Once again, I don't own these guys. I do however have a crazy imagination. Do not ask me where this came from. It just spilled out, but I hope you enjoy.

~Ginnie

PS- This is a work of derivative fiction. All characters are property of their original owners. I simply like to play with them. :)

Stuck...

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They aren't anticipating the strict talking to that they receive when Chief Swan finally does return home. It surprises them both, and although Edward tries to assert that he's the epitome of responsible these days, and that he means absolutely no disrespect to the Chief in his own home, it isn't enough to get him out the predicament he finds himself in.

"You're not getting back out on the road tonight, Edward, and that's final. There's an inch-thick sheet of black ice out there. It's just too dangerous."

"Sir, I have all-wheel dr—"

"That won't count for shit if you lose traction going around a curve, son. We barely made it home from La Push, and I had chains on my tires."

Edward feels more than hears Bella's quick intake of breath. Her hand squeezes tightly around his and, suddenly, there's no decision to be made.

"All right, sir. I'll stay."

Charlie nods. "Good man."

Edward smiles a little, but looks away as the weight of his former father-in-law's approval washes over him. It feels good, but like in the past, makes him slightly uncomfortable. Bella seems to pick up on his disquiet and releases his hand only to slip her arm around his waist. Naturally, he wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her tight.

Even without lifting his eyes, he knows Charlie is watching them appreciatively. After a moment the elder man clears his throat. "Well... I'll just go tell Sue to add another plate for dinner."

He and Bella both nod. "Alright, Dad."

"Thank you, Chief."

It's only after they hear steady murmurs coming from the kitchen that either of them moves.

"Well, that was... fun." Her tone makes him chuckle.

He buries his face in her hair and inhales. "It was certainly unexpected."

She hums and turns until she's fully embraced in his arms. "I'm sorry I kept you here so long. I had no idea it was getting so bad outside."

"Neither did I, but as I recall, you tried to kick me out a couple of times."

She smiles and tilts her chin up to meet his gaze. "It was a halfhearted effort."

He grins, squeezing her affectionately. "I sorta figured that out."

They share a laugh and then before things can get too serious, or before he's tempted to think about how happy he is to have a few more hours with her, he sighs and looks toward the living room window. "I guess I should call my folks."

"Yeah, you should. They're probably worried." She pulls away. "Would you like some privacy?"

"Nah, you can stay." He reaches for his phone.

"Are you sure? They can't be too happy you spent the whole day with me anyway."

"Most of them were thrilled I was spending the day with you. Besides, there's nothing to be done about it now." She sighs and something about it makes his heart hurt. "Don't worry yourself over this, sweetheart. I'm a big boy now."

She gives him a half smile. "Yeah, but Alice and Emmett are only in town for a few days. I feel bad now for monopolizing your time."

"Well... you know how you can make it up to Alice." To keep things light, he reaches out with his free hand and tickles her ribs. She laughs and grabs his hand.

"Stop."

He grins and pulls her over to the sofa while he unlocks his phone. Once he's got her tucked securely beneath his free arm, he dials.

Bella raises an eyebrow. "Emmett?"

Edward shrugs. "He asks fewer questions."

"You're throwing him to the wolves, you know."

Edward smiles at the same time his brother's voice comes over the line.

"Well, well, well... if isn't the prodigal son."

"Yes, yes, funny as always, Emmett."

"What's up, man? On your way back yet?"

"Not exactly. The roads are a mess."

"Yeah, I know. We took the kids bowling around lunch. It was an adventure getting back up the driveway. Oh, shit... are you okay? Did you get stuck?"

"No, well... kind of. I was still at Bella's when the Chief got home. He's forbade me from even trying to drive home right now. Says there's an inch of black ice on the highway."

There's a moment of silence and then Emmett laughs. "Dude."

"Shut up. Will you just tell Mom I'll call her in the morning? I was supposed to take the first shift at the bookstore anyway."

"No way, bro. Unless you're planning on sleeping at the bookstore, call her your damn self."

"I'm sleeping at the bookstore."

"Liar."

"I'm walking there now."

"You're full of shit. What were you doing at Bella's house anyway? I thought you were taking her to go play good Samaritan with you today."

"I was. I did." He feels his cheeks begin to heat and shifts the phone to his other ear. Bella giggles.

Emmett laughs again. "Damn, is that her? I knew you were full of shit. Is the Chief even really there?"

At this Edward rolls his eyes. "Yes, he's really here you dim wit. Just tell mom I called and I'm stuck in town due to the roads, okay?"

"You dog, you. I cannot believe you have me covering for you at our age."

"Whatever. I covered for you and Rose yesterday with your kid, and it was Christmas. You owe me."

"Aw, come on, man. That was part of my present. Besides we're trying to get pregnant again."

Edward shakes his head in exasperation, but smiles. "Yeah, well good luck with that. And good luck with Mom. Give her my love."

"You suck."

"Love you, too, bro."

"I hate you."

"Uh-huh. Give my namesake a kiss for me."

"I'm renaming her." There's a pause and then Emmett's voice is mischievous. "I have a better idea, actually. Why don't you give Bella a kiss for me instead?"

Edward smiles and glances at the girl in question. "That can definitely be arranged."

~(~)~