This chapter is short and sweet... but then again, Charlie Swan isn't a man of many words. Edward's POV of the honeymoon coming up on Monday.
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Charlie's POV
"Get a room," Emmett hollered as Bella and Edward kissed following their first dance.
THWACK!
"Rose," he whined, rubbing his head. She glared at him and he sighed, walking a little ways away while still rubbing his head. The boy would never learn.
Bella blushed slightly as she and Edward pulled away from each other, reluctantly. I was glad she hadn't lost that ability with her change. From the way Edward ran his finger reverently along her cheek, I could tell I wasn't alone in that sentiment.
"It's time for the father daughter dance," Alice announced, flitting over to pull me away from my spot next to Dora. I followed along, smiling, unable to wait to dance with my girl.
Edward stepped away from Bella as soon as I entered the make shift dance floor. I shook his hand and smiled. He loved her and their children with all his heart, and that was all a father could ask for. Once Edward stepped back, I focused all my attention on my girl.
"You look beautiful, Bells," I said to my little girl, all dolled up in her wedding dress. I am certain I was completely biased, but I had never seen a more lovely bride.
"Thank you, Daddy," she said smiling up at me.
No father thinks they have enough time with their little girl. And maybe me, more than most. I had missed so much when Renee and I split. Watching Bella grow up from a distance and in short visits once or twice a year wasn't enough. I missed her so much. But that pain was nothing compared to the time I spent thinking my girl was gone. In that time I vowed that if I ever got the chance, I would spend the rest of my days showing my little girl what she meant to me.
And now I would have that chance.
I gathered her in my arms as the music started.
Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love your alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it still hard to give her away
I loved her first
How could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But its still hard to give her away
I loved her first
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first
The song was perfect. Of course, Alice had chosen it but it said everything I wanted to but never could.
"I love you, Bells," I said to my daughter, rubbing the tear off her cheek. "I'm so happy that I get to spend an eternity being your dad."
"I love you too, Daddy," she said, hugging me.
"My turn to dance with the bride," Emmett yelled.
THWACK!
"Volume, Emmett!" Rosalie hissed, as Emmett rubbed the back of his head. I couldn't help but laugh at the hulking man-child.
"Sorry Emmett," Carlisle said, stepping in front of his son and claiming Bella's hand. Esme pulled Edward onto the dance floor and I returned to my spot next to Dora, kissing her hand lovingly.
I watched my daughter smile as her father-in-law spun her around gracefully. I was still getting used to this new life, my indestructible body, and endless time. Bella seemed to take to it like a duck to water. She had never seemed comfortable in her own skin before, clumsy and always seeming too wise for her years, yet so uncertain. But here was that same little girl, brimming with confidence, graceful, accepted, valued and loved. I couldn't ask for more.
"She seems made for this life," Dora whispered.
"She was," I answered, no uncertainty at all.
As the song ended Emmett was nearly bouncing waiting for his turn to dance with the bride. When he was finally given the shot, he held her with such tenderness and proceeded to waltz her around the makeshift floor. Edward and Rosalie danced together but both of their eyes were locked on Bella and Emmett, both smiling indulgently at their spouses.
"So Charlie," Alice said, popping up at my side. "When do I get to plan your wedding?"
"I believe that is up to my mate," I said, looking at Dora. I knew that at some point we would marry but I didn't feel any pressure one way or another.
"We have time," Dora said. "But I know who to call when we decide." I kissed her hand again and pulled her towards the dance floor.
The afternoon was spent dancing and having fun with family and friends. I managed to spend most of my time in the arms of my mate but still managed to dance with most of the Cullens. Before I knew it, it was time to see Bella and Edward and the twins off on their honeymoon, and even though I knew I'd see them again in a couple of weeks, it still felt like forever.
"You take care of my girl and my grandkids," I said to Edward, shaking his hand as Esme and Rosalie loaded the twins into the back of the car.
"With my life," he responded. Good answer.
I watched as Jake, the kid I had always hoped would be my son-in-law, said his goodbyes to Bella. I hadn't been certain of this whole imprinting thing. The thought that he held some claim over my baby granddaughter did not sit well with me. Billy explained that imprinting wasn't always a romantic thing and that since Jake had growing feelings for Leah, he felt it would be more of a protective thing than anything else. I still wasn't going to let him spend too much time with her, and I could tell from the look on Edward's face that he was in total agreement.
"You be safe," I said to Bella as she hugged me.
"Always," Bella said.
With more hugs and handshakes, the newlyweds hopped into their car and made the journey to Seattle. They would be spending two weeks on a private island that Carlisle and Esme had in the south. The wolves were heading home from here, except for Leah and Jake, who would be heading to Alaska with the family. Leah's pregnancy was progressing too fast for regular medical personnel to deal with and Carlisle offered to care for her there. Jake wasn't about to let her go alone, and came along as her protector.
Alice and Rosalie, along with Jasper and Emmett, were dismantling everything from the wedding, returning the meadow to it's previously pristine state, with the exception of the gazebo, which Edward had asked to be left for whenever he and Bella returned.
"Are you ready, Charlie?" Carlisle asked.
"I suppose," I said. I moved toward the Mercedes and climbed into the back with Dora, as Carlisle and Esme took the front. Forks had been my home my whole life and now I was leaving. I thought I'd be sad, feel the loss of the little town, but I had everything I needed. My mate, my daughter, my grandkids, and good friends. I was blessed.