Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer.

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author (Emmamama88) is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters, and the original story of Love Rescue Me are the intellectual property of Emmamama88, copyright 2010.

**First part is for you Wendy…you know why.. Author's note at bottom.

*****************************LRM***************************

Chapter 8 - Higher Love for the Marked Man

I could hear music.

I can taste more than feel, This burning inside is so real

I can almost lay my hands upon, The warm glow that lingers on

Moved, lifted higher

Moved, my soul's on fire

Moved, by a higher love.

I could feel Bella's tiny, warm body lying flush against mine. But how was she here? I knew I'd left her last night at her apartment. Not caring how or why, I wrapped my arms around her, my lips against her neck, breathing her in. Her scent was an intoxicating mixture of honey and lilac with a hint of something else. Strawberries maybe? Or maybe just Bella's own unique fragrance. Nothing else in this world could compare to that scent.

I surrender all control, To the desire that consumes me whole

And leads me by the hand to infinity, That lies in wait at the heart of me

Moved, lifted higher

Moved, my soul's on fire

Moved, by a higher love

I trailed warm kisses down her neck and across her bare shoulder, but I needed to reach her lips. Pulling back slightly I lifted her chin. She smiled lazily at me.

Bare shoulder? I pulled the sheet up enough to peer underneath and realized we were both naked. Fuck. If this is a dream, I didn't want to wake up.

Heaven bound on the wings of love, There's so much that you can rise above

Moved, lifted higher

Moved, moved, by a higher love

By a higher love

I moved until Bella was lying beneath me, propping myself up on both forearms in order not to crush her with my body weight as I we kissed. I began to kiss down her neck and chest, my goal, Bella's perfect breasts.

I surrender heart and soul,

Sacrificed to a higher goal

Moved, moved by a higher love

By a higher love

I watched, mesmerized by her beauty, as her chest rose and fell with her labored breaths. We were both panting for more…

I gotcha, uh-huh, huh

You thought I didn't see ya now, didn't ya, uh-huh, huh

You tried to sneak by me now, didn't ya, uh-huh, huh

Now gimme what you promised me, give it here, come on

WHAT THE FUCK! I was startled awake so thoroughly that I jumped up, and promptly fell out of the bed, right onto my ass.

Hey, Good God, Hey, Hey,

You promised me the day that you quit your boyfriend

I'd be the next one to ease on in

You promised me it would be just us two, yeah

And I'd be the only man kissin' on you, yeah

Fuck you Joe Tex.

I pulled my ipod from the dock and tossed it across the room.

**Note to self, NEVER put the ipod on shuffle when setting the alarm on the dock.

I rubbed my face with both hands and glanced down. My dick was straining to escape my boxers, standing at attention as if it was in a fucking military parade.

Erect, even after landing on my ass.

I had to admit I was impressed.

There was nothing for it but a cold shower. Another cold shower. I whipped my boxers off, heading for the bathroom.

The cold water worked its magic, and I was enjoying the feel of warm water running down my back, relaxing my muscles, as I thought back to my evening with Bella. It wasn't surprising that she'd hit it off with my family, but I was pleased just the same. Leaving her last night in order to return to the hotel had been harder than ever before.

Just before bed, I'd sent her a text. Hopefully by now she'd read it.

The memory of my dream returned, and I realized that the song playing on the ipod must have influenced my subconscious, at least partially.

I may have to add that Depeche Mode song to Beautiful Bella's playlist.

But then I can never fucking play it when I'm around her, because I'll think about my dream, and get a hard-on.

Maybe I'll just save the song for our first time. Our first time. The first time Bella and I make love…oh to have her writhing beneath me like in the dream...

Oh fuck me, I need the cold water again.

-V&V-

When I finally emerged from my arctic shower, there was a text message on my phone.

I grew concerned when I realized it was from Rose.

Edward,

Bella took a pretty bad spill this morning, so Emmett and I have taken her to the emergency room of Seattle General.

-Rose

She didn't say if she was conscious. She didn't say if she had any broken bones! She didn't say if she was bleeding!

"WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF MESSAGE WAS THAT?" I shouted at my phone.

My brain and my body immediately went into panic mode.

What do I do?

My hands were shaking as I tried to pull it together. First thing, call Sidney.

While throwing my clothes on, I spoke into the phone. "Hey Sidney, I don't have time to explain. Please come pick me up, I need to get to Seattle General as soon as possible."

I disconnected the call and finished dressing at top speed. I raced to the lobby to meet Sidney.

The paps chose a bad morning to try to speak with me.

"Edward, who's the knockout brunette we've seen you with?"

"It's not usually your style to have a hometown cutie on the side. You usually hook-up with Hollywood hotties."

I'd had it. I was already stressed out and this pushed me past my limit.

"Why don't you go fuck yourselves." I said as I pushed through them just as Sidney pulled up to the curb.

I phoned my Dad from the car.

"Hello Son"

"Dad are you at work?"

"Just taking a break between surgeries." He answered.

"Good, they just brought Bella into the emergency room. Will you meet me at the entrance?"

"Certainly Edward. What happened?" His voice full of concern.

"Rose sent a text saying something about Bella falling down." My voice rising in panic at the end.

"Edward, it will be okay. Calm down."

"I'll try Dad. See you in a few minutes."

-V&V-

Dad was waiting when we pulled up. "Edward, Son" He tried to slow me down. "I checked with the desk. Bella fell and hit her head."

"Oh my God." I muttered.

"That's all I know, I didn't get a chance to speak with her doctor yet." He answered my unspoken worries.

Did she have a concussion? Was she even conscious? Oh Christ, what will I do if she's not okay?

All these worries raced through my mind as I rushed through the hospital doors.

"This way son" Dad directed me toward one of the patient rooms in the emergency care wing.

Room 4

The woman I loved was behind that door. I didn't even stop to knock, I just burst right through it.

My heart almost stopped at the sight of Bella in a hospital bed hooked up to various monitors. Thankfully, she was conscious and sitting upright, although she was deathly pale. I rushed over to her.

"Oh thank God. Bella are you alright?" I croaked out.

"My head's killing me, but I've had worse." My mind immediately went back to the list of injuries she'd received the day her mother died.

I heard my father say hello to Emmett and Rose. I couldn't be bothered by any of that.

"What happened?" I grabbed Bella's hand as if it were a lifeline, and sat beside her.

She is my lifeline.

Bella agreed to let Dad look at her chart. That made me feel better. I mean how could I be sure the doctor assigned to her case wasn't a quack?

Bella proceeded to tell us about falling in the laundry room of her apartment building.

Emmett then explained how he found her. "So we get a text message promising us breakfast. Then you didn't answer your door Bells. I had to resort to using my key." He said.

"When I entered the apartment, I started to freak when I couldn't find you anywhere. As soon as I saw the bottle of detergent sitting by your clothes basket, I figured you were doing laundry."

"I left Rose to make coffee, and went to find you." Emmett was holding Bella's other hand and began rubbing it comfortingly. I felt sorry for him, he loved her so much. Hell, I felt sorry for myself.

"I found you on the floor. I was so scared." Emmett was about to crumble. Rose tried to comfort him.

Well I guess that ice queen does have a heart. I should try to like her, Bella loves her after all.

"It's okay Em, it was just a stupid accident. I'm sorry I wasn't more careful." Bella tried to comfort Emmett. "Thank you for finding me." She said.

Typical Bella, she is the one that's hurt, but she's worried about everyone else.

I was wracking my brain, trying to figure out how I could have stopped this from happening.

I will be afraid to leave her on her own ever again.

I felt myself on the verge of a panic attack, and followed the advice given me my Dr. Gould. Slow, even breaths.

Bella, noticing my rather obvious anxiety, patted my hand. "I'm alright Edward. These kinds of things just seem to happen to me. I land in the emergency room quite often."

Dad nodded his head in agreement as he studied Bella's chart.

What the hell does that mean?

"I'm glad you're here." She said with a smile. "Even if I am dressed like a slob in my pjs and hoodie. I'd understand if you didn't want to date me now Mr. Masen."

And just like that, my anxiety disappeared.

"You are more beautiful every time I see you, even dressed like this with no makeup. You take my breath away Miss Swan." I told her honestly.

I drew in a deep breath, "I came as quickly as I could after receiving Rosalie's text message. I phoned my father on the way, and he met me at the door. Bella, I've never been so worried." I sighed and dropped my head down in relief. When I felt Bella's hand gently cup the side of my face, I leaned into it and closed my eyes, relieved that she seemed to be okay.

I heard her brother clear his throat, but I didn't look at him.

"It's okay Em." I heard her softly reassure him.

I looked up then and saw that Rosalie and Emmett both wore looks of shock on their faces.

Then it dawned on me that it was our behavior that was shocking them.

Suddenly Bella blurted out "Edward, don't you need to go to the photoshoot?"

Fuck it.

"That is the least of my worries Bella. I'll call and tell them we need to reschedule." I really didn't give a shit, but I figured I'd be professional and call them.

Just then a doctor walked in. He recognized Dad of course, and they shook hands as Dad handed him Bella's file.

I hope this fucker knows what he's doing.

I stepped back a couple of feet to let him approach.

"Hello Isabella, I'm Doctor Legg."

Wish I could tell what Dad thinks of this guy.

"So um, Doc?" Emmett asked.

The doctor turned toward him. "Yes?"

"Your first name's really Seymour?" He started snickering. "As in Seymour Legg?" Emmett was chuckling. I guess I was in a fog, because I just wasn't getting it.

"Yes, unfortunately my parents had a strange sense of humor." Dr. Legg answered Emmett.

"Don't sweat it Doc, at least your last name's not Butts." Emmett said with another chuckle.

Seymour Butts. Wait a minute…now that's funny.

"As if I've never heard that one before." Dr. Legg grunted out.

Emmett's a character. I could learn to like him.

"Please excuse my brother Dr. Legg, he never grew up." Bella was not amused.

"Anyway, Isabella, as you probably know you've suffered a mild concussion. We'd like to keep you here under observation for a little while longer, but I don't see any reason for you to be here overnight, as long as someone can stay with you for the next 24 hours."

"Not a problem Doctor." Rose stated. "Bella's got a great support system."

You'd better believe it, I won't let her out of my sight.

"I'll send a nurse in with an ice pack and some pain meds for your head." The doctor announced. He glanced around the room and looked at me for a long moment.

I hope he doesn't recognize me. Not in the mood to be personable with fans.

He looked away and left the room. I thought about what Emmett had said and chuckled again.

"Don't encourage Emmett." Bella scolded me. I smiled at her in response.

"Well, Bella, you're in quite capable hands here. I'm going to head back upstairs to prep for my next surgery." Dad said. "Please have someone call me if you need anything." He patted her hand, then my shoulder.

"Goodbye everyone."

"Bye Dr. Cullen." Emmett and Rose said together.

I followed my Dad out, phone in hand.

"Dad" I said. My father stopped and looked at me questioningly.

"This Doctor Legg, he's good?" I asked.

Dad smiled. "Yes Edward. He's very good, and thorough. If he says Bella's okay to go home, you don't need to worry."

I sighed. "Thanks Dad. This was quite a scare for me."

Dad smiled. "Son, if you choose to share your life with someone, you have to accept the good times as well as the bad. Thankfully, everything turned out fine." He patted my shoulder before walking away. "I'll see you later"

"Bye Dad." I muttered.

As I watched him leave, I noticed Sidney standing awkwardly against the far wall near the exit door. He was watching me expectantly.

I walked over to him. He spoke before I had a chance to. "How is Miss Swan, sir?" He asked with a worried look on his face.

Wow, this was unexpected. The Bella Swan effect again.

"She'll be okay Sidney, just a mile concussion. It was quite a scare, but she's fine."

I watched as Sidney breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad to hear that Mr. Masen." He replied.

"I don't know when they will release her, but it shouldn't be too much longer. Would you mind sticking around?"

I knew I was paying him for the entire day, but still felt the need to be polite.

"I'm at your service sir. I'll be waiting in the vehicle. Just phone or text when you're ready." He replied, all business once again, and then exited through the doors to the parking lot.

I phoned the magazine, informing them that I'd had an emergency, and wouldn't be available until later in the week.

They were very accommodating, and rescheduled everything for Saturday morning. I thanked them politely, and headed back to Isabella's room.

I heard Bella speaking as I opened the door. "Even I, the born skeptic, now have to admit that 'love at first sight' is possible."

I felt my heart warm at those words. She was telling them that we loved each other.

Taking her hand in mine again, I added "I know this seems strange to you both, but I have never felt this way about anyone before. Today proved to me that Bella is all I'll ever want, and I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost her."

Emmett and Rose seemed satisfied at that statement.

Before long, the nurse arrived with Bella's icepack and medications.

Bella was stubborn. She insisted that the third part of my interview take place as scheduled. She wouldn't hear of us changing it, despite the protests of Rose and myself. We finally agreed once we realized we were getting nowhere arguing with her. We did insist that she attend only as an observer. She was not allowed to work.

I was less than happy with her insistence that Rose and Emmett take her home, and that I go to the hotel to prepare for the interview.

Damn it didn't I just promise myself to NOT leave her alone?

When I argued about this, she cradled her head in her hands.

I am causing her pain. Once again I'm an asshole.

I clutched her hand once again. "I'm so sorry Bella, of course I'll do as you ask. But, can I please come by to pick you up and take you to the station?"

"That would be fine Edward, and thank you."

We walked out to the exit together. Emmett and Rose went to bring their car up. I was able to give Bella a quick goodbye kiss before she left.

-V&V-

While riding in the car back to my hotel, Alice phoned.

"Hi Edward. Dad called. I'm sitting here with Mom and Jasper. How's Bella?" She asked.

"She has a minor concussion but she's on her way home now. I'm going to the hotel to dress for the interview, then I'm going to Bella's." I answered.

Alice relayed this information to Mom and Jasper.

Suddenly, my mother was on the phone. "Oh Edward, you keep an eye on her. Concussions are funny things. If something doesn't seem right, don't hesitate to take her back to the hospital." Mom was worried too.

I think the events of the morning finally caught up with me because I could feel myself choking up at her words. My family barely knew Bella, and they already loved her. "Thanks Mom, for worrying." I said as my voice broke a little.

"Honey, I'm a mother, it's what we do." She replied in a comforting tone.

Emmett and Rose left as soon as I arrived at Bella's. She tried to argue with me about staying still and on the sofa, but I put my foot down. I was taking no chances with her recovery.

If she needed anything, I was more than happy to bring it to her. The damned laundry that started all this mess, was sitting in a large basket in her bedroom.

Wanting to feel useful, I started to fold it.

"Edward" I looked up to see Bella standing in the doorway of her bedroom with a horrified look on her face. "What do you think you're doing?"

I was confused. "I'm folding your laundry?" I answered as I grabbed a green towel from the basket.

"No, no, and no." She lunged toward me, grabbing the towel and shoving it back in the basket. "Um, Edward, you can't touch that stuff."

What?

"Bella, I need to fold that laundry so you won't do it. You're supposed to be resting." I tried to use a stern voice but it was impossible.

"Forget it." She blushed. "Okay. It's like this, I wouldn't feel comfortable if you fold my underwear." She whispered the last word.

She is so shy and sweet.

There's no way I'm not sneaking a peek at that underwear before I leave.

She did allow me to put clean sheets on her bed, but I was forbidden from touching the laundry basket. After making her bed, I coaxed her back to the sofa.

As soon as she got up for a 'bathroom break', I ran to her room and practically dove into the basket.

Whoa. Who would have known that sweet innocent Bella was really a little vixen?

There were satin thongs in every color, lacey boy shorts, some sheer, some with flowers or hearts or even polka dots on them. All sexy as hell. Then I saw them, the holy grail of panties.

Bella owned a pair of cotton Little Mermaid underpants. I couldn't believe they made those for grown women.

They are sure as hell going home with me.

I am a pervert. A demented pervert. A demented stalking pervert asshole.

I shoved the panties in my pocket.

Luckily, I made it back to Bella's sofa just as she was emerging from the bathroom, dressed to go to the studio.

We sat on the sofa a while longer, talking about the New Year's Eve party Emmett was throwing, when the doorbell rang.

"Bella, don't move, I'll get that." I said as I jumped up to answer it.

"Yes sir" she answered, quite sarcastically I noticed.

My heart sank to my feet when I opened that door to find Chief Charlie Swan on the other side. He looked surprised for a split second, and then angry. "What are you doing answering my daughter's door? And where is Bella?"

Of all the people that could have been on the other side of that door, it had to be Bella's father. He was pissed, and he was armed.

If he had even an indication that I'd been stalking his daughter, I had no doubt that there would be a bullet in that gun with my name on it. Make that two bullets if he finds out I've got Bella's underpants in my pocket.

"Dad, I'm right here." Bella called from the sofa. Chief Swan walked swiftly over to her and sat down.

In my seat.

"How are you doing baby, Rose called and told me what happened, so I drove right out here."

"I'm fine. Edward was keeping me company before we have to leave for the TV station." I could tell she was trying to smooth things over with her dad.

Chief Swan narrowed his eyes at me.

Please. Don't. Shoot. Me.

"Dad, you didn't need to come all this way, I just had a slight concussion."

"Bells, I was coming tomorrow anyway. I just had Mark take over things a day early." He was still glaring at me.

"Dad, I'd like you to meet Edward Masen. Edward this is my father Charlie Swan."

Time to pull out the Edward Masen charm.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir, Bella's told me a lot about you."

He shook my hand, but didn't change his facial expression. "Well that makes one of us."

Bella glared at him. "Come on Dad, we have to leave for the station. We'll have a talk about this later."

Sidney was waiting downstairs. He drove all three of us to the TV station. Emmett and Rose went in their own vehicle, because they were picking up Rose's parents from the airport later.

I wonder how long Bella's Dad is going to be in town? He creeps me out more than Colonel Whitlock.

-V&V-

The last part of the interview with Rosalie went amazingly well.

Rose is very good at her job. I think I'll mention her name to a couple of television producers I know. They're always looking for new talent.

When Rose asked about my 'future', my gaze wandered to where Isabella was seated beside her father and brother.

There's my future, right over there.

The minute the interview was over, I walked over to Bella.

"We'll see you later, we've got to get to the airport." Rose said before she left.

"See you tomorrow Bella and Dad. Later, Edward." Emmett gave us all a smile and a wink before leaving with Rose.

"Dad, can you wait here for one moment, I'll be right back." Bella said quietly to her father.

"Edward, can you come with me?" She took my hand, leading me toward her desk.

"Edward, can you wait to come over until about seven?"

"Of course Bella. I'm assuming you need a little time to speak with your father?"

"Exactly." She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

I gave her a quick kiss. "I'll see you then. Goodbye beautiful."

Bella giggled and gave me a hug before I walked away.

I had mixed feelings about leaving without her. I so desperately wanted to be with Bella, but her father's constant glare was wearing on my nerves.

-V&V-

Back at the suite, I had showered and changed into my jeans as I waited for six-thirty to get there.

Hell if I was really waiting until seven.

At six-twenty my phone rang.

Alice

"Hello."

"Hi Edward. How are you doing?" She asked, concerned.

"I've been better. Chief Swan probably hates me."

She chuckled at that. "I don't think he hates you Edward, he doesn't even know you. Look, Emmett and I have been talking about this. He wants to speak with you."

"Okay."

"Hey Eddie." Emmett boomed in my ear.

Geeze he's loud.

"Hi Emmett. Are you guys still in the airport?"

"No, we're just waiting for the Whitlocks to get their shit together so we can go to the restaurant. I'm fucking starving."

"Oh I see." Was my brilliant reply.

"Anyway, I saw you struggling earlier with the Chief." He continued. "I like you Eddie, more importantly Bella likes you, so I'm going to give you a little advice."

Honestly, I was glad to hear it. I needed all the help I could get at this point.

"Pops is struggling partly because Bella's never had a boyfriend, and this was a shock to his system. The other part is that he's terrified you're going to hurt her. He's not stupid, he knows your reputation. I don't think Pops could handle it if Bella falls back into a depression."

"I would never hurt her Emmett." I defended.

"Hey, I have faith in you Eddie. I think you love her. Also, I think you know that I'd fuck you up if you did hurt her." He laughed.

Somehow I couldn't bring myself to be amused.

"Anyway, my advice is just to 'ride it out' with Pops. If you try too hard, he'll eat you alive. Just be yourself. Eventually he'll come around. Especially after he has to put up with you and Bella making goo goo eyes at each other. He'll get that you two are in love. It'll just take a while."

"Okay, well thanks Emmett." I meant it. I'd been giving myself a pep talk, trying to think of ways to impress the Chief, but according to Emmett that was the wrong thing to do.

We said our goodbyes, and I headed over to Bella's apartment.

The evening was a nightmare. Nothing I did seemed to please the Chief, from my choice of adult beverage to my chosen profession.

Bella almost got my ass killed when she told me the story of her dad and brother's camping trip. I could feel the Chief's glare on me as I escaped to the bathroom in order to laugh my ass off in private.

I felt a glimmer of hope when he mentioned how enamored of Clint Eastwood he was.

"What a coincidence. Clint asked me to be in a film with him, we start work in September. Parts of it will be filmed right here in Seattle. If you were interested in meeting him I could set it up."

Would that be considered 'sucking up'?

The Chief sat there with a stunned look on his face. He didn't move for one solid minute. I was just going to ask Bella if he'd ever exhibited this sort of behavior before when his eyes darted to mine.

His face took on an awed expression as he spoke. "Well now, um, well, that sounds good. Yeah, you set that up Edward. Anytime. You name the time and place and I'll be there. Just let me know. Do you need my cell number? How about the house phone number? Oh Hell, just give me your cell I'll program them all into it, including the police station. They can usually get in touch with me 24/7."

What the hell just happened? Was Clint Eastwood the key to a successful relationship with Chief Swan? Hell, I'd make a movie with Chuck Norris if it made him like me.

Chief Swan changed his entire demeanor. I was stunned, and really couldn't speak for a while. I didn't need to, because Chief Swan seemed content to listen to the sound of his own voice.

I chanced a glance at Bella and saw that she was sitting there with her mouth hanging open, looking as stunned as I felt.

After a while, I had relaxed enough to join in the conversation. I found out that 'Charlie', that was the name he insisted I use, was a big fan of my action film The Last Straw.

Good to know.

I really don't know how long we sat there, but I knew it was getting late. Suddenly, I noticed that Bella was gone. She must have slipped away to bed.

Damn it, I wanted to say goodnight to her.

Soon after that, Charlie got quiet as he studied me. "Edward, I'm going to ask you some questions. I want the truth. Remember I have a lot of years in as a cop, and I can read faces. I'll know if you're lying."

Oh hell.

"One of my deputies told me a curious story of pulling someone over on Christmas night. Evidently, he was bored and pulled the car for reasons I never would have."

I think I may possibly be on the verge of shitting myself. It's never happened before, but there's a first time for everything.

"Like I sad, Mark was bored. He told me that the guy claimed to be visiting Forks because his girlfriend lived there. Then he told me the guy looked just like the actor Edward Masen, but the name on his license was Cullen. I had a hard time believing him because Mark's got quite an imagination. You'd have to go fishing with him to understand. But now, I'm not so sure he was imagining things."

Charlie's eyes bored into my soul as he spoke.

I. Am. A. Dead. Man.

"First question. Were you in Forks on Christmas night?"

Oh fuck, how do I answer that?

I don't have any option other than the truth. I hope my funeral is nice.

I hung my head in shame. "Yes sir."

"Uh hum. Second question. What is the name on your driving permit?"

Would it be too much to have one of those New Orleans style funerals? Horse-draw hearse and all that shit.

"Edward Cullen sir." I couldn't look at him.

"I see. Third question. Did Bella know you were there?"

Flowers, lots of flowers. Especially lilacs, Bella smells like lilacs. Can they get lilacs this time of year, and are they an appropriate flower for funerals?

"No sir, she did not. She still doesn't." I answered while staring down at the coffee table.

"Hmm. Eyes up here boy, you won't find the answers down there. Last question. At that time, was Bella really your girlfriend, or were you just stalking her?"

I bet Alice will design a really classy suit to have me buried in. I hope it's not black, that would be so boring.

I looked into his eyes. "I'm in love with your daughter, she wasn't my girlfriend at that time. I'm sad to admit that, yes, I stalked her."

Charlie cocked his head to the side and pursed his lips as he studied my face.

"Alright then. We never had this conversation." He stated simply, and then continued talking about sports and movies, just as before. He even invited me to go fishing with him the first time Bella takes me to Forks.

I couldn't believe it. He didn't shoot me.

Well, fuck me.

It was getting pretty late and I knew I'd have to leave soon. I just couldn't bring myself to go before seeing Bella one more time. When Chief Swan went to the bathroom, I quietly snuck into Bella's bedroom.

I could see her sound asleep, the Seattle lights shining dimly through her window. She looked like an angel. I bent down and softly kissed her cheek. She breathed deeply and whispered "Edward" I froze "love you." My heart skipped a beat as I realized she was talking in her sleep.

"I love you too Beautiful Bella" I breathed.

When the Chief returned to the living room, I told him goodbye. He allowed me to say goodnight to Bella through her bedroom door. I smiled wryly to myself.

Little does he know that I already said goodnight, and stole a kiss as well.

Before I left, the Chief had a few parting words. "Edward, I like you kid. I won't lie, I was ready to kick your ass earlier. But I figured, if Clint likes you, then I'm willing to give you a chance."

"See you tomorrow son."

I walked to the elevator in a daze.

Son. He called me son.

**********************************A/N***********************

A/N I am loving me some Team Charlie right about now!

Okay so, I got Edward naked in the shower without mention of bodily fluids. Hey! I'm striving not to be vulgar and sophomoric in this fic. Except for the farting, and the boogers, and the old lady groping, and Emmett's underpants, and Edward's hiney, and boob implants, I think I've done fairly well. *clears throat* I am fucking serious people.

Song creds: 'Higher Love' by Depeche Mode, and 'I Gotcha' by Joe Tex.

Now we can go back to V&V for the next chapter, before returning here later. I need your feedback…it keeps me writing.