Chapter 74: Charlie and His Shotgun
As they emerged from the forest, the trees thinned to reveal Charlie's house just ahead. Bella glanced over at Edward, her gaze lingering. He looked flawless, as usual, but she reached up, adjusting his collar with a slight smile. "Can't have you meeting my dad with a crooked collar," she teased, brushing her fingers over his shoulders. Then, with a small spin, she asked, "So…how do I look?"
Edward's eyes took her in, a slight curve to his lips as he admired her. "Perfect, as always," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that matched his words.
"Funny," she replied, chuckling as she lifted an eyebrow. "I was just thinking the same thing about you." She paused, her gaze drifting toward the familiar outline of her childhood home. "You know…you're the first man I've ever brought home to meet my dad." Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "When I was human, I always pictured him sitting at the kitchen table, cleaning his shotgun for the occasion."
Edward's eyes widened just slightly, his mouth curving up into a grin. "Well, here's hoping he has enough restraint not to try his hand at target practice today."
Bella grinned, a playful gleam in her eye. "Let's hope so. I mean, not that it'd hurt you, but I'd rather avoid any ricochet-related injuries. Knowing my luck, he'd end up shooting himself when the bullet bounced off your chest." Her gaze returned to the house, her expression reflective. It looked just as she remembered—the paint now a little weathered with age, but the house as solid as ever.
Inhaling deeply, her brows furrowed as she caught the unmistakable scent of wolf. She wondered if it was an old scent or if there was actually a wolf inside—and, if there was, she hoped it was Seth. Tilting her head, she focused on the house, picking up three heartbeats, one beating a bit faster than a human's. She glanced at Edward, who'd begun sniffing the air as well. The corners of his mouth pulled into a slight grimace, his nose wrinkling at the sharp odor.
She couldn't help but laugh, remembering her own reaction the first time she'd smelled the wolves. "If it's Seth, just try to be nice," she murmured, her voice light but reassuring. "He's a good guy, and definitely the friendliest wolf you'll meet. And if it helps, remember…we smell just as bad to them."
Edward's expression, which had grown serious, softened, though he still cast a wary look toward the house. "I'll keep that in mind."
Together, they broke through the cover of trees and crossed the quiet street, Bella leading the way. Edward took in the sight of the house—a modest, two-story structure painted white, with a simplicity that spoke of years of steady care. A police car was parked in the driveway, confirming that Bella's father was indeed home. Edward swallowed, feeling an unexpected flicker of nerves. He wanted this to go well; he needed Charlie to see him as someone worthy of his daughter. Though, he thought with a touch of irony, a vampire was probably the last thing her father ever expected his daughter to bring home.
Bella flashed Edward a reassuring smile, her eyes gleaming with warmth as she stepped up to the door. She knocked, catching the faint sounds of voices inside, followed by a gruff, familiar one calling out, "I'll get it." The door swung open a moment later, and there stood Charlie, his face lighting up at the sight of her.
"Bella!" The man's voice was filled with unmistakable relief, and he reached out, pulling her into a tight hug. Edward couldn't help but notice how easily Bella's father accepted the chill of her skin, the way his arms wrapped around her in a familiar, protective gesture. He had never seen a human react this way to a vampire, especially one who knew the truth of what they were—but Charlie's affection for his daughter seemed unshakable. Bella, for her part, leaned into the hug, visibly happy.
"Hey, Dad," she murmured, her voice warm. "It's so good to see you." She held him for a moment, absorbing his familiar scent, the faint trace of cologne mixed with the natural scent that was distinctly Charlie. It had been over a year since she'd last seen him, and though he looked much the same, she noticed a few new strands of gray threading through his hair.
Charlie's arms lingered around Bella, his hand rubbing her back as if reassuring himself that she was really there and safe. When they finally separated, he watched her step back, her smile widening as she slipped her arm around the young man whose presence he had been trying to ignore. Bella looked up at the man, then turned back to him, her voice calm but edged with excitement.
"Dad, I'd like you to meet Edward Mason."
Edward felt Charlie's eyes shift to him, sizing him up with the practiced intensity of a man who was used to assessing a person's character at a glance. There was no immediate reaction, just a long, considering look, and Edward hoped his judgment would be favorable.
Charlie sized up this Edward. The young man looked like one of those pretty-boy models you'd see in a cologne ad—polished and impossibly perfect. In truth, he didn't think he'd ever seen a better-looking man in real life. Edward looked about Bella's age, but with a vampire, ages could be deceiving. He was tall—easily a couple inches over his own six feet—and solidly built, though not overly muscular. If he'd been human, Charlie would've pegged him for an athlete. He had the most unusual copper hair, though it was a bit unkempt, like it hadn't seen a comb in a while. Actually, both his and Bella's hair looked somewhat windblown, and since there was no car behind them, he figured they must have run all the way from Seattle.
Charlie's gaze dropped to where Bella's arm was wrapped through Edward's, and he felt his protective instincts kick in, his jaw tightening. He was still processing the idea of a vampire boyfriend when Edward broke the silence, offering a polite smile before extending his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, sir." Edward's voice was steady, but Charlie could sense a touch of caution, as if he were half-expecting some resistance.
Charlie took his hand, giving it a firm shake. "Nice to meet you… Edgar."
Bella's eyes flashed, and she stepped in, cutting Charlie off sharply. "None of that, Dad. I might look twenty, but I'm closer to forty now than thirty. His name is Edward. Please, show some respect—to him—and to me."
Charlie blinked, momentarily thrown by her words. She was right; he still liked to think of her as his little girl. But Bella was an adult, and her tone reminded him of that. Feeling properly chastised, he gave an understanding nod and, glancing back at Edward, put on his best face.
"You're right. You're right," he said, his voice gruff. "I'm sorry, Edward. It's good to meet you." He cleared his throat, gesturing toward the door. "Please, both of you, come inside."
Bella interlocked her fingers with Edward's, and together they walked into the house. Just as she'd guessed, Sue was standing in the living room beside her son, Seth. Bella's face lit up with a warm smile as they entered. "Hey, Sue, Seth. I'd like you to meet Edward Mason."
Seth stared down this unknown vampire, his muscles tensing, instincts screaming at him to attack. Every fiber of his being urged him to shift, to place himself between his mother and the stranger standing in her living room. He'd learned to feel at ease around Bella, but this Edward was different—he was a killer. He fought down the impulse, his fists clenching as he worked to maintain control. Finally, he gave a stiff nod in acknowledgment, though his eyes remained locked on Edward, tracking his every move.
Edward, sensing the tension, offered a polite nod. "It's nice to meet you, Sue," he said, then glanced up at Seth. "And you too, Seth." He couldn't read minds anymore, but the way Seth looked at him made it clear that moving any closer wouldn't be wise. He kept his stance relaxed, careful not to make any sudden movements.
Charlie, sensing the tension in the room and eager to smooth things over, gestured towards the loveseat. "Please, you two, take a seat. I'm sure you've got some stories to tell."
He watched as Bella and her new friend settled onto the recently added loveseat, her hand still tucked securely in his. He took the spot beside Sue on the sofa, feeling her lean slightly into him, while Seth sank into his much-loved recliner, his posture rigid, eyes locked onto Edward. An uneasy silence hung over the room, something Charlie didn't much care for, especially with Bella here. He figured it was best to start the conversation, hoping to set everyone at ease, or at least try.
"Bella," he began, his voice calm but encouraging. "You gave us a brief account of what happened a few weeks ago, but if you'd like to go into more detail, I know we'd all be very interested in hearing it." He slid an arm around Sue's shoulders, feeling her shift under his touch. He knew Sue wasn't entirely comfortable with this new vampire sitting so close, and he couldn't blame her. Edward looked calm enough, even polite, but aside from Bella, this was the first vampire he'd ever encountered. He didn't quite know what to expect from one who wasn't his daughter.
Sue listened intently as Bella began recounting her experience on that fateful morning in Los Angeles. Almost immediately, she felt the weight of Bella's words settle over her, realizing just how difficult this story would be to hear. The imagery struck close to home when Bella described hearing the explosion—how she saw people running in panic, fleeing the scene as she ran toward it. But it was when Bella spoke of watching the firefighters gearing up and explaining her own inner battle about whether to act or hold back that Sue felt herself becoming overwhelmed. The memories came rushing back, and suddenly, it was too much; tears welled up, slipping down her cheeks.
Charlie noticed, holding her a little tighter while offering the tissue box as she quietly dabbed her eyes. Bella's story had stirred up so much from her past, bringing back vivid memories of her life with Harry. He'd been a firefighter, too, until a back injury in the line of duty forced him into early retirement. But Sue could still remember, all too clearly, the fear that had gripped her every time she heard sirens. She'd always worried, every time he went out on a call, that he might not come home. Hearing Bella describe it now brought back the nightmare shared by every family member of those who put themselves in danger to help others.
Charlie felt a swell of pride listening to Bella's account of her heroic actions in Los Angeles. She had been so brave and fearless to attempt something so incredibly daunting, and he couldn't have been prouder of her. But as she moved on from the rescue part of the story, he felt a quiet relief; he could see the effect her words were having on Sue.
When Bella began describing her first encounter with the Volturi—the way they'd surrounded her, blocking off every avenue of escape—Charlie felt his protective instincts flare. The Volturi sounded like the very definition of evil, coldly trapping his daughter, forcing her into a van, and jetting her off to Italy as their prisoner. He knew it wasn't quite the same, but it was every father's worst nightmare to have their little girl taken and spirited off to a foreign country for unthinkable purposes.
As Bella continued, describing the leaders of the vampire world, Charlie's anger only grew. The way they'd accused her, tried to condemn her for her heroism—it left him wishing he could deliver his own justice to those men. And then, hearing that one of the leaders had even wanted her executed, his hands tightened into fists.
Finally, he felt a rush of relief when Bella's story shifted to the eventual battle; he knew this led to the Volturi's demise. Bella had once again been victorious, as she was sitting here now to tell them the tale.
Seth was loving Bella's story, hanging on every word as she described in vivid detail how she took down one vampire after another, sometimes entire groups in a single sweep. To him, it sounded like one of those first-person shooter games he used to play as a kid, and he could almost see it—the way Bella moved from room to room, unstoppable, like she was on god mode, leaving nothing but destruction in her wake. He could barely contain his grin, imagining her taking down those bloodsuckers with effortless precision. Part of him ached to have seen it firsthand, to witness her in action. Even better, he wished he and the pack had been there beside her, tearing through that army of leeches with the same ruthless focus, delivering justice with all the extreme prejudice they could muster.
As Bella told her story, Edward sat beside her, quietly absorbing everything she had endured in those eventful days leading up to their meeting. She had, of course, told him the basics before, and had filled in a few more details when they visited her mom and Jean Paul. But she'd never gone into this much depth before.
When Bella reached the part of the story where she'd had to kill all the vampires in the castle, he noticed the shift in her demeanor. He knew this was the part that had taken the greatest toll on her. She'd told him, after they had started to grow closer, how much she had hated doing it. The core of the Volturi and their leaders had needed to go; she knew that without a doubt. But she'd struggled with the knowledge that many of the guards might have been forced into service and might not have been evil at all. Yet there had been no way for her to know who was good and who was bad. And it had been drilled into her, before she left and during her training, to never leave loose ends. She had done what was needed to protect her family and her friends, regardless of how heavy her actions would eventually weigh on her.
Seeing her face tighten, he slipped his hands over hers, gently lifting them, his fingers brushing along her skin as he began to rub them to comfort her. She gave him a grateful look as she finished her story of the Volturi's end. When Edward looked up, he noticed Charlie's gaze fixed on his hands around Bella's.
Charlie listened intently as Bella recounted her tale of vengeance, describing in vivid detail how she destroyed the vampires who had meant to do her harm. The way she spoke, it truly felt like she'd been a soldier in a war, and it was hard for him to reconcile his little girl with the warrior she described. But as difficult as it was to picture her carrying out such actions, he couldn't deny the truth. Bella was a predator—a fact he tried not to dwell on too often—and she'd been killing humans for close to sixteen years now.
She might look like an innocent angel, but Charlie knew better. Bella was, perhaps, the most powerful and dangerous person in the world. The thought sent a chill down his spine—not because he feared her, but because he was grateful she was a good person. The idea of someone with Bella's abilities, yet without morals or conscience, was too terrifying to contemplate.
By the time Bella finished her tale, Charlie could see how much it had cost her to relive it. Her shoulders had tightened at some point during the story, and her voice had softened with emotion as she described certain moments. He wanted to comfort her, to pull her into a hug and remind her of how proud he was, but he noticed Edward had already stepped into that role. Edward's hand rested over Bella's, his touch gentle and reassuring, and Charlie saw the way she leaned ever so slightly toward him, seeming to draw strength from his presence.
It wasn't the first time Charlie had wondered about the nature of their relationship. They seemed so comfortable with each other, so in sync, and though he didn't know anything about Edward yet, he was determined to learn more about him and their relationship before their visit ended.
"Wow, Bells," he said finally, his voice thick with emotion. "That story was… something. I'm sorry that saving all those people had to lead to everything you went through afterward. Just know that I'm proud of you. We all are. Honestly, the whole world is for what you did that day."
He glanced at Edward, an idea sparking. Maybe this was the perfect moment to learn more about Bella's companion. "So," Charlie said, his tone lightening just slightly, "maybe you two could tell us the story of how you met each other?"
Bella smiled softly. For the first time, she'd fully unburdened herself of everything that had happened in Los Angeles and all she had endured in Volterra. Speaking the words aloud, sharing the weight of her experiences with her family, felt like shedding a burden she hadn't even realized she'd been carrying. As Charlie's attention shifted to Edward, she felt relieved; from this point on, the stories were only going to be happy ones.
"I was just getting to that, Dad," Bella said, her tone lighter now. "We actually met in Volterra, right after I finished clearing out the castle. I knew I had to find the dungeons to free Yoshitaka—the vampire I told you about, the one I had befriended in Japan. After dealing with the guards, I found Yoshi and freed him. He'd been imprisoned for the past eight years, so as you can imagine, he was quite shocked. Grateful, too. He never expected anyone to come for him, let alone someone with the proverbial 'Get Out of Jail Free' card."
She chuckled, and Charlie was pleased to see her lighter, more casual tone return. "Yoshi didn't waste any time leaving," she continued. "I'm hoping he's made it back to his home in Japan by now. I doubt he'd take a plane, so I imagine he traveled by foot."
She paused for a moment, a flicker of thought crossing her face before continuing. "After Yoshi left, I glanced down the long hall of the dungeon. There were so many other cells, and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone else was locked away. Yoshi had told me how Aro would routinely clear out the dungeons, killing prisoners he deemed of no use to him. Sure enough, all the cells in the main dungeon were empty. But then I found another door—an older, heavier one—that likely led to the original dungeon. This block was reserved for the vampires who had truly crossed Aro."
Charlie leaned forward slightly, curiosity sparking as he wondered where her story was heading.
"As I entered that block, all of the cells were empty too," Bella said, her voice softening. "But at the very end of the hall, in a small, darkened cell, I found one lonely prisoner. I ripped away the cell door, and when I stepped inside, my eyes fell on Edward." Her voice took on a warmer tone, and as she turned to Edward, her gaze met his. She smiled, caught in a memory she felt only the two of them could fully understand.
But before she could say more, Charlie cut in, his voice rough with concern. "Wait a second. You're a criminal, Edward?"
The sharpness in his tone was impossible to miss. What was his little girl doing with a criminal—and bringing him home to meet her family, no less?
Edward felt it was time to speak up. He met Charlie's gaze, his voice steady but tinged with quiet conviction. "No, sir. I was innocent. I did nothing wrong. The Volturi apprehended me on false charges and brought me to Volterra for trial. Of course, the entire thing was a sham. Aro wanted me for my ability—he demanded that I serve in his guard. When I refused, they locked me away, determined to force me into submission, to make me their slave."
He paused, his jaw tightening briefly as the memory of that day surfaced. "They did to me exactly what they threatened to do to Bella, but I had no way to defend myself. And as a result, I spent the last ninety-four years locked away, alone, in that small, dark prison cell… until the day your daughter saved me." His tone softened, and he glanced at Bella, a faint smile touching his lips. "She gave me a second chance at life."
Charlie's eyes widened as the weight of Edward's words sank in. "Ninety-four years?" he echoed, his voice low, struggling to wrap his mind around it. "That… must have been awful." He shifted slightly in his seat, his expression a mix of shock and reluctant curiosity. "Maybe you could tell us a little more about yourself. How long have you been a vampire?"
As Charlie studied Edward, he found it almost impossible to believe the young man's age. Just his imprisonment alone meant he was over a hundred years old—and who knew how much older he might be beyond that? Yet he looked no older than Bella. Then again, Bella herself didn't look remotely like the 35-year-old she truly was. Once again, the entire concept of immortality confounded him.
Edward nodded, his voice thoughtful as he began. "I was born in Chicago in 1901..."
As Edward shared the highlights of his human years and the brief time he'd had as a vampire before his imprisonment, his hand rested securely in Bella's. Her grip was steady, grounding him as he spoke. The warmth of her support mirrored the comfort he'd tried to offer her earlier, and it helped him find the strength to face memories he'd long tried to bury.
"And that's my tale," Edward said, his tone measured, though there was a weight to his words. "Since my freedom, Bella has been kind enough to help me adjust to this new world. I heard virtually nothing during my time in incarceration, so you can imagine the shock of seeing things like television, phones… really anything technological. It's been quite the whirlwind trying to get caught up, so I don't feel like a man out of time." He glanced at Bella, a faint smile of gratitude crossing his face before continuing. "After our visit here, Bella and I plan to visit the vampire who created me. We found out he and his family are living not too far from here in Spokane. We couldn't locate him through the internet, but we managed to track down a friend of his who pointed us in the right direction."
Charlie listened carefully, his gaze steady as he took in Edward's words. He couldn't find a single fault in the young man's character. Despite everything Edward had been through, he carried himself with grace and composure that impressed Charlie. The idea of hearing everyone's thoughts all at once, with no way to block them out, sounded like an absolute nightmare. Still, he couldn't help but feel relieved that Edward no longer had the ability. His own thoughts were private, meant for him alone—not something to be sifted through by another.
No, Edward seemed like an upstanding young man who had endured unimaginable hell. To be locked away for over 90 years, with no one to talk to, no contact, nothing but the solitude of a tiny cell—it was a wonder he hadn't gone completely insane.
"Well," Charlie began, his voice warm with sincerity, "I'm glad you're out of that hellhole." He paused, his brows knitting slightly as he considered Edward's mention of his creator. "So, this vampire who turned you—what does he do? And you say he has a family?"
Charlie's curiosity got the better of him. The idea of vampires living day-to-day like regular people had always seemed strange. There was just something about supernatural creatures clocking in for the nine-to-five grind that felt… off.
"Well, his name is Carlisle Cullen," Edward began, his tone lightening as he spoke. "He's a doctor—a highly respected one, from what we've heard. When I was with him, it was just the two of us, but he had recently changed Esme, about a year before I left. They fell in love, and I've since learned they got married. We also heard that Carlisle turned two others in the 1930s, who have since married and now live with them." Edward's voice carried a touch of fondness; it pleased him greatly to know that Carlisle and Esme had built a good life together since their parting.
Charlie's brow furrowed as his curiosity deepened. "A doctor, huh? Is he a doctor for vampires or humans?"
Edward chuckled softly. "Humans, sir. Vampires wouldn't have any need for a doctor. Carlisle is the head surgeon for, and works in, the emergency room at Spokane General Hospital."
Charlie blinked, leaning back slightly, his mind spinning. A vampire working in a hospital, surrounded by blood? The thought seemed almost absurd. "Does he… use his job to get blood?" His tone was cautious, reasoning that if Carlisle did, it sounded like a much easier way to feed than killing people outright.
Edward shook his head, smiling faintly. "No, sir. Carlisle has never believed in killing humans. In over three centuries of life, he's never consumed human blood—not even once. He feeds strictly on animals."
Seth, who had been silently listening up until now, couldn't hold back his shock. "What the fuck!" he burst out, his voice incredulous. "Are you telling me vampires can drink from animals? Why the hell are you guys killing humans, then?"
"Language, Seth. This isn't the pack," Sue said sharply, though her tone softened a fraction as she added, "But… he does have a point, Bella. Care to explain?"
Bella shrugged lightly, meeting Sue's curious gaze. "Hearing about Carlisle was the first time I learned a vampire could even live that way. During my first week as a vampire, I remember killing a deer, hoping its blood might work as a substitute. I was desperate to find another way. But the blood was… inedible. I started coughing it all back up almost immediately. It was only when I met Edward that I learned the truth. While animal blood is beyond disgusting to drink, it is possible for a vampire to live that way, if they choose."
She paused, her voice steady but firm as she glanced around the room. "That said, please don't try to pressure us to change our diet—because we won't. To our knowledge, there are only two groups of vampires who feed this way: Carlisle and his family, and a coven up in Alaska. Every other vampire feeds the old-fashioned way. I know killing is reprehensible, and drinking human blood sounds disgusting to you. I get it, I really do. But for a vampire, drinking human blood is… the only sane way to live."
"I won't bring it up again, Bella," Charlie said, his tone even but curious. "But just so we can understand your reasoning—how is it different?" He folded his arms, leaning back slightly as he studied her. The truth about vampires feeding on human blood still unsettled him, even after all these years, but he trusted Bella. If she and others didn't feed on animals, there had to be a reason. Bella wouldn't kill humans if there were a real alternative.
Bella hesitated, clearly searching for the right way to explain. "Well… I'm not sugarcoating this, and I'm sorry in advance for the gross analogy, but imagine that drinking from animals is like eating cow shit, while human blood tastes like the best steak or pizza you've ever had." She glanced at Charlie, gauging his reaction before continuing. "That's the reality for us. And remember, we're not talking about this being a one-time thing—it's all you would ever consume. Forever."
Charlie blinked, his brow furrowing as he processed her words. It was a grotesque image, but effective. He couldn't help but consider what he would do if faced with that choice. Steak or… no, the alternative wasn't even worth saying out loud. A good, juicy steak would win every time. Reluctantly, he gave Bella a slight nod, signaling his understanding.
As the afternoon wore on, the conversations meandered into lighter, more varied topics. Edward leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued as he began asking Seth about the pack. His curiosity about the wolves was evident—he had never encountered another type of supernatural creature, and he seemed genuinely intrigued. Seth, for his part, was surprisingly open, his earlier wariness fading as they delved into stories about the pack's dynamic and their shared history. Bella sat back, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched them. She had known they'd get along if they just gave each other the chance, and seeing it happen now was deeply satisfying.
Turning to Sue, Bella shifted the conversation to something that had been lingering in the back of her mind. "I overheard a little bit from your book club meeting the other day," she said, her tone light but curious. "I'm interested in knowing how regular people are handling… well, everything."
Sue nodded, her lips curving into a wry smile. "It's been a mix, honestly. Some are handling it better than others. There are those who are just fascinated, who can't stop speculating and digging for answers, and then there are those pretending none of it's real." She shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "Denial's a powerful thing."
Bella listened intently, gleaning insights into how adults were grappling with the complete upheaval of their understanding of the world. It was fascinating, in a way, to see how the human mind worked when faced with the unimaginable.
The conversation shifted again as Charlie, who had been quiet for a while, leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowed in thought. "How's Renée handling all this?" he asked, his tone cautious but genuinely curious. "Being a vampire, I mean."
Bella's expression softened, and she nodded reassuringly. "She's actually doing really well," she said. "It was hard for her at first—like it is for all new vampires—but she's found her footing. She and Jean Paul are getting along great. Honestly, I've never seen her happier."
Charlie let out a small breath, his shoulders easing as the tension drained from him. "That's good to know," he said, his voice carrying a note of relief. "I was worried, you know… with how flighty she could be."
Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, she's still flighty, Dad. Becoming a vampire didn't change that about her. But she's not constantly chasing the next big thing anymore. She's realized she has time now—time to try it all. It's given her some balance, in a way." She paused, her lips curving into a small smile. "I can show you a picture of her and Jean Paul if you'd like?" She started to reach into her pocket for her phone, but Charlie stopped her with a quick wave of his hand.
"No, no, that's not necessary," he said firmly, a faint edge of discomfort in his tone. "I think my memory of her as she was is good enough for me." He shifted closer to Sue, slipping his arm around her shoulder and pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Love you," he murmured softly, and Sue's smile widened, her expression glowing with quiet joy.
Bella watched them, her smile deepening. It felt good knowing that both her parents had finally found happiness in their own ways. One thing was certain, though—she wouldn't be bringing up her mom's ability. No way was she going to open that can of worms with Charlie. Instead, she let the moment settle, and soon their conversation naturally shifted to other topics.
I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. The next will conclude Bella and Edward's visit to Forks. As always, I enjoy reading your comments or questions. Until next time!