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not beta'd

storyline - Countdown

prompt - comical, cynical

I sit beside Edward, anxiously tapping my fingers against my knee.

"It'll be fine, Bella."

"I know."

He switches the hand he's using to steer so he can hold mine. "They already know we're getting married, babe. What could you possibly be nervous about?"

"My dad's just…so particular about stuff. He can be a little cynical, you know? He hates that we're living together…" I trail off; trying to shake off the less than positive feelings I have concerning the upcoming week.

"Has he said anything?" Edward asks, glancing over at me. "Lately, I mean?"

I shake my head.

"So, only when you told him, right? The first time."

I nod.

Edward sighs, squeezing my hand briefly before letting go. "Bella, that's… kind of typical, I think. You're his only daughter, you know? I know we have different views on religion or whatever, but even if we didn't, I bet he'd still be protective."

"I know. I just really want this to go smoothly. Hopefully things have been okay at work so he'll be in a good mood when they get here."

Edward snorts. "Trust me, I feel the same."

It's the first time my parents have come out to visit since Edward and I became so serious. We have visited them – twice – and now it's our turn to host. Despite my misgivings, my Dad is probably not as bad as I'm making him out to be. He's a good man, a fair one, and besides his gruff nature, he's actually pretty non-judgmental. Now that I'm an adult, I can see that it is his attitude and example that make his faith, as well as my own, genuine.

Had he been a big old legalistic meanie, I may not have been so accepting of his church, his beliefs or his rules. But my parents usually always practiced what they preached, making it easy to respect them - even if I didn't always like their decisions growing up. We're still pretty close, and I think that's one of the reasons I'm so anxious for them to approve of me now.

Of Edward and me, especially.

We take the exit that leads us to the airport and park. My parent's flight landed just minutes before, so we have time before they make it down to baggage claim.

I tug on my skirt and smooth my hair.

"You look perfect," he whispers, his breath on my ear making me blush.

"Stop it," I warn, but I clasp his hand, loving him so much.

"There they are."

I turn to where he's pointing and almost laugh, the scene is so comical. I don't even know how he got it on the plane, but my father is dragging the bulkiest carry-on I've ever seen behind him. My mom sees us first, and she waves, smiling widely.

Suddenly I feel okay, like maybe my nerves were for nothing. I hug my mom while Edward shakes my father's hand, and then hug my dad while my mom grabs Edward. There's all this excited chattering and motioning and then my father rushes off to retrieve the first of their suitcases from the carousel, Edward close behind to help.

"So your flight was good?" I ask.

My mother nods. "Yes, it was. You know how cheap they are these days with snacks, so, Dad brought his own." She motions toward the oversized carryon. "He schmoozed, using his cop status to get them to accept this thing."

"Ugh, shameless," I say, grinning. My father always did have a thing for snack food.

He and Edward come back a minute later, laden with baggage.

"We should grab one of those luggage cart things," Edward says, looking around for one.

I can see my father's about to protest, so I rush off to the closest cart I see, pay to unlock it, and drag it back. "There. That'll make things easier. How long are you guys staying, anyway? Jeez…" I laugh.

"Mom wanted to bring a few things for the house…"

"Hush, Charlie, it's supposed to be a surprise."

He shrugs, eyes twinkling as he looks at me.

And I realize that regardless of whatever, no matter what he thinks, he's still my Dad and I'm still his girl. He's always been good at making me feel loved, even when he disagrees with me.

I can't wait for them to see our place, to meet Carlisle and Esme, to see the park we have picnics on and the restaurant where we had our first date. I'll bring my mother on the train where I met Edward, and we'll show my parents the church we've chosen to exchange our vows.

It's going to be good. I'm so grateful they're here.