A/N I know I say it every time I post, but THANK YOU to everyone for following this story! I'm constantly amazed at the number of hits, faves, and alerts I get on a daily basis! Anyway, Sunday is almost over and tomorrow starts spring break for my son and another of my daycare kids. I'm thinking my writing time is going to suffer so I wanted to give you fair warning. I'll try to post daily but I'm not sure it's gonna happen. Anyway, thank you so much for reading! Here's the next chapter for you to enjoy and review!

Chapter 41 – Favor

Ugh! It had been such a long day for Charlie. He had been up for almost thirty-six hours and was still on the go. After finding his house had been ransacked last night he spent the entire night cleaning up, focusing primarily on Bella's room.

Thank god for Carlisle. He proved again and again just how good of a friend he was. When he heard from Edward what had happened, he left his family to help Charlie with the clean up, knowing that he shouldn't have to do it alone.

Now Carlisle was right by his side, in the furniture store in Port Angeles, helping him pick out and purchase all the items that had been destroyed the previous night. They started with the living room – new TV, couch, and recliner. The TV screen had busted when the ass-wipe shoved it off the TV stand and then took a baseball bat to it. The cushions for the couch as well as the recliner had been slit open with what he assumed was a pocketknife, so they needed to be replaced as well.

They continued shopping, picking out a new bed, dresser, desk, and desk chair for Bella's room, as well as a new ceiling fan. The only thing Charlie's room really needed was a new ceiling fan, so they picked that out as well. Once they had all the big things picked out, the men walked to the front where Charlie proceeded to pay for everything and then scheduled a delivery time for the next morning at nine.

When they were done at the furniture store, they headed to the department store to buy things like new picture frames, dishes, bedding, and all of the other small things that had been destroyed. Bella, Edward, and Alice had all been there the entire time Carlisle and he were at the furniture store, so he was hoping she had picked out most of what she needed. He knew she basically had to build her entire wardrobe from scratch, but he also knew he just needed to go home a collapse.

He and Carlisle were in the housewares section of the store picking out a new set of dishes when Charlie finally turned to his best friend. "Carlisle, I don't know how I can ever repay you for everything you've done to help me in the last eighteen hours. You've truly been a godsend." Carlisle was about to interrupt but he quickly pressed on.

"Wait. I know what you're gonna say, but just let me finish. Carlisle, you've been my best friend for more years than I can remember. You and Esme were there for me when Renee took Bella away and on countless other occasions. I owe you so much already, but I need to ask you one more favor."

Carlisle was looking at his expectantly, so he knew he needed to go on. "Bella has really taken a liking to Edward. I've seen such a tremendous change in her in the last few days and it makes me happy that she seems to have found happiness again. After Renee died, I didn't think she'd ever let herself be happy, I didn't think she'd ever let herself love, but Edward changed all that for her.

"I see the way she looks at him – the love she has for him; and I see that same love reflected right back at her. They're good for each other, Carlisle, and I don't want anything to stand in the way of that. She needs him right now, whether she admits it or not. Look, I know it's a lot to ask, but can she stay with him again tonight?"

Carlisle smiled at Charlie before patting him on his back. "Charlie, you are part of our family whether there is a blood link or not. Esme and I would do anything to help you, including letting Bella stay with us for as long as it takes to get this mess sorted out. We love you both. It's great that Edward and Bella have found each other! I know you see the difference in Bella, but I honestly think Edward has improved just as much, if not more, than she has.

"He's been with us for two years now, and this is the first time I've ever seen him let down his guard for anyone. Yes, he loves her Charlie, and yes, I think she loves him too. I'm not sure what will come of their relationship, but I honestly think they have a chance of being truly happy together."

Charlie looked at his best friend and blinked back tears. This was why they had been friends for so long. Carlisle was a terrific man who would give someone the clothes off his back if it would help, and for that, Charlie was truly grateful.

…..

In his eighteen years of life, he had never seen something as hot as watching Bella try on lingerie. She was by far the sexiest woman he had ever seen, but seeing her trying on matching bra and panty sets was almost enough to undo him right in the middle of the store. He had to concentrate on some very unattractive images to keep from messing his shorts because she was that sexy. What was even more amazing was that she was his; his life, his love, his everything.

When she was finished trying on all the clothes, she separated everything into two piles: to keep and to put back. There were very few things she didn't end up wanting, which was a testament to Alice and her shopping skills. If there was one thing the little fairy was good at, it would definitely be shopping in his opinion.

Sometime while he was in the dressing room with Bella, his dad and Charlie had come into the store to finish up with the rest of the shopping. He saw them talking over in the housewares department and wondered what it was that they were discussing, but didn't bother to go ask. At the moment, his girl was looking though the jewelry department and he refused to leave her side.

When she had picked out a few pairs of earrings, a couple of necklaces, and a new watch, she looked at him and had the most beautiful smile on her face. If he looked a little deeper though, he could see that she was truly exhausted. He couldn't really blame her though because it had been a really long day for all of them.

He walked up to her and wrapped her in his arms before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Pulling back slightly, he looked directly into her warm chocolate brown eyes and asked, "Are you ready to go home, beautiful?"

She smiled back at him and then leaned in to place her head on his chest. He felt her nodding as he held her close, so he looked around the store to find his dad and Charlie. At this point, they were in the linen department looking for new bedding for Bella's room; at least that's what he assumed because the one they were currently looking at was a royal purple color.

He led his gorgeous but exhausted girl over to their dads and found that they were just about done. Five minutes later, Charlie and Carlisle were waiting in line at the cash register with Alice, so he told them that he was going to take Bella out to his car so she could sit down.

With his arm securely fastened around her waist, he led her out to his Volvo and opened the passenger side door for her. Once he made sure she was safely in, he went around and climbed in the other side. "You look exhausted baby. Are you okay?" he asked her, concerned.

She sighed heavily but nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. You're right though, I am exhausted," she told him. "I'm starved too. We haven't had anything to eat since early afternoon."

He quickly pulled her to him and started running his fingers through her hair. "I'm so sorry babe. I should have stopped to get you something to eat before we went shopping." He felt terrible for not having thought about it, but she quickly silenced him with a kiss.

"Shh. Edward, it's okay. We needed to get the shopping done before anything else to make sure we were finished by the time the store closed. I'm okay, I promise. I just need to eat soon sweetheart."

"I know Bella. As soon as your dad pays for everything and I help him load it into the cars, we'll go get you something to eat. I love you and I'm so proud of you for being so strong though all of this. You're absolutely amazing," he whispered into her ear before softly, sweetly, kissing her jaw.

Fifteen minutes later, Charlie, Carlisle, and Alice all walked out of the store carrying bags and bags of merchandise. Following them, there were three store employees lugging bags out as well. Edward kissed the top of Bella's head and told her he'd be right back. After popping the trunk, he climbed out of his car and started loading up his trunk.

They ended up filling up both car trunks and his entire back seat with everything that had been purchased. Before climbing back in the car with Bella, he addressed the rest of the group. "Bella and I haven't had anything to eat since about noon today, so we wanted to stop and grab a bite to eat before heading home. Is anyone else hungry?" he asked.

It was Charlie who spoke up. "Actually, eating sounds like it would be good for all of us. How about we go to that little Italian restaurant down the road? Bella has always loved Italian food."

Carlisle and Alice agreed. Actually, Alice started jumping up and down from excitement. "Oooh! I haven't had a good Italian meal in ages!" she exclaimed. "Let's go eat!"

Since they were all in agreement, Edward said he and Bella would meet them there and was about to climb in the car when Charlie cleared his throat. Slightly confused, he looked up at the chief.

"Edward, Bella's new bed isn't going to be delivered until tomorrow morning and then I'm sure it's going to take a few days to get the house back to a livable condition. I've already spoken to Carlisle and he said it would be okay if Bella stayed with you until that happened. I know I probably don't even have to ask, but I did want to make sure that was okay with you first." Charlie was starting to ramble, so Edward decided it was time to interrupt.

"Charlie, Bella is my life now. I love her so much and will do anything and everything I can to protect her and keep her happy. Of course I don't mind if she stays with me for the next few days. I'm honored that you trust me enough to let me take care of her. Thank you."

"Son, I should be the one thanking you. You've already done so much to help Bella. I know you probably don't notice the changes as much as I do, but I can guarantee they are there. She's made tremendous improvements since she met you and I will never be able to properly express my gratitude for that. Now, let's go get my baby girl something to eat!" he said before turning to Carlisle's car.

…..

Edward was amazing. Bella couldn't help but love him more as each day passed. All he wanted to take care of her, to love her, and to protect her and he made sure she knew it.

When she had mentioned that she was starving he berated himself, saying he should have thought to stop before they went shopping. It took her a few minutes to calm him down, explaining that they needed to get the shopping out of the way to make sure they got it all done before it closed. She knew they could always find a fast food joint open but the department store only stayed open so late.

She wasn't sure how long they had stayed in his car waiting after that. She just remembered leaning her head on Edward's chest and just relaxing, waiting for Charlie, Carlisle, and Alice to come out of the store. She had just about fallen asleep when Edward softly kissed the top of her head and told her he'd be right back.

She sat back in her seat and rested her head against the headrest. She must have closed her eyes and drifted off, because the next thing she remembered Edward was trying to wake her up. "Baby, we're at the restaurant. Are you ready to get up and eat?"

It took her a minute, but once she realized where she was and whom she was with, she smiled. After she stretched for a minute she nodded to Edward and he got out of the car to open her door for her. She allowed him to pull her out of the car and held on to him while he steadied her. Once she caught her balance, he led her into the restaurant behind the other three.

There was almost no one in the restaurant, so they were seated immediately. Edward held her chair out for him and she kissed him sweetly on the lips before sitting down. They all ordered and then went about talking about the trip and everything they were able to get done in one day.

She told her dad that she was successfully able to get everything she needed for a new wardrobe and then glanced at Edward. When she saw the blush covering her cheeks, she knew he was remembering the very hot scene between them in the dressing room and she couldn't help but blush herself. If anyone noticed, they didn't say anything.

Charlie did mention that everything he had purchased from the furniture store would be delivered then next morning at nine. That left Bella wondering what she was supposed to do tonight but her thoughts were quickly pulled back to the table.

"Bella, honey, if it's okay with you, I'm going to have you stay at the Cullen's place for the next few nights; at least until we get the house put back to a somewhat normal state. I've already mentioned it to Carlisle and Edward," he said and she saw Carlisle nod as Edward squeezed her knee underneath the table.

"Of course it's okay with me, but Dad, what about you? Where are you going to sleep?" she asked. As much as she loved Edward and wanted to sleep in his arms, she still worried about her father.

Charlie interrupted her. "Bells, it's okay. I'm going to be staying at home in my room. The only damage that was really done to my room was that my ceiling fan was broken when they flipped my mattress up into it. There were a few pictures of you that were smashed, but everything else was fine. I'd rather be there to make sure nothing else happens than be anywhere else."

While his words made sense to her, she still couldn't help but worry. If she was staying with Edward, then who would help him put the house back together? Who would cook for him and make sure the laundry was done. She could feel herself starting to have another panic attack but she didn't know what to do about it.

Luckily Edward was there to soothe her. "Here babe, take this," he said handing her a small white pill. "It's a quarter of the dose of the anti-anxiety medication my mom gave you this morning. She gave me a few to bring in case you had another anxiety attack. It won't knock you out, but it will help calm your nerves." Without a second thought, Bella took the pill from Edward and swallowed it with a sip of her soda.

After just a few minutes, she could feel herself relaxing and it was a welcome relief. When their dinner came, they all ate in relative silence but it wasn't at all uncomfortable. They must have all been starving and not realized it until they were eating.

When everyone was done, Carlisle paid the bill over Charlie's protesting and they all got up to leave. Edward had his arm wrapped securely around her again as he led her to his car. After giving Charlie a hug and a kiss on the cheek, she said goodnight and let Edward help her into the car. Charlie said something more to Edward and she watched as he nodded and then hugged him before getting in the far with her.

"Alright beautiful, let's get you home," he said sweetly. She couldn't help but smile at the sound of his words. Yes, where ever Edward was would always be her home.