Chapter 18
BPOV
I heard the doorbell ring and knew that he was here. My wonderful, loving but not too smothering father; We have always gotten along so well, maybe it is because we are so much alike.
We both tend to keep to ourselves, associating with a small group of closer friends rather than social butterflies.
I had a feeling that coming to the Cullen's home for dinner tonight was pushing his limit a little bit and I can't help but wonder what is going through his mind. I guess I will find out sooner rather than later.
I really hope that he will accept Edward and I together, it would make life so much easier for everyone. I'm going to stand firm in my decision that even if he doesn't approve, I refuse to let that change anything.
It doesn't seem possible that in a little over a week I met the man that I'm certain will be the only love of my life and gained an amazingly loving and supportive extended family to boot.
"Are you ready to go sweetie?" Alice gave me a hug and told me that they were all here for me and encouraged me to go down and greet my father.
This should not be a scary situation, but this is such new territory for me that I can't quite untangle the knots that have formed in my stomach.
"I wonder how Edward's holding up?" This is all beginning to seem ridiculous. It's not like Edward's asking for my hand in marriage, just to date me."I'm sure he's fine," Alice said; "Edward can charm anyone, if you think that I'm hard to resist, he's impossible." "he has mastered skills of manipulation, that I can't even begin to dream of." She grinned.
"Oh, um really?" I questioned, "Yeah, that's why everyone thinks that he's the perfect one, even though he is so far from it." "I doubt even your dad will see through his bullshit." She assured.
"Tell me more" I really want to know, so that I can be on guard.
"Oh, I have stories, and I will be happy to share, but tonight is about you two." "What do you say, we go down there and show your dad how great you look after spa-day." "You are absolutely glowing now."
"Shut it Alice." "Oh sweetie, don't be embarrassed love is great for the complexion."
We walked into the living room and saw everyone seated and chatting and apparently having a nice time.
"Hey dad" I walk up to him and give him a small nudge on his shoulder. That's about as affectionate as we get; again we are so much alike.
"Hey Bells," "Jeeze, you look great, did you cut your hair?"
I can't believe that he noticed, honestly, Alice just gave me a knowing smile and I think that I growled at her.
"Actually, I did" I told him.
"Bella dear," Esme spoke up now, trying to break the awkward silence; "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, would you like something to drink while you wait?"
I looked around and noticed that dad, Carlisle and Emmett were all having beer, Esme had a glass of white wine and Edward was fumbling with the label on a bottle of water.
"A Coke would be great, please." I said, just wanting to have something in my hand. "I'll get it" Alice said, "Can I get anyone anything else?"
"Chief Swan, would you like another beer?" She really is a charmer.
"No thanks Alice, I appreciate it though."
Alice had returned with my coke and I had taken my first drink when Charlie decided it was his turn to contribute to the conversation.
"So Edward, how are Bella's lessons coming along?""Um, well, she's…" poor Edward looked like a deer caught in the headlights; at that moment Esme chimed in with "I believe that dinner is ready, why don't we go to the dining room."
Did I mention how much I love this woman already?
"Edward, would you help me in the kitchen for a moment please?"
"Sure mom" he breathed a sigh of relief that I could hear from where I was sitting.
"But mom, aren't we waiting for Rosie and Jazz?" Emmett asked.
"I thought that we were all supposed to be here to show.."
Just then the doorbell rang, Oh my God, I'm going to buy those two presents for their good timing.
Carlisle got up to answer the door and all conversation of piano lessons was forgotten.
"Rosalie, Jasper" Carlisle greeted them giving Rose a big hug and a firm handshake to Jasper.
"Hey Carlisle" They both said. "I hope were not late, but Rose was having hair issues."
Yeah right, I seriously doubt that Rose had ever had a hair out of place.
Alice's laugh confirmed my suspicion.
We then followed Carlisle into the dining room, where Edward and Esme had already arranged platters of food.
Esme then directed everyone to their seats; apparently their was a seating chart for this dinner.
Carlisle was of course at the head of the table, with Esme being at the other end.
Charlie was next to Carlisle and I was seated in between Charlie and Edward, no awkwardness here.
I had a feeling that this was going to be the longest dinner of my life.
Once everyone was seated, Carlisle said grace. It was so interesting to watch this family interact together; I had never had that. I'm not sure if I have ever had one family dinner where we sat down together and just enjoyed family time.
I know that if and when I have a family of my own, this was going to be a regular thing. I would insist on it.
I'm beginning to feel more than a little jealous of this wonderful family when I felt Edward's hand gently squeeze mine under the table. I wonder if I was that transparent, if he had any idea what I would give to be a part of a unit like this.
Don't get me wrong, I love my parents but sometimes, I wish our life had been a little more Ozzie and Harriett and a little less Roseanne.
"Esme, this looks wonderful." I tell her; she really had outdone herself.
Pot Roast, with potatoes and carrots, green beans, corn, home made rolls, just perfect comfort food.
"Carlisle and Esme, thanks so much for this meal and thanks for welcoming me and Bella into your home." Charlie added very quickly.
"You're both so welcome." "We love having you both here and hope to have Bella around much more.""Yeah, Bella is always great for a laugh, we love her." Emmett piped in.
"Well it seems that she's enjoying her time with you all also." "I haven't seen her look this happy in a long time." Charlie offered.
Next it was Alice's turn; "You know Chief Swan, all my life I have been the baby and now it feels like I have the little sister that I've always wanted; she just fits in with us so well; it's like she a member of the family already."Ahh, so this was how they were giving us our opening; I could tell that Charlie was really enjoying the praise that this family that he admired were giving us.
"Yes, it's really funny, from day one, we knew that she would become very special to us." Esme offered and I couldn't help but notice Carlisle was trying to communicate something with Edward.
"Wow, you are so kind." "You don't know how much it means to me that Bella has made such wonderful friends." "I know that our family life doesn't compare to this no matter how much I wanted it to be." "I appreciate you accepting her, and showing her how good being a part of a family can be."
My poor dad looked like he was going to cry. I didn't know if it was from the love that I was being shown or out of regret for the way things worked out for us.
"We know Charlie, how tough it must be for you; you work crazy hours and are never truly off duty. We want you to know, that she never has to be left alone, she's always welcome here." Carlisle added.
"Thank you, I know that makes me feel better." He was smiling now.
"Chief Swan, there's something that I want to add.." Edward was talking to my dad now.
My dad looked concerned now, "Uh-huh, go ahead.""Well sir, I know that I just met Bella; but sir I want you to know that I have never met any one like her before; I have very strong feelings for your daughter." "I would like to ask for your permission to date Bella."
"Sir, I can imagine that this might come as a shock to you, and I will be more than understanding of your concerns."
Alice was right, he is good.
"Hmm, I see. And how old are you again Edward."
"I'm twenty two, sir."
"And do you see where I might have a problem with this son.?"
"I do sir, but I promise you that if you will allow me the opportunity, I won't let you down; either of you."
"Well, I hate to be blunt about this but just what do you expect out of a relationship with a seventeen year old.?"
"Sir, Bella is very mature, so much more so than women my own age, we have a lot in common, we talk, we talk about music and literature, I want to spend more time with her, getting to know her, I want to be able to take her places, I would love to take her to school functions that normally she would skip; I don't want to her miss any of those experiences."
"And what other experiences?"
"DAD" I yell.
Alice, Rose, and Esme just gave me a sympathetic smile.
Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper all looked at Edward as to say, you asked for it.
"Relax Bella, it's a valid question and nothing less than I expected sweetheart." Edward tried to soothe me.
"Sir, let me assure you, first of all I have never even had a girlfriend before, and those experiences are not at all what this is about." "I truly care about her and respect her; I would never pressure her for anything." "If that's what I was after, I know that I could find it; but that's not what I want all."
Wow what a way to hedge around that question.
"Well Bella, is this what you want?" "Do you have feelings for Edward?"
"Yeah dad, I do." I answered honestly
"And I take it you guys as a family think that this is a good idea?" He said to the rest of the table.
"Charlie" Carlisle spoke up; "I know that this must have come to you as a bit of a shock." "But I couldn't be more thrilled for both of them." "Edward has always been a bit of a loner, never dating for the sake of dating." "He has always been very selective of who he wants to spend time with." "When he met Bella, I think we all knew then, before he even mentioned his interest." "And believe me I know what it's like to be the dad of a daughter, but if Bella were mine, I would thrilled with her choice in Edward."
God these people were amazing.
"What about Jake Bells?"
"Dad, for the last time; I love Jake, but dad he's like a brother to me." "There's about as much chance for us as there is for you and mom to get back together."
"He is madly in love with Nessie, and I just don't see him that way." "I don't know what it's going to take to get that through your's and Billy's heads."
"Dad, I love you, but truthfully this is what I want and I hope that you will accept it;"
"Well, I guess I don't really have a choice here." He said. "No man ever wants to think of his baby growing up, but I knew that it would happen."
"Ok Edward, you have my permission to date her, but just know that if you hurt her in any way…"
"I won't sir, and thank you for trusting both of us." "We won't let you down." I nod in agreement and say "Thanks daddy,"
"Daddy huh? I haven't heard that in a while…" He chuckled.
"Esme, can I trouble you for another beer, I think I need it."
After that the conversation became much easier and Edward even held my hand and my dad didn't try to kill him.
Emmett, Carlisle and Jasper engaged him in talk about sports, he was in heaven having someone to talk to that understands his obsession with baseball.
Alice, Esme and Rose began going into glorious detail about the upcoming Halloween party and he was offered an invitation; Thankfully he had to decline because he had to work that night.
Nothing bad ever happens in Forks, but for some reason that night brings out the monster in everyone. I noticed him staring Emmett down at that moment.
"So Chief, since you have to work that night, do you mind if Bella stays over with us after the party?" Alice asked.
"Rosalie will be staying too and of course mom and dad will be here."
Great now I needed to add Alice to the list of gift recipients.
"Sure kiddo, no problem." he said.
"Well, I guess that I need to be going, I have early shift in the morning." "Thanks so much for the wonderful meal and again for taking such good care of my baby here.""Our pleasure Charlie, really." Carlisle said.
"So Bells, are you riding home with me?"
"Uh sure dad, I just need to get my things together first."
"Chief Swan, I would be happy to bring her home." Edward said; "Just tell me what time she needs to be there and she will be.""Well I guess that I don't have to ask if that's what you want Bella, how about 10:30, tomorrow is a school day."
"Perfect dad and thanks." "She'll be on time I promise." Edward said, reaching out to shake my dad's hand.
After my dad left, I think that we all sighed a collective sigh of relief. He wasn't easy to persuade but he was reasonable. Both Edward and I received hugs of congratulations, and then the conversation drifted back to the party again. Oddly enough even the guys got into this conversation; apparently this party was kind of a big deal.
"So, the caterer has been booked, we're having a DJ instead of a band, printed invitations have been sent, but we're going to do e-vites also." Alice was in list making mode. "Bella, are there any friends from school you would want to invite?" she asked me.
"Uh, well maybe Angela and her boyfriend Ben" I offered.
"As long as nobody invites Jessica and Lauren, that will be fine by me" Rose added. I agreed.
"Is there anyone else, love?" "Jake and Nessie maybe?" Edward offered.
Heck yeah, thanks so much, that would be great.
"Well, just get me their e-mail address and I will invite them." Alice offered.
"I will see Ang at school tomorrow and I can just ask her if you want and I can call Jake, I don't think he has an e-mail." "That will be perfect, I'm so excited."
"So ok costumes guys," "I know what Jasper and I are going as." "How about you and Emmett, Rose?"
"Yeah, I know what we're going as, but I still need to go to Seattle this coming weekend to pick up my costume; Emm's is easy."
"Excellent, we'll go together, because I need to get mine and Jazz's."
"Uh, Bella and Edward?" She asked.
"Uh, I honestly haven't thought about it yet, it's been a crazy few days."
"Well here are some great couple costume ideas" I just tuned her out.
"First of all Alice" Edward spoke up. "I think that Bella and I are capable of coming up with our own costume ideas and second of all, did any one ask either of us if we wanted to do a couples costume?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed." She looked like she was about to cry.
"It's ok Alice, we know, it's just maybe we want to make some decisions for ourselves ok.?"
"Ok, and I am sorry, I promise no more interference, I will offer advice if asked for it, but I promise to do my best to not interject." "I will make offers, but just know guys you are free to refuse, deal?" "This is me officially butting out now."
"So love, any costume ideas?" Edward asked.
"Not really, I've never been into the dressing up thing before." "What do want to do?" I told him.
"I'm not sure yet, how about we talk it over for a couple of days and see what we can come up with?"
"Sounds good to me, thanks."
"Alice, if she wants and only if she wants, can Bella go to Seattle with you two this coming weekend?"
"Of Course" Both Rose and Alice exclaimed.
"Edward, I don't need to go, do I?"
"No of course not, but I want you to feel like it's an option."
Before I knew it, it was time for me to go home; I was really going to miss my new family this week but I knew for Charlie to become more comfortable with the idea of Edward and I, I was going to have to show him a good balance of family time and not just spending time with the Cullen's.
Once all of our goodbye's and thanks were said and Edward had loaded my bags into his car, we were on our way; I was feeling the loss already, but I couldn't let it show.
Before we pulled onto the main road leading into forks, from his drive he threw the car into park and pulled me into his arms.
"I wish that you didn't have to go" He said
"Me too, I miss you already" I said honestly. "I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to sleep without now."
"I know sweet girl, I know."
He then pulled me in for a kiss, his hand was caressing my cheek and his tongue was teasing my lips, begging for entrance into my mouth, I moaned and allowed him in; My God his taste is addictive; the weight of his tongue fighting for dominance with mine was exquisite; I want more of him, I want to drown in him. He is the air that I need to breathe and I feel that I am suffocating in need. I tried to push myself up onto my knees so that I could have better access to him, but as I did that he started pulling away from the kiss and was now only slighting nibbling on my bottom lip.
"Baby, we can't do this now." "I have to have you home on time tonight."
He's breathing hard just like I am; I think that it's from the exertion it is taking us to not just give in and make love in the car.
My panties are soaking wet and I'm aching from need, and by the looks of things, he's in as bad of shape as I am. Shit I want him now, but I know that he's right.
We've got to prove ourselves to Charlie and with that he reluctantly pulls out onto the road.
We arrive at my house with fifteen minutes to spare; Hmm, that's fifteen minutes that we could have been kissing, but I guess it's better to be early, at least for right now.
He pulled my bags out of the car and walked me to the door; he kissed me sweetly and whispered that he loved me.
"I love you too" I told him and then went inside. He stayed on the porch until I was in and had the door locked; with that I watched him walk away and get in his car.
"Hmm, you're early" "That's good at least, I guess."
"You waiting up on me?" I asked.
"Of course, I'm still your dad aren't I?"
"Yes you are" I said with a smile.
"Good night dad, I love you."
"I love you too Bells, don't ever forget that ok?"
I went and deposited my things in my room and went to take a shower; I needed to cool my body down try to get rid of this ache that I was feeling.
Fifteen minutes into a cool shower did nothing to help; I went and put on a new pajama set that Alice had bought me. It was a tank top and boxer set again and felt good against my feverish skin.
I finally fell into sleep but it was restless; I was burning up all night long and even after I got up and opened the window I got no relief.
When my alarm rang the next morning I awoke to a blinding headache. Damn I must be getting sick, I hope I didn't give it to Edward.
I felt rough as hell, but I knew that I had to go to school anyway; Once I was dressed and as presentable as I was going to be, I decided that I needed to try to eat. I wasn't hungry in the least, oh well maybe some juice will be enough.
I grabbed my backpack, my keys and my phone and headed to the truck. Please start today, I pray; After I locked the door I noticed him;
There waiting on me was that beautiful man and his shiny silver Volvo.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"Good morning beautiful, I thought that maybe you would allow me to drive you to school this morning.""You didn't have to do that" I told him
"I know, but I will take whatever time I can get with you."
God I love him.
"What's the matter sweet girl?" "You look like something's wrong.""I just didn't sleep well and I have a horrible headache this morning, and I sort of feel like I have a fever." "I hope that I didn't make you sick."
"Don't worry about me, I have excellent medical care." He said lightly.
"Do you want me to take you to see Carlisle?" He asked. "No, I really need to try to go to school today. I will call Dr. Clearwater's office and try to get them to work me in after school today."
"Are you sure?" "I know for a fact that Carlisle will take care of you.?"
"No, please, he works at the hospital and is much too busy for this, I'm fine I promise."
"Ok, if you're sure." "Call me if you need to leave school early and I will take you where you want to go."
Just then we pulled into the school parking lot and he drove up to the student drop off lane; most people will get out wherever but he made me wait until he could get me to the door. He bent down and kissed me, I hated that he did that, because now I knew that he would get sick.
"I love you" "Call me if you need me and if I don't hear from you, I will be here to pick you up after school."
"I love you too and thanks for making my morning.""My pleasure beautiful and he kissed me again."
I got out of his car and made my way into the school unaware of all the stares that we were receiving.