A/N: This chapter is just kind of a filler. Charlie will meet Riley in the next chapter.
Happy Birthday Anam!
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyers owns Twilight.
Chapter 20. Bonding
After I had gotten in to the vehicle, Edward asked me how everything had gone with Charlie.
"It was tough. Things started out kind of awkward and then got a bit heated. After I had explained some things, I think Charlie finally realized how bad things really were for me and how wrong his actions were. He even stopped drinking and has been sober for six years."
"Good for him." He paused. "Did you tell him about me?" asked Edward.
I sighed and said, "I told him that we were together, but I didn't tell him about what happened with you and the others. I didn't think he needed to know about that."
"Good. And I think you were right to not involve him with that issue. There's not much he could do about it anyway." he said evenly.
I got the feeling that something was bothering him, but I would ask him about it once we got back to the cabin. Instead, I decided to change the subject. "So, what did you two do today? Riley is completely passed out in the back. You guys must have had fun."
Edward didn't look at me when he answered. "We went to Port Angeles and saw a kid's movie and then we spent the rest of the time playing games at the mall."
"That's good. I'm glad you two got to spend some time bonding." I said happily.
I couldn't see his face very well since it was dark, but his voice sounded slightly off when he answered.
"Yeah. Me too."
We were both quiet the rest of the way to the cabin. Once we got there, he immediately went inside without saying a word. He didn't even offer to carry Riley inside. Something was definitely going on with him and I had no idea what it could be.
I had every intention to find out though.
After I had gotten Riley inside, I fed him, washed him, and changed him before putting him to bed. I walked into the bedroom Edward and I shared and saw him lying on the bed. I thought he was sleeping at first, but then I noticed that his eyes were open. He looked like he was deep in thought.
I didn't say anything to him at first. I just changed into my pajamas and sat down on the bed next to him. Then I spoke up.
"What's going on with you? You seemed fine this morning, but you've been acting off since you picked me up." I stated.
I didn't want to upset him further, so I just waited for him to answer me. I had no idea what he was feeling because his face showed no emotion at all.
A full minute had passed and he still hadn't answered my question, so I sighed and huffed to show my annoyance.
Suddenly, he said with worried voice, "He called me Daddy."
"What?" I asked. I was unsure if I had heard him correctly.
Edward sighed. "I said, he called me Daddy. Riley and I were at the movie theatre and I was showing him the posters for the kids movies. When he found one he wanted to see, he pointed at it and said, 'Daddy, I want to see that one.'" He looked over at me to check my reaction. "Bella, it was the first time he ever called me that," he said worriedly. "I was shocked, so I didn't say anything to him about it. I mean, what could I have told him? He's just two years old."
I felt tears roll down my cheeks. I wasn't angry with Edward. I didn't really know what to feel. I was definitely sad because it made me miss James, but I was also kind of happy to know that Riley loved Edward enough to call him that.
"Edward, I'm not angry with you." I said softly. "But before things can get out of hand, I need to know what you're feeling about the situation. Is this something that you want? I know you said that you would always be there for us, and if that's the case, I don't see a problem with Riley calling you that."
"Thank you for not being angry with me. And it is definitely something I want, I just wasn't expecting it. I love Riley as if he were my own, so as long as you're okay with it, so am I."
"I just said I was okay with it."
He smiled at me and said, "Good. I just don't want you to think that I was trying to replace James."
"Edward, I would never think that. Riley will grow up knowing all about James, I'll make sure of it. But he will also grow up knowing that you're his father too. You may not be related through blood, but you've basically been his dad for a little while now."
Edward leaned over and kissed me before saying, "Thank you for everything, Bella. I love you and Riley more than anything. One day, we'll make everything official. It may not happen tomorrow, or a year from now, but one day I will marry you, and then we'll really be a family."
"We already are a family, Edward."
"You know what I mean. Now let's get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow." he replied.
"I wonder how Riley and Charlie will get along." I said.
"I'm sure they'll get along just fine. Now go to sleep. I love you."
"I love you too, Edward. Goodnight." And then we drifted off to sleep.
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