A/N: A quick thank you to everyone who added this story in their alerts and/or added it to their favorite list.
Chapter 4-
"Bella…honey, please open your eyes."
I hummed in response, far away in a dreamy trouble-less land, a land in which your father didn't declare to be getting married to a vampire- who for the record was your ex-boyfriend's cousin.
No. This land was trouble-less and perfect. No annoying kids that needed your constant attention, or a bickering husband who took out all his workplace stress on you, his reason being that he couldn't take it out on the kids, or on his employees for the simple reason that they wouldn't accept it.
And for some illogical reason, I always did.
God. I loved my husband, but the man did have his flaws!
"Sweetheart?"
I could hear Jake calling for me to open my eyes, his voice troubled and tensed.
Why was he so stressed?
Was it because of something that happened at work?
"Bella, please, if you can hear me…"
I opened my eyes, unable to hear the worry in his tone. "Are you okay?" My voice was raspy as I attempted to sit up in the bed, Jake's huge hand engulfing my smaller one.
"You're the one asking me that?" Jake humorlessly chuckled. "You fainted; not I! What happened, honey?"
Oh.
"I am okay." I waved a hand in air, warmed by his concern. "Why are you not at work? I have not even finished making dinner! Where are the kids? They must be hungry. Oh God! I am such a horrible mother…"
"Bella." Jake took control of my shoulders, my rambling coming to an abrupt stop. "I was almost home when Charlie called me in a frantic state. He was panicking. I have sent him and the kids to my dad's place. We could do without all the noise and the questions; at least till you feel better."
"Oh." I murmured the word out. "I am okay. Just blacked out."
"What happened, sweetheart?" he gave my hand a soft nudge. "Is there something you want to tell me? You have been tired lately, a bit moodier, and you even vomited the other day. Is there something that I should know?" he seemed almost giddy, his giddiness making me nauseous as I roughly pulled my hand back.
"I am not pregnant, Jake!" I furiously responded. "I have told you close to a million times already that I don't want another child! But you just don't seem to understand. It is frustrating, Jake!"
"Oh." He seemed disappointed, as he shied away from meeting my eyes. "I just thought…"
I winced, shutting my eyes tight. I could not give him this. And I would stick to my decision this time around. "I am sorry, Jake, but my mind is made up."
"But you love kids!" he emphasized. "We have such a beautiful family and so much love to give."
God! How many times was I supposed to have this same discussion!?
And correction- I did not like kids.
I have never liked 'kids'.
Indeed, I love my children, but that's the extent of my love to share for that particular age group.
I did not want another one of those. They were messy and needed constant attention.
Even back when I was a teenager, I had known that I did not want to be a mother. I was fine without being one, but as fate would have it, I was blessed with three adorable souls, and I am grateful for that love everyday of my life. But you have to draw a line somewhere, and this is me drawing that line.
"Jake, please," I pleaded. "Let's not have this discussion." Again. "I am tired and could use some rest."
"Fine. I won't bother you." He seemed irritated as he stormed out of the room. He had never been one to take a conflicting opinion well.
Anyhow, I could genuinely do with some me-time.
"Bella."
Great!
The Gods once again laugh at poor, old me!
"Dad, you are back?" Why?
"Yes." He nervously stated. "I needed to talk to you."
Okay.
"Yeah, tell me."
"The thing is…I really love Kate and…"
"Dad," I cut him off, shaking my head softly. "I don't doubt your love for her. After mom, you hadn't dated for a rather long time. At least, I wasn't aware of you being involved with anyone."
"I wasn't." he admitted. "It took me a while to move on."
"And if you did finally move on with her," I smiled, "I would say that she is very special."
"She is." Charlie affectionately smiled. "She just makes everything better. With her by my side, I find life worth living."
I nodded my head, a sudden mushiness surprising me with its presence. "I am happy for you, then. But have you met her family?"
How much of the truth did Charlie know?
"A few of them." Charlie admitted. "I have met her sister, Carmen, and her husband, Eleazer. Not all her family are accepting of our relationship. Especially, her other two sisters, Tanya and Irina. They detest me!"
"Oh. Why don't you invite them over to your house?" What!? "I can cook them a nice meal. If you are about to make a fresh start by marrying Kate, it would not be nice to ignore part of her family. We can all sit together and have a cordial discussion. Form new bonds, you know?"
I don't know what was wrong with me.
They were vampires!
They didn't eat!
But Charlie just seemed so lost and…he needed my support.
Also, more importantly, he needed to know the truth. And what better way to do that than to send out an invitation for dinner?
"I can ask Kate?" he seemed surprised by my offer. "They will have to come down from Alaska, but maybe one of the weekends?"
"Perfect." I smirked in victory.