Thank you to my wonderful friend Pienuniek for all her help and ideas, and to Chandra for making my words prettier after her red pen has gone through it.

Without further ado:

Chapter 08 – Meeting the Family

Bella's head shot up at the sound of the woman's voice. She lowered one of her wings far enough to peek over both the top of it and my shoulder.

'Oh bugger,' she whispered into my head. "Uh, Momma," I stiffened at that and Bella looked at me, "Didn't I say to be here about three hours after we got to Chicago?"

Oh, that was the message she sent before we took off. There had to be an easier way to do that.

"Bella, child. I love you, sweet girl, but I must say that you landed nearly four hours ago." She laughed. "I remember what it was like being newly in love; I just hope that you don't go too far."

I snorted reading her mother's mind, knowing now that her parents didn't wait. It's not a sin to love your mate, or to love them before certain rituals are seen to, but there are always the family snickers when they work out that you're busy beforehand.

Bella also realized what her mother was implying and she snorted into a giggle, because she knew her family history. "Sure, Momma. I'll keep that in mind." She giggled out, "Can you turn around so we can get dressed?"

Bella looked at me until I nodded, letting her know that she had turned around. We got up off the ground, I pulled on my boxers and pants, then realized that Bella had nothing to wear because I'd ripped them. I looked up and saw Bella picking up her shreds. She looked at me with her eyebrow raised while I snickered at her.

I held up my wife beater and shirt for her, watching sadly while she put her wings away. She laughed at my pout and promised that she would bring them out again soon. After we were dressed we walked up to the back porch, hand in hand; when we reached the bottom step, Bella bolted up and gave her mother a huge hug.

"I missed you, Momma. I feel like it's been forever since I saw you last," Bella cried into her shoulder.

"Oh, my baby girl. I missed you too. But I see that you haven't been lonely lately and I think it's wonderful." She smiled, kissing her forehead.

Bella smiled a watery smile, but reached her hand back to me. I grabbed it, and she pulled me forward. "Momma, this is my Edward; Edward, this is my mom Renee."

I took her held out hand, leaned over, and placed a kiss on her hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Renee. You are as beautiful as your daughter."

Bella snickered at the look on her mother's face when I felt a hand clamp down on my shoulder. I spun around and looked into the face of death. I could feel all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. To be this close to death, even as a vampire, was terrifying.

When his hood fell back I recognized him though, and not only from Bella's memories. My breath left me in a rush.

I turned to look at Bella. "Now I know what you mean about seeing your kind all over the place but not knowing about it."

She looked at me, confused for a minute, before it fell into place. "You've seen my dad before," she stated as a fact. I nodded, looking at Bella's father.

Charlie looked at me, then snapped his fingers. "That's right, I remember now. I saw you at the hospital in Forks. The police chief had died."

I pointed at him. "Yes, a hit and run. I thought you were related because you looked similar."

He smiled cheekily at me then changed his appearance in the blink of an eye. He resembled the old police chief, moustache and all.

"Nice. Now that I think about it, nobody was paying attention to you. I was the only one that could see you, right?" I asked.

He nodded at that. "You're correct. The grieving family can't see me, only those that are of supernatural origin and those that are dying can see me."

Well, that explained a lot. "In that case, it's nice to formally meet you. My name is Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, sir."

He reached out to shake my hand. "Nice to meet you, Edward. I'm Charles Geoffrey Swan, but please call me Charlie."

"You two have raised a spectacular daughter, and I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to make her happy. She means the absolute world to me," I vowed to them.

Renee placed her hand on my arm. "We know, Edward. We've known that you would before she was sent down to you. While we didn't know who you were, we knew that she would be placed with someone who would only cherish who she is. Thank you for that."

I smiled a shy one at her and nodded.

"Now, baby, how about you show me this wonderful garden that you were exploring before?"

Bella blushed a light pink but linked arms with her mother and started down the stairs. Charlie and I followed, making small talk and learning about each other. I wanted to make sure he knew I'd look after her before I asked him the most important question of my life.

I was just about to ask Charlie more about when Bella was a little girl when I was interrupted by someone's thoughts.

'There they are. I wonder if I can sneak up behind him, grab him, and fly off before…'

I spun just as I felt him try to grab me from behind. I plucked him out of the air by his shoulders. I kept ahold of him while he kicked his legs, flapping his wings and bursting into hysterical giggles.

"You'll have to be quicker than that, young man; I'm one of the fastest of my kind. And for the record – you gave away your entire thought process!" I laughed as I placed him down on the ground.

"Awww, Bella, you didn't tell me he was a mind reader," he whined as he ran up to give her a hug. Then he turned to me. "Hi, Edward, I'm Seth. It's nice to meet you."

"You too, Seth."

Bella laughed at him. "Why would I tell you everything, little man? Now why are you here? Young angels aren't usually allowed to visit earth."

I looked up, surprised. Young? He looked about Bella's age. About twenty years old, a little taller than she was and broader across the shoulders.

Just before Seth was about to answer, Renee walked over to him and started grooming his wings, putting feathers back in the right spot and flattening down others that were sticking out. He also reacted like any other teenager being polished by their mother.

"Mooooom," he whined while she continued, but he answered the surprised look on my face to his apparent age. "I made myself look older, Edward. You know that we can change our appearance, right?" I nodded to let him know that I understood. "Right, well technically I'm only ten years old. So I couldn't come down to earth yet because I'm not old enough; well, that and you have to get your school diploma before you're allowed."

"Okay, I'm following. So what are you doing here then?" I asked.

"I'm doing a school project. I'm to cover the use of cloaking when on earth. Either when flying or in a group setting. How well it works? What it works on? That sort of thing. When Bella asked for help with a project down here, I begged to be allowed to help and do the testing first hand. I was only allowed to come with adult supervision, hence Momma and Daddy," he answered.

I looked to Bella then with the obvious question in my eyes. What had she asked for help with?

She sighed, looking down at the ground before looking back up at me. "We didn't want any more of your family knowing where we went to, right? Other than Emmett and Esme?"

"That's right." I nodded. "Time for ourselves. Learning about each other without their judgmental attitudes."

She hummed her agreement. "Right, so that means that you need to be able to quit your teaching job there and I need to leave my learning position. Only they'd want us to give a couple weeks' notice before leaving. I thought that we could send in Dad and Seth in disguise and have them resign for us."

I snorted into a laugh at her explanation but realized I was the only one laughing. "Really? Kind of like we're in the witness protection program?"

"Yes, Edward," Charlie answered. "I think if you want to stay under your family's radar it's the easiest way. Only Esme and Emmett will know, and from what I've seen they're trustworthy. In fact, Esme may be the first to pass the screening tests, and soon too from what I overheard. Although you may want to hold off until at least Carlisle passes. But as far as I'm concerned they're all on thin ice for what they made my daughter feel."

I could see that Charlie was unhappy; in fact they all were. I could understand that too, because I was just as upset.

"Well, let's take this discussion inside and I'll have a think about it. How long until I need to decide?" I asked as I led them in through the kitchen in the back to the family room.

While they took a seat around the room, Bella came and sat next to me on the love seat.

"You'll have to decide fairly quickly. You need to be back at school on Monday. You can not show up Monday morning and we can be in there by lunch time talking to the principal," Charlie noted.

While Bella and her family caught up on what was going on at home, I thought about what Bella and Charlie suggested. It did make sense considering we wanted to stay hidden. It wasn't until Renee suggested something about Bella's clothes that I tuned back into the conversation.

"Oh," Bella blushed, as she nudged me with her elbow, "yes, Momma, I could use some clothes. You didn't happen to bring me any, did you?"

Renee and Charlie smiled. "Yes, baby, we did. There are also some of your favorite tops in there as well. No more skimpy singlets to let out your wings."

We laughed at that because I thought the same thing, which is why she wore cardigans, just so I could have peace of mind. Bella grabbed the bag from Renee, then went upstairs to change into her clothes.

"Edward," she called, "you may want to come and put a shirt on!"

I heard snickers around the room. I smiled, a little nervous at them, as I got up and went to go change. I remembered that I didn't have any clothes here either. When I found Bella she was in my old room looking around.

"Bella?"

"Hmm?"

"What are you doing in here? I thought you'd want a nicer room to get dressed in."

She looked at me over her shoulder. "No, this room is fine. It's yours, isn't it?"

I nodded while I looked around nervously. She walked over to me, put one hand on my face while the other ran through my hair. "It's nice to see where you grew up, Edward. Not only where but how you grew up. Can we stay in this room while we're here?"

I released a breath I didn't even know I was holding, I wasn't sure that I could stay in my parents' room, but I would have tried for her. The guest room would have been acceptable too, but to have her want to stay with me in my room just about wrecked me. I was kissing her before I even realized I was doing it.

"Uh, guys," someone called up the stairs, "we'd like to spend more time with you please?" I realized that was Seth, and what we were doing was not appropriate with company downstairs.

"Okay, Seth," Bella answered. "We'll be down in a minute!"

Bella went and started rummaging around in a bag I hadn't seen on my bed when I remembered my predicament. I could put on the shirt she was wearing but it had grass stains on it from earlier, as did the wife beater underneath.

"Uh, Bella, I don't have…" A shirt was thrust at me from the bag. "Thank you. But where did this come from?"

"Momma brought both of us some things from Eden. We do have some normal tops up there too, for those of us that don't fly as much anymore," she replied.

I looked at the shirt; it was a beautiful green, much like my eye color, and I took the hint for what it was and returned them to their natural state. I watched as Bella put on a stunning royal blue top, which was part tank top, part cover up because it left the skin bare from between the top of the shirt to her covered shoulders. It was enough to tantalize on the front but with a gap big enough to get her wings out on the back.

She gasped when she turned around and looked in my eyes. "Oh, they are gorgeous. I'd almost forgotten what they'd looked like. Thank you, Edward."

I shrugged, it wasn't a big deal. "You're welcome. Let's continue to visit with your family." Her stomach chose that moment to make itself known, which made her burst into giggles. I laughed at her. "But first I think we'd better order in some food for everyone, as we have yet to go grocery shopping."

"Yes I agree. I want Chinese!" she yelled as she ran out the door.

Later that evening, I asked everyone if they wanted to go for a stroll around my old neighborhood. I wanted to show them places where I'd played, the school that I'd gone to before being sent to boarding school, and I was hoping to get a minute alone with Charlie. There were things that I needed to say and something important I needed to ask.

We were well into our walk when Bella, Renee, and Seth had pulled ahead, looking at all the flowers that were planted along the sidewalk, and watching Bella making them bloom a little brighter in a subtle way. So I took the opportunity given to me.

"Charlie?" I asked.

"Yes, Edward?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute, alone, please."

"Of course, the others have gone on ahead. Now is perfect, what did you want to talk about?" he in turn asked.

I was nervous as I ran a hand through my hair, a habit I hadn't been able to break. "The short answer is Bella." I looked up at him. He had a patient look on his face just waiting for me to get on with it. "The longer answer is that I want to promise to you, man to man, that I am going to look after her. I'm going to try every day to be good for her, to make her happy, and to love her to the best of my ability. I want to give her the world, and stand back to watch her enjoy it. I hope that we will be able to have two beautiful children, just like her."

To which he laughed. "I think she'd like them to be like you too, Edward."

I smiled at that. Of course she would. "I vow to you that she is my everything, and there will never be anyone else but her."

He smiled at me. "I know that Edward. You know, as well as I do, how mates work. What are you trying to ask me?" Although by the look in his eyes he knew, he was just giving me time to work up to it.

"I would like your permission and blessing to ask Bella to marry me. Please?" I stuttered out.

He looked at me for a minute, making me sweat, I'm sure.

"Of course, Edward. I could never say no to the person who is going to make my little girl the happiest she'll ever be. Thank you for accepting her for who she is," he said gruffly, shaking my hand and giving me a slap to the shoulder.

I let out a breath with those words, and the cheeky bugger that he is laughed at me.

"Now, how are you planning to propose? Because I have a suggestion…"

We made it back to the house in time for Seth to have his evening bath and grooming session before going to bed. Because he was younger, his wings needed more maintenance as the feathers were always moving or falling out while new ones grew in.

After he was done with his bath, I showed him to the guest room and told Renee and Charlie that they could take my parents' old room, but I advised them that I wanted to talk to them downstairs first before we retired for the night.

I loved that the longer I was around them the more of my Victorian/Edwardian ways came out, because they appreciated them. It meant a lot to me that they accepted them as a part of me, and that Bella allows me to open her doors and assist her to and from seats in the car and at restaurants. It was bringing back parts of me that I thought were long gone.

While they were finishing up upstairs, I set about making some tea. When we'd been out for our stroll earlier, we'd stopped by a little convenience store for some essential staples like tea, milk, sugar, and some cereal for breakfast in the morning. After that we'd go and get some of the other things we'd need.

I walked into the family room as Bella came downstairs in a beautiful nightgown and robe combo. It was a green silk with flowers on it and it fit her like a glove. She was stunning in it, with bare feet. I set down the tray and held my hand out for her. She walked over, placing her hand in mine, then the other cupped my cheek. We just looked at each other for a bit before leaning in and kissing, soft, sweet, and slow.

When I heard Bella's parents on the stairs, I pulled away and placed my forehead against hers. As they walked into the room I placed a kiss against it then offered them all a cup of tea.

Earlier in the night when we had dinner, they had asked the question about my eating habits when they saw I was having Chinese. I made a judgment call and told them all about it. They were impressed, to say the least, but that wasn't what this was about. This was Bella's family, and although I hadn't told my own, this didn't seem like I was breaking any rules by the Volturi.

They were supportive, happy, and impressed. They did make it a point to say that they wouldn't have loved me any less than they did if I was still drinking from animals. I appreciated that, and told them that I loved them all too.

So it came as no surprise to them when I sat down and had tea with them.

Bella started the conversation. "What did you want to talk to us about, Edward?"

I sighed and looked up at her, then around at Charlie and Renee. "I've been thinking about your 'Witness Protection' idea and it makes the most sense. We can't have their negativity coming here. I won't have them upsetting Bella anymore."

Charlie and Renee nodded; Bella looked up at me with such beautiful trusting eyes. "Okay, Edward," Charlie agreed. "There's more though that you want?"

"I want you to go to the Cullens, especially Esme and Emmett, and tell them that we are no longer where they think we are. Tell them Bella and I have decided to travel, that we are going to be in and out of contact, but we'll contact them when we can," I implored.

Bella and Renee gasped. "But why, Edward?" Renee whispered, coming over and grabbing my hand. "Why don't you want them to know where you're at least staying?"

Bella held my other hand, linking our fingers together.

"If Esme and Emmett know, there is the chance that they'll let slip where we are. More so Emmett than Esme; however, to keep them from fighting with their mates, it's better if they don't know. Besides, eventually, those that are upset are going to make their way here; that's only logical because they know that I own this house."

"Oh," Bella and Renee sighed. "That makes sense," Renee continued.

"You're looking out for our daughter," Charlie commented. "You're making sure that they can't come here and upset her anymore. And to do that you're separating yourself from those you've called your family for over a century."

"Oh, Edward, no." Bella gasped. "You can't do that."

I squeezed her hand, looking at her. "I can, Bella. I will because it's what's best for you, for us. I love you, and you being my mate means that you come before all of them."

I watched as tears formed in her eyes, and then she dove into my lap sobbing and saying thank you over and over. I held her, cooing to her and letting her know that she was okay, that we would be okay, and that it didn't matter because as long as I had her everything would be fine.

"Well, we could put some truth to the situation. Go and travel, see Chicago, see the world," Renee suggested, "Then come and see Eden."

Charlie agreed. "Yeah, then you can meet Bella's grandparents and great-great-grandparents on my side. I know that Mother Earth, Mikail, and her husband Samail would love to meet you. As well as my parents Amos and Alison."

"That's a brilliant idea, Charlie," Renee gushed. "I'll just make all the arrangements…"

"Mom," Bella laughed. "We haven't decided when we'll be there yet!"

"Oh, oops." Renee giggled.

I laughed at the two of them. "Actually, I think that exploring Chicago first is a wonderful idea, then I'd like to take you home, Bella. I imagine a month here will be plenty. What do you think?"

"I'd love that, Edward. It will be wonderful."

I then addressed Renee. "I've heard about Charlie's family, but what of yours, Renee? Will I get to meet them too?"

They all looked sad at the mention of Renee's family, but it was Charlie who answered. "Being an angel is not just being an Angel of Death, or a Guardian, or any of the others that Bella has told you about. Unfortunately, there are the same things up there as there are down here. Like wars. We have to fight against the Fallen that have managed to maintain their wings or have gained support from other sentient beings." He sighed. "Renee's parents and grandparents were in one such war. They were warriors. They were heroes, and unfortunately we lost them all in the last one before Bella was born."

"Oh, Renee, I'm so sorry. I didn't know." I reached for her, helping to soothe her.

She patted my arm as I hugged her. "Oh I know, sweet boy. You didn't know. But let's look at the positive. You're going to be bringing my girl home for a visit!"

"Yes, Renee," I promised. "Yes I am."

The next day we spent shopping…again. Bella and I needed to get food for the house for our stay. Renee wanted to have a look at the fashions that were around to see if there was anything that could be adapted for Eden, a hobby that she had taken up over the years.

Seth was just excited to be spending the day with me, while Charlie was happy to bask in his daughter's presence.

While we were out, we also bought the kind of clothes that Seth and Charlie would need to pull off their act the next day. When Charlie and Seth left to go to Colorado Springs, Renee was going to be leaving for home.

We had lunch out and then headed home to play some old-fashioned board games, found in a closet by Seth, before dinner and bed.

Saying goodbye was going to be hard. I had become just as close to them as I was to my own parents when they were alive, or as I was to Esme.

We were standing in the backyard again, this time to say goodbye to Seth, Charlie, and Renee.

Seth was excited. He was going to go and put the theory that they learned in class into practice. He was bouncing all over the place while Bella was trying to say goodbye to him. When he bounced past me I once again grabbed his shoulders, holding him still so that we could wish him luck.

"Thank you, Edward," Bella sighed. "Now you be good for Daddy, Seth. You don't want to get into trouble for not doing as your teacher and Samail laid forth. You'll get everyone in trouble."

Seth bounced up and down again. "I know, I know, I know," he chanted. "I'll be good and do exactly as Dad tells me, Bella, don't worry. I'll see you soon." With that he hugged her and me and then stood off to the side, still not able to stand still.

Renee came up to us, sniffling a little. "We'll be in touch soon, Edward. Take care of my girl."

"I promise, Renee, you have my vow," I replied as I hugged her. "Be careful on your way home, okay?"

She nodded then went and hugged Bella, whispering in her ear.

Charlie didn't have much to say; he just shook my hand, gave me a man hug, then went to hug Bella.

I stepped back, letting them have a moment. When Bella came over to me I wrapped her up in my arms to comfort her while we watched them take off into the morning sun.

"We'll go home soon, Bella," I promised.

"I know," she agreed.

Once they were gone, I took her by the hand and led her back into the family room to start planning for our time around Chicago before heading home.