The Letter

Part Twelve

Pictures and the occasional videos over the years hadn't prepared Edward enough to see his father. In the last ten years since he saw him in person, fine lines etched each corner of his eyes and mouth. A hint of white hair at his temples, another new feature, but that didn't diminish his looks in the least.

It was all in his eyes that gave away his age. Not only experience and wisdom shone in his gaze, but a deep-rooted pain of losing someone he treasured. Two loved ones, and if Edward could believe it, three. Their relationship had never been the same since his sister and niece died.

"Father," Edward stated after a moment. "I'm glad you could make it this time."

Was that last bit intentional? Perhaps, but he couldn't help it. Years of resentment reared its ugly head at that moment. After a deep breath and the gentle squeeze of Bella's hand around his, he pushed it all down for now. "I'm happy you're here, even if the timing is a bit off."

Concern filled his father's eyes, his mother's gazing reflecting the same. "We heard, had we known what was going on, we would've stayed in Seattle until it was safe." Carlisle winced for a second but covered it up with a neutral expression.

"You don't feel comfortable in the city, do you?" Edward surmised as much. Though his family had moved from his childhood home after losing Kate, they hadn't sold it. His father had sought some peace from the city that he had lost his daughter and granddaughter in over a decade earlier.

"Any city," Carlisle confirmed, loosening his tie.

"Come on in, everyone," Bella insisted, gesturing toward the living room. "Sorry, we're practically moving in here to protect my family too, so it's a full house. You'll actually be staying at my friend's house down the street tomorrow afternoon. They're leaving for a few weeks and allowed me to use it in any way I please. Officers will watch over the neighborhood until they catch him."

"That was nice of them, Bella," Esme said, hugging the young woman. She noticed how her son had yet to release Bella's hand. As if he refused to be away from her, a very interesting development.

"Had we known you were coming sooner, we would've made other arrangements." Edward glared at his sister Alice, who stuck out her tongue. "Bella and her family would've stayed elsewhere." Edward chuckled when Alice drew an imaginary halo around the top of her head. "But we'll work out sleeping arrangements. There's a small pool house out back, but until it's safe, it's best to remain in the main house."

"This current arrangement makes it easier on those protecting us," Bella clarified and offered a wry smile. "I'm not at liberty to give you much information on the case, other than a suspect for an armed robbery is after my family since my father was a witness."

Edward's family fussed, asking a few more questions when a voice broke out. "I saw him, too."

Bella's face twisted in pain at the softness of her brother's voice. "It's all my fault," Will continued, looking down at his feet, his face pale. She tried to say something, but it was as if Will couldn't stop explaining. "I wanted something from the store, and I was being a brat, whining about it. My dad and Mr. Ortega got shot because of me. Because I wanted a stupid candy bar and chips."

Edward gently fell to his knees in front of Will, grasping the boy's shoulders. "It wasn't your fault, Will." Bella watched helplessly, her parents right beside Edward's family. "Look at me."

Will's teary gaze rose to Edward's face. "It was my fault."

Edward shook his head. "I know no matter what we all say, a part of you will probably feel like that for a long time. I told you what happened with my sister and niece. For years I felt it was my fault, too."

"Oh, Edward," Esme's soft sob silenced her son for a moment.

"Does it go away?" Will asked, a tear falling down his cheek. His small fingers bunched over his chest. "The pain here. Does it ever go away?"

"It will ease over time, and sometimes it'll feel like it's gone, and you'll notice and it'll hurt all over again." Edward cradled Will's tear-stained face and offered him a small smile. "Every time that pain gets to be too much, look at your father and remember, he's still here with you."

Will sniffled and looked at his dad, shocked to find tears in his eyes, too. "I'm glad you're here, Dad."

"So am I, son," Charlie murmured softly.

Edward squeezed Will's shoulders. "I will say this once, and I hope one day you'll take it to heart, and the pain goes away." Will nodded, wiping at his face with the sleeve of his pjs. "It wasn't your fault. The person to blame is the man who walked into that store and held up a gun. He made that choice, not you."

Will's brow furrowed, but he repeated the words, "His choice." Will dropped his gaze to the floor, his cheeks flooding with heat. He leaned toward Edward to whisper in his ear. "Is everybody watching me cry?"

Edward saw that his family and Will's all remained there, but had taken a few steps back to give them some privacy. "What do you think?"

Will let out a little whimper. "So embarrassing. We need to do something. Any ideas?"

"None," Edward muttered, also feeling the heat that had covered his entire face and ears.

A loud and long, obnoxious burp rumbled between them all. "Excuse me," Alice said, patting her chest. "I knew I should've skipped that last soda."

Will used Alice's distraction and ran toward his father, climbing onto his lap and hiding his face against his shoulder.

Everyone started talking at once, Alice and Jasper's kids now wide awake. They all moved into the family room, Bella leading them toward the snack bar where refreshments, snacks, hot cocoa, and coffee awaited them.

Everything wasn't fine, but Edward knew somehow it would work out.

Will later pulled Edward away and asked, "Is it time for Bella's first happy ending?"

Edward chuckled and looked over at Bella, who handed his father another cup of cocoa, laughing at something he had said. "Sure, we've already embarrassed ourselves. Why not pile on some more?"

Will nodded. "Did you practice like in the video I sent you?"

Edward had practiced, but there was only so much room in the shower. "I did, ready?"

Will turned and whistled as loud as he could. "I need everyone's attention, please."

Bella looked the most confused, more so when Will led her to sit in the center of the couch after Edward moved the coffee table out of the way.

Edward cleared his throat as he handed his phone. "We will perform one song and dance routine for Bella."

Will nodded and got into position beside Edward. "Yup, day one of Bella's Happy Endings from us."

Alice and Jasper cracked up knowing the truth behind what Will had overheard. Bella rolled her eyes at them. She smiled at her confused brother. "That's so sweet of you two." With a twinkle in her eye, she looked up at Edward. "Are you going to dance, too?" She pulled out her phone, ready to record. He snapped it out of her hand. "Hey!"

Edward mustered the most intense, stern look, one he used at the office. "I will not allow you to blackmail me with the video later."

"Don't worry, Bella, I'll record it," Charlie stated proudly.

Edward groaned and stepped back into position. He looked down at Will and smiled. He realized then he'd do anything to take the look of worry on Will's sweet face. "Only because I love you, kid."

"And Bella," Will added for Edward. "We love Bella." He shrugged and smiled in return. "But I love you, too, Edward." They grinned at each other and breathed in deeply. Edward looked at his sister and nodded. The familiar tune had everyone joining in with Edward and Will during the chorus.

"Rockin' around the Christmas tree…"

They spun and slid across the floor, twisted at all the right spots as everyone sang along. They ended their little dance number out of breath as the family clapped. Alice played the song again as they all rose to the feet to dance and sing again.

As Edward dipped Bella, earning some applause, he had to ask. "Did we give you a happy ending tonight?"

Bella slid her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. "One of the best ones. Thank you."

Will stuck his face between them. "You're welcome. There's more to come, but no more dancing." Despite Will's words, the family continued to dance and sing along to another holiday song, even Edward's father.

If anyone looked inside the window, they'd think, what a beautiful family. They'd think they'd been doing this for years, and how fun it looked. Too bad James hated it and thought it was all their fault his brother was in jail.

AN: It's been a while. First, this unbetaed, I read over a few times so I hopefully caught as much as I could. Second, I've been stuck in writer's block for so long, that I honestly feel new to writing. Thanks to everyone who is reading and will continue to read, for your support despite my lack of updates. Thanks to Pam for your unwavering support. I know it hasn't been easy. I want to say this story is almost done, but I need inspiration and ideas for Bella's happy endings from her brother. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.