Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows, never betaed
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Prompt: Sizzle, fizzle, drizzle

Christmas actually went very smoothly. Edward would sneak into my room after Charlie went to sleep, taking up residence in the rocking chair that had occupied a corner of my room since my birth. I couldn't imagine why he would want to sit there and watch me, but he assured me it was entertaining. That made me worry.

Carlisle and Esme were wonderful diversions for Charlie. Carlisle loved to fish and Esme loved to bake. My father assured me that bringing them home was the best Christmas present. He lumped Alice in with that as well, since she doted on him constantly. Jasper's ability came in handy a few times simply because Charlie was quite wary around him. That and I think Jasper kept Charlie from reaching for his gun the first time he saw Edward give me a hug.

Alice went crazy with New Year's Celebration plans. I warned her that the near constant rain here might put a damper on the festivities, but after looking she assured me there would only be a light drizzle that day, followed by a clear night. Perfect firework lighting weather, apparently.

Charlie insisted on grilling steaks for everyone that evening. The sizzle of the meat on the fire was enough to make my mouth water and the vampires' look a bit green. At least Charlie agreed to cook theirs rare. In spite of having to eat, and purge, we all welcomed in the New Year with hope. Carlisle's toast melted my father's heart, and brought tears to my eyes.

"To Bella," he'd said, holding a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider up in deference to the under-aged in the room, "you have brought happiness to our family we didn't know we were missing. I thank Charlie for allowing you to attend school so far away so that we could meet, get to know, and spend time with you." He'd paused for a moment to give Edward a smile. "Bella, you've made some of us happier than we knew we could be. When the time is right, we welcome you into our family with open arms."

Before I knew it we were driving to the Port Angeles Airport, catching the first of many flights to make it back to school. The looks Charlie gave Edward, who was once again riding in the back-seat of the cruiser, were much kinder this time.

As we pulled up to drop off our luggage Charlie got out and took Edward's hand to shake it. "A father's greatest fear is that one day his little girl will meet a guy who turns her world around, and he won't be worthy of her." My father cleared his throat for a second. "I'm glad to meet you. At least I know that if things don't work out between you two my daughter has good taste in the guys she dates."

"Thank you, sir," Edward replied, giving Charlie's hand a firm shake. "I promise to take care of her."

"I can see that, son. You hardly let her out of your sight the entire time you were here." Turning to me Charlie called me over.

Gathering me into a sideways hug, he whispered in my ear, "Now, Bell, don't let your grades fizzle out over this guy. If he's worth anything he'll also want you to do well. Make us both proud." To Edward's credit he didn't miss a step, although I did see the corner of his mouth lift slightly.

"Don't worry dad, I'll keep my eye on the future." With one last hug we were ushered on our way. I turned back and thought I saw my father wipe a tear from his eye, but he turned it into a wave.

On the flight from Seattle to Detroit I settled into my seat and gave Edward a look. "Did you know it would go so well? Is that why you weren't nervous?"

"Alice knew," he said with a smile.

I rolled my eyes at him. "What else does she know?" I was taken aback when I saw him cringe. "What?"

He leaned over to whisper in my ear. "That you've been waffling on whether to go home for summer or not. You need to go home."

"Why?"

"Because Charlie only has a couple years left."

I know, I know! Not only is it shorter, but I've left you in a terrible place. On top of that, I can't guarantee I'll update tomorrow because of my schedule. Please don't shoot...