Charlie's visit

Throughout the next week I woke up in Edward's arms before getting ready for work. He'd drive Ellie and I to school and pick us up afterwards. Whilst Ellie was at Jenny's on Tuesday Edward took me out for dinner for our first date in years. We had a great time just the two of us like old times. It felt as if we hadn't been apart at all. Edward had moved in with us for the time being but did say that there would be days when he had to stay at his apartment when school started as it was too far from my house for him to be on time when he had to go in early. I told him it didn't matter as long he'd return to me. I gave him the option of leaving when Charlie arrived but he wanted to be with me and Ellie. He wanted him to see that he was a good father and boyfriend after everything had happened. He wanted to claim his position in my house. School came to an end, thankfully. It meant Elizabeth and I could stay with Edward every minute of the day. It also gave me more time to worry about what Charlie would think of Edward being in my life. He had never hated Edward per say, but wasn't happy that he had gotten me pregnant at 17. Would he accept Edward? Would he see what we had wasn't some high school crush but love? Would he be happy for me or angry at me?

"Bella what are you thinking about so hard?"

"Charlie."

"What about him?"

"What if he doesn't like you Edward?"

He took my hand over the dash board, rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand.

"Then he doesn't like me Bella but that won't change how much I love you or Elizabeth. I want your father to accept me for me not some boy that was stupid enough to get his daughter pregnant no matter how much I love that I did. I love you Bella."

"I love you too Edward. You always know what to say."

"Anything for you my Bella."

He brought my hand to his lips before lowering it again.

"How long till we're there anyway?"

"Ten minutes love. Don't worry so much. I'm not going to leave you."

"And I'm not going to leave you. Thank you Edward."

I smiled up at him as he drove through the streets to the airport to collect Charlie. Elizabeth asleep in the back seat. After pulling into a space we woke Ellie up and made our way to the departures. I held Ellie in my arms as Edward wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Calm down Bella. It's okay."

His fingers ran small circles on my hips as he pulled me into his chest.

As soon as we could see Charlie, Elizabeth leapt from my arms and ran into his. He hadn't seen Edward and me and I hoped he would never look over to us. Unfortunately, I was out of luck like always because he looked up to me as Ellie said something to him. He froze to the spot as he took in Edward and my position. I felt like running, not wanting to face him but Edward just led me over to my father and daughter.

"Good evening Charlie. How was your flight?"

"Umm. Good. Thanks. Edward?"

"Yes Charlie."

"What are you doing here?"

I wasn't surprised by his bluntness as he'd never been good at words and often said things the easiest way possible.

"I'm finishing my law degree next year and bumped into Bella in the Park two weeks ago. I'm not letting her or Elizabeth go."

"So you know then?"

I felt Edward nodding his head as my dad gave him a small smile before turning back to Ellie.

"How are you Bella?"

"I'm great thanks dad. How are you doing? How's Sue?"

"Sue and I are doing well. I've missed you and little Ellie here though."

"I missed you too grandpa Charlie."

Ellie threw her little arms around his neck as she held herself to him.

"Why don't we go home and we can talk there?"

"Of course. Where are you staying Edward?"

"With us."

I smiled up at Edward as he pecked my forehead, holding me closer to him. Taking my hand in his, he lifted Charlie's suitcase with his other and led us to the car. I drove as Edward held Elizabeth in the back seat, my dad next to me. The radio on in the background, the ride was peaceful enough but I was getting worried about what Charlie would say once Ellie had fallen asleep. Time seemed to go by faster than I wanted because it wasn't long before I had put Ellie to bed and I curled up on the couch with Edward as Charlie sat across from us.

"Edward, I'd like to apologise for not telling you about Bella or Elizabeth. Me being a police officer, I know that it is your right to know about your own children but I had to listen Bella. She was breaking more and more every day and I wanted to do something to help her. Not telling you was the only thing I could do."

Laying my head on Edward's shoulder, I closed my eyes over, finally feeling relieved that Charlie wasn't angry or upset. Edward ran his fingers through my hair, calming me further.

"I understand why you did it Charlie. Don't worry. I'm just glad I get to be here now. If I had to wait another month; a year; ten years, I would if it meant I could have Bella back and a beautiful daughter. They mean the world to me."

"Does your family know?"

"Not yet."

"Are you going to tell them?"

"Only if Bella is alright with it. If not then we'll try to hide it from them."

Charlie just nodded along with his words. I lay my hand on his chest and ran small circles with my palm.

We spent the next hour talking before making our way to bed. Cuddled up with Edward, I fell asleep quickly, as he hummed a soft tune.

Charlie's visit didn't last long he stayed only another night before returning to Forks. Renee and Phil arrived three days after he left in time for Elizabeth's birthday. She had a small party with five of her friends at our house. Renee was ecstatic that Edward was back in my life. She could see how happy he made me and just how well he treated me and Ellie. When it was time for her and Phil to leave she started to cry as she said goodbye before leaving. Eventually though Phil took her into his arms and led her away to the plane.

Once Elizabeth had fallen asleep that night Edward and I took the advantage of having some alone time again.

"Bella?"

I was lying with my head on his chest, his hands resting on my back, mine wrapped around him.

"Yes."

I turned my head to look up at him and he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"My family are coming at the end of vacation. They always visit me at before the new school year. Do you want to see them?"

Thinking about it, I did. Carlisle and Esme were like parents to me when I was in Forks; Jasper and Emmett treated me like a sister; Rosalie, whilst me not being her biggest fan, saw me as a friend and Alice, my best friend in the world.

"I'd like to see them."

"What about Ellie?"

Did I want them to know about my baby girl? Did I want them to know why I left Forks without saying anything? Could I open myself up to their judgement?

"I think they should get to meet her. They are part of the family."

"Are you sure love?"

"Yes. Only if Ellie wants to meet them though. It's her choice."

"Okay love. They have missed you."

He rolled us over so he was hovering over me, his hands framing my face.

"We need you in our family Bella. When you left, I fell apart. I couldn't function properly, so dropped out of school. I left my room once a month or so to wash some clothes and refill my room with fresh foods. Alice was torn between screaming at me and screaming at Charlie. Esme and Carlisle didn't only lose a daughter but a son. Emmett and Jasper missed spending time with you and playing all those pranks on everyone. Rose, even she missed you. I know she didn't like you very much but when she say what life was like without you in our family, she saw just how much you need to be in our family. We need you Bella; I need you. I can't live without you."

"I can't live without you either Edward. I'm not letting you go again."

"I love you Bella."

"I love you too Edward."

Slowly and gently his lips pressed to mine as he caressed my head. Tears had started running down my face as he was speaking but he just kissed them away before bringing his lips back to mine. He carefully slid back into me, filling me and making me complete. We moved together in a steady rhythm before lying in each other's arms and falling to sleep. Just before I let the blackness take me, I heard a few words that made my heart swell.

"One day Bella, I'll make you my wife."