Note: Perfect timing, I finished the Christmas Day chapter on Christmas Day. These past two chapters were originally written as one, so there will be seven parts to the Holiday Special instead of six. I hope everyone had a happy holiday.

Part IV: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf

Charlie POV

After all the presents were unwrapped, the rest of the morning turned out to be pretty laid-back. Heather and I enjoyed listening to Bella and Demetri's amazing travel stories. It was surprising but delightful to hear about all the places they had visited in just a few short years. During her senior year, Bella had often talked about her dream of exploring the world, and I was genuinely happy to see that she had done just that. While we chatted, Kevin happily played with his new toys. Every now and then, I glanced at his new doll, and it always seemed to be doing something, almost like it had a mind of its own. At one point, it even walked up to me and introduced itself, asking my name and how I was related to Kevin. It eventually did the same with everyone in the room. That doll was seriously starting to give me the creeps. I never had toys like that when I was a kid; my parents always encouraged me to play outdoors. I smiled thinking about the first fishing rod my dad had given me, I was probably only a few years older than Kevin at the time.

It was now late morning, and I watched as Kevin attempted to climb onto Heather's lap. She gave him a hand, lifting him until he could hug her tightly. Once he had secured his grip, I heard his little voice ask, "Mommy, can we go to the park?"

Heather smiled at him, kissing his cheek. "You want to go outside, little man?" Kevin nodded. He loved going to the park, especially the jungle gym, which he insisted was a pirate ship, he never grew tired running back and forth on it.

"Okay, we have some time before lunch, so we can go out. Go get your outside clothes, and I'll help you get ready," Heather said, putting him down. Kevin ran to get his boots but stopped and ran back.

"Can Bella come too? I want to show her my pirate ship," Kevin asked. I looked at Bella, and her smile widened.

"I'd love to see your pirate ship, Kevin. Would you also like to make a snowman? I could help you," Bella suggested. Kevin started jumping up and down, waving his little hands excitedly. Bella didn't know, but he loved making snowmen. He couldn't do much by himself at his age, but he certainly gave it his all as we made them for him.

"I think you just made a friend for life, Bella. You girls take him out and have a good time. Us men will hold down the fort." Soon, we were waving goodbye, and Demetri and I went back into the living room. I realized this is really the first chance I've had to really talk with my now son-in-law one on one.

We had an interesting conversation. It turned out Demetri was extremely bright and seemed very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, especially when we talked about history. We were currently discussing their home in Italy, and I had casually mentioned that Demetri would make a great father one day. His smile looked forced all of a sudden, and he got quiet. Finally, he spoke up.

"Charlie, can I talk to you about something?" A sense of unease gripped the pit of my stomach as I heard the way his voice sounded, but I nodded.

Demetri held my gaze for a moment before beginning, "I want to begin by assuring you that Bella is perfectly fine, and I have no doubt she'll live to be well past a hundred. But, there's something I feel you should know, Bella is unable to have children."

I felt my world start to spin, but Demetri spoke up again, and I tried to focus on his words. "Charlie, this isn't recent news. Bella and I have known about this since before we officially became a couple. There's nothing wrong with her that you need to be concerned about. She just can't have children, and we've both come to terms with it. I know she's never told you. I think she fears you might be disappointed in her, but I wanted to let you know so you don't keep bringing it up whenever you see or talk to her over the phone. I know she doesn't like to keep things from you."

As the weight of Demetri's revelation hit me, my words stumbled out, feeling more like a jumble. "Of course. Thanks for, you know, letting me know. I didn't mean to make her uncomfortable. Well, that's quite something, but I mean, there are other ways, you know, to have a child now—like adoption or even, um, using a surrogate." I wasn't entirely sure why I was voicing these thoughts.

"Yes, there's that, and if Bella wanted to go that route, I would certainly support her wishes. But, I think she was telling you the truth, Charlie, when she said she doesn't want children. I genuinely believe Bella is quite happy with it just being the two of us. So, just don't be upset with her when she visits and wants to spoil Kevin. He is really the only extended family she will ever have."

I nodded in understanding to what Demetri was saying. Now that I thought about it, Bella always had sounded so sure when she said she didn't want kids. I wondered, though, if that was a defensive mechanism since she knew she couldn't have them. Finally, I let out a sigh, accepting what fate had dealt to my little girl. "Okay. Thank you for telling me."

Demetri nodded, sensing that I had come to terms with his news. "Please, though, keep this information to yourself. I'll let Bella know I spoke to you, probably after we leave, but don't bring it up with her mother. I'm sure Bella will want to tell Renee when she's ready."

Yeah, no way I'd want to have that conversation with Renee. The last time I spoke with her was around three years ago when she called to congratulate me after Kevin's birth. We talked a bit about Bella, comparing notes on how we thought she was faring in Europe, but that had been it. After giving a big nod in agreement, we got back to more pleasant conversations. Demetri loved hearing stories about when Bella was a baby and when she was Kevin's age. We were laughing when all of a sudden I noticed Demetri straighten up and look out the window. His smile looked a little forced for the next few minutes until I heard the doorbell ring. I wondered if they returned home early, as Kevin usually liked to stay at the park as long as we let him. I got up and went to the front door, but when I opened it, I was surprised to see Jake standing there. And in front of Billy for some reason.

It suddenly dawned on me—I'd invited Billy and Jake over for the Seahawks game this afternoon. With Bella and Demetri showing up unexpectedly yesterday, it had completely slipped my mind.

"Jake, Billy, come on in. You won't believe who's here—Bella and her husband. They surprised us yesterday, and we finally got to celebrate Christmas together as a family. Come in and meet Demetri," I said, smiling as I looked up at Jake. However, I was taken aback by the look of anger on his face. That was so unlike Jake.

"Jake, everything alright? What's got you all worked up? Did you and Leah have another fight?" Jake turned his gaze back to me, shutting his eyes, seemingly trying to calm himself down.

"No, no, it's nothing, Charlie. I just had something else on my mind. Are we still watching the game? We can go home if you have company? It's no problem at all." Jake glanced at Billy and then turned back to me with a hopeful expression.

"Nonsense, come on in. I'm sure Demetri will be more than happy to watch the game with us. Bella and Heather are out with Kevin at the park at the moment." Jake's eyes flashed with anger again. Something must have happened back at the reservation. "I'm sure the game will take your mind off whatever's troubling you. Come on in. It's cold outside. Where are your manners, Jake? I'm sure Billy is freezing behind you like that."

Jake seemed a bit unsure, glancing back at Billy before finally shrugging his shoulders and moving behind him to help wheel him inside. I shot a smile at Billy, who also appeared a bit stone-faced. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Jake and Billy, as something was clearly bugging them.

We all headed into the living room, and there was Demetri, standing there, clearly waiting to meet my guests. "Demetri, I'd like you to meet my oldest friend Billy and his son Jacob."

Demetri offered them a smile. "It's very nice to meet you, Billy, and you, Jacob. Bella has shared quite a few stories about your time together when she lived here."

For some reason, everyone just stood there, and it felt more like a showdown between two gunslingers sizing each other up. I idly wondered if Jake and Bella ever had a thing together, but I couldn't recall anything like that. Honestly, I had gotten the impression that they'd never really gotten along.

"Well, sit down, sit down. I think the game has just started. Demetri, you like football, right?"

Demetri broke the staredown, turned to me, and smiled. "Who doesn't? Who are the Seahawks playing against?" I beamed at him, sat down, and turned on the TV. Billy wheeled himself next to me, while Jake looked around but eventually settled on the other side of the sofa next to Demetri.

We were still in the first quarter when I heard our front door open, and I heard the voices of Heather and Bella. They soon entered the living room, Heather carrying Kevin. However, when I glanced at Bella, I noticed her nose was wrinkled, as if she had caught a whiff of something stinky. I wondered if Kevin had had an accident. It was rare, but every now and then, it still happened.

I hit the mute button and stood up. "Bella, Heather, I totally forgot that I had invited Billy and Jacob over for the Seahawks game. You don't mind if we watch, do you?"

Heather smiled, "No, not at all. I'm going to go clean Kevin up." I looked at Kevin more closely and realized he had a bloody forehead.

"Daddy, I fell and got a boo-boo." He looked fine now, but it appeared he had probably been crying after it happened, as it looked like he had dried tears and a runny nose.

"You're a strong little man. Let mommy put a band-aid on you, and then you can come down and show Jake and Billy your new toys." Kevin smiled and nodded, and Heather took him upstairs.

I turned to Bella. "Come, take your jacket off and sit down. I'm sure you'd like to catch up with Jake."

Bella nodded, and after shedding her jacket and gloves, she went and settled between Jake and Demetri.

"Hey, Jake. It's nice to see you again," Bella said, leaning back into Demetri's body. She still had her nose wrinkled.

Demetri spoke softly, "Are you okay, Bella?" Bella rubbed his hand and smiled, nodding. It was then that I remembered Bella's aversion to the smell of blood. I'm glad it seems she is getting over it. I recalled a time when she visited around the age of 10, and she had thrown up when a neighboring girl, whom she had been playing with, cut herself rather badly.

I observed Bella closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, an evident effort to center herself. She then opened her eyes, let out the air she had been holding, straightened up, and smiled. "You know, I called and texted Seth several times to let him know we were visiting. I guess you never spoke with him?"

"No, Seth is on a camping trip right now in Canada with his girlfriend," Jake replied rather coldly. "I doubt he has any reception where he is."

Bella's face lit up, and she smiled. "Oh, I'm glad to hear he has a new girlfriend. I remember how down he was when Embry's sister broke up with him last year and started dating Collin. He hadn't mentioned having met anyone the last time we talked. What's her name?"

Jake's brow furrowed. "Her name's Sheila. They met last month at one of our bonfire gatherings. She's from a neighboring tribe. Do you talk to Seth often?" For some reason, I sensed that Jake did not approve of this. Every now and then, I picked up on strange vibes from the reservation. Maybe it was some sort of Indian thing that I would never fully understand.

Bella shrugged. "Probably every other month or so. I like to keep up to date on the happenings in my old hometown and stuff like that. Um, do you think Sheila is the one, or is Seth just having a good time?"

Jake observed Bella for a moment before responding, "No, I'm pretty sure she's the one for Seth. They seem very much in love."

Bella's smile widened even more. "I'm so happy to hear that. I'll have to congratulate Seth the next time I speak with him." Bella eyed Jake with a rather devious smile, "And what about you, Jake? How are things between you and Leah? Seth has told me how you've been dating his sister for years. I really don't think he appreciates you always thinking impure thoughts about her when you guys are hunting together in the forest. Are you ever going to man up and put a ring on her finger?"

"She's right, Jake. You need to do right by that girl," Billy spoke up. "And I wouldn't mind some grandkids either."

I winced upon hearing Billy say this and glanced at Bella to see if she was hurt by his words, but I didn't notice any change in her demeanor. Maybe what Demetri said was true, and she was really okay.

Jake appeared uncomfortable, clearly feeling put on the spot, and finally muttered, "I know, I know…" However, he fell silent when Heather returned downstairs, carrying Kevin, now sporting a good-sized bandaid on his forehead. Kevin clutched his new doll, and after Heather set him down, he began playing with it. Jake, eager to shift the conversation, looked at the doll with interest. "What do you have there, little man?"

"Zorbo," Kevin said distractingly as he and the doll settled down, immersed in playing with Kevin's building blocks. Strangely enough, the doll seemed to be constructing something with them too.

Jake nodded as he observed them playing. "That's a cool toy. I think I heard a story about them on the news the other night. It seems like nobody can get their hands on one, and parents are going crazy trying to snag one for the holidays."

I chuckled, "Yes, Bella was lucky enough to pick one up, but don't ask her who she had to murder to get it."

"What!" Jake exclaimed, leaping to his feet with a look of outrage. I was caught off guard by Jake's sudden outburst, and even Kevin, startled and a bit scared, paused in his play to see what was happening.

"Jake! Sit down! Charlie is only joking. What's the matter with you?" Bella said in a forceful voice, her face bearing a stern expression. I wondered why Jake had such a strong reaction; it was so unlike him, given his usual good sense of humor. Jake's hands were shaking, and I watched, concerned for him, as he slowly sat back down. I noticed Bella was focused intently on Jake, as if prepared for an attack or something. There was definitely something off with their relationship.

Fortunately, the room settled back down, and we resumed watching the game. Jake remained focused, texting on his phone, probably with Leah. By halftime, whatever issue had been going on between them seemed to have been forgotten, and everyone appeared more relaxed.

At that moment, the doorbell rang, but before I could get up, Jake jumped up, smiling. "Sit, sit, Charlie. I'll get it." I observed as he went off and returned with three large pizza boxes. I grinned, savoring the wonderful aroma coming from the boxes. "I figured it would only be right for me to get lunch for everyone since you were so nice in hosting us, Charlie. So, I ordered using the app on my phone. Dig in, everyone. Bella, you'll be happy to know I remembered your favorite, and one has all the fixins on it just for you."

Bella nodded as she saw the boxes and looked up at Jake with a wry smile. "That's really thoughtful of you, Jake. Thanks."

Heather soon returned with a tray full of drinks, plates, and napkins for everyone, and we all dug in. Kevin asked for a slice from the plain pizza box, while I opted for one with pepperoni. I smiled as I noticed Bella taking a large slice from the box with all the toppings and placing a smaller slice on Demetri's plate as well. While we ate, it appeared that Bella was enjoying her lunch and even went back for a second slice, whereas Demetri looked a little queasy. Perhaps he preferred one of the plain slices but ate what Bella gave him. It seemed like he would do anything to please Bella. I was glad she had found such a caring man.

The game turned out to be a good one, and luckily, the Seahawks pulled it out in a squeaker. Jake and Billy left soon afterward. I was surprised to see, as Jake got up to leave, that Bella gave him a big hug, expressing how nice it was to see him again. The hug seemed almost bordering on improper, as she appeared to be rubbing herself against Jake. However, when I looked at Demetri, it seemed like he was trying to stifle a chuckle, and when I looked at Jake, I could only describe his face as horrified. Perhaps I had been wrong, and there wasn't bad blood between them. Whatever their relationship was, it was clearly unusual.

For the next few hours, we chatted and happily watched as Bella and Kevin played games together. I missed how it came about, but when I returned from the bathroom, Bella was singing a song to Kevin. I had no idea Bella could sing so well; I couldn't recall ever hearing her sing before. Her voice was mesmerizing, and even Heather and I made some requests. Bella happily went along, surprisingly knowing the words, as the songs were well before her time.

I figured everyone was probably tired and didn't want to go out to the diner again, so I suggested we all eat in. There was still a good deal of pizza left over, so we just reheated it, which everyone seemed happy with. Turns out, I was right, and this time Demetri took a plain slice and seemed much happier. He must have really liked it because he scarfed it down. When I looked back at him a minute later, his plate was already clean. He smiled at me, patting his stomach in gratitude. I glanced at Bella, who was eyeing Demetri with a furrowed brow as she slowly savored her piece.

Around seven, it was already dark out, and Bella and Demetri mentioned that they were taking off for the night but would be by tomorrow afternoon, which sadly would also be their last day here. Bella had mentioned that after their visit here, she and Demetri were planning to visit Alice and Jasper in Denver, as they had also gotten married.

After they left, I looked around the living room, still strewn with toys and wrapping paper scattered around underneath the Christmas tree. Kevin sat happily playing with that Zorbo doll.

Heather had settled back on the sofa, and I joined her as we watched Kevin play a game with his talking doll. "It's great to have Bella back. I've really missed her. I'm so glad she picked a winner with Demetri. He and I had a good chat while you guys were out."

"I agree, having them visit has been wonderful. Hopefully, they'll be able to do so more often in the future. Kevin seems to have really taken to Bella. They had a great time playing at the park. Did you know that she knows how to do magic? When Kevin hurt himself, she distracted him with some sleight of hand tricks. I watched her, and she was really good," Heather shared with a happy smile.

"No, I didn't know that, but it doesn't surprise me. She seems to be gifted in pretty much anything she sets her mind to. Did I ever tell you about the time she and I went to the shooting range? I couldn't believe it. Don't tell anyone, but she put my skills to shame, and I'm no slouch." I smiled as I started retelling the story of that day. Heather's smile widened as I continued with more stories. While I spoke, I used the remote to turn on the stereo, softly playing some holiday music in the background. I put my arm around Heather's shoulder, and we just relaxed, chatting happily after a very long day. Reflecting on it, it had truly been one of the best Christmas Days that I could remember.

I do enjoy reading any sort of feedback. It's nice to know that people are enjoying the story.