"Daddy!" She couldn't remember the last time she called him that, but it had been hard believing she may never see him again. He cautiously pulled her into a hug.
"Bells" His voice cracked. She'd never seen him look so broken before. She wasn't the only one who'd lost some weight.
"You don't look so good." Charlie laughed.
"And you've never looked better." He'd never been an emotional man, but tears glistened in his eyes. "Before your mom gets here" He pulled at his collar, stepping back from the bed. "She held a memorial for you. I uh didn't go. I wasn't willing to believe you were gone."
"It's ok Dad. I know we were gone a long time." She was a little sad her mom gave up, but she wasn't surprised. Her mom was impulsive.
"How's that young man? I have a lot to thank him for, I hear."
"Over here sir." She followed Charlie's surprised looked over to Edward.
"Sorry son. Didn't even see you there. Good to meet you." He shook his hand cautiously. She liked seeing her Dad and Edward together. Despite his position, Edward tried to sit up and look serious as they met. She appreciated he was trying to make a good impression.
"So, dad, how did you beat everyone here when you live the farthest away?"
"Your mom and Phil were on standby for an earlier flight, but didn't make it." He found a seat next to her bed. "I know it's difficult, but can you tell me about what happened? The details you won't tell your mom."
So, she did, with the help of Edward. Recounting it was difficult in some ways, but easy in others. She wanted her dad to know that she was ok, for the most part, now and that she wasn't mad at him for giving up the search.
Turns out they had found parts of the plane way off course and had told their parents there was no way anybody had survived. She vaguely remembered the pilot saying they were headed south, off course.
A few hours later, Edward's parents, Carlisle and Esme, showed up. Their reunion was beautiful. She could see how close they all were. They were just as affectionate with her, thanking her for taking care of their son. She wasn't sure how much of that she'd done, but their praise was warming.
Phil came next, explaining her mom was talking to the doctor. Charlie left to join in on the conversation. Both came in a minute later, looking upset.
"Oh Bella, we heard. You know I was too young to become a grandmother anyway." Bella blanched. Nobody was supposed to find out. She certainly hadn't given the doctor's permission.
"Really tactful Renee." Charlie muttered. She hated that her anger brought tears to her eyes, but there was no holding them back.
"I know you didn't want me mom, but I'm not you. I want this baby." She could feel everyone's eyes on her. "I am devastated I am going to miscarry-"
"You're so young" Renee was clearly flustered but quick to snipe back.
"Young enough to make my own mistakes, since that's what you think this is." Bella could sense Edward reaching out for her, so she stretched her hand out and touched his fingertips.
"Wait, you're the father. It's not Jacob's?" Edward came in to defend her.
"Yes, I am and in case you've forgotten, your daughter hasn't dated Jacob since junior year." Carlisle took his son's free hand in support while Esme waffled between Edward and Bella, before rushing to give Bella a hug.
"Renee, I think you should leave." Esme's firm voice shocked her.
"I just got here."
"You can come back once you learn to respect your daughter and my son. They've been through enough." Renee dragged Phil out of the room and slammed the door behind her.
"Thank you." She whispered, weak after her own exchange with her mother. Esme surprised her when she sat down on the side of her bed. Esme's words after that were like a balm to the soul. Before Edward was born, Esme had had two miscarriages. She talked about her own struggles with the losses and, in the process, validated Bella's feelings.
