IF YOU HAVEN'T READ ECLIPSE OR ANY OF THE TWILIGHT SERIES DO NOT READ AHEAD FOR SPOILERS ARE UP AHEAD!!!!!  

Thank you.  :D
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It was time to go talk to Charlie.  I think Edward was as scared as I was…maybe more.  He was very rigid and his face expressionless.  I always hated not being able to read his expression.  I was not at all surprised at Charlie’s reaction, I had anticipated an almost heart attack anyway.  He was coughing, stumbling around, tripping over things, grasping at air as if it was going to support him, etc.  I patted him on the back a few times until he regained his composure, sat him down in his chair again, and went back to stand by Edward.  Edward felt terrible for making him react this way, but it was going to happen no matter how long we waited.

"NO WAY IN HELL!"

"Charlie!"

"Bella, this isn't up for discussion, it's out of the question!  Do you know what your mother would think?  Good grief!"

Charlie was up on his feet again pacing and fuming.  I was in a terrible state; I was shaking and on the verge of tears.  Edward kept his hand in mine.

"Charlie, please just list-"

"NO BELLA!"

"DAD!"

He stopped dead in his tracks then and stared at me.  His face was still angry, but at least he was listening now.

"PLEASE would you just calm down and listen to us?  This isn't something I would just up and do, I've really thought about this.  I just really need you to listen to me now, as my dad.  Not as Chief Swan, not as Charlie, just my dad.  I need you to listen to my feelings and why I want to do this.  Why I want to do this with him."  I had wrapped an arm around his waist and he held me around my shoulders.

"Please dad, just listen. And promise me you'll at least take in what we say.  That you'll seriously think about it and then give us your answer.  It doesn't even have to be today, just when you're ready to give an answer.  Promise me that."  My voice was shaking dangerously now, and Edward gave me a squeeze for support.  When I looked at him his face was worried but his eyes were comforting and gave me strength.  A heartbreaking and warming face.

Charlie was silent for a few minutes, taking time to breathe and calm down.  He didn’t completely succeed; his face was still a deep red, but at least he wasn’t almost turning purple anymore.  "Ok, Bells.  I promise."

"Thank you, dad."

Charlie motioned us to sit on the couch and he angled his chair towards it as we sat.  He exhaled a huge breath as he plummeted into his chair.  Edward took both my hands in his and smiled my favorite crooked smile to reassure me.  

"Don't worry," he whispered so only I could here, "it'll be ok, it'll work out.  I promise."  I nodded at that and felt a little stronger.  With Edward by my side, though, I always felt like I could do anything.

"Whoo, ok.  Uh..dad?  Ahem.  I just uh.."  I was shaking uncontrollably and thought I might be sick.  Why, why did I choose to do this again?!  Why now?!  No..I knew it had to be done; we couldn’t wait any longer.

"It's ok, Bella, I’m right here," his whispering velvet voice was calming me, and I knew that that was his intention.  Apparently my thoughts were leaking into my face, twisting it into a state of panic.

"Ok, I know, I know.  Uh..dad, I know that you have some..choice..feelings about Edward and everything, but you don't know him like I do.  We've..been through a lot.  Quite a lot."  I glanced at Charlie, and knew he was thinking about when Edward left me.  "But you see, if I didn't care about him the way I do, I wouldn't have forgiven him and let him back into my life.  I would've..well told him where to go, you see."  

I looked at Edward and saw him looking at the floor with visable pain on his face.  I knew he still felt terrible for leaving me, as he always would, but at least he could know that I didn't care anymore.  I understood.  I noticed his hands had mine in an almost vice-like grasp and managed to wriggle one free to touch his cheek.  He closed his eyes at my touch.

Charlie was looking at the floor now too, apparently trying to look like he was studying his shoes.  Good one, dad.

"This boy.. this man is everything I could ever want, dad.  More than I deserve too.  I'm selfish, and very fragile seeing as how I'm always in some kind of trouble, and I certainly don't have a very good sense of priorities but...he loves me.  I still wonder why sometimes, but I know he does with all his heart.  I'm the same.  I can’t picture myself with anyone else.  He’s always concerned for my safety and well-being.  Thinking about him in danger or not with me, however, scares me to death and I feel like I could pass out.  I know you would rather I be with Jacob sometimes..."  I had to take a deep breath here to keep from breaking.  Charlie shuffled uncomfortably, as did Edward.  "..but Jacob isn't for me.  He will always be my friend, and he will always have a place in my heart, but my heart belongs to Edward.  As soon as I took him back I knew I wasn't going to lose him again.

"I know what you and mom went through and that you're frightened about what could happen to me.  You don't want me to feel that pain, I know.  But dad, you can't shield me from pain forever.  I can do this.  I want to do this.  I love him, dad.  Love him so much."

"Charlie.."

I froze at hearing that voice breathe Charlie’s name.  I didn't know what Edward was going to say.  It’ll be fine.  Edward explains things better than I do anyway.  I had to chuckle to myself in my mind.  Edward always figures out how to get his way.  I took a breath and braced myself for what he was about to say.

"Sir, I understand your situation, and I respect you for protecting something so precious to you.  I would do the same if it was my daughter.  I want you to know though, that I will take care of her.  She won't ever be sad.  At least, I will try my hardest to keep that promise.  She will never want for anything, and I will make it my best effort that she is still in your life.”  I winced, but not enough to make Charlie see.  I knew that wasn’t exactly the case…  I couldn’t exactly walk around my dad with topaz eyes, pale skin, and flawless skin.  That would definitely send Charlie into a psych ward.  I fought myself to maintain my composure.  He continued.  “I have funds to keep us content.  Education is a must, and we will attend school together in Alaska.  I'll tr-"

"Hold on, Edward...for just a minute.  Please?"  The words sounded strained.

He nodded once and let Charlie speak.

“Edward, I’m not exactly worried about the two of you financially, or in the matter of education needs and the like.  What I’m worried about is…well..  Do you truly and totally love my daughter as much as she says you do?”

To this Edward seemed extremely surprised, because that puzzled look came onto his face.  He replied,

“Sir…Bella is my only reason for living now.  I wasn’t really living until I met her.  I was cold, hard, unfeeling, and thought of myself and my family only, no one else.  Then you and Bella were reunited…and my whole world changed.”  

He shifted nervously, and then spoke slowly.  

“..I was warm, soft, feeling, and actually able to branch out around me.  Accept people I never thought about accepting."  I knew he was referring to the werewolves, but I kept listening.  "Your daughter has blessed my life, and I can’t imagine it without her.  She made me realize that there was something in this world worth living for.  Sir, I don’t just love your daughter…  I cherish her like a rare gem.  She taught me love, and even though I chide her for getting into trouble and worrying me till I’m practically sick, I’m thankful for it because she taught me what it was like to be scared.  Very new for me.  If anything happened to Bella…”

I swear I heard his voice break.  I squeezed his hand as I stared at his face.  It became very hard not to throw myself at him.

“…Ahem.. You see Charlie, I don’t just love her…I need her.  She is my heart now, and without her I will surely die.”

Then he turned to me and kissed me softly and quickly on the lips and brushed away the tears on my face that were now flowing freely.  He returned to talking to Charlie.

“When I left...it was the hardest thing I have ever done.  The stupidest as well."  He squeezed my hand and I stared at his face with the tears still coming.  "I thought it would be best..  I don't know what I was thinking.  I won't ever leave her again.  Knowing what we both went through..I couldn't go through that again."

He took a deep breath.  I knew he didn't need to..but maybe in this case he did.  "Charlie, May I have your daughters hand in marriage?”

What happened next made me completely breakdown into tears of joy and astonishment.  Charlie took my hand and studied the ring upon my finger.  He rubbed my hand gently looking very thoughtful.   

"You kids are really in love aren't you?.."

We looked at each other, Edward's smile back to his face.  "Yes sir, I do believe we are."

Charlie looked at us, and stood up.  We followed his example and looked at him with eager faces.  He took both of our hands in his and held them, then looked at us and said,

"I can't believe I'm saying it..but I'm going to have to say..yes."

…he untangled our hands so he could shake Edwards…and then hugged him.  Edward raised his arms in surprise, but then hugged him back.  Charlie was hugging the man that he blamed for my devastation and zombie-like-state that happened what seemed so long ago now.

“Thank you, Charlie,” was all he could manage to say.  To see Charlie and Edward like that…

I crumpled to the floor and sobbed into my hands.  That’s when they turned to look at me.  Charlie quickly knelt down, and held me.

“I’m so sorry, Bells.  I didn’t understand why you were so devastated when he left.  I don’t understand a lot about him, or the both of you together still, but I can tell that this is what makes you happy.  I’m sorry I didn’t give him more of a chance, but I see why you love him now.  I just wanted you to be happy.  Can you forgive your old man for being an overprotective father?”  His voice was shaky and I realized then that my father was crying as well.

“Yeah, dad.”  My father had never held me more tightly that he was at that point.  I returned the favor…I didn’t know how many times I was going to be able to hug my father after this moment.

He kissed my forehead, stood me up, and gave me to Edward.  He was happy to hold me.  He held me so tightly it was as if it had been weeks since we last saw each other.  Then he kissed me hard on the mouth and my tears flowed against our cheeks.  When he broke away he put his lips to my ear so I could hear him softly hum my lullaby.  It wasn’t enough for Charlie to hear; it was only for me.  I don't know if it really happened, but I thought I felt a tear roll down my face that wasn't mine.  It was cold.  I cried into Edward's shoulder and was happy.

After all the crying and hugging had subsided, Charlie called Renée and told her the news.  There was silence for a little while, then they talked for a little while; I gave them privacy I didn't want to eavesdrop.  Suddenly I could hear her screaming and laughing even though I wasn’t the one on the phone.  Charlie had to hold the receiver away from his ear a little bit.  Then of course I had to talk to her, and she rambled on and on about the reception and “all that fun stuff” as she put it.  I told her what we would be doing and was even more thrilled at the idea of it being old fashioned.  Oh yeah.  That’s SO my mom.  But I couldn’t blame her; her little girl was getting married.  She scolded me for not telling her about it sooner, but was happy nonetheless.  Finally the wedding came.  Not fast enough it seemed for me surprisingly.  I was actually giddy and excited about getting married!

It was the best day of my life.  What was left of “life” at least.  The wedding was everything I had hoped for; simple.  It wasn’t those extravagant, obnoxious weddings you always saw in the movies, it was my simple old fashioned wedding that was perfect for Edward and I.  I about asked Charlie to carry me down the aisle.  Edward looked amazing.  Old fashioned looked good on him.  Old fashioned black suit; crisp like he was, and his hair was always perfect anyway.  He watched me walk with Charlie.  If he could of, I’m sure he would have fainted.  He took an involuntary gasp when he saw me and his face lit up.  He watched me with an expression of happiness, love, and hunger.  I thought I saw his eyes go black for a second.  I’m sure I flushed that way he loved and made it worse.  Before I knew it we were saying “I do,”…for all eternity.  The best part was the “seal-it-kiss,” as my mom told me.  Before the minister could finish the word “bride,” Edward pulled me against him and gave me the greatest kiss in the world.  He kissed me deeply, passionately, lovingly, and happily.  When he finally let me come up for air, he simply chuckled and smiled my favorite crooked smile.

Then the music, applause, and the entire hullabaloo started and we walked down the aisle as husband and wife.  Renée of course came up to see the occasion and as I passed her she was clapping, smiling, and crying.  I, as well as Edward, had hoped that my parents would approve and respect my choice…and I was glad to know my hopes weren’t wasted.

The reception was lovely; again, simple.  I had to giggle when we had our first dance as husband and wife, because even though no one could see under my long dress (thankfully), I was standing on Edwards feet like we did at Prom.  He had to chuckle as well, and he gracefully danced around the floor making it seem like we were terrific dancers.  Jasper and Alice came onto the floor after our dance, and then Rosalie and Emmett, then Carlisle and Esme.  Even Renée and Charlie danced and had fun.  This was odd to me, but I was happy nonetheless.  

Edward confessed he invited Jacob;  we were not surprised but disappointed when he didn’t come.  The fact that Edward would even let him come just to make me happy…made me love him even more.

Alice and Jasper awed everyone of course as they danced around the floor.  Rosalie and Emmett had people wishing they looked like them, and with good reason considering they were two of the most beautiful creatures to walk the planet, and Esme and Carlisle just had fun.  They didn’t get to dance much anymore, and I was sure it was a wonderful time for them.

The gifts were opened, hugs and compliments given, and then went home in the silver Volvo…which Alice had happily decorated to show that we had just been married.  Edward loved it, even though it meant someone touched his car.  

Everyone started packing when we got there.  My family.  I had already been made family anyway, but now it was official.  Having realized that, our family decided to leave Edward and I the house for the night and were going to go visit some friends.  Which friends I didn’t know, but friends nonetheless.  Edward and I stood outside looking at the Cullen house.  I decided to break our serene silence.

“Isabella Cullen.  Hmm.  I could get used to that.”

“I’m very fond of it already my love,” he said before he kissed me swiftly.

I sighed and leaned my head on his shoulder.  “Home…I love that word more now that you are part of the equation.”

He chuckled, “So do I.  I’m grateful that I won’t be the only one in this house anymore that doesn’t have a companion.  Seeing them all cherishing a loved one…  It was kind of lonely actually.”

“Lonely?  How could you ever be lonely with all of their voices inside your head all the time?”

“Well yes I always had plenty to hear and talk about.  Irritating I’ll admit, but I had a void in my heart that I didn’t know was there until you filled it,” he said with somewhat sad eyes before he leaned down and kissed the top of my head.  

“Therefore, I wasn’t lonely anymore.”

We kept looking at the house.  Then my expression changed to sadness.  Of course, Edward could tell.  “What’s wrong?”

“I was just thinking.  How long are we going to call this home?”

He turned his face from mine to look at the house he had lived in for so long.  “I…I’m not sure.  I hadn’t really thought about it lately.  At least a month I would think.”

“Gosh…a month.  Then we leave for Alaska?”

“Yes.  That’s when I’ll…  Well, I’m sure you know what we’re doing when we get to Alaska.”  He shifted uncomfortably and I held him for comfort.

“Edward, it will be fine.  I want this.  You want this, too, don’t you?  In a way?”

“In a way, yes.  I’m glad that I will be with you forever, but I am also sorrowful about what it will do to you.”

“I’ll be fine.  I’m a tough girl,” I said with a smile.

“Not as tough as you think,” he smiled back.  “I love you, Bella, I’m glad that you were the one to change my life for the better.”

“I love you too, Edward.  Always and forever.”

He smiled.  “Always and forever.”

END PART ONE