. She was finally coming back into our lives. The last thing I wanted was for someone to change all that. For a relationship to drive her away from us again and maybe driver her away for good the second time around.

"What does Rose say?"

"That he cares about her… That he's protective of her and that they make each other happy so I should mind my own business."

"Smart woman."

"How can you say that? After everything! She just came back and here she is… What if he hurts her and she leaves again?"

I fought back the chuckle that was easing its way to my lips. "Death makes you rethink things a little Em. I'll have a talk with him… I'll make sure he understands just what is at stake but tell me, is she happy?"

He groaned.

"I know you don't want to lose her again either. I know it hasn't been easy on you either, especially after everything that you were keeping from me… But maybe she needs this. Maybe he will be good for her."

"I should get to work."

"I'll see you this afternoon then." And he nodded before exiting the room.

I, on the other hand, leaned back against the bed and closed my eyes. There were more thoughts running through my mind then I had even considered possible. Emmett did have a point. Bella's record with men, or at least, her record involving Jacob seemed to show that when push came to shove, she would leave and that was something I wasn't willing to let happen again.

My moment of solitude didn't last long because Bella's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Hi dad!" I looked up and noticed that she had entered with Edward, and then my eyes drifted to their hands, clasped tightly, fingers laced. It was… intimate.

"Hi Bells." I smiled as she sat down on the bed and hugged my neck, the one place that didn't hurt, as the healing bullet wounds that had somehow become infected still hurt like hell. My eyes shifted to Edward, who looked uncomfortable to say the least. Even in the two weeks that I had come to know him; I had never seen him so, anxious. "Dr. Cullen."

"Hello Officer Swan." His hands reached for the chart and I continued to eye him as I watched his eyes scan the notes the nurses and other doctors had taken. "I wanted to see how you were feeling today."

"I'm feeling much better."

"You look it dad."

"Your chart looks very good Officer Swan. I'm pleased with the improvements."

"You father said the same thing this morning." Carlisle had checked in earlier, mentioning something along the lines of how a nurse had failed to comply with hospital regulations and how deeply sorry he was and how they were trying to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. I had, I'm sure, grunted a response, having been woken from the first deep sleep that I had since the shooting.

"Ah… Carlisle stopped by." He was attempting casual but I knew that my glare had caught him off guard. It had never been my intention to upset him… I guess I was just trying to convey to him that I wasn't going to take this lightly and he shouldn't either. When it came to Bella… My interests were going to be very clear.

"Yes. He stopped by when Emmett was here this morning."

"Oh! Emmett!!" Bella shouted, jumping off the bed. "I need to call him. Do you mind?" Her eyes met mine.

"Not at all. I wanted to have a word with Dr. Cullen privately anyways." I smiled before feeling her press a kiss against my forehead. I blushed. We had never really had much physical contact. Just as my affectionate words had been lacking, I also failed to show her physically… I had always been uncomfortable with hugs…

"Okay. I'll be back in a little bit."

The room was silent for a moment after the door had closed and I merely observed him for a minute, watching that he still gripped the chart in his hands as though he was hoping that it would serve as some kind of protection.

"So Edward… I'm assuming I can call you that." He merely nodded his head, which I took as a motion to continue. "Good… I figured we could drop the formalities with Bella gone. Emmett tells me that you have taken to our little Bella."

"I…" He stuttered and I realized that I had never seen him at loss for words before.

"I might not be the healthiest of men right now… But I sure still know how to be quiet and still. I heard everything you told me yesterday when you came in here. I think we have to talk son."

I observed Edward and watched as he placed the chart back down before taking a seat. He was quiet and I wasn't sure where to start. I didn't exactly want to scare him off; I just wanted to find a way to get into his head. The little insight that I had was not sufficient enough to find out just what his intentions were with Bella, nor were they enough to really understand the extent of their relationship.

"Officer Swan… I…" He began and I lifted my eyebrows at him, effectively ending this stuttered sentence.

"There are only a few things that I have to say. Hurt her, and I'll personally see to it that you go missing. I may only be the police chief of Forks, but I can assure you that I have more clout in this county, in this state, than you do." A look of shock crossed his face and I wondered if I had overstepped the line that I had planned to not cross. "Secondly…" I found my voice softening, "thank you."

"T-Thank you?"

"I haven't seen Bella smile like that in a very, very long time and I assume that you have something to do with that."

"I can tell you with complete honesty that I never intended for this to happen sir."

"I know."

"I would never hurt her."

"I know that too." I sighed and winced at the momentary pain that shot through my left side. "I'm just worried about what she's been through."

"I know… about Jacob Black." He said softly and I nodded.

"I figured as much… I probably should have known from the beginning. I knew that those last two months before she left for California something was wrong and that it had something to do with Jacob… She never went with me to La Push and he never came around the house… I guess I was in denial. I didn't want to believe there was a problem."

"I would say that he is a fool for letting her go, but I'm glad he did." He looked down to the floor as though he was studying the linoleum tiles. "I'm not glad for what he's done to her… I can imagine how hard it's been for you and Emmett and I understand your concerns about my sudden appearance in her life but I really do care very deeply for her… To the point where it scares me."

"Your parents? James? I'm assuming that to be part of the reason." His lip twitched slightly as he looked up, his eyes locking with my own and it was almost as though I could see the pain that lay behind the green eyes that had shone brightly when Bella had been around.

"You really did hear everything." He muttered. "I never thought I deserved to have anyone… And sure, the thought that I would lose someone again like I lost my parents has always been in the back of my mind but it's much more than that. I guess I could never forgive myself for what happened but Bella…" He paused as he searched for the words though I was fairly certain that I knew what he was going to say. "It's like she woke me up. She's this wonderful breath of fresh air and I can't imagine being without it anymore."

"Just promise me you won't hurt her. I couldn't bear to lose her again and I know Emmett feels the same way."

"I think if anyone hurts anyone… It's going to be her hurting me. But, I'll take what I can get." He smiled sadly as he looked towards the door, causing my gaze to shift there as well. Bella walked in a few seconds later, her face slightly contorted.

"Everything alright?"

"Will you tell Emmett to back off?" She asked, resuming her place back on the side of the bed.

"Back off?"

She groaned. "Never mind."

"Bella, I think I'm going to head home." Edward stated and I watched her expression fall slightly.

"So soon?"

"Carlisle will murder me if he finds out that I'm here."

"Oh."

"It was good talking to you Officer Swan."

"Just remember what I told you Edward." I replied as he nodded. I tried to ignore the stubborn glare that Bella had cast my way, she had obviously caught on to my father speech.

"I'll call you later Bella."

"Bye." She whispered as he retreated through the now open door before looking back at me, a fire blazing in her eyes. "What did you say to him?"

"What every good father would tell their daughters boyfriend."

"Not you too."

"Bella… I'm not looking at this like your brother. I know about Edward's past."

"How?"

"He told me when he thought I was sleeping yesterday."

Her arms folded across her chest. "So apparently I'm the last to know everything."

"It's not like that. First off, he thought I was asleep when he was telling me." I grinned and watched her face as she absorbed what I was telling her. "I think he was looking for some kind of confirmation… That it was okay… I think that even he knew you wouldn't go running from him, maybe he didn't want to believe it, but I think he knew. Of course his parents are always going to support him but I am the father of the woman that he loves… Without my consent, he knows he might as well give up."

"It wouldn't change anything… whether you liked him or not."

"Would it?"

"No. He and I would be a package deal… You'd have to accept it."

"You've certainly never outgrown your stubbornness. You are your mother's daughter." She grinned for the first time since he had left.

"The thing is, I owe that man my life. But that in and of itself wouldn't be enough for me to give my full hearted consent. But for now, I can tell you that I do like him. I'm not saying that won't change because if he hurts you, I will hunt him down with my own rifle… But I can see how your smile reaches your eyes for the first time in years… Or at least, what I assume is the first time in years."

Bella looked down, her eyes unwilling to meet my own and I reached over and touched her cheek and noticed that tears were streaming down them.

"What's wrong?" I was never good with tears; probably another reason Renee left, and why Bella hadn't wanted to tell me about Jake. I winced at the thought, though maybe now would be a good chance to start over with her, to show her that even though I never said it enough, that I love her and that I would and will, always be there for her. "Why are you crying?"

Bella

I couldn't stop the tears at Charlie's confession. The phone conversation with Emmett had already struck a nerve with me because I hadn't been expecting his reaction. After he had witnessed how badly Jake had broken me, how depressed I had been, part of me had truly been hoping that he would embrace this new relationship with Edward. I hadn't been expecting his harsh words.

"Did you sleep with him last night?"His voice was terse and I found that I cringed away from the phone momentarily, wincing with the implication in his question.

"I did… But only in the truest sense of the word, not that it concerns you any."

"That's where you're wrong Bella. This does concern me. This concerns dad too. Do you honestly think that you were the only one affected what Jake did? God Bell I hope you're not that naïve! Fuck Bella… I realize that it sounds selfish on our part but he hurt us too. He took you away from us. And how do we know that the same thing isn't going to happen with Edward?"

"He's different." I said softly. I did understand where he was coming from, truly I did, but how could he not see that they were two different people?

"You don't know that! You've only known him for a few days!"

"I know it's hard to understand but I do know him Emmett and I know you do too! Do you honestly think he is capable of it?"

"Yea, well I thought I knew Jacob too."

"Why are you crying?" Charlie's concerned voice cut through the thoughts of Emmett's words and pulled me back into reality. Only then did I feel the hot, wet tears that were streaking down my face.

"I'm scared…"

"Of what Bella?"

"The fact that I've never felt this strongly for anyone before and it's only been a few days. I don't think he'll hurt me… No… I know he won't hurt me but the intensity of my feelings… I didn't know this was possible."

"I wouldn't worry too much about that… Take your time with it… I'm sure he'll wait. I know he'll wait. Bella… I know Emmett is concerned and I understand where he is coming from but he'll come around too. He's afraid of losing you again, we both are. I just don't see Edward doing to you what Jake did. And… Like I told him, if he does, I have a rifle and clout with the state of Washington… No one would ever have to know."

I was choking on my tears as I laughed at Charlie's threat. I knew it was nothing more than that and I assumed that Edward did too, but mainly, I guess having Charlie's support was what I needed. I knew that I had hurt Emmett by running away, but I knew that I had hurt Charlie even more. Still, he was the one encouraging me to take a chance, and, though I had never been close with him in the sense that most girls are with their fathers, his faith in the situation did make me feel even just a little bit better about it. No, I didn't know how it would turn out, if one, or both of us would end up hurting each other, or if we would end up happy, but I did know that if I didn't take the chance, that I would regret it for the rest of my life.

Edward

I had Charlie's approval, now all I needed was Emmett's and I was certain that his would not be as easy to attain. Talking to Emmett would require preparation and thought. I knew that I would have to find a way to put into words just how truly happy Bella made me feel. It wouldn't be easy but I knew that for my sake, I would have to find a way.

"Edward a letter came in the mail for you!" Esme shouted from the kitchen as I walked into the house, the smell of cookies overwhelming my senses.

"That smells good." I commented as I picked up the letter from the marble countertop watching as she bent down to check the batch that was cooking in the oven.

"I thought Bella might like some." She said before turning to face me, her face falling as she saw I had come alone. "Where did she go?"

"She's at the hospital with Charlie." I replied and Esme nodded.

I looked away from her and down at the letter that was in my hands. The postmark was from a Chicago post office. I no longer knew anyone who lived there and my heart was racing at the thought. It could have been merely a letter from one of my parent's friends who sometimes tried to check in on me, though I never responded, but the lack of a return address was what had caught my attention and made me believe that it wasn't going to be a letter that would bear good news.

I, however, pushed the thoughts aside. There was no point working myself into an anxiety attack over something as meaningless as a letter. My finger tugged at the white envelope and I pulled out the paper and let my eyes read over the scrawl. My heart plummeted into my stomach and I tossed it down on the counter after finishing it before running to the toilet to throw up.

"Edward… Are you alright." Esme's voice was far away… My mind had too many things to process.

"No… No… No…" I muttered over and over again, still kneeling on the cold floor, unable to look up into the concerned eyes of the woman who had spend the past seventeen years raising me. I should have known that this would happen. I should have never let myself get involved…

A/N:

So… I know it's not the best… But there were some important things: For Edward, he had been searching for some kind of confirmation from someone that he wasn't a monster… And though Bella had expelled that feeling from him, the thought never fully leaves which is why it's important that Charlie does accept him. And he does… Emmett however, is worried about the situation as well as he should be: Charlie never saw Bella as broken as she was… He had heard about it second hand but there is a difference in witnessing and hearing. So I hope that you are okay with that…

Now… I wasn't GOING to bring in the drama so soon but I think the story was starting to slow down… But obviously something is happening to Edward and though it might not be addressed in the next chapter… It's going to get addressed soon. I just thought that things were becoming too perfect between them and it's about time to shake it up a bit.

As always thank you to all my wonderful readers! Thank you to the C2 group Main Couples Only! For adding this story! And thank you to those who continue to add this to your alerts/favorites! I hope you are still enjoying! The best way to let me know is to review!

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