Chapter 32: The Meeting with Dad
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 32: The Meeting with Dad
"Edward, are you're sure you alright?" I asked. He had been very quiet the entire flight to Seattle and was virtually silent as we drove to my childhood home in Forks. "The silence is killing me here."
"I'm fine," Edward said tersely, giving me a tight smile as he looked over to me as he drove.
"Bullshit," I snapped. "You're being moody and a bit of an ass. What the hell?"
"This is the first time I've been to Seattle since I've moved out to Sherryville. It's reopening some wounds," he muttered. "I'm struggling, Bella. I'm sorry."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't be snapping and I guess I never realized. I feel like an idiot," I grumbled.
"How would you know? I lived here for a long time. I spent two years here after Tanya's death. You'd figure I'd be okay in coming back. I just forgot so much about Seattle. I feel like I've stepped back in time; through the looking glass. When I left here, nearly a year ago. I was broken. A shell of a man. Now, I'm back and I'm with you. My fiancée. I'm not broken anymore," Edward said as he laced his fingers through mine. "Your love healed me. I just need some time to process all of the emotions."
"Okay," I said, squeezing his large hand. "If you need to talk…"
"You're number one on my list," he said, kissing my fingers. We drove in silence, save for the music that was pumping through the stereo system. I took out my book and read quietly as we drove the four hours to Forks. We were getting close and I put my book into my messenger bag. I directed Edward through the sleepy town of Forks, Washington, pointing out minor things as we went. It was exactly the same. Nothing ever changed.
We pulled up to a small white home with black shutters. Edward parked the BMW he rented for the trip behind the police cruiser in the driveway. We got out of the car and walked up the steps to my childhood home. I reached above the eave of the door and unlocked it. I placed the key back in its hiding place and opened the door. "Dad?"
Charlie walked out of the kitchen. He was still in his uniform. His chocolate brown eyes twinkled when he saw me and his face broke into a wide smile. He held open his arms and I ran into them. Charlie embraced me, holding me close. He was never an affectionate man, but nearly six years of not seeing him made him want a hug. "I've missed you, Bells. I love you, kiddo," he whispered. I sniffled and burrowed closer to my dad's chest. I had missed this. So much. Charlie squeezed me tighter and I felt him kiss my head. I pulled away, wiping tears from my eyes.
"Dad, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Edward Masen, my fiancé," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "Edward, this is my dad, Charlie Swan."
Edward stepped forward and held out his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"None of this 'sir' business. If you're marrying my daughter, it's Charlie," Charlie said. He shook Edward's hand and smiled. "Been taking good care of my baby girl?"
"Of course, sir. Um, Charlie," Edward replied with a blush.
"Well, come in! Come in," Charlie smiled. He led us to the tiny living room. Charlie asked about our Christmas. We gave him the abbreviated version of Christmas Eve and the outing at the hospital. Charlie looked so proud at what we did. As we talked, my heart clenched for Todd. Poor little Toddler. He needed someone. And not some random foster family who may or may not understand his medical condition. Edward noticed my faraway look and squeezed my knee. I returned back to the present and laced my fingers with his.
After an hour or so, Edward went out to the car to get our luggage. We were staying with Charlie until New Year's Eve. In our luggage, we had Charlie's presents for Christmas as well. Or at least a picture of his present. We had gotten him a fancy, high tech sonar machine for when he fished. Edward was having it delivered to Charlie and it was due to arrive sometime this week.
"I can imagine you guys are tired," Charlie said. "Let's go out to eat and then you can get settled. Your room is ready to go and the couch is mighty comfortable."
"Dad, Edward is not sleeping on the couch," I sighed.
"Isabella," Charlie warned.
"Charles. I'm 32 years old, been married once and I'm engaged to be married again. We're sleeping together," I said, narrowing my eyes.
"On a full bed?" Charlie challenged.
"We'll manage," I said dryly. "Right, Edward?"
"Sure, love," Edward said. "What's good around here?"
"The only restaurant that has decent food is The Lodge. Everything else is fast food and the really nice restaurants are in Port Angeles," Charlie explained. "We'll probably head there for dinner tomorrow. I'm going to change and then we'll head out, okay?"
Edward and I nodded. Charlie went upstairs and I heard him putter around his room. I leaned my head against Edward's arm and sighed. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked.
"I'm worried," I replied.
"About?"
"Todd," I said.
"Me too, Bella," Edward said, pulling my face to look into his eyes. "He really latched onto you."
"He's an adorable little boy. I just hate the thought of him going with some strangers who know nothing about his condition," I said, tears filling my eyes.
"When he goes into the system, the social worker will inform the family of his medical needs. It will probably be harder to place Todd with a family that can adequately meet his requirements, but he will be cared for," Edward said.
"Why not us?" I blurted. I covered my mouth and my eyes went wide. "Forget I said that."
"I won't, Bella. Do you want to foster Todd?" he asked, his voice filling with excitement.
"No…maybe…" I fumbled. I looked at Edward and his eyes pierced through mine. "Yes. I need to take care of him."
"I'll contact my attorney and get some of the paperwork needed to apply to be a foster family," Edward said, his eyes glazing over. His fingers traced over the curve of my cheek and he gently tipped my head back, caressing my lips with his. It was a soft, chaste kiss, but it meant so much more. His tongue slid between my lips and his arms pulled me closer to his lean, muscular body. We heard Charlie stomp down the stairs and pulled apart. "I love you, Bella. So much. I can't wait until we're a family." I smiled and gave Edward a searing, boxer melting kiss before Charlie was fully down the stairs.
"I love you, too," I said against his lips. Edward groaned softly and subtly adjusted his bulge. I giggled and pulled away. Charlie was finally downstairs and he was wearing a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. "Ready, Dad?"
"Yep," Charlie grinned. He grabbed his coat and we headed out to the car. Edward had to drive as the rental was blocking Charlie's cruiser. I slid into the backseat and the boys were in the front. Charlie chattered on what was going on with the police force. He had several new officers that were very green and eager to shoot their guns. Charlie was proud that in all of his years as a police officer, he never had to shoot his sidearm once. It was his goal to retire, never having to shoot his gun. At this rate, it probably was going to happen. Nothing ever happened in Forks. It's a boring, sleepy, little town.
We arrived at The Lodge and were immediately seated. One of the perks of being the police chief. Once settled and our orders taken, the Charlie Swan Inquisition began.
"So, Edward, you're a doctor?" Charlie asked as he sipped his beer.
"Yes. I'm the head of emergency medicine at Craven Memorial Hospital," Edward answered with a grin. "My uncle is the chief of staff and he all but begged me to come work for him." Edward took a drink of his water and squeezed my hand.
"Don't you want a beer, son?" Charlie asked, raising a bushy brow.
"I don't really drink," Edward said. "I lost both of my parents and my first wife to drunk drivers."
"Shit. I'm so sorry, Edward," Charlie said. "When?"
"My parents died when I was fifteen and my wife died when I was 29. We were married for five years," Edward said with a frown. "She was pregnant when she was killed."
"What was your wife's name?"
"Dr. Tanya Masen. She was a child psychiatrist."
"I remembered the story. The guy, James something, was put away for life," Charlie mused. "I can't imagine what you went through."
"It was hell," Edward said darkly. "I stayed in Seattle for a couple of years after her death, but left when James was put away. I had nothing tying me to Seattle. Every corner reminded me of her. Of us. Of what was lost and I needed to leave. I needed a fresh start. So I called my sister, Alice, and told her to find me a place to live near her. She did. I interviewed at Craven and was offered the position. I packed up my belongings and drove across country. It was the best decision I ever made. That decision gave me your daughter. I love her very much and she is the greatest gift in my life."
Charlie blinked a few times. His were unfocused as he looked at Edward. Charlie's face slowly morphed into a huge smile. "I like him, Bella. He treats you like you're the most precious thing in the world. So much better than Newton," Charlie said. He hated Mike. However, Charlie didn't want to dictate my life and allowed my marriage to him. Though, he knew something was not quite right with Mike.
"Bella is the most precious thing in the world to me," Edward said. "And, an amoeba is better than Newton. So that's not saying much."
Charlie barked out a laugh and slapped his hand on the table. "I really like you, Edward. You are alright in my book. Probably better than my daughter."
"Hey!" I snapped. "Not nice, Charlie." I smacked him with my napkin with each word. "Who cooked for you all throughout my middle school and high school years? That wouldn't be you. We'd be eating here all the time. Who cleaned your house?"
"I'm kidding, Bells. You know I love you. More than words can express. And, I do appreciate your cooking and cleaning skills. I wouldn't have survived without them," Charlie guffawed.
"You're surviving now," I said, arching a brow. "How?"
"Well, I wanted to wait until tomorrow to tell you. But, I've been seeing someone."
"Really? Who?" I asked.
"Sue Clearwater," Charlie replied. "She's coming out to dinner with us tomorrow in Port Angeles."
"Harry's wife?" I squeaked.
"You don't know. I called Mike when it happened," Charlie said. "Harry died while you were on your honeymoon. Sudden heart attack."
"What?" I whispered. My vision faded in and out. I was upset that my father's best friend died and I didn't know. I was upset that my father's best friend died and my husband didn't tell me. Angry tears filled in my eyes. Five years, I didn't know. "Excuse me. I need some air." I shot up from the table and stormed out of The Lodge. I didn't bring a coat and I didn't have it in me to care. I walked across the street to a park and sat down on one of the benches. I wrapped my arms around my waist and let my tears fall freely. Tears for Harry Clearwater. Tears for my anger at Mike for hiding something like this from me. Tears in general.
"Bella?" Edward called as he ran toward me. He carried my winter jacket and his brow was furrowed.
"I'm sorry, Edward. I just need some time," I whispered.
"Well, at least put on your coat. I don't want you getting sick," Edward said, draping my coat over my shoulders. He crouched down in front of me. I turned away as I slipped my arms through the jacket. He sighed and kissed my forehead before going back into the restaurant.
I don't know how long I sat outside on the bench. However, Charlie came over to me and put his arms around my shoulder. "What's bothering you, Bella?"
"I didn't know about Harry. Mike never told me. I hate that I wasn't there for you when your best friend died," I whispered, leaning against his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
"You don't need to be sorry, Bells. I figured that Mike never told you when you didn't come for the funeral. He was always a self-centered, egotistical prick," Charlie seethed. "However, it seems like he's escalating. Edward told me about his attack, the fire and your car accident. I'm worried, Bella. Mike is dangerous. Like something is missing in his brain to make him normal."
"That's the thing. He can blend in society and look normal. When on the inside, he's black and cruel," I sobbed.
"Sociopath. He's a sociopath," Charlie said, brushing my hair from my face.
"Do you remember Charlotte?"
"The girl you went to school with? The one that died?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah. She was beaten up by her boyfriend. She wouldn't press charges initially and she ended up dead. Do you know who her boyfriend was?" I asked. Charlie shook his head. "Mike."
"Have you told the police?" Charlie asked, turning into the police chief.
"Yes. I have a restraining order out against him and there's a warrant out for his arrest," I said. "Also, Edward is ready to pounce if he sees him."
"I can see that. The vein in the middle of his forehead was pulsing as he explained all that happened and his face was red with such anger," Charlie.
"Reminds me of someone else I know," I joked, shoving Charlie with my shoulder. "You didn't leave Edward in the restaurant by himself, did you?"
"No. After we argued on who was paying the bill, he went fill up the gas tank," Charlie said.
"Who won the 'bill' argument?" I asked.
"He did. He said he had to go to the bathroom and he apparently slipped his credit card to our waitress as he did," Charlie grumbled. "He's slick." As Charlie said that, the sleek black BMW pulled up to the park. "And has uncanny sense of timing. Come on, Bells." Charlie deposited me in the front seat and he slid into the back. I curled my legs up and was silent as we drove back to Charlie's house.
Once back, Charlie grumbled something about having to work early and he darted out of the car. I followed Charlie and Edward stopped me before we got into the house. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. "I'm so worried about you, Bells."
"I'll be fine. Mike just betrayed me with not telling me my father's best friend, one of the men who raised me, had died. Like you said earlier today, I just need time to process," I said. "However, I'm exhausted and need sleep."
"You need to eat, Bells. We brought your dinner," Edward said.
"No appetite. I'll be perfectly fine. Trust me," I said. "However, I'm freezing. Let's get inside."
"I'll spend all night warming you up," Edward said as he kissed my nose.
"Edward," I warned.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Swan. I would have issues making love to you in your father's house. I'm talking about holding you close as you sleep," he chided as he pulled me inside.
He picked up our suitcase and followed me up the stairs to my childhood bedroom. It hadn't changed much since I moved out when I went to college. The walls were painted a light blue. The windows were adorned with yellowing, lacy curtains. The bed was covered in a blanket that Renee had made in her 'crafty' stage. It was a sad attempt at a quilt. Very sad. Pathetic really.
Edward put the suitcase on the desk near the window in my room. We opened it and I pulled out some comfy pajamas. Warm flannel ones that make you feel safe. Edward arched a brow and I shrugged. I felt lousy. Used, betrayed and like I was nothing. I couldn't be there for my dad and I felt horribly. I walked to the one bathroom in the house and closed the door. I went through my business of changing and brushing my teeth. I finished up and went into the bedroom. Edward was sitting on the bed, wearing a pair of sleep pants and a t-shirt. He was flipping through my old high school yearbook.
"Do you really want to look through that? All the horrible fashions and bad perms?" I joked lightly, not really feeling anything.
"I wanted to see what you looked like as a kid," Edward said as he pulled me into his lap. I flipped through the book and showed him my senior photo. I hadn't really changed much. My hair was longer in high school. No grays. "You were beautiful then."
"Not really. I was so fucking clumsy. My senior year of high school was spent on crutches and walking casts," I grumbled. "I was in a show and was a dancer."
"You? Dancer?"
"Shut up. I hate to dance. However, I'm good at it when I have learned choreography," I laughed. "I can't sing to save my life, but I was always in the musicals." I flipped the pages of the book and turned it to the pages allotted for the spring musical, Guys and Dolls. I pointed out a picture of me, being lifted by a guy in the "Rocking the Boat" scene. I had a huge smile on my face in the photo and I looked comfortable.
"Why did you stop? Performing?" Edward asked.
"All the biggest Broadway artists are singers, dancers and actors. I'm only good at dancing and acting. You don't want me singing," I said. "Besides, I love teaching and directing. And I'm too old for a drastic career change."
"Okay, enough distraction," Edward said closing the book. "I'm tired. You're tired."
"And cranky. I'm cranky," I said. "Ready to punch something."
"Have at it, beautiful girl," he said as he stroked his belly.
"I don't want to punch you. I want to punch Mike. Asshole," I snarled. "You wouldn't withhold information like that from me. You'd tell me if something happened to my family."
"I would. I promise you," Edward said as he held me on his lap. "I can understand your frustration and anger toward Mike."
"It's more than that. It's guilt, too. I should have been here for Sue and my dad," I said. "It must have killed him to not have me there. I should have been there. Harry and Sue were almost like another set of parents to me. They were always so welcoming and loving."
"But it wasn't your fault," Edward pressed.
"No, probably not. However it doesn't stop the guilt I feel," I said, looking at Edward. "Sue probably hates me."
"I doubt that," Edward said as he caressed my neck. "No one can hate you. You're too good."
I rolled my eyes and yawned. Edward chuckled and lifted me off his lap. We crawled between the sheets and got as close as possible, out of necessity. The bed was fucking tiny. Edward took up most of it. He cradled me against his chest and stroked my hair as I lay there. "I love you, Edward. Thank you for being here and for giving me time with Charlie."
"I love you more, my beautiful girl. You need to be with your family. It's important," he whispered in the darkness. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and I felt my eyelids droop. Edward hummed quietly and I drifted into a deep, but unrestful sleep.
xx AFS xx
I was walking. To where, I had no idea. I was just walking. There were no landmarks. Just ethereal mist and white fog floating around. I furrowed my brow as I moved and walked in this purgatory. Where the hell am I?
"You didn't think I'd let you be happy for long, did you?"
"Who's there?" I squeaked. "Show yourself."
"Nah. That would be too fun," the voice laughed. "You were too happy, Isabella. I needed to stop that."
"Michael," I seethed. "You asshole."
"No. I'm not the asshole. I'm the voice of reason. You just never understood it," he snapped. "I was right. Always right. You never agreed with me, you bitch."
"That's because you were wrong. Not right, wrong. How could you not tell me about Harry?" I fumed.
"What? You're mad about that?" Mike laughed as he appeared out of the mist. His blond hair was long and straggly. His blue eyes were cold and detached. His body was painfully thin and his face was pulled into a sneer. "He was a useless man who couldn't get it up for his wife. She loved your asshole father anyway."
"What the fuck?" I screamed as I charged toward him. He vanished and his ghostly chuckle came from behind me. "You are the asshole."
"No, I'm not," he smiled. "Your fuck buddy is the asshole. You're the asshole. I'm perfect."
"Leave Edward out of this," I shrieked. "He's shown me more kindness, more love than you showed me in our entire relationship."
"He'll leave you. Just like me," Mike said as he crossed his arms across his chest. "But, I'll take you back, Bella. We can be good again."
"No."
"What?" Mike scowled.
"I said NO," I challenged.
Mike growled and his hands wrapped around my neck. He tossed me onto the ground and straddled my waist. His fingers dug into my throat. My air supply was dwindling and I clawed at Mike's face. He squeezed tighter and I felt his hands dip into my skin. I tried, in vain, to buck him off my body, but he wouldn't budge. Mike pushed me into the ground, smacking my head against a rock. I gasped for air and my vision was blacking out.
Suddenly, Mike's hands were ripped from my neck and there he was. My personal savior. Edward. He was pummeling Mike with his bare fists. I got up shakily and stared at the fight before me. Mike reached behind him and pulled out something.
No! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
A loud shot rang through and Edward fell back limply. Squarely between his eyes was a bullet hole. His green eyes were dead and focused on nothing. I cradled him in my arms and sobbed. It didn't last long as a searing pain went through my chest and I fell on top of Edward.
"Bella! Bella, baby, wake up! Please, beautiful!"
"Kiddo, open your eyes."
My eyes flew open and I saw Edward kneeling next to me and Charlie standing by the door. Their eyes were trained on me, filled with sadness, fear and despair. I sat up and got really dizzy. I fell back on the pillows. "What happened?" I rasped, my throat raw.
"You started screaming and clawing at the bed and me," Edward said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. He felt my forehead for a fever. "Then you yelled 'No' like someone died."
"I had a nightmare," I whispered.
Charlie left the room and returned with a bottle of water. He handed it to me and patted my damp head. "Do you want to talk about it?" Charlie asked.
"No. Too fresh," I said as I sipped my water. I looked at the clock and saw that it was just after eight. "Let me make some breakfast."
"Baby, you are just going to stay here. I can manage breakfast," Edward said, giving me his authoritative 'doctor brow.'
"I'm going to work, Bells. Call me if you want to talk," Charlie said with a smile. "Love you, kiddo."
"Love you, too, Dad," I muttered. I sat up in the bed, still pretty dizzy but feeling better with the water. I hugged my pillow to my chest. Tears fell down my cheeks. It was true, I had been too happy for too long. Mike was bound to make an appearance. It just happened to be in my dreams. Or rather, nightmares. A few moments later, Edward appeared with a tray filled with a bowl and some toast.
"Your dad doesn't have much in the way of food," Edward sighed. "I could only find a box of cereal and some bread."
"I'll go shopping for him later," I said, my voice sounding dead. "He doesn't know how to cook a damn thing. At all. I'm surprised he had the cereal and that the bread wasn't moldy." I ate the breakfast, not really tasting it. My mind was too busy understanding the nightmare I had. As I thought, more tears fell down my cheeks.
"Don't cry, Bella," Edward said as he moved the tray to the floor. "Please don't cry. I hate to see you like this. Tell me what's causing you to feel like this?"
"It was a nightmare. About Mike. He said that I was 'too happy' and that he had to do something about it. He said that you were going to leave me. Like he did. He begged me to go back with him and I said no. He tried to kill me by strangling me. You appeared out of nowhere and got him off me. Then he shot you. You were dead. Your beautiful green eyes were dead. He killed you. Took you away from me."
Edward gathered me in his arms and I sobbed against his chest, clawing at his t-shirt. He let me cry. He whispered his love for me in my ear. He promised he wouldn't go anywhere. Mike wasn't going to get him or me. I wanted to believe him. I truly did, but I couldn't wrap my head around it. At all.
"Bella, look at me," Edward said as he gently pulled me away from his chest. I kept my eyes cast downward, looking at an imperfection on the quilt. "Bella…" His warm hands gathered around my face and forced me to look at him. "I'm not leaving. It was a dream. A horrible dream. I'm never going anywhere. You're stuck with me, beautiful girl."
"I'm sorry, Edward. I'm really sorry. I just can't get past this," I whispered. "My mind just won't shut off. All I see is you and you gone. Mike is going to take you away from me…"
"Not if I have any say in it," Edward said, his hands tightening around my cheeks. "I'm. Not. Leaving. Ever. I love you too much. This ring is my promise to you that I'm yours forever. And then some."
Edward's mouth crashed against mine and his kiss was deep and insistent. There was urgency in his actions. He needed to get through to me. To let me know that he wasn't going anywhere. His tongue plunged into my mouth and he reached for the hem of my shirt. He lifted it with a growl and tossed it on the floor. I pulled on his t-shirt and in a flash, the shirt was next to mine. The rest of our clothes were haphazardly tossed onto the floor and Edward sheathed himself in my warmth. I let out a cry. But not of pain. Not of sadness. Of joy and pleasure. With Edward inside of me, all of my doubts and concerns dissipated.
"I'm never leaving you, Bella," Edward said as he rocked against me. His cock sliding in and out of my warmth. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Loving you. Kissing you. Comforting you. Making love to you."
"Oh, God," I moaned as I kissed his lips. "I don't want you to make love to me, Edward. Fuck me. Fuck me hard."
He snarled and his body moved faster and pounded into me. His mouth moved against mine, aggressively. I groaned and tightened my hold around his waist. Edward reached for my legs and placed them on his shoulders. He went into my body deeper and hit the right spot. I reached between us and felt our connection as I rubbed my clit. "Jesus, baby. That's so fucking hot," he said staring at my hand as he slammed into me. "I'm not going to last, beautiful girl. Come with me. Please, baby."
I moaned and rubbed my sensitive bundle of nerves furiously. I bucked my hips against his and it created the most delightful feeling in my body. Edward was deeper inside my body and I loved it. I never wanted him to leave. My muscles fluttered around his cock and he gasped. He pounded harder and then he growled as began to unravel. Edward's eyes captured mine and dropped my legs from his shoulders, kissing me forcefully. That was the trigger for my orgasm. I pulled away and bit down on his shoulder as I came around his cock. Edward muffled my screams with his mouth as he spilled into my body and collapsed on top of me. He was squishing me, but I didn't care. My hands ran up and down his sweaty back. His breathing was erratic and deep. He was slowly returning to earth and he pulled out of me.
"I'm sorry, Bella," he said sheepishly. "I don't know what came over me."
"I don't either, but I needed that," I blushed. "I needed to feel you. Thank you."
"You're welcome?" Edward said skeptically. "I never thought a thorough fucking would make you feel good."
"Anytime you make love to me, I feel good," I said, running my fingers down his sculpted chest. "However, this was different and I liked it. You are usually so gentle. I'm not breakable, Edward."
"Good to know," he snickered. "Let's shower and you can give me the grand tour of Forks."
"Prepare to be disappointed. It'll take five minutes."
"As long as I'm with you, I'll never be disappointed," Edward smirked.
I rolled my eyes and got out of bed. In my naked glory, I waited at the door. Edward stood up and walked to the bathroom. Suffice it to say, our shower was not very productive. We had round two in there. Any takers for round three?
xx AFS xx
"Charlie, where are we going for dinner?" I called down.
"Some Italian place. Kind of dressy," Charlie replied.
"Great," I mumbled. I found a black knee length and green top. I slid on a pair of black boots and curled my hair. Edward was sitting on the bed, wearing a pair of slate gray slacks and black dress shirt. On the chair in the bedroom was his black sport coat. I finished putting on my makeup and walked into the bedroom. "How do I look?"
"Absolutely gorgeous," Edward said "I really like you in skirts."
"Why?"
"You have fabulous legs," Edward said with a glint in his eyes.
"Don't get all horny on me, Edward. We are having dinner with my father and his girlfriend. This morning was a one-time thing," I said, putting my hands on my hips. "I was vulnerable. Extremely vulnerable."
"I know. I still feel guilty being so rough with you," Edward said.
"Don't be. I'm not. I liked it," I said with a shrug as I put on some perfume. "It was just weird, doing it in my childhood home. In my childhood bed."
Edward looked beneath him and then around the room. I never seen him moved so quickly off the bed. I leaned over in a fit of giggles. "Relax, Edward."
He scowled at me and picked up his jacket. "Are we ready, you pain in the ass?"
"Yep," I said as I turned on my heel . I walked down the stairs and met a nervous Charlie in the living room. He was fussing with his tie. He looked very handsome. His khaki pants were ironed and creased along the front. His white shirt and red tie contrasted nicely. "You look good, Dad."
"Thanks, kiddo," he blushed. "Do you think Sue will like it?"
I walked up to him and adjusted his tie. I smoothed the silk and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "She'll love it. Do you think Sue would want to come to our wedding?"
"I hope so. I already bought her ticket," Charlie said. "She's never been to Mexico. Or out of the country for that matter. She's working on getting an expedited passport."
"Charlie, how long does it take to get to Port Angeles?" Edward asked.
"About an hour or so," Charlie answered. He checked his watch. "We probably should go."
Edward slipped my jacket over my shoulders and I grabbed my purse. We piled into the rental car and drove to pick up Sue from LaPush. Sue and Charlie sat in the back seat. Charlie gave directions to Edward to the restaurant. It was a new Italian place called Volare. It looked pretty posh for Port Angeles. Edward used the valet and we got out of the car. Sue gave me a hug when she saw me. I expressed my condolences for the death of her husband. She acted surprised at my admission. Charlie wrapped his hand around her waist and explained that Mike never told me. Sue gave me a warm smile and hugged me again.
Charlie walked up to the hostess and informed them that we were here for our reservation. The hostess gave Charlie a friendly smile and led us to a table in the middle of the dining room. Edward's brow furrowed. He walked up to the hostess, flashing his crooked smirk, "Can we go somewhere a little more private? It's a bit of a family reunion and it would be difficult to have a conversation here," he said smoothly. The hostess nodded dumbly, obviously awed by my fiancé's charm and looks. She led us to a small room with four tables in it. Edward held out his hand and handed her a tip as she tittered away.
I slipped my hand into his. "You really have some power over women," I whispered. "You always get what you want."
"Damn straight. Alice says I have a 'panty-dropper' smile," he snorted. "I personally think I'm a bit of a dork with crazy hair and a lopsided smirk."
"This is true, but I love you. Dorkiness and all," I said, kissing his lips chastely. Edward pulled out a chair and I sat down. He did the same for Sue, giving her his 'panty-dropper' smile. She blushed and giggled.
"So, you must be Edward," Sue said as she recovered from Edward's charming ways. "I haven't heard much about you, except that you and Bella are getting married."
"This is true. We are getting married," Edward smiled. "April 4th in Cancun, Mexico. I'm hoping that you can come with Charlie."
"I'm working on it," she said. "I don't have a passport and I need to get an expedited one."
"I have a friend in the passport office in Seattle. I'll see if I can get him to move your application through," Edward said.
"So, what do you do, Edward?" Sue asked as she sipped her white wine. Our orders were placed and we were tucking into the appetizers we had ordered.
"I'm a doctor. I used to be the head of the emergency department at Virginia Mason here in Seattle, but moved to Sherryville to be closer to my family. I'm the department head of the ER at Craven Memorial," Edward explained.
"Edward's working with his uncle, who is the chief of staff, to make Craven a Level Two trauma center," I said proudly. "Things are on their way. Preliminary approval has already gone through."
"What does that mean, Edward?" Charlie asked.
"More severe traumas can come to the ER. Right now, we can handle moderate traumas with the equipment we have. Anything more severe needs to be airlifted to a level two or level one trauma center. The closest one is about an hour and half away by ambulance."
"How are things going with you, Bella?" Sue asked.
"Better now. Obviously, Mike and I got divorced," I said nervously. "We weren't compatible. He let me go initially, but now he's…he's…"
"Lost his damn mind," Edward said. "He can't let go of Bella. Early in our relationship, I found Mike attacking her in her condo. Pounding her head into floor. I got him off of her, but he won't let it go."
"Oh my word," Sue said as she grabbed my hand. "Was he abusive to you when you were married?"
"Never physically. Emotionally and mentally, he was cruel," I said, ashamed of my admission. "He would never really cared for my friends. He let me 'have' friends but I'd have to clear it with him to go out. Also, he never let me be with my family. This is the first time I've seen Charlie since my wedding, nearly six years ago."
"Oh, that's horrible," Sue said. "If I see this Mike, he's toast. What a jerk."
"Get in line, Sue," Edward and Charlie grumbled. They shared a look and laughed.
Our meals were delivered. Edward and I decided to share a meal as the server said that the portions were huge.
"How's Leah?" I asked. She was Sue's daughter. She went through a rough time during college, getting pregnant and losing the baby. She went into a deep depression and took her a few years to get out of it.
"She's good. Married to a nice man named Jared. She had twins two years ago," Sue said proudly. She took out her wallet and showed me the pictures of her grandchildren. "This is Kaya and Kevin. Aren't they cute?"
"Absolutely adorable," I smiled. Sue handed her wallet to Edward and he grinned widely, agreeing with me. "Is she still here?"
"No, she moved to Portland with Jared. It's a hike, but still close enough that I can see my two angels," Sue said lovingly. "I visit them every other weekend."
"Sue and I went to Leah and Jared's for Christmas," Charlie said. "Kaya and Kevin were very excited to see Nana Sue."
"They were excited to see you, too," Sue chided. "They absolutely love Pop Pop Charlie."
"Pop Pop?" I squeaked. "Okay, how long has this been going on?"
"Um, three years?" Charlie answered. "We finally realized our feelings for each other at Leah's wedding."
"We went out on our first date the week after that and our first kiss after about a month," Sue said lovingly. "The rest is history."
"Are there wedding bells in your future?" I asked, waggling my brows.
"Um," Charlie mumbled. "We're discussing it."
"Not yet," Sue said, kissing my dad's cheek. "But the discussions are quite heated."
I wrinkled my nose. I must not picture my dad doing the deed. That's just wrong. I stopped eating after that mental picture entered my mind. Edward arched a brow and I laid my hand on his thigh. My fingers danced up his leg to his fly. I gently rubbed him. He groaned quietly, warning me with my eyes. I needed to get the vision of Charlie doing it with Sue out of my head. Like yesterday. Feeling Edward's cock was helping me do that. His cock was perfection. His hand rested on mine, stilling my fingers. He looked at me and his eyes were black as pitch. He kissed my cheek and nibbled down to my earlobe. "Behave, Bella. We're here with your dad and his girlfriend. I don't want to come in my pants."
I nodded and removed my hand from his cock, but kept it on his thigh. The rest of dinner went by uneventfully and with polite conversation. Sue asked about the wedding. Edward told her about the resort where we were having the ceremony. We had decided on an all-inclusive resort. I had been in touch with the wedding planner via email and we had most everything planned. The only things left to do were getting my dress and Edward's attire.
"Would you like any dessert?" Charlie asked. "I've heard that the apple crustini is excellent."
"That sounds really good, Charlie," Sue said. "Can we share that?"
"Sure, love," Charlie said, kissing her sweetly on the lips.
"Do you want anything, Bella?" Edward asked. He handed me the dessert menu and immediately my eyes trained on the tiramisu. However, the cheesecake looked good too.
"Um, whatever you want, Edward," I answered. He smiled and nodded. The waitress came and took away our plates. She then took our dessert orders. Edward decided on the tiramisu.
Dessert was delivered and it was quite good. Afterward, Edward and Charlie argued over the bill. While they were being stupid and male, I slipped the waitress my credit card and signed for it. The waitress chuckled as I paid the bill. She said that she understood.
"Where's the check?" Charlie asked.
"Don't worry about it, Dad," I sighed.
"Bella, you didn't," Edward said.
"What? You both were being stupid and trying to one-up each other. I paid the damn check, problem solved."
"Bella, I love you," Sue laughed. She looked at the shocked faces of my father and my fiancé. "They're both speechless."
"With Charlie it's not an oddity," I sniggered. "Edward, he's quite verbose."
"Am not," Edward bristled.
"Um, yeah you are," I said as I ruffled his hair. He gently swatted my hands away and stuck out his tongue at me. "Real mature, Dr. Masen."
"Since the bill is paid, are we ready to go?" Edward said, tickling my sides.
"Yes, we are," Sue said as she got up.
Charlie assisted her in putting on her coat. Edward did the same for me. His hands traced down my back and he gently cupped my ass. I squeaked lightly and smacked his chest. He turned me around and kissed me playfully. "I can't believe you paid the bill."
"Well, we paid the bill. I was just tired of the testerone you and Charlie were tossing around," I said.
"Hmmmm, assertive. I like that," Edward said as he linked his fingers with mine.
"Do you like it when I'm bossy?" I said, batting my eyelashes.
"Oh yeah, baby. You can boss me around any day," he grinned.
Good to know.
A/N: Okay, slight change in plans. This was basically the trip to Forks. Also, sorry about the angst. But, I had to break up the fluff. Up next will be New Year's and some spiked lemonade. Leave me love!