Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse.

This entire chapter is in Edward's POV.

But there are two sections where he is downstairs narrating what happens upstairs in Charlie's bedroom.

In those sections, *** anything inside the asterisks *** happens in the living room.

In the second section, *** Edward's words *** are directed at Carlisle unless he's talking to Bella, which will be indicated.

All of this should be clear in context, but I wanted to give you a heads up.

This chapter has 7,000+ words and covers a lot, so if you have questions after you're done, PM me. If the same questions keep popping up, I'll add the answers to the beginning of Chapter 47.

Here we go!

Chapter 46: Paging Dr. Cullen

Edward's POV

Bella fisted my shirt as she wept, sighs of relief peppering her sniffles. "He's awake, Edward. He's awake and he's safe."

"Thank God."

"Yes." She pulled away, her moist eyes alight with happiness. "And thank you."

"For what?"

She wiped her face with her sleeve, stealing my chance to sample her tears. "For being here."

"Where else would I be?"

"You know what I mean." Her warm hand cupped my cheek. "Even when I pushed you away, you stayed. You kept us together and didn't piss me off by blaming yourself for it all."

"Not since you set me straight in the backseat of the cruiser, anyway."

"True. Is that all it takes?"

I lifted her hand and kissed its tender palm. "It is certainly the most effective to reset my mind."

"I'll have to remember that." Her brown eyes danced as she leaned in. "Is it wrong that I really want to do you right now?"

Her phrasing made me drop her hand. "What?"

Bella covered her mouth to stop her giggles. "You should see your face."

"Mrs. Masen." Amusement and arousal fought for dominance within me. "Are you having fun at my expense?"

"Somewhat. I mean, I can't help but remember what happened the last time we were in here… and the time before that…"

As she trailed off, my mind conjured up a replay of the encounters she referenced, lingering on select moments of sweet sensuality.

"…so I tend to think of certain things when we're in this room… on this bed... together…"

My eyes roamed her body, wondering how long I could resist. "Naturally."

"Then I hear the creak of the floorboards in the hall and remember my father's here." She cringed, adorably so. "And I think of different things."

I laid my hand atop hers. "Your mind is beautifully ambivalent."

"If only you knew," she murmured, sobering as her eyes met mine. "How I wish you knew."

"Hmm?"

"I wish you could read my mind, Edward. I wish you knew exactly how much I love you, how much I rely on and believe in you. I wish you knew how often I think of you, dream of you, thank God for you. And if anything has to change after my change, I hope you'll somehow be able to read my mind."

I blinked at her with my mouth agape, literally struck dumb by her words. It was the first time Bella said she wished I could read her mind. Though I longed to hear her thoughts, her admission that she wished as much was beyond comprehension. And as her touching words burrowed into my soul, I wanted nothing more than to clutch her to my chest, fly to our apartment, and ravish her until we both passed out.

But Carlisle was soon to speak with Charlie, and we needed to strategize. So my romantic response would have to wait. For now.

"We should go downstairs."

She seemed confused by my reply, but at length she nodded. "You're probably right."

We dragged ourselves downstairs where Esme and Alice wrapped Bella in a hug as soon as she hit the bottom step. Bella's smile widened as they escorted her into the living room, and as I noted the surprise in her eyes, I realized my wife was still unused to having so many loving women in her life.

My wife.

I don't think I'll ever tire of saying that.

My wife, my wife, my wife…

My life.

Carlisle cleared his throat to bring me out of my reverie, his eyes drifting to Bella. "Charlie seems well."

"He is." Bella beamed as she sat on my lap. "Very well and no worse for the wear."

"And neither are you," Jasper said from where he leaned against the wall. "You've handled this situation admirably."

"Very funny, Jas," Bella snorted.

"I'm serious."

"You can't be." She looked down, picking silver polish from her fingernails. "After we left the field…"

"You were understandably overwrought," Jasper said with gentle authority. "That aside, you have been rational, brave, and poised in the face of confounding instability. I applaud your strength."

"We all do," Carlisle said as Esme nodded from Bella's other side. Alice rolled her eyes as she often did when Bella sold herself short.

"Thank you. All of you." She looked at each member of my family before raising an eyebrow at me. "Did you make them say that?"

"They needed no prompting. Besides, that one's too arrogant to ever listen to me."

"You're calling me arrogant?" Jasper's laugh instantly lightened the mood. "Does the atomic bomb also call the shotgun destructive?"

"You're both equally stubborn and conceited, so shut up," Alice said. "Can you hear Charlie yet?"

"Yes." I could argue with her later. "His current thoughts are as blurry as ever, but his memories of the kidnapping are crystal clear."

"And?" Jasper asked as Esme placed a hand over her heart.

"We are safe."

The room sagged with relief as Alice's brow completely relaxed for the first time in four days.

"What does he remember?" Carlisle asked.

"Wait." Bella glanced at my watch. "Charlie is supposed to be fishing with Billy soon."

"Where's Charlie's phone?" Alice asked.

"In my pocket," Bella said. "He hasn't asked for it, but we need to decide what to do."

"After our exchange the other day," Carlisle said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Billy wanted to speak to Charlie in person. But with the unfamiliar scents of Victoria and Tanya still detectable on Charlie's skin, Billy cannot come here for at least another few days."

The room was silent again until Alice turned to Bella. "Take Charlie his phone and ask if he needs to call anyone today. The word 'today' will prompt him to ask what day it is and trigger thoughts of his date with Billy. And then you can say…" Alice looked again to Carlisle. "Any ideas?"

"What does Charlie remember, Edward?" he asked.

"That Tanya stopped him on the road, asked for help, and chloroformed him. When Charlie awoke that evening, he called Oscar and gave him the vacation story."

"So she knocked him out again?" Bella asked.

"She chloroformed him a second time, yes." I stroked her arm. "I'm sorry for insinuating it only happened once. But when we talked after leaving the field, I just wanted to…"

"I know, and it's okay." Bella patted my hand. "Please continue."

I covered her hand with mine. "Then Charlie remembers Victoria's insanity while Tanya struggled to restrain her. Victoria didn't speak at vampire pitch like Tanya, but it wouldn't have mattered. Her screeching is the only thing Charlie heard… other than the 'delicious' comment."

"That must have been horrifying on several levels," Jasper muttered.

"After she licked him, Charlie remembers nothing until this morning."

"What kind of cover story can we spin from that?" Esme asked.

"Charlie's about to ask for Carlisle," Alice interjected. "Bella, go. We'll back up whatever you say."

"What if I say the wrong thing?"

"You'll be fine," I murmured, staring at her intently. Her eyes softened as she held my gaze, then she blinked and leaned back. "Are you trying to dazzle me?"

"That depends." I lowered my voice. "Is it working?"

She kissed my cheek in response before sliding off my lap and disappearing around the corner to climb the stairs. Four pairs of golden eyes drifted to Alice, and she shook her head. "She hasn't decided yet. But unless she spills our secrets, I doubt the future will change much."

Bella knocked on Charlie's door, calling our attention upstairs. "I thought you might want this," she said as she entered.

"Thanks, Bells." Charlie reached for the phone and flipped it open. "I'd wondered where this was."

"Anyone you need to call today before Carlisle comes up?"

"Today?" He scrolled through the missed calls, his muddled thoughts warming. "What day is it anyway?"

"Saturday."

"Saturday!" He looked toward the window. "How long have I been unconscious?"

"Uh…" Bella's heartbeat picked up again. "Since Wednesday afternoon, I think."

"Good lord." Charlie closed the phone and dragged a palm across his mouth. "I should be fishing with Billy now."

"Maybe he's running late." Bella bit her lip in hesitation. "Do you want me to call the house?"

"And say what? That I can't make it because I was…" Charlie cleared his throat. "I'll call him once I decide what to tell him."

"You don't have to tell him anything if you don't want to," Bella said slowly. "Just say you're still recovering from my wedding. Rebecca married young, so I'm sure he'll understand."

"Aw, hell," Charlie groaned. "I'm sorry, Bella."

"For what?"

"For ruining your new life. You've barely been married a week, and you're already back taking care of your old man."

"Ruining my life?" Even without Jasper's warning, I saw the spike in Bella's anger as she glared at her father. "You listen to me, Charles Eglamour Swan!"

*** "Eglamour?" we cried at once.

"From Two Gentlemen of Verona?" Carlisle asked.

"Poor bastard," Jasper chuckled.

"Shhh." Esme smiled. "I can't hear." ***

"… in the way of my married life," Bella continued. "My last name might be different, but I am your daughter and would do anything for you."

"But as your father, I should be coming to your rescue."

"You did," she said. "You gave me a home when being with Renee became too much. Because of that, I found the life I was supposed to live."

"That's not the same as saving someone from the brink of death."

Bella sat on his bed. "The month before I moved to Forks, Renee went all-natural again and served me some organic chicken breasts she made on the grill."

"That doesn't sound too scary."

"She grilled it with the sun."

"A solar-powered grill?"

"No, she lifted the lid on the Weber in the yard, laid the chicken on the rack, and left it baking in the sun all afternoon."

*** Esme gasped as Alice squeaked, "Ew!"

"Someone from the Pentagon should keep an eye on that woman," Jasper muttered. ***

"…did save me from the brink of death," Bella said through Charlie's laughter. "So call Billy, tell him you need some space, and you'll see him next weekend."

Charlie leaned forward to hug her. "I'm glad your mother is a terrible cook."

"Me too."

Charlie dialed Billy's home number, and Bella stood to straighten his blankets. After her little rant, he could hardly refuse her fussing, so she would be within earshot of his phone call.

My wife was a genius.

The phone rang several times before someone answered. "Hey, Chief Swan! I, uh, I was getting ready to call you."

"That you, Jake? You sound like you just woke up."

"No, I'm fine." The young Quileute was jumpy, and my family was instantly on guard. "You're calling about your date with my dad, right?"

"Well, it isn't really a flowers and candlelight kind of affair."

Jacob's laugh was forced. "Good one, Chief!"

"Is everything all right, son?"

"Uh, yeah. My dad's still asleep, but he's sorry he couldn't make it. His carpal tunnel is acting up again."

"That's okay." Charlie hid his relief well. "Just wanted to check on my best friend."

"You shouldn't have to do that."

"Why wouldn't I?"

Jacob sighed. "No, I mean, he told me to call you last night to cancel, but I went out with the guys and forgot. If he finds out you went all the way to the lake for nothing…"

"I won't tell him I called."

"Wow, thanks, Chief. You're really saving my hide."

"Your hide is your business. Just tell your dad I'll see him next weekend."

"Okay. Thanks again."

"Don't mention it." Charlie closed his phone. "That was easy."

"Good." Bella's heart rate stabilized as she finished with his pillows. "Anyone else you need to call?"

Charlie thought it over. "After I talk to Carlisle."

"I'll send him up," Bella said. "With a protein shake."

"Bella…"

"You haven't eaten in five days, and we can't liquefy lasagna."

His stomach growled loudly. "You made lasagna?"

"Protein shake, dad. Take it or take it."

Father and daughter stared each other down until father relented. "Chocolate, please."

Bella smiled her approval and left the door ajar as she descended the stairs. By the time she reached the threshold of the kitchen, Carlisle had the cocoa concoction in his hand. "Well played," he winked. "You have become quite formidable of late."

"Quiet as it's kept." Esme put her arm around Bella's shoulders. "She has always been formidable."

"I don't know how 'quiet' it was," Jasper smirked as they entered the living room. "She's been giving that one a run for his money since Day One."

Bella resumed her seat on my lap. "And I suppose you always keep Mrs. Whitlock in check?"

"He wishes," Alice said.

"What's on Charlie's mind, Edward?" Carlisle asked.

"Victoria. And Tanya to a much lesser extent."

"He can never see any of the Denalis again," Alice said. "That scenario ends in disaster for us all."

"Why?" Bella asked.

"Even if we keep Charlie away from Tanya, her resemblance to Kate is strong enough to cause dangerous comparisons. And Carmen and Eleazar remind him of Kate because they all attended the wedding together, so…"

"Speaking of our extended family." Esme came to her feet. "I have a text from Carmen. Kate's grief is intensifying, and Tanya can't shake her guilt about kidnapping Charlie."

"I'd go talk to Tanya," Bella said, "but I don't want to leave my dad yet."

"We'll come with," Alice said to Esme. "With Billy stuck at home, I see nothing dangerous on the horizon."

"If Rose is there, will you bring her when you come back?" Bella asked, stealing the words from my mouth. Though my camaraderie with my older sister was fairly recent, I hated the idea of guilt ruining her significant act of kindness toward Bella.

"We'll try," Alice said. "But if she's not ready, give it time."

Esme kissed Bella's forehead and joined the Whitlocks in the hall. "You should go upstairs," I told Carlisle. "That's enough time for a human to make a protein shake."

Carlisle kissed his bride goodbye. "Remind Kate of Sasha's last words. They always save her from the brink." Esme nodded and closed the front door behind them, and Carlisle proceeded to Charlie's room.

Alone in the living room, Bella and I reclined on the couch. "I'm nervous," she murmured.

"Don't be." I wrapped my arm around her waist. "Charlie's still difficult to read, but I'll alert Carlisle to any strong reactions he has during their conversation to help him decide what to say. But Carlisle is so good I don't expect to be needed much."

"So what are they talking about?"

"Charlie thought the shake would taste like dirt."

"Blame Renee. She's been gone for years, but she gave healthy cooking a bad name."

"With that sunbaked chicken, she gave all cooking a bad name."

"Don't remind me," she said. "What are they talking about now?"

"Carlisle is explaining the health benefits of each ingredient in the shake and giving far more detail than necessary."

"What were Sasha's last words?"

"Vždy žiť večne," I replied, unsurprised by the subject change. Bella's mind was almost vampiric in its ability to focus on several things at once. "Literally translated, it means 'always live forever.' But in context, she told her immortal daughters to endure, to carry on without her."

"Wouldn't those words make them feel worse for not saving Irina?"

"I'll text Esme." I smothered annoyance that I hadn't considered the possibility myself when my phone buzzed in my pocket. "Never mind. Alice already told her."

"Good." Bella snuggled closer. "What are they talking about now?"

I chuckled. "Would you like a running transcript of their conversation?"

"Please? I would feel so much better."

"Your wish," I kissed her cheek, "my command."

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

Charlie nodded as Carlisle finished the molecular analysis of his breakfast. "So when do I get lasagna?"

"I wouldn't suggest that until Monday evening," Carlisle said. "But if you do well with the shakes, maybe you can have soup for dinner."

"I think I'd rather have the shake," Charlie muttered. He set down the glass on the coaster Alice had insisted upon and exhaled loudly. "I've got some questions, Doc."

Carlisle indicated the kitchen chair Bella had left against the wall. "May I?"

Carlisle brought the chair toward the bed, and Charlie sighed. "I don't know where to start."

Carlisle rested his right ankle on his left knee. "Why don't you start with what you remember?"

*** "He doesn't think you'll believe him,"I whispered. ***

"Or if you'd like," Carlisle added, "I could ask you some questions."

"That would be better."

"Bella said you spent the past weekend in La Push. Is that correct?"

Charlie nodded. "I came home at dark-thirty on New Year's Day and took the day off."

"That takes us to Tuesday."

"The day I was kidnapped."

"Kidnapped?" Carlisle looked sufficiently shocked. "By whom?"

"I don't know. I'd never seen them before."

"Let's start from the beginning." Carlisle folded his hands. "What happened Tuesday morning?"

"I woke up early, wanting to get a jump on the first workday of the New Year. I peeked into Bella's room, forgetting again she wouldn't be there, and got myself ready for work."

*** I rubbed Bella's arm to soothe her sighs. "He's answering Carlisle's question as accurately as possible. He's not upset with you, love."

"I know." She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. "But I don't want to miss anything so just ignore me."

I smiled down at her. "Impossible." ***

"The stalled car was on the edge of town," Charlie was saying, "but I didn't hesitate to respond to the call."

"Did you suspect anything then?"

"No. These things always happen in the winter."

"What happened next?"

"I first saw the car, a clunker so old I couldn't tell what color the paint should have been. But next to it was this tall blonde who looked like she just stepped out of a magazine." Charlie let out a low whistle. "She was unreal."

"You said you'd never seen her before."

"Right." He picked the lint from the sweatshirt he'd put on. "But she did remind me of someone."

"Who?"

"You." He cleared his throat. "Your whole family, to be honest. But er… not because she was attractive. I mean, you clearly knew someone in the Looks Department in Heaven, but it was more than that."

"Can you explain?"

*** "Give him a moment," I said. "He's wary and embarrassed." ***

"Take your time," Carlisle said to Charlie.

"She was nervous, like the car wasn't her real problem. And she had a strange accent." He shook his head. "Sorry. That's not why she reminded me of you all. But that's what I noticed after her looks."

"And that's fine. Please go on."

"The thing was… she had cold skin and golden eyes, too." He glanced at the door, Tanya's face clear in his mind. "I will never forget her eyes. So shifty and terrified, I actually felt sorry for her until she knocked me out."

Carlisle leaned forward. "She hit you?"

He shook his head. "Chloroform in a handkerchief. I was under the hood checking the engine when she stood beside me… never saw it coming."

Carlisle frowned. "Did she say anything? Give any clue as to why she targeted you?"

"Before I passed out, I thought she said her sister's life was in danger and she needed me to save her. But she never introduced me to anyone, so I might be wrong about that."

"Okay," Carlisle said as if in deep thought. "Earlier you said you'd never seen 'them' before. How many were there?"

Charlie grimaced. "Just the blonde and her boss, the redhead."

"Was he armed?"

"No, and he was a she."

Carlisle nodded thoughtfully. "Why do you think the redhead was in charge?"

"Because when I woke up in the cave… is that where you found me?"

"Yes."

"How did you know I was there?" Charlie's voice rose in surprise. "Come to think of it, how did you know I was missing? The blonde made me call the station and say I was taking an out-of-state vacation."

"We were planning a family trip to celebrate the newlyweds and called the station to tell you about it. Oscar gave us the fishing story, but Bella didn't believe it. She said you would never leave town without telling her, and when she found all your fishing gear still in the garage, she determined to learn the truth."

"She knows me so well," Charlie murmured with quiet pride.

*** "See how your instincts saved Charlie?" I squeezed Bella's waist. "You are always the key to our success."

"Stop flattering me," she scolded with a smile. "You're supposed to be eavesdropping." ***

"Once we found the abandoned cruiser," Carlisle continued, "we assumed you were lost in the woods and organized a search. We sent the women back here in case you returned, and after a few hours, Emmett and I found the cave."

"That was some lucky search."

"Not really. Our family is very familiar with that part of the forest, so we knew which paths you could have taken. Luckily, there weren't many."

"Right, the hiking trips," Charlie relaxed. "But have you ever camped in that cave?"

"Only in inclement weather. And since we've only had faint evening showers in the past few days, we wondered why you were in there. The cave was quite a distance from the car and would be difficult for a casual hiker to access."

Charlie closed his eyes, sifting through memories of his captivity. "Did you see anyone?"

"You were alone when we found you. And though your location and physical state suggested criminal activity, our priority was ensuring your safety and restoration to health."

"You literally saved my life, Doc," Charlie rasped. "I don't know how to thank you."

"You're family, Charlie. I would do no less for Esme or Bella."

At the mention of his daughter, Charlie briefly forgot his ordeal. "Is Bella happy?"

"As happy as I've ever seen anyone." His praise caused Bella to blush in my arms. "She is so right for Edward, and he lives to love her."

"I could see that at the wedding." Charlie remembered our dance, and despite his melancholy, the image warmed my frozen heart. "It seems like the real thing."

"It's not too late for you, you know," Carlisle said. "You're only as young as you feel and all that."

"If that's the case, I must be about eighty."

"That will pass as your strength comes back." Carlisle appreciated his attempt at humor. "Other than the hypothermia, you were in good condition when we found you."

"How bad off was I? Bella tried to hide it, but I could see how worried she's been."

Carlisle moved to the edge of Charlie's bed. "There were a few superficial scrapes, but nothing major. Bella was scared, but she handled it well. She barely left your side until today."

"About that." Charlie sat up. "There's something else we need to discuss."

"By all means."

Charlie folded his hands. "I told you the blonde reminded me of your family."

"Yes."

"But that redhead." He fought off a shiver. "She was something else altogether."

"How do you mean?"

"Her tongu… um, her skin was pale and cold too. But her eyes were red, a deep, scary red. And there was something worse."

*** "He fears Victoria," I told Carlisle. "But he's very curious about her physical similarities to us." ***

"She was insane," Charlie whispered fiercely. "Certifiable. Her behavior was… the only word I can think of is 'savage.' It was the scariest thing I've ever seen, and I've seen some wild shit in my years on the force."

"I'm sure you have. But what happened? Did the blonde do or say something to set her off?"

"I don't know. She was screaming when I woke up. But I think I know what her problem was."

Carlisle nodded for him to continue.

"I think she was like you, but on the wrong diet."

"I'm sorry?"

"I know you don't know her or her medical history, but you said a proper diet was the key to your family's wellbeing, right?"

"Right."

"And I bet there's medicine too. So if she's off her meds and eating the wrong things, that would explain her manic behavior, right?"

"I don't know if I'd…"

"I know you don't like to talk about it, Doc, but it makes sense," Charlie insisted. "I mean, the weird eyes and skin was just the start. There was something deeply wrong with this woman."

"I'm sure there was," Carlisle said, "but…"

"But what?"

Carlisle steepled his hands in front of his mouth. "Charlie, I don't mean to agitate you, but it is highly unlikely this woman had our condition."

"Why?"

"For one thing, there are dozens of other, more common reasons why a person might have cold, pale skin. Spending a night in a dank cave in the middle of winter is a good one. In fact, your skin looked very much like mine when we found you."

Charlie looked down at his hands.

"Second, our condition is extremely rare. Though I have practiced medicine all over the country, I have encountered fewer than twenty people with it, including my wife and children. And my international colleagues report similar statistics."

"So it isn't possible that the blonde and redhead both had it and targeted me because of Bella and Edward?"

The genuine alarm on Carlisle's face made Charlie nervous. "Are you… are you suggesting the blonde's sister was in danger from this wild redhead because Bella and Edward got married? That they need to be in protective custody until these women are caught? Because if that is what you advise, then I need to get the rest of the family here so we can decide how best to…"

"Doc, slow down." Charlie stilled Carlisle's hand as it reached inside his pocket for his phone. "I didn't mean to get you all riled up."

"Forgive me, Charlie," Carlisle said quietly. "But you haven't answered my question. Are our children in danger?"

Charlie buried his face in his hands with a heavy sigh. "No. And I'm sorry for suggesting it."

Carlisle slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Would you mind telling me why you did?"

"Because Bella said if I told anyone what happened to me, you all could die."

"She what?" Carlisle cried. His outburst caused Charlie's heart rate to accelerate, and Carlisle apologized for startling him. "Would you mind walking me through it? Telling me how she came to say such a thing?"

*** As Charlie recounted his conversation with Bella, she turned to me. "Did I screw up?"

I caressed her shoulder. "No. He'll make it work." ***

"That sounds intense," Carlisle said when Charlie finished.

"It was, scared me half to death."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault."

"I am afraid it might be." Charlie brought his chair closer. "You see, the first time Bella saw you, you were in what amounts to a self-imposed mental coma. Your eyes were open, but you were completely unresponsive. I assumed your experience in the cave caused your brain to shut down, and I stressed the importance of keeping you calm upon awakening. So we transported you from the house and…"

"You took me to your place first?"

"Yes. You needed medical attention, and going to a hospital would have invited questions we couldn't answer. Bella asked me to treat you at our home until you were well enough to move. I hope you don't mind."

"Mind? You saved me from a front-page spread. I should give you a key to the city."

"In any case, Bella must have decided not to contradict whatever you said when you woke up, even if she didn't understand it."

"Maybe that's why she seemed so uncomfortable," Charlie said. "Like she was afraid to say the wrong thing."

"I would imagine so. As we were ill-informed about your ordeal, Bella didn't want to upset you by saying 'no' or causing you to revisit memories painful enough to make you catatonic again."

Charlie mulled this over. "But what about the 'don't say anything or we could die' part?"

"That is harder to explain." Carlisle tapped a pensive finger against his mouth. "But perhaps it has something to do with Billy Black's son."

"Jacob?"

"Bella called him Wednesday morning to verify your holiday itinerary."

In spite of everything, Charlie chuckled. "I promised not to spend the weekend alone or working, and I guess she needed proof. Did Jake upset her?"

"Well, he mentioned his father was less than thrilled about her marriage to Edward. Apparently Billy made some unflattering comments about our family when you were out of earshot."

"Dammit," Charlie groaned. "Bella shouldn't have to hear that garbage."

"I don't think Jacob meant to hurt her, and he doesn't appear to share his father's opinion. But Bella referenced that conversation more than once during your recovery. Maybe the combination of Billy's prejudice and your kidnapping convinced her you would be safer if she stayed away after graduation."

"But to say she would die if I talked about my ordeal?"

"Bella said you suspected we knew something about what happened to you," Carlisle said gently. "She knew we'd found you alone in the cave but said you held us somehow responsible. Maybe she assumed that if you shared your concerns, they might blame us also and try to harm us accordingly. It wouldn't be the first time people have thought the worst of our family."

"People like Billy?"

"You and Bella know him better than I do," Carlisle said, looking away. "And you would need to ask Bella to be certain of her logic, but perhaps she was…"

"I couldn't do that to her. She's upset enough." Charlie sighed. "I really scared her, didn't I?"

"She never lost hope."

"That's not what I asked."

Carlisle cleared his throat. "She was concerned about your condition and unnerved to see you so powerless, yes. And between the wedding and your kidnapping, I think she was so overwhelmed that when she finally spoke to you, she did so without thinking."

"So your lives aren't in danger?"

"No more than anyone else's in this so-called modern age."

"But Edward said I could only see her away from Forks," Charlie said. "And he didn't seem to be exaggerating."

"He wasn't."

"Because of Billy?"

Carlisle hesitated, and Charlie leaned forward. "Doc, I appreciate everything you've done for me so far. But this is my little girl here. So if something else is going on, you need to tell me right now."

Carlisle held Charlie's gaze, wishing for Alice's foresight. "There is something else," he said, "something no one outside the family knows. And it is only for Bella's sake that I tell you now. Charlie, how old do you think I am?"

"What?"

"How old do you think I am?"

"I don't know, thirty-five, thirty-six? But I don't see what that has to do with…"

"I'm forty-six."

"Bullshit!" Charlie sat straight up in bed. "No way you're older than me."

"I have documentation to prove it."

"But how is that possible?"

Carlisle sighed heavily. "Because of the major side-effect of our condition that is most difficult to disguise. Our skin ages at a much slower rate than normal, so we look much younger than we are."

"So Esme is…"

"A smart man never reveals his wife's age. But she too is older than you think."

"Unbelievable," Charlie breathed.

"The children have yet to be affected, but in a few years, they will still look like high school students. And as we cannot explain why without divulging our unusual medical history, we avoid situations that require such disclosures."

"That's why you left Alaska," Charlie said with sudden clarity. "And why you'll leave Forks after the kids graduate."

Carlisle nodded. "It is the best way to save my family from ridicule and rejection based on a physical impairment they did not request."

"So that's what Bella couldn't tell me."

"Bella hated keeping this from you," Carlisle said. "But she also wanted to protect her husband."

"And her in-laws," Charlie added. "You have given her the sort of family Renee and I never could. I can see how much she loves and respects you."

"The adoration is mutual, I assure you. Bella means as much to me as any of my children, and we are incredibly blessed by her total love and acceptance."

*** I could almost feel Bella's blush as her fathers praised her upstairs. "Every word they say is true," I said.

"You're all biased,"she mumbled into my chest. ***

"But for a non-fatal disease, it sure makes life a pain in the ass," Charlie was saying. "Moving every few years must take a toll."

"Every life has its hardships. But we don't require hospitalization or expensive medical equipment to live. And with prudent planning, we always find the resources to move when necessary. Truly, as much as we have endured, we only care about staying together, growing together, and taking good care of each other. It's all any family wants when you really think about it."

Charlie dragged a palm down his face. "Listen, I'm sorry for suggesting you were somehow responsible for my kidnapping. I was trying to make sense of it all and thought maybe they knew you."

"Disgruntled patients from my past?"

Charlie was embarrassed. "Now I sound like the crazy one."

"Not crazy, traumatized. And as such, you need to be honest about your feelings and concerns."

"Even if they're insane?"

"Talking about them with a professional will help you process them." Charlie frowned, and Carlisle smiled politely. "I can serve that purpose, if you'd like."

"Thanks, Doc." Charlie nodded, scratching his facial stubble. "So…any word from my captors?"

"We haven't received any ransom or other calls about you and neither has Bella."

"And at the station?"

"Oscar would have called Bella if someone reported they were holding you hostage."

"So you found no trace of them in the cave, and they haven't called?"

"And there are no messages on your home voicemail either," Carlisle said. "Bella checked last night."

Charlie's mood was sinking. "Did you at least get the number from the plates on the clunker?"

"I'm afraid not. By the time we arrived, the cruiser was the only vehicle on the scene."

Charlie threw up his hands. "Then what the hell was the point? Why knock me out and stash me in a cave for no damn reason?" He looked at Carlisle. "Not that I'm sorry you rescued me. I just… It's been one hell of a week."

"I completely understand."

"I can only hope I'll never see that crazy broad again."

"We all do," Carlisle said kindly. "And speaking of the crazier of your captors, allow me to further ease your mind."

"I'll take whatever I can get."

"There are no known cases of mania or even mild neurosis among those with our disorder. At worst, there may be sporadic periods of depression incited by sudden isolation or tragedy, but such is normal for all human beings. This redhead was clearly unstable beyond anything a mere blood disorder could cause, which is the main reason I am almost positive she does not share our affliction."

"So your condition doesn't result in psychotic behavior?"

"Not that I have ever known or seen. And as an aside, our family is extremely disciplined with our treatment and no one more so than Edward."

Charlie looked away. "Was I that obvious?"

"Your daughter rather suddenly married a young man with an unusual medical history. You are right to be concerned."

Charlie ran a hand through his hair. "If your condition isn't contagious, why does Bella think it will affect her differently after graduation?"

"In marrying Edward, Bella has chosen to make decisions based on what's best for his health: where she goes to college, where and how she lives. In many ways, she is giving up her life to accommodate his."

Charlie sighed. "I never wanted that kind of life for my little girl."

"Neither did her husband."

"What?"

"Edward loved Bella almost instantly, and it hit him hard. He'd never so much as called a girl on the phone, let alone been in love. But on her first day of school, he ran into the house like his life was on fire."

"Sounds awful."

"For an emotionally-stunted orphan unused to such strong feelings, it was. He was so disturbed by the situation we decided to keep him home from school the rest of the week."

"All because he thought Bella was cute?"

Carlisle pursed his lips as if deciding how much to say.

"We're family now, Doc. No secrets, okay?"

"Well, this might sound bizarre…"

Charlie snorted. "I was kidnapped by a beautiful blonde who worked for a crazy redhead then abandoned in a cave in the middle of winter. I doubt you can top that."

"Fair enough." Carlisle smiled. "Maybe it's a function of our condition or a just coincidence, but love at first sight is a reality in our family. I saw Esme once during my residency and held her in my heart for fifteen years until I saw her again. Rosalie loved Emmett from the moment he came to our home, and Alice and Jasper seem as if they've been together since birth. We thought Edward might be the exception until he came home that day. The look in his eyes told me everything. I was happy for him, thrilled actually. But also nervous."

"Why?"

"Losing his mother made him reluctant to connect with anyone outside of our family. And even if he summoned the wherewithal to pursue Bella, his belief that she deserved better than a chronically-ill boyfriend was bound to frustrate that desire.

"Anyway, they soon became friends, but it wasn't long before she confessed her feelings. He admitted he felt the same but not before disclosing his medical history to discourage her choice. Needless to say, Bella was livid."

Charlie sat up. "Is that why she left so suddenly last spring?"

*** "Say 'yes,'" I said. "He's been wondering about that, and this is as good a reason as any." ***

"Yes. Bella was furious at his attempt to push her away and didn't handle it very well. Edward was devastated and begged me to help him get her back. As a rule, I stay out of the children's romantic lives, but it was either that or risk him doing something equally reckless to get her back."

"Better you than me," Charlie muttered.

"I'd never heard two teenagers fuss so much in the name of love. After the first two hours, I thought they'd never reconcile. But sometime during the fifth hour of talking, they decided to follow their hearts."

"Life's too short not to. I know that better now than I ever did."

"My point in sharing all of this is whether they remain with us or decide to strike out on their own, Edward and Bella will be fine. They have counted the cost and would rather be together under less than ideal circumstances than apart for any noble reason. So don't worry about Isabella… or those two women for that matter."

"I'm trying." Charlie colored slightly. "I mean, I will always worry about Bella because she's the best thing I've ever done in this life. But Blondie and Red…I'm working on it."

"The memories are fresh, so that's to be expected. In time you will accept that you're safe and start to redirect your attention elsewhere. For right now, try to take comfort in their lack of contact so far. Perhaps they skipped town and abandoned their plans, whatever they might have been."

"You know, the more we talk about this, the more I'm starting to think it was a case of mistaken identity."

Carlisle leaned back in his chair. "I hadn't considered that."

"I couldn't hear their conversation, but the redhead was angry, and the blonde seemed to be defending herself. And when I got out of the cruiser, the blonde seemed surprised, like I wasn't who she expected. So maybe she grabbed the wrong guy, and the redhead decided to cut their losses and leave me there."

"It's a possibility. But you should have your Deputy head up the investigation just in case."

"I don't want Oscar to know," Charlie said quickly.

"Then maybe Rick or Leonard. But you need someone who can be objective yet…"

"No," Charlie said firmly. "I barely wanted to talk to you."

"So there won't be an investigation?"

Charlie shook his head. "I have no proof and no leads. As much I hate the idea of them getting away with it, I just want to move on. If anything, I'll tell Oscar my fishing trip went awry and leave it at that."

"Will that be enough for him?"

Charlie reached for his liquid breakfast. "Unless it's about sports or Barbara, he won't care what I say."

"Barbara Thompson?" Carlisle asked. "The administrative assistant at the station?"

"Poor Oscar's been in love with her for years."

Carlisle paused. "She's got a wandering eye."

"And eager hands," Charlie set down his glass. "She'd eat Oscar for breakfast."

"And he'd probably enjoy it," Carlisle said, causing both men to laugh. "Charlie, you've been very understanding about our family situation, and I really appreciate it. And I want to assure you Bella is safe with us. Edward would burn himself alive before he'd let anything happen to her."

"I wouldn't have given my consent otherwise."

"Besides that, Bella is brave, strong, and resourceful. She will always land on her feet."

Charlie smirked at the inaccurate cliché, and Carlisle laughed again. "Okay, most of the time."

*** "Very funny," Bella muttered beside me. ***

"And thank you for your honesty, Doc." Charlie extended his hand. "I'm starting to feel better about this whole mess."

"Good." Carlisle made a show of looking at his watch. "There's a classic war movie marathon on. Midway should be on now. Edward will bring up the television so you can enjoy it in peace."

"You don't have to do that."

"No, but I will. You need to rest until your strength returns."

*** "That's my cue." I reluctantly disentangled myself from Bella's embrace to unplug the television. "Be right back." ***

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

By the time I brought the television upstairs, Carlisle had tucked the ironing board into a corner and placed an unused nightstand across from Charlie's bed. I hooked up the television at human speed and handed him the remote control. He clicked the box to life with a press of button, and by the time we descended the stairs, his conversation with Carlisle had been relegated to the back of his mind.

Bella was on her feet and throwing her arms around us when we hit the living room carpet. "Thank you."

Why does she insist on thanking us for taking care of our family? Carlisle thought.

"You were fair and compassionate and patient and honest… well, as honest as you could be… and just… thank you, Father Carlisle."

Carlisle's eyes darkened with emotion. The term didn't precisely fit his former life, but the sentiment was clear. He kissed the top of Bella's head as she released him. "You're welcome, dear one."

"I cannot believe it's finally over." Bella flopped into Charlie's armchair. "He's awake, healthy, and best of all, I won't have to lose him after graduation."

I grinned, unable to stop myself.

"How will that work exactly?" Bella asked me. "After swearing to Charlie, I know you have a plan."

"O ye of belated faith." I leaned down to kiss her. "You finally trust me on this."

"Of course, I trust you." She divided her eyes between Carlisle and me. "But I still want details."

"This is your husband's brainchild." Carlisle shared her curiosity. "I am as clueless as you are."

She looked at me. "Well?"

"All in good time, dear friends. All in good time."

Bella rolled her eyes. "I hate it when you're smug."

"I'm going to make the Chief some coffee." Carlisle's eyes still danced with delight after Bella's touching endearment. "After that conversation, I think he's earned it."

Once Carlisle was out of the room, Bella tugged me closer by my belt loops. "Tell me."

"Not yet."

"Please?" Her fingers walked up the buttons on my shirt as she slowly came to her feet. "You can't give me one little clue?"

"Mrs. Masen, are you trying to seduce me?"

"That depends." She slid her hands into my hair, scratching the sensitive spot at the nape of my neck. "Is it working?"

I planned to plant the answer against her parting lips when there was an unexpected knock at the door. The two short raps surprised us both, and Bella laughed aloud at my startled expression.

She was out of my arms and in the hallway before I wondered why I didn't hear the visitor's thoughts as they approached the house. Another moment passed before I caught the visitor's scent and Carlisle was in the hallway gaping at me in shock.

But by then, Bella had opened the door and was staring our guest in the face.

"Isabella," Aro purred. "How lovely to see you again."

Oh, Aro. What in the name of Volterra do you want now?