Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.

I own my original characters and original story.

** Hello again. I've been slow writing this week. Too much RL going on. This parallels chap 39 of V&V 'Crème Eggs & Welcome Distractions'. I know some of you have looked forward to Edward's talk with Charlie. Hope you enjoy it.

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

Chapter 39 - Heart To Heart For The World Traveler

I've come to the conclusion that every time I attend Mass with Bella, it's destined to be a weird experience. Easter Sunday was no exception.

No one wanted to sit next to Emmett, and Charlie wanted no one to sit next to him. So there we were scattered among two pews, three out of five of us wearing scowls on our faces.

I was angry, but not for myself. I was angry that Emmett had caused Bella to be upset, and because of that, she'd hurt her foot. Thankfully, nothing was broken, just a little bruised. When Bella mentioned that she wished she'd junk-punched him instead, I immediately realized that was a bad idea because I was pretty sure, especially after this morning, that Emmett was sporting some huge brass balls.

Admittedly, I was also a little angry with her father for his overreaction to finding us on the sofa, the incident which started this whole chain of ridiculous events.

My anger didn't last long as I sat next to my girl in church, and held her hand. All she had to do was look at me with those beautiful brown eyes, and all my frustration and irritation seemed to vanish.

On the ride back to Chief Swan's house, Bella shared her thoughts about her Dad's probable reaction to this mornings revelation.

"The problem is, now that Charlie knows your 'status'." She said, making little air quotes with my fingers. "He's probably already decided that you must be gay, and that I'm your beard, just like all those other women that went before. By now, he's most likely convinced himself that this can only end badly for me. He really cannot stand the thought of me being hurt Edward."

"That makes two of us Bella." I said in response.

"So, why not tell him the whole story Bella?" I asked quietly.

"Edward, I can't ask you to do that. My family needs to butt the hell out of this. They've been too involved in our personal business already."

I reached over and took her hand. "Bella, none of that matters to me, don't you see? At this point, I don't care who knows. You are my one and only concern." I lifted her hand and gave her a kiss. "Your relationship with Charlie is important. Therefore, my relationship with him is important. I don't want him to have any reservations about me. Let me do this."

After we arrived back at the house, we both changed into casual clothing. When Chief Swan came downstairs, I quietly asked to speak with him privately. He nodded, and I followed him out the back door to the covered porch.

We sat on lawn chairs as the Chief watched me silently.

"Chief Swan" I began "I feel the need to explain myself."

"That my boy may be the understatement of the year." He said with a frown. "Don't get me wrong", Charlie continued. "The virginity thing" He said with distaste "is totally your business. I just don't want my daughter hurt."

"Neither do I Chief" I chimed in. "Bella means everything to me."

Charlie took a deep breath and let it out. "Edward, I need to know something, I will only ask you this one time, and I need you to be honest with me."

"Yes?" I braced myself.

"Are you gay?" He asked, staring straight into my eyes, awaiting the answer.

"No, sir." I answered truthfully. "Definitely not."

Chief Swan held me in his gaze for a long moment, before sighing and looking away. "Okay. You see, I had myself convinced that you were, and that you were using Bella to protect your image. I will not tolerate anything that could hurt my daughter Edward. Nothing in this world is more important to me than my children. Nothing." He said with authority. I understood the veiled threat contained in the words.

This wasn't the first time I'd felt threatened by him, but I hoped after today, it would be the last.

"Chief Swan, I think when you know everything, you will understand me a bit more." I said with a sigh. "First of all, I only had one girlfriend before Bella" I began. He looked at me skeptically.

I then proceeded to spill my guts with the story of Meghan's betrayal and my arrest. Being a policeman, he was already familiar with the story. He was even aware that Meghan had originally accused her boyfriend of attacking her. He listened quietly as I relayed the events that changed my life, interrupting with a question every now and again.

"After that, as soon as I was offered the role in my first film, I moved to California. My mother arranged for me to be tutored during my senior year. Since then, I've also earned a degree from U.C.L.A in my spare time." I added this, hoping it would show the Chief that I wasn't some Hollywood partier.

He raised his eyebrows. "This still doesn't explain your public image Edward. You've been linked to a lot of women. If you're really not gay, I have a hard time believing that, living in Hollywood, you've never given into temptation." He said while shaking his head.

I explained the entire Tanya debacle in detail this time. I was aware that Emmett had told him enough to keep him from shooting me back in January, but he needed the rest of the details about the 'phony dates' arranged to promote the Edward Masen persona.

"Chief, I had no desire to be with any of the women who threw themselves at me. After Meghan, my trust was completely shattered." I said as I rubbed my hands over my face. "There were a couple of 'close calls' which occurred while I was intoxicated, but that's all they were, 'close calls'. I've since learned to avoid those situations."

No need to explain that having a clairvoyant sister helps immensely in that regard.

Charlie quirked an eyebrow at me. "I know a little something about lack of trust, believe me." He said gruffly. "So, why is it different with my daughter?"

I sighed. "Everything is different with Bella. From the moment we met, I was drawn to her. You know about my following her to Forks on Christmas. That's just one example of how she's changed me. I never want to be without her." I said quietly.

Charlie seemed to accept that as he slowly nodded his head.

"It's more than that, Bella and I understand each other. We've both lived through traumatic episodes that changed us, damaged us. But together, we have been able to heal."

"She is different since she met you. More like the old Bella from before…" Chief Swan said as he contemplated my words.

"That's what my mother says about me, since I met Bella."

Charlie smiled sadly. "If you could have seen her seven years ago…" He said quietly. "So different from the little girl I raised. For the first couple of years, the panic attacks were awful. The simplest things would set her off, and it would take hours to calm her. It was draining."

As I watched him, I could see the ghost of exhaustion and worry that must have plagued him during those years pass over his face. "For a long time, I was so afraid of losing Bella, that I didn't give myself a chance to grieve for Renee." He rubbed his forehead with his fingers. "Over the years, Bella has returned to normal in a lot of ways, but it wasn't until I saw her with you that I could see the light had returned to her eyes. She looks hopeful again." He cleared his throat and grew quiet.

We both sat there for a moment as I worked up the courage to ask what I needed.

I cleared my throat before beginning. "Chief Swan"

Charlie pulled his gaze away from his wooded back yard, and turned to me. "Yeah?"

"There's something I want to ask."

Damn. My palms are actually sweating. I thought that only happened in the movies.

Ha fucking Ha.

Charlie waited. It was uncanny how his eyes could bore into my soul, very much like his daughter's.

I let my mind wander to thoughts of my Bella, her beauty, not just the physical beauty which she undoubtedly possessed, but also her beauty of spirit, her humor, her love for her family, and particularly her love for me. I let my mind linger on how it felt when I thought I'd lost her. That pain was the worst I'd felt in my life, even worst than what I endured seven years ago. I never wanted to feel that way again. I didn't know what I'd ever done to deserve her, but I was thankful every day that somehow through some quirk of fate, we'd found each other. I knew that I needed her, no I needed us to be forever.

"Chief, I know that you probably think that Bella and I haven't known each other nearly long enough for me to ask this, and you probably think that I'm not good enough for her. I'd personally have to agree with you on that last point." I took another breath. "But the fact is that I love Bella more than anything in this world. You can be certain that I will make sure that she wants for nothing. I intend to protect her and cherish her for the rest of our lives. And, even though I know it's a bit old fashioned these days to ask the father's permission, it would mean the world to me if I had your consent to ask Bella to marry me." I took a very deep breath, and waited.

I can't believe I got all that out without losing consciousness, or throwing up.

I watched as Charlie's brows knit together as he thought. He stood up and walked to a cooler in the corner, retrieved two beers and walked back over to me. "Have a beer son." He said as he handed me a Vitamin R. I took it with a shaky hand.

I'm such a pussy. He's never going to say yes.

He sat down again. "Are you going to take her away from home permanently?"

What? Of everything I thought he'd ask, that was not expected.

"I'm just asking if she's going to move away and live in that fancy L.A. house of yours, and never get to see her old man any more." He muttered.

"No. Chief, I don't think that will be the case. I mean, my parents live here. I will always consider Washington to be home, as I'm sure Bella does." I answered honestly. "I just know that when I go on location, I want Bella with me. It doesn't matter where 'home' is the rest of the time, as long as we're together."

Charlie slowly nodded his head. "I worry about all the media attention, and the attention she gets from other people. Do you think she can handle it?"

I smiled remembering how she handled that fucker Tim in the bar the night before.

I nodded. "Yes, I think she can handle a lot more than any of us realize."

Charlie sipped his beer before he spoke again. "So, when are you going to ask her?"

It took a minute to gather my thoughts. "I think, probably as soon as I return from England?" I was stunned. "I'm sorry, Chief Swan, does that mean you give your consent?" I had to know.

Charlie smiled. "Relax Edward. I doubt I could stop you from asking even if I wanted to." He then got a serious look on his face. "You'd better never hurt her though, because you don't want to know what I'm capable of."

I swallowed hard as I stared at Chief Swan, wide-eyed.

He burst into laughter and patted me on the shoulder. "You're a jittery little fucker. You need to loosen up, finish your beer, and drop the Chief Swan crap."

Since the Tanya debacle in January, I'd reverted to calling him Chief Swan most of the time, as a sign of respect. I guess I was finally out of the doghouse.

I did as instructed, and by the time I was on my second beer, Charlie and I were fast friends.

Weird fucking day.

The look on Bella's face when we walked into the house, smiling and chatting together, was priceless.

Charlie's reaction to my question had floored me. I expected some resistance. Okay I expected a lot of resistance. Instead, he had cleared the way for me to plan a proper proposal.

I decided then and there that during my stay in England, my free time would be spent planning the perfect marriage proposal.

Is it possible that I've actually grown a vagina?

Father Pat arrived in time for dinner, and it was easy to understand why Bella and her family were so fond of him.

After dinner, the girls forced us to sit in the living room while they prepared dessert and coffee. I wanted to help, but Bella was insistent. While Emmett was in the bathroom, Father Pat turned to me, saying in a quiet voice, "So, Edward, when are you planning to propose?"

Whoa. He's either clairvoyant like Alice, or he's got a private line to God.

I looked at Charlie questioningly, as if he'd spilled the beans, but he shrugged and shook his head.

Father, looking amused by my bewilderment spoke again, "Edward, I've been around a long time, and I'm a student of human nature. No man that looks at a woman the way you look at our fair Isabella is ever far from proposing." He chuckled.

I only had time to respond with, "Very soon." Before Emmett arrived back in the room, and we promptly changed the subject.

Charlie and I were talking sports when I noticed Bella having a quiet conversation with Father Pat. After that, she seemed to have forgiven her brother for his annoying behavior, and things between them returned to normal.

After Father Pat left, we prepared to return to Seattle. As Bella said her goodbyes, Charlie shook my hand. "Good luck in England Edward."

"Thanks, Charlie." I answered.

Charlie grinned at my use of his first name.

On the drive home, I told Bella about my talk with her dad, leaving out the details of the planned marriage proposal of course.

We stopped in Port Angeles for gas. While I pumped the gas, Bella visited the ladies' room. She hadn't returned when I went inside to purchase a couple of drinks for the ride.

I approached the counter to pay, drinks in hand, and that was when I say them. Two tabloid magazines displaying photos of our visit to Madame Tussaud's. More specifically, photos of Bella and I posing with the Edward Masen wax figure.

Ugh. I was afraid of this. I promised Bella that she'd pay if these photos appeared.

I purchased the magazines and placed them conspicuously on her seat, then I leaned against the car with my arms folded over my chest, and waited.

As soon as Bella rounded the corner headed for the car, she knew something was up. She was very good at reading my face by now. I watched as she got a worried look and proceeded to bite her lip.

I have something much better planned for that lip.

As soon as she was close enough, I pulled her into a rough embrace. "Oh my dear Miss Swan. I remember distinctly telling you that if certain photos ended up in the tabloids or on the internet that you would be made to pay."

I felt her body stiffen. Without warning, I pulled her closer and kissed her. My feelings were so intense after the insane few days we'd just spent, that I poured every bit of my passion and physical longing into that kiss. She wouldn't be forgetting the way this felt, for a long time to come.

I held her against me as her fingers ran through my hair. Before pulling away in order for both of us to breathe, I made sure to gently bite her bottom lip.

"Was that my punishment?" She asked breathlessly.

"You don't think it was enough?" I asked with a grin.

Maybe a repeat performance is in order.

"I think that if you do that again, I'm going to pass the fuck out right here in the parking lot." Bella was actually panting.

I laughed out loud and turned to open her door for her.

For the next couple of miles she sat there, dazed.

How awesome is that? I dazed my girlfriend with a kiss.

Yes, I was undeniably proud of myself.

After a while, she was able to pull herself together enough to speak. "You know that everyone in that parking lot probably took a photo of that kiss."

Fuck, yes.

I chuckled. "Hopefully the photos are good enough to knock those silly ones off the front page." I grinned.

"So the only reason you kissed me was to get our photo in the tabloids?" She asked.

"No my dear Isabella. I kissed you because I am head over heels in love with you. The possible tabloid cover is just a 'fringe benefit'."

She laughed, well, actually she snorted at that.

-LRM-

We were lying in bed. Tomorrow I would depart for London.

"I'm going to miss you so much, especially your sense of humor." I gave her a sad smile, and kissed her forehead.

"And your laughter" I kissed her cheek. "Your scent" I kissed just under her ear. "Your smile" I kissed her chin. "Your beautiful eyes" I kissed each eyelid. "And your lips" I then kissed her lips, slowly and passionately.

I continued placing small kisses on Bella's face until she drifted off to sleep in my arms.

-LRM-

Today, I would fly to London. I actually planned a couple of things for us to do beforehand.

What was I thinking?

First, I took Bella out to breakfast, although neither of us had much of an appetite.

The stares of strangers, which normally didn't bother me, today seemed intrusive. I realized too late that all I really wanted was to be alone with Bella until I had to leave.

She dutifully walked around the sculpture garden with me, but I could tell that her heart wasn't in it. The time flew much too quickly, and before I knew it we were standing at the security checkpoint at SeaTac, our arms wrapped around each other.

Finally, when we couldn't put if off any longer I whispered. "It's time Bella."

"I know." She said as she looked at me with bleary eyes. She was trying very hard not to cry, and it was breaking my heart. "Nothing's going to be right until I'm with you again."

"I know what you mean." I murmured before pulling her into a goodbye kiss that was sweet and sad, and would have to last until we were together again. "Goodbye my love."

I walked toward security, with one look back and a small wave to Bella, I rounded the corner.

After going through security, I settled into the first class lounge until it was time to board the plane, my emotions shredded.

I immediately felt a bit lighter when I heard my phone chime with a text. Hoping it was from Bella, I looked at the screen.

Miss you already. I stole the t-shirt you slept in..sorry. Maybe it will help me sleep tonight because it smells like you.

Love you, B

I laughed quietly before replying.

Not the first time you've stolen my shirt if I recall. Miss you too. I'll try to sleep on the flight and pretend I'm with you.

Love you too, so much, E

-LRM-

Once ensconced in my first class seat on the plane, I looked at the time and calculated that Bella had probably already arrived back at her apartment and found her gift. I reached into my carryon and pulled out my script, intending to review the scenes I would be filming this week. Tucked inside my bag was a small object wrapped in tissue paper. My heart clenched when I unwrapped it to find a framed photo of Bella and I, dancing at Carnation Plaza Gardens.

I hadn't seen the photo before. In it, Bella and I were looking into each others' eyes, and the expression of love on Bella's face took my breath away.

It was perfect.

I reached for my cell and dialed her number.

"Hello Edward. Thank you for the earrings, they are exquisite." Bella answered. I could tell she'd been crying.

"Baby don't cry. I wanted to thank you for my gift too. It's going on my nightstand as soon as I arrive."

"Are you really going to sleep with my shirt?" I murmured.

"Yes" Bella whispered.

"I wish I could be in it." I continued.

"Me too."

I let out a breath. "They're getting ready to close the airplane doors."

"Doesn't that mean you have to hang up now?"

"Yes" I said. I didn't hang up, even when I saw the flight attendant giving me the eye.

"I don't want to go." I said quietly.

The flight attendant approached me. "Mr. Masen, I'm sorry but you must stow all electronic devices at this time."

"Yes, of course" I answered. "Well, I guess I've got to hang up now. I love you Bella."

"I love you too Edward. Stay safe." She whispered.

"You too my darling, goodbye."

-LRM-

The flight was long, I tried to nap, but have always had difficulty sleeping comfortably on airplanes. By the time my flight touched down in London, I wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and forget about the world.

Sidney and Alec met me at Heathrow, and carried my zombie ass to the hotel. I sent Bella a quick text, letting her know I'd arrived, placed the photo she'd given me on the nightstand, and passed out for the next several hours.

When I woke up, I was starving. I showered and dressed and walked into the sitting room to find Alec there watching television.

"Damn Edward, I thought you were going to sleep until tomorrow." He said with a smirk.

"I feel better now." I answered. "I'm going to order some food. Do you want anything?"

"No, I'm good." Alec responded. "Actually, if you don't need me any more tonight, I'm going out."

"That's fine. Just remember if you bring a girl back here, you'd better confine that shit to your room." I quirked my eyebrow in warning. "And close the door between your room and the sitting room. I don't need one of your 'friends' sneaking around the suite."

"Sure, not a problem." Alec laughed.

God knows what he's been doing for the last couple of days in this suite.

I'm definitely locking my bedroom door.

After I ate, I fixed a drink and sat down on my bed, leaning back against the headboard, with the intention of watching a little television. I looked at the time and realized that it was only noon back home. While gazing at the photo of us, I decided to phone Bella.

"Edward" She answered in almost a whisper.

"Hey baby, how's your day?"

"Fine. Not much longer until Rose's interview with Geri Chance."

"Holy shit, during all the excitement of the last few days, I'd forgotten about that." I responded.

"Rose reminded me this morning. She still hasn't told me everything. Should be interesting." Bella said quietly. "What are you doing?"

I chuckled. "Well, it's evening here and I slept all afternoon, so I'm having a nightcap and speaking on the phone to a stunning brunette."

"Stunning huh?" She questioned.

"Absolutely. She's so beautiful that when we're together, I can't keep my eyes off of her."

"Flattery will get you everywhere Mister Move Star." Bella answered.

"I'm counting on that." I said with a smirk. "Well, I'll let you go baby, I know you've got a class starting soon."

"Yeah, but this call was a very pleasant surprise. I miss you."

"Me too. Love you Bella."

"Love you too." She breathed.

God I already miss her so much. If I feel this awful after only one day, I can only imagine what it will be like in a month.

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

A/N Hope everyone liked that.

Next up will probably be a double LRM. I find I have the winter blahhs, and need inspiration and moral support. Enthusiastic and numerous reviews, either for this or V&V, help me write faster.

Thanks to everyone out there reading and reviewing already.