DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)

Authors Notes:

***This chapter will be a little different then I had originally planned as its going to be from Edward's perspective rather than Bella's like I had drawn up from the very beginning of this fanfic. I think this will actually be quite nice as I think just about every fanfic story I've read has told the 'Meet the Swan's' perspective from BPOV. Dare to be different. LOL

***Enjoy

CHAPTER #30: Family Convergence

EPOV

"Baby, I'm so sorry but I'm going to be a little bit later then planned."

"It's okay. What time?"

"Another hour or so."

"Okay. I'll let my parents know we'll be a little later."

"Thanks Beautiful."

I really hated keeping Bella waiting but I didn't have much choice after the board threw together some last minute half-assed meeting that every member was required to attend. I was sitting through a bunch of crap that they found urgent enough to have to handle before the holiday even-though it certainly wasn't and even if it had been we were on skeleton crew at the firm until Tuesday due to the holiday so there was literally nothing we could do about anything anyway.

"All the reservations are good for you and Bella to arrive a little later then the usual check-in."I glanced down at my cellphone with Carmen's message about Bella and I's hotel room. At least something was going according to plan today. I typed up a thank-you before telling her to enjoy the weekend. My entire staff was either off or working from home today as work-family balance was a big deal to me and I worked hard to make sure all of my employees had personal time with their loved ones.

"Edward, what do you think?" I put my phone down on the table and leaned back before looking at Caius as well as glancing at everyone else in the room.

"Do you want my honest opinion?" I heard more then a couple people chuckle but I dutifully ignored them all as the only opinions that held any weight were Aro, Marcus, and Caius; my bosses.

"We wouldn't ask if we didn't."

"Well then I think all of this is a complete waste of time, and I don't just mean today with this whole unnecessary meeting."

"By the time the entire firm is back from the holiday break we will be into December. The last month of the fiscal year. I would say this is all very necessary." Aro chuckled in his usual friendly way as he made his point.

"And if this was an idea that had any sort of merit then I would completely agree with you but since it doesn't, I don't." I saw a few other members glance at each-other in unease while I rolled my eyes at them. I didn't make a point of openly disagreeing with the heads of our firm but it wasn't unheard of either. Not a single person here hasn't heard me argue with someone else at one point or another, it's just who I am. I spend a great deal of time researching every little thing brought under my window of responsibility. Research I do long before forming opinions so as to not speak out of my ass. As a result of my efforts once a situation is in front of me I make a point of being quite honest, brutally if necessary. I don't do it lightly or to offend anyone. I do it because I have to.

"Is this due to our slightly strenuous relationship?" James spoke in his usual cocky tone but I ignored him as I spoke with the ACTUAL board members and not assholes riding the coat-tails of their daddy's name.

"For one as soon as we had none members attending this meeting I knew it was a waste of our time. For another considering this is about adding a position onto the board that neither exists nor needs to exist just further illustrates how non-priority this is."

"Edward, Edward, Edward..." James spoke in a condescending sing song tone as he interrupted me yet again. I've had to endure him enough at this point. I quit speaking and angled my chair to look him dead in the face as he sat a few seats down from me. I sat relaxed with one arm laid out on the arm rest and the other raised up while I held a fist to help hold myself back from really giving him a piece of my mind. My posture was confident but far from friendly as I waited for him to shut up and give me his undivided attention, as everyone else already had. "What?"

"Oh were you done speaking? I wasn't sure as you've said absolutely nothing significant, nothing but school yard comments aimed to unnerve me." His jaw flexed but I remained calm. "And since you found those childish comments important enough to interrupt a senior board member, a senior member on the board you are supposedly trying to sell yourself into, I figured maybe you actually had a point to make. A point that wasn't showing us all just how problematic you are, not to mention childish and disrespectful."

Without giving him any more of my time I turned back to the board leaders. "As I was saying before I was interrupted. It is my job to advise this firm on anything and everything that will help us succeed legally and above board for anything that could potentially be legally ambiguous or problematic."

"We all know your opinion on these things." Marcus spoke sympathetically.

"No, I really don't think you do. Did you know that major divisions whether law enforcement, hospitals, government, law-firms, etc... all use consultants. And are you aware that any and all cases where consultants are prime sources, experts, or witnesses to anything the opposition often calls the entire circumstance into question?"

The whole board looked at each-other so I took this as the chink I needed to get my point across. "When this happens the cases are about 30% more likely to be thrown out and about 60% more likely to require that much more red tape to be used to get everything on our side." I saw even Caius look concerned by my statement. "All of this costs time and money and stress on both our attorneys and our clients." I turned the binder we each had to a certain page and the rest followed suit, everyone except James that is, who sat there eyeing me with hatred. I showed the quick graphs I'd put together this morning when I'd found out about this meeting. "The fact of the matter is that this is a route that is at the very best risky, and at worst just plain stupid, and the chance of getting any shred of return on the risk is next to nothing. We already have the best of the best defense attorneys, trial experts, PR experts, not to mention any other needs our team has. We don't need this headache and we sure as hell don't need the expense."

…...

"Fuck I'm late." I was in my office and glanced at my watch as I quickly pulled my suit jacket back on after putting all my files away, since I didn't have my assistants to handle it for me. I'd come up to my office to put everything away and change my shirt for the trip. As I walked to the elevator my phone chimed confirming the new meeting to resolve today's questions. It was scheduled for next Thursday... Shocker... Nothing would be resolved today. I rolled my eyes as the elevator doors opened at the lobby. I had just dialed Bella's number when I heard a phone ringing towards the front of me. I turned towards the sound and saw Bella waiting patiently on one of the couches with a book in hand. I smiled as she picked up the phone, answering my call as she hadn't seen me yet.

"Hi." I saw her smile as she answered the call from me.

"Hey beautiful." I spoke to her directly and she looked up from where she was sitting and gave me a large smile.

"Hi." God that smile... I reached for her and she held my hand as she stood up. I had to lean down farther then usual to kiss her and I noticed she wasn't wearing heels today as she normally did. I found I actually really liked the difference, though I didn't know why.

"I'm sorry I'm running so late." She shook her head while keeping her large smile.

"It's okay. We still have time."

"What are you doing here?" We had planned for me to pick her up at her place to keep the parking situation easy.

"I thought this would be faster once you got done with everything you needed to do so Angela dropped me off." She gestured to her suitcases next to where she'd been sitting. I frowned and looked down at my watch again.

"How long have you been waiting?" I looked up when she didn't answer right away.

"Not long." I held her chin to prevent her reflex of looking away from me.

"Bella."

She heavy sighed before leaning up to wrap her arms around my neck. "Not long, I promise. Maybe an hour or so."

"Baby you should have told me." Now I really felt like shit.

"Why? There wasn't anything you could do about it. You were already hurrying and I didn't want to rush you."

I leaned my head down and held her around her middle while her arms stayed around my neck. "I love you beautiful, and again I'm sorry for the wait."

"I love you too." She raised herself up and kissed my cheek making me chuckle.

…...

"It really is beautiful here." I couldn't believe I'd never been to this part of my home state before. It was so green, a million different shades of the color combined to make an amazing landscape.

"You like it?" I glanced over at Bella in the passenger side of the car. Her smile was adorable but nervous.

"Of course I do. I see now why that one picture in my house always has your attention." I laughed and she joined in.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive part of the way?" Bella had offered to drive from the start since obviously she knew the route better then I did but I enjoyed driving and always have. Plus this way I got to enjoy the hot navigator in the seat next to mine.

"I already told you, I don't mind."

"But I know the way."

"True, but I like serving you beautiful."

"So you're my chauffeur now?"

I had to laugh at the challenge in her voice as I turned off the road into a gas station. I parked at the pump before turning to her with a smile."I'm whatever you wish of me sweetheart." I leaned in to kiss her really fast before stepping out of the car to start the pump then going inside to use the restroom and buy us a couple of drinks. We were in Port Angeles and really close to the hotel I'd booked which was right off the main road so the check-in wouldn't delay us much in getting to her parents house.

As I came back out I was greeted with the sight of Bella out of the car and hugging some guy as they stood outside her car door. A very young and muscular man at that. Before my jealousy had a chance to cause me to make an ass of myself, Bella spotted me and her smile lit up. One of the few things to put reason back into me.

"Edward!" She reached for me as I stepped closer and as soon as I was within her grasp her arms wrapped along my middle angling us so that I was forced to look directly at her 'friend'. He was tall, towering over her but still slightly shorter then me. He had dark hair and skin that showed he was clearly one of her reservation friends she spoke highly of. I really hoped this wasn't her ex. He looked young but then again so did Bella, and I never caught how old Jacob was.

"Seth, this is my boyfriend Edward. Edward this is Seth, a friend of mine as well as Angela's biggest fan." She winked at him as he rolled his eyes while laughing. Bella stayed wrapped around my middle and my right arm rubbed her side as she laughed with him.

Far more relieved then I should have been to not hear the name Jacob I reached out my left hand to shake Seth's as my right was still around Bella. He took it in good spirit and I couldn't deny he had a kind energy about him, reminding me of Alice.

"It's nice to meet you Edward. You have a great girl there." I smiled before leaning down to kiss said girl on the head.

"That I do. How exactly do you two know each-other?" I brought my left hand up to stroke Bella's face causing her to glance up at me with a cute smile.

"Do you remember Leah? From my birthday?"

"A little bit." I hadn't interacted with her much but I knew Bella was very fond of her and talked about her a lot.

"Seth is her baby brother."

"Hey... I'm no baby." He crossed his arms over his chest making Bella laugh more.

"You'll always be a baby to me Seth."

"I'm 17 Bells."

"Still just a baby."

"Whatever Baby red."

"Hey!" I looked at her in question of the nickname only to see her flushed face but instead of it being in embarrassment, shyness, or nerves; as I'm used to seeing in her, she actually looked quite irritated.

How the hell is she so fucking adorable even when she's annoyed?

"You started it." He laughed before turning attention back to me. "It was nice to meet you Edward. I'll catch you both at Thanksgiving?" His eyes flashed between us in question and we both nodded, Bella still with a furrowed brow. He laughed before waving us off and walking to his own car.

As soon as we sat back down in the car I handed her the soda I bought for her and waited for her to open it and take a drink. "So... baby red?"

"Uggggg." She put the drink down and covered her face with both hands, making me laugh.

"Come on, beautiful. You know I have to ask."

"No you don't." Her indignation, muffled by her hands made me smile wider. I reached for her, going behind her ear, and stroking her softly. She sighed but pulled her hands away, so she could look over at me.

"Tell me."

"When I was little, and I was first friends with Angela, she noticed I blushed pretty often."

"You don't say?" She gave a displeased expression in response to my heavy sarcasm and all I could think about was how much I love this adorable creature currently looking at me like that.

Christ, what has this woman done to me?

"Are you going to let me finish?" And there's my sexy hidden lioness underneath my sweet innocent lamb. I gestured with my hand for her to continue while keeping my grin in place. "Well she eventually mentioned that because I was so small and turned red all the time that she should call me 'baby red'. I hated it but the name stuck with me anyway thanks to Angela using it in front of everyone."

I could tell she was very passionate about this, as she shifted angrily and looked away from me. I pulled her face to me and leaned over the console to get as close as possible. "I'll never call you that beautiful." That smile of hers spread at my promise and I lifted her hand up to my lips, giving her a wink as I kissed it as charmingly as I could. She smiled wider and gave me, MY blush, the one she only gives to me."You promise?"

Like I could ever disappoint that beautiful trusting face? "I promise."

…...

"Where are we going?" We'd only been back on the road for a couple minutes before I pulled off the main road to the hotel Carmen had booked for us.

"Our hotel. We need to check in now before the office closes."

"You booked a hotel?"

"Of course." I parked and looked over at her puzzled face before smiling. "I know you said we could stay at your parents house but I thought having at least the option would be a good idea."

"What if it upsets them?" She looked slightly uncomfortable and I didn't want that. Calmly I stepped out of the car and walked to her side. After opening her door I crouched down so we were eye level.

"Baby, there's no pressure one way or the other." Her warm eyes stayed on me as I spoke. "If we end up staying with your parents that's fine with me but I felt this might be a more comfortable option."

"I always stay with them though." I smiled as I rubbed her legs.

"Do you usually stay there with a boyfriend?" She didn't answer and I knew I had her with that question. "Baby, I don't wish to insult your parents or make you feel like you have to choose where to stay." She continued to watch me and I stroked her hair behind her ear. "I just thought this would make things less awkward, for all of us."

"What do you mean?"

"Bella..." I rubbed her thighs with a couple deep strokes while I searched for the words. "...I don't like the idea of actually hitting it off with your parents and everything going really well, just for me to then tell them 'goodnight' and take you, your dad's little girl, by the hand and disappear into your bedroom for the night, closing the door behind us as I do." I gave her a pointed look as she tried to hide her smile at the picture I was painting.

A small giggle came out as she flushed a slight pink and rubbed my hands, still rested on her legs, with her own soft strokes. "I see your point. My dad will probably want to make up the couch for you." she gave another small laugh.

"No offense baby but I absolutely will not tolerate being under the same roof as you but not in the same bed." I leaned up as I spoke so that I could kiss her. "I want you in my arms tonight." I whispered the words in her ear causing her breath to catch.

"Okay."

"Okay?" I pulled back to make sure she was okay with it.

She laughed a little more carefree as she leaned in to give me another small kiss. "We'll get the hotel room."

"You're sure?"

"I don't want to make my parents uncomfortable and..." There's my blush again.

"And?" I smirked at her trying to conquer her nerves.

"...and I don't want to sleep without you either."

"Good."

…...

"Edward this is to much." We had no sooner walked into the room with our bags in my hands, that Bella was looking around with more then a small amount of unease.

"What do you mean?" I glanced around the room and it looked fairly average to me. Television, sitting area, kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom. Nothing really stood out in anyway.

"This is a suite though."

"And?" I was honestly puzzled.

"How much was it?"

"I don't know." She looked at me in confusion and I just shrugged. "I told Carmen to book us a room in this area and she handled paying for it with my card, I never even saw the price."

It was the truth.

"You never asked her how much it was?"

"No. Why would I?"

"What if it's overpriced?"

"I don't really care about that." I shrugged again and Bella rubbed her arms nervously while looking around.

I put both of our suitcases on the dresser before grabbing her hands and pulling her to my chest. I was about to say something but she spoke up before I could. "I don't want you spending this kind-of money on me. I'll pay half."

I smirked to myself at her timid ferocity. I was no novice when it came to debate though and I had more then expected Bella's hesitance to accept my paying for our room. "We already established that the hotel was my idea, Beautiful. Therefore the price is my responsibility alone." She pulled back from my chest to look up at me with a small frown, making my smile wider. I could actually see it in her eyes, the wheels turning as she tried to find a counter point to argue with me.

That's my girl.

"But coming to Forks was my idea, therefore I should pay." She looked so excited to have an argument to bring up against my own so I chuckled before leaning down to kiss her soft lips.

I do love a worthy opponent.

"That would be a very valid point, if not for the fact that you didn't exactly ask me to come to Forks now did you?" She gave a puzzled expression which made me smirk. "You simply said you wanted us to spend the holiday together, whether in Seattle or Forks. I believe I had final say as to where that would be, and I chose Forks. Again making this trip my financial responsibility."

She frowned at my inarguable statement and I just smiled back while keeping my arms wrapped around her back, my fingertips tracing her spine. She was silent for a while as she thought through my words. "I don't like arguing with a lawyer." I laughed exuberantly at her mumbled complaint complete with a gorgeous pout.

"Then don't argue with me beautiful." I wrapped my arms around her more tightly, pulling her closer. "Just give into my will." I whispered the last part into her ear and despite her best efforts to hide it, she gave a small smile.

"But I want to win." Her words were fierce but eyes playful, in spite of how uncomfortable I knew money made her. Progress for us it seems.

"And I want to woo and romance you. Do you mind?" I raised a challenging brow at her making her grin at me, while fighting laughter.

"Woo and romance?" The humor in her voice was very obvious as she repeated the words.

"Yes and frankly you are making it quite difficult." I grinned wider before leaning down to give her a much deeper kiss, in my favorite spot, her neck.

"I'm sorry." She whispered the words while I peppered kisses on her neck and shoulder as she wrapped her arms around my neck, lifting herself up to my level more.

"No you aren't." She giggled at my accusation, making me kiss her even more.

God I love that sound

"You're right. I'm not." She laughed unashamedly now.

As quickly as I could, I scooped her up making her scream and me laugh. I carried her into the bedroom and deposited her on the bed before crawling over her and kissing her fiercely.

I really do love this woman.

…...

"That's the house. The little one with the big tree out front." Bella pointed it out as I followed her directions. We were in a small neighborhood with a cluster of assorted sized family homes all of which were backed by a vast forest that went on as far as I could see. The homes certainly weren't higher end but they all seemed to fit the setting perfectly, like they were designed for the forestry.

I pulled my Mercedes up beside the curb before shutting off the engine. Both spaces in the carport were taken, indicating that her parents were home. One of the vehicles was an older mini-van while the other one was... unsurprisingly, a police cruiser.

Well it looked like Police Chief Swan was home... Fan-Fucking-Tastic. I was still taking it all in when I felt Bella intertwine her fingers with mine, making me look over at her. "What do you think?" Her blush was concentrated on her nose and cheeks just below her eyes, which indicated nervousness. I was learning to tell her blushes apart like a mood ring.

I leaned in and kissed her on the side of her mouth. "I think it looks perfect." She smiled while taking a deep breath and looking back to the house. "Are you nervous beautiful?" I laughed at her mannerisms as she was fidgeting with her hands much like she had when I'd taken her to meet my own family.

"Yes."

"Everything's going to be fine."

"How do you know?" Her sweet eyes implored me to reassure her so I leaned in to give her a small kiss.

"Well for one I'm quite charming. Who could possibly resist me?" I winked as she rolled her eyes.

"I somehow doubt your charm will work on the Chief." She smiled and I shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not. But I have a vast armory of other skills I can use to get your father under my power."

"Hmmm, sure you do..." She trailed off while shaking her head at my arrogance. I just smirked without saying a word in response. What Bella didn't realize was that I'd already accomplished what I needed. She was always so calm and relaxed when we joked with each-other and even now her tension had lightened due to my cocky words.

"Show time beautiful." I hopped out of the car before reaching her side to get the door for her. Just like when meeting my parents she hesitated to stand up so I of course bent down to comfort her. I didn't even have to think about it. Anything this woman ever needed from me I would give without question. I rested one hand on her back so I could rub her gently while the other did the same with her thigh.

"I'm being silly aren't I?" She gave a small smile making me laugh.

"Yes, you are." Her small pout made me smile wider. "However, you're incredibly sexy so you can get away with it."

"Thank-you." Only my girl would give a timid response to a statement like that.

"You really and truly are perfect, do you know that?" She blushed and smiled genuinely. I offered my hand and she took it, allowing me to pull her out of the car. We walked in silence up to her front door hand in hand, and it felt like the walk was in slow motion, with Bella moving much slower then usual. Once up to the porch she knocked on the door and took a deep breath as we waited for her parents to answer the door. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and she smiled at me just as the front door opened wide.

Standing there were Bella's parents. My eyes first went to her mother, who had opened the door, and was closest to us. She was very beautiful and was clearly the parent that Bella inherited her smile from. She was genuine and wore an honest and eager expression.

"You're both here!" Her bright energy was right on display as she spoke and immediately pulled Bella into her arms to give her a warm hug, making me smile. As soon as they broke apart her eyes went straight to me, her smile still in place. "And you must be Edward." I was about to respond and outstretch my hand in greeting but she pulled me into a hug similar to the one she'd just given her daughter.

Apparently Renee Swan is a hugger.

I glanced at Bella and she was of course dark red in response to her mother's forwardness, but trying to hide her embarrassment by keeping her face lowered and letting her hair fall loose around her sweet face. I could see a smile though, and it showed how much love Bella had for her mother.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Swan." I spoke clearly as Renee released me with her expression still the same. I pulled Bella back to me so that our chests were touching as I returned the relaxed sentiment Renee gave off. It just never feels right to not touch Bella in some way and judging by her warm hands automatically taking their place on my own body I could tell Bella felt the same. I looked at her long enough to brush her hair behind her ear, earning me a coy smile. She knew she'd been caught in her attempt to hide the flushed face, and she also knew I loved to prevent her doing so. I smiled back before returning my attention back to her mother.

"Oh, call me Renee." She waved off the formal greeting with a flick of her wrist making me chuckle.

"Renee then." I gave a nod in response to her request. I had started to loosen my hold on Bella, to a more casual embrace but felt her own hold around my middle tighten slightly. I glanced down noticing that her face was lowered again, and her shoulders hunched.

I didn't like her body language at all, because I know my girl well. She's quiet, timid, soft, and sweet, but she's never like this, almost withdrawn. I looked away from her with my eyes falling on the Chief and he didn't exactly look thrilled right now. I wouldn't say his posture was negative, per say, but it sure as hell wasn't welcoming either. He was standing stiffly, a stark contrast to the rest of our relaxed poses, and his arms were crossed while his expression said nothing at all. I take it this was the source of Bella's discomfort, considering how empathetic she always is to those around her.

"Come in out of the cold." Renee ushered us in kindly and both her and the Chief stepped back allowing Bella to slowly lead the way inside, still slightly hunched in her discomfort. Once inside I helped her to take off her jacket, using the opportunity to rub her tense shoulders in the process. As soon as I had a hold of the clothing her father reached over towards me to wordlessly take it himself. I gave it up easily, returning my attention to Bella and continuing rubbing her arms to try and pull a positive reaction from her.

She gave me a small smile which I returned happily before leaning in to kiss her really quick on the side of her mouth. This of course turned her bright red and I saw her eyes flick towards her parents or maybe just to her dad. My own eyes stayed on her though, moving my fingers to her chin so she'd see the concern I had for her. I heard a grunt, figuring that was her father illustrating his disapproval of the contact between me and his daughter, not that it affected me in the least. Maybe my lack of concern for him makes me an ass but I didn't particularly care if it did. I have never cared who's around me when I'm kissing or touching this amazing woman, and I never fucking will. I only care that I'm lucky enough to do so.

The tension was palpable in the small foyer as we all stood politely, Bella still by my side with me rubbing her shoulder continuously in comfort. She continued to avoid everyone's eyes, and her father wore an expression both neutral and displeased simultaneously. It was an expression I wouldn't have thought possible to have, though it seemed right at home on him. Renee however seemed happy and excited with everything so I kept my focus politely on her to ward off my annoyance of the situation.

"Edward this is Bella's father, Charlie." Renee sweetly introduced her husband who's only response was to frown slightly at the introduction.

"Charlie, it's nice to finally meet you." I held my available hand out to shake his while still holding Bella with my left.

"Chief Swan." He corrected me firmly and I refrained from rolling my eyes but instead smiled as we stiffly shook hands. I could see Renee reflecting my own thoughts as she actually did roll her eyes at her husbands cold greeting.

"Of course. Chief Swan then." She mentioned that dinner was almost ready and she hauled her unenthusiastic husband into the kitchen with her under the illusion of finishing things up, which gave Bella and I a moment alone. A moment that Bella seemed to really need.

"Baby are you okay?" I lifted her chin so she couldn't look away from me. Her eyes were moist but no tears had fallen. I immediately felt even more annoyance towards her father. His cold demeanor was upsetting her, therefore pissing me right the fuck off.

"Yeah, I'm just not used to this." She forced a smile as she reached for my hands on her neck and held them to her warmly.

"Not used to what? Boyfriends in your parents house? Awkward silences?All this tension that nobody wants to address." I smirked at her as she gave me a small smile.

"You didn't have to kiss me right in front of my dad, you know."

Oh yes I sure as hell did.

...Not that I was going to say that out loud.

"You told me I could." I smiled at her timid face.

"I know but..." She trailed off and my smile grew.

"Do you want me to avoid kissing you beautiful?" I wrapped my arms around her waist and quickly pulled her to me so our chests were touching. Her hands went to my shoulders where they lingered as I ghosted my lips over hers, careful to avoid actually touching our lips together. "Is that what you REALLY want?" I smiled when her breath ever so lightly caught in her throat.

"No." Her response was so quiet I almost couldn't hear her.

"No what beautiful?" I had to ask with challenge in my voice, brushing my lips so softly over her own. I love getting Bella to tell me what she really wants. Its incredibly hot every time she does.

"No I don't want you to avoid kissing me. I never want that." I could hear so much sadness in her voice, and I needed to change that right the fuck now. There was so much more unhappiness in her right now then I would ever be willing to tolerate.

I held her up so that those gorgeous pools of chocolate could look into my own eyes. "Baby, then why complain?" I kissed her tenderly for a few moments before I pulled away to stroke her chin and watch her face. "I will always kiss you beautiful. I will always touch you, absolutely always. Is that clear?" I starred her down and I saw a small smile break through her lips.

"I just don't know what to do to make all of this okay." She confessed the insecurity almost like she was was ashamed.

"Hey." I made sure she kept her eyes on me as I spoke. "It's you and me beautiful, together understood? Us against the world." She smiled at my firm statement. "I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere."

…...

I followed Bella's lead as we entered into the kitchen after her parents. I looked around and it was a cozy bright space. Very small with minimal cabinetry and counter-top space and only a small eat in table with 3 chairs pushed up next to the only window in the room. There was a makeshift long folding table on the one free wall next to the wrap-around kitchen, obviously used as a permanent fixture as it held a coffee maker with mugs, a microwave, and a toolbox. There were also some potted plants littering the space as well as some remarkably large intricate pottery pieces that looked both at home and out of place here. Overall the space was quite 'lived in' and homey. Chief Swan sat at the table leaning towards where Renee stood at the counters on the opposite side of the space. The walls were painted a soft pale blue with all the cabinetry painted a bright yellow in contrast. I almost smiled at the thought of my mother seeing such a thing. There was no shade of white the woman didn't love, and no amount of bold color she found acceptable when it came to design. I liked this room though, it was friendly and kind, clearly a reflection of the mom that resided here. Renee turned around from the stove to give a smile to us as she stirred something on the stove and messed with the settings.

I held out a chair for Bella, the one next to her father, and she sat down while giving me a warm smile. Just as I sat down myself she turned to her mom and asked to help her. Renee waved off the assistance, which I knew Bella would ignore. She didn't disappoint and immediately stood up to help anyway. I smiled at her back as she started to wordlessly help with pulling things from the fridge and grabbing plates.

Despite the small room that the four of us were sharing the amount of things in the space gave a room separation that was quite obvious as I sat with him and they worked together in the kitchen. I couldn't even hear what the two of them were saying to one another, meaning they also wouldn't be able to hear a word from our own conversation. A conversation I was sure would be tense.

"How long have you been seeing my daughter?" I turned my gaze to him after he spoke. His posture was focused but calm. Having the 'home field' advantage obviously putting him at ease. I smiled at the question before leaning back to reflect his posture. I was never one to feel intimidation and I was happy to show him that.

"A couple months officially, but we met awhile before that, forming a friendship." His only response was to frown ever so slightly, with a small twitch of his mustache. His gaze flashed to them before returning to me.

"That isn't very long."

"No it isn't." I wasn't sure where he was going with the statement so I wasn't going to give anything away that he didn't specifically ask for.

"How old are you?"

Oh this should be fun.

"I'm 35." Whatever armor he had up definitely caved a bit at that answer and I saw his jaw tighten.

"My daughter is only 21." I didn't miss that he threw in the word 'only' just for good measure.

"Yes and ONLY 20 when we first met and started dating." I refrained from smiling as I responded with my slightly smart-ass statement.

"Doesn't the age difference concern you?"

"No." Clearly my response irritated him. I wasn't really sure whether it was the answer itself that did so or the fact that I was giving him such short responses, though truthfully I couldn't bring myself to care either way.

"14 years is a lot."

"I disagree."

"Really?" The skepticism was heavy in his voice, as was the irritation. I looked over to Bella in the kitchen as she smiled at something her mother whispered to her. Her eyes went to me and I winked causing an immediate blush as she looked away.

"Her age means nothing to me." I kept my eyes on her as I spoke, so I had no idea what his silent response was to that.

"You're ONLY 5 years younger then me."

Well I certainly caught that 'ONLY' thrown into the statement.

"Your point, Chief Swan?"I looked at him coldly but his face revealed nothing outside the storm in his eyes. We just watched each-other for a moment, neither giving in to the tension of the 'age issue'.

"So you're divorced."

My eyes zeroed in on his at the subject change. "I am."

"How long ago." His expression was calm again, giving nothing away.

"How long ago for what? The marriage or the divorce?" Again his jaw flexed, clearly not liking how unfazed I was.

"Both."

"I met Tanya when I was 27, about 8 years ago. We married a year later. Our separation happened three years ago with our divorce finalized for about a year now." He seemed surprised by the amount of information I gave him, perhaps noticing that I volunteered a lot more information when the subject wasn't Bella.

"Who asked for the separation and the divorce?" I smiled at the question, finally understanding where this conversation was headed. So few people would ask such a thing from anyone, probably always assuming the divorces were essentially mutual. Charlie clearly suspects otherwise in my case and it's obvious who he assumes wanted the marriage absolved.

"I did." He was very much unsurprised as well as unimpressed with my defiantly clear response.

"Was it a difficult thing to do?"

"Very much so, though not in the way you're referring. That was quite easy." My answer obviously confused him, though if he wanted clarification he was going to have to ask me for it.

"Dinner's ready." I looked up with a casual smile at Bella who held a couple bowls of what I assumed was a salad of some kind. She placed them both on the table in front of us before biting her lip and pushing her hair behind her ears. Her mother came up behind her with two more bowls and a slight frown.

"Maybe I should have made something easier to eat in the living room. I don't think we have another chair." She glanced around the space with a contemplative look on her face.

"It's okay Renee, Bella and I can share." I grabbed her hand and brought her to my lap quickly, causing a small squeak to escape, making me chuckle at the sound.

"Edward." Bella scolded me slightly while casting quick nervous glances between her parents and me. All I could do in response was offer a shrug to her disapproving and gorgeous face. She told me we could still kiss and touch one another so I felt absolutely no need to act any differently with her here then I would anywhere else.

"We have a few chairs in the garage." Her father stood up stiffly before disappearing from the room as quickly as he could. Renee took his now vacated seat while shaking her head at her husband's retreating form.

"I hope Charlie hasn't been an ass to you." She smiled playfully, making me laugh and Bella hold her face in embarrassment.

"Nothing was said that I couldn't handle, I assure you."

"What did he say?" Bella turned her eyes to me and softly held my face so she could see me. I grabbed the hand that she delicately held me with and brought her palm to my lips, trailing down to her wrist before giving her a warm smile.

"He just asked a couple simple questions beautiful. It wasn't anything hard to answer." She looked like she wanted to push for details but her Dad re-entered the room with an extra dining table, effectively closing the topic, at least for now. Wordlessly I helped him to pull the table away from the window so that there would be a seat all around for each of us.

The salads were eaten in a stiff silence that I was sure everyone felt. I sat across from Charlie with Bella and Renee on either side of both of us. As soon as the salads were finished Renee brought over the main course of chicken noodle soup.

I chose the opportunity to ease the tension in the room by complimenting Renee's cooking. She immediately blushed at my praise making me look over to Bella with a knowing smirk. Not only did Renee's blush look just like Bella's but her reaction related to my attention brought back the memory of Bella and I's conversation regarding how her mother responded to a picture of me in which Bella had concluded Renee had more then a slight appreciation for my looks. As soon as Bella and I's eyes met she started giggling though she tried to hide it behind her hand. I myself also struggled not to laugh at the inside joke between us that the other two looked quite confused by.

Fortunately Renee decided to skip over the humor so that she could converse politely with me. "So Edward. How exactly did you and Bella meet."

"Did Bella not tell you that?" Bella shrugged when I glanced at her but Renee just gave an easy laugh, bringing my attention back to her.

"She did but I wanted to hear it from your point of view."

"Ahhh. I see." I laughed at Renee's curiosity. "Well Lizzie and I went to the meet and greet night so we could introduce ourselves to her new teacher." I looked at Bella who was watching me with a kind smile as I spoke. "We walked into that classroom and there was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen." I gave a playful eyebrow raise to Bella making her blush while her eyes shifted between all of us. I avoided the Chief as I relayed the story as it wasn't something he would appreciate and it certainly wasn't a story who's memory I wanted sullied by whatever reaction he had to it.

"Such a charmer." Renee smiled while I shrugged my shoulder innocently.

"That he was." Bella spoke softly, earning a smile from her mom.

"We weren't able to talk much personally at the time but I learned a few things about her that immediately had my full attention."

"Such as..." Renee was hanging onto every word and I had to laugh at how much of a romantic she was.

"Well Lizzie really struggled with hand-writing at the time as she's never been the most patient child." I laughed remembering all her frustrated groans when it was time to practice her penmanship. "I barely mentioned the struggle to Bella who immediately halted our conversation to walk over and talk to Lizzie, one-on-one. In just a short span of maybe 2 minutes Bella listened to Lizzie and instantly had a solution. She gave her a small green scrunchy to hold and coached her on the proper way to hold a pencil to make writing the easiest." I smiled to myself at the memory of just how transfixed I'd been with Bella in that moment.

"Immediately Lizzie was doing better and got so excited because of it. Bella came back to me and without a second thought she gave me a few more of the special pencils and scrunchies so that I could help Lizzie at home myself as well. I didn't even have to ask, she just wanted to help." Bella was really red now as I told the story with such detail to her mom. I reached over to stroke her cheek softly for a moment, earning me another shy smile. "Needless to say, I was enthralled with Bella from the very start." Renee gave a wide smile at my bold confession, that was nothing but the truth.

"Bella has always had a way with children. Even when she was a little girl herself and would help me at the day care, she was so patient and kind to all the younger kids, no matter how upset they were." Renee spoke proudly as she glanced back to Bella who was holding my hand now in both of hers, rested on the table.

"That she does, my little girl has never taken to anyone as fast as she did to Bella. It was an amazing sight. Still is." I leaned in to kiss Bella's temple, just making her redder, but of course cuter.

I could tell the attention was getting to Bella so I tried to change the subject. "A couple weeks later a situation happened in which Bella needed to call me personally and long story short... The rest as they say is history."

"Oh come on. That part of the story sounds juicy. You can't give us more?"

"Mom, you're embarrassing me." Bella released my hand and hid her face instead.

"When did you ask her out? How did you ask her out? How was the first date? Where all did the two of you go?"

"One question at a time." I laughed while holding my hands up in a 'stop' fashion.

"Mom..."

"Okay. Start with when you asked her out?" Renee spoke, cutting Bella off quickly.

The memory of Lizzie breaking that initial ice made me smile. "Actually on I believe our third interaction at the school Lizzie actually asked her out for me."

"Really?" Renee was intrigued.

"Yes it was after the first Art class. I was picking Lizzie up and it was just the three of us in the class. Lizzie asked Bella to come to dinner with us, and she said yes so we ended up spending a couple hours talking at the restaurant while Lizzie drew."

"I thought Bella said your first date was in Victoria?

"Our official one with just her and I yes. I wanted to give her something different. I picked her up early in the morning and dropped her back off late that night."

"Wasn't that in October?"

"Yes it was."

"Quite a bit of a break between the diner and October." Charlie spoke up now, having put together the gap in time between the 'dates'.

"I suppose."

"Why the delay then?" As I watched Charlie leaning back I realized he expected me to dodge the question.

"During the outing with Lizzie, Bella and I talked about our own careers and schooling in which I learned she graduated high school at 16 and is in her first year of teaching. After putting together the pieces I asked for her age. After hearing that she was 20, I stepped back." I kept my expressionless face on him to let him know I wasn't intimidated by the atmosphere and I also wasn't willing to cower or lie about it.

"So her age concerned you?"

"No." I'd had more then enough time to sort out what my feelings were after Bella's big reveal. It had never been as simple as her age, or mine for that matter. The 14-15 years was never really the cause of my concern.

"Then what did you mean by stepping back?"

"Chief Swan, with all due respect I don't think that's something for you to ask nor for me to discuss with you. The intricacies of Bella and I's relationship and how it began is between her and I. Frankly I'm a private man and I don't really enjoy sharing my romantic relationships with anyone outside of my partner." I worded the statement as politely as I could without bluntly stating that I found his questions inappropriately invasive. Truthfully I wanted to tell him it wasn't any of his damn business but I'd already made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to make this easy for Bella.

Of course that is proving to be much harder then I imagined. As smart and focused as I try to be, I'm also hot-headed and have zero problem with giving people a piece of my mind. One hand was rested on the table and I felt Bella reach over to rest hers over mine. I intertwined our fingers but kept my eyes on her father. I knew he was 'feeling me out' to get an idea of what type of person I am but at this point the only information he's seeking or even acknowledging in this whole conversation are things that seemingly back-up the opinion he's already drawn of me. He's not interested in the truth of me or my genuine care of his daughter. The man doesn't like me, plain and simple, and he's only asking for details that can help justify that.

"I see." A two word sentence full of hidden meaning that I didn't like. I frowned while fighting narrowing my eyes at him.

"Ummm, how about you tell us about what you do?" Bless Renee trying to ease the tension between him and me. I felt bad for her as none of this was her fault but I also got the distinct feeling that the night was only going to get worse.

…...

"Seems pretty incredible to already be CLO at your age Edward. Whenever I think of 'board members' I picture a bunch of old guys." I laughed at Renee's expression after I told her about my law degrees and title at the firm.

"Well I've only been doing it for a few years now so it still feels slightly surreal at times." I noticed Charlie shift slightly as I spoke but I ignored him. He'd been silent during most of my chat with Renee with only a slight comment here and there. Most comments had just been a few words but all had been placed at points to articulate his disapproval...

-My graduating year of high school- "Hmm"

-My brief family history- "Wealthy family huh?"

-My Ivy-league school- "Must be nice."

-My acceptance at the top law firm in the state- "Good connections?"

"My position at the firm."-"Awfully young for that aren't you?"...

...Needless to say Charlie's opinion of me clearly wasn't improving but in all fairness mine of him certainly wasn't either. If anything I was liking the man less and less as the night continued.

"So the promotion happened right around the time of your separation?" Charlie asked the question now but before I could respond Renee spoke up.

"I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like a really difficult time, all when you should have been celebrating all your hard work paying off." Her expression was genuine and Bella leaned her head on my shoulder in agreement with her mother. I kissed the top of her hair before speaking again.

"It was for the best in the end. If I'd gotten the position before the separation I know the divorce would have taken even longer." I was perfectly aware of just how cold I sounded but I usually did when speaking about Tanya.

"Really?" Renee looked puzzled.

"Well the separation was a legal one not just verbal."

"Still not following." Renee shrugged at her own confusion.

"Well when a couple separates legally everything from that point on is considered individual property and earnings. So the pay raise, signing bonus, and such were mine and she couldn't try to drag those into the splitting of communal property."

"Ahhh. That makes sense then. I take it the divorce was touchy with the topic of money?"

"Oh yes. Fortunately most of the hassle was her and her attorneys filing appeals after appeals for various reasons. She never really had a chance at any of my money of course but that didn't mean she didn't try."

"Why's that?" Charlie again...

"Prenuptial agreement keeping everything separate. No exceptions, ironclad."

"You know I've never really understood how prenups work. Granted that might be because I've never known someone who had one." Renee gave a small awkward chuckle and I smiled soothingly.

"Given my family's wealth, power, as well as my own finances it was practical to get one when Tanya and I got engaged."

"So it was a matter of trust?" Again Charlie spoke and I really wanted off this topic yet somehow I got the feeling we were on the exact topic the chief wanted.

"It was simply a matter of being prepared." My tone illustrated finality and that was very obvious, at least to me.

"A lot of couples don't need need things like prenups." I gave him a look that I was sure showed my displeasure at his words.

"Dad..." Bella scolded her father softly so I rubbed her hand soothingly before speaking.

"And many people also regret having not had one." I rose an eyebrow at him in challenge, daring him to disagree with me.

"So you don't feel that it's possible to completely trust your partner enough not to need something like that in writing?"

I couldn't help it as I laughed out my frustration. "Chief Swan, with all due respect you don't know me or my life experiences. One thing you should know though is that I'm not afraid to state whats on my mind or answer with the truth, regardless of the situation. So by all means speak your mind and tell me what you REALLY want to ask."

He took a deep breath while keeping his eyes on my own."Look Edward..." For some reason him saying my name like that pissed me off and the grasp I was holding on my temper loosened that much more. His words came out condescending, like I was a child being lectured by a parent and I wasn't even remotely going to put up with it.

"Chief Swan... may I make a request?" I cut him off while doing everything in my power to keep my voice from rising and showing my frustration. He watched me with a flick of tension in his jaw but gave no words to answer the question so I just continued. "You have made a point to mention how close in age you and I are with regards to my relationship with Bella." I felt Bella shift uncomfortably, probably due to her now realizing Charlie had asked me my age when she wasn't there to hear it. "However you have also questioned personal decisions I've made like I'm a child." Now he really looked irritated with me and I felt Bella rub my arm though I didn't know if she was trying to soothe me or stop me at this point. "I need you to pick a perspective. Am I to old for your daughter or am I to young?"

There was complete silence so I pressed on like none of us noticed that. "If that is indeed how you feel, that you and I are essentially the same age, then I see no point in my speaking to you from one position of power while you speak to me in a completely different way." He seemed confused by my words so I chose to clarify. "...You have requested that I address you in a formal manner, as Chief Swan, and I have happily respected your wish..." I took a breath trying to stabilize my own anger at how this man has tried to belittle me... "...However if that is what you want I must request that you address me in the same formal manner. Mr. Cullen works fine for me."

I felt Bella's eyes on me while Renee's eyes darted between all three of us. I knew I should feel at least a bit of something... guilt, unease, sadness, regret... but I just couldn't. I wasn't wired to feel empathy towards others that didn't exactly deserve it. I wasn't the kind gentle soul Bella was and I had thick defenses programmed to keep me strong and detached when needed.

RING, RING, RING

And just like that my phone started ringing and the volume felt magnified in the face of the awkwardness. "Excuse me I need to take this." I stood up fluidly and walked out of the room without another word.

END NOTES:

- SO SORRY FOR THE LATE CHAPTER! So much crap going on in real life. Ugggg. Stupid reality.

-More money issues. While most people live at least partially paycheck to paycheck and need prices on extras some people really don't and probably never check a price tag. Lol. Edward is one of those people. Lucky bastard. Ha-Ha

- I hope nobody judges Bella's behavior harshly. I know she can be overly timid and soft, quick to tears and such. Just bear in mind that there are so many personalities out there and hers is one of the countless. I have considered many times writing her in a more 'normal' way but its never felt right from the ideas I had in my mind. Truthfully myself I'm way more like Edward. I'm quick to defend myself to anyone, regardless of their position so it's actually a lot of fun for me to write an individual so different from myself.

- EDWARD, EDWARD, EDWARD... Who thinks he was out of line? Who thinks what he said needed to be said? Lol. This was a hard scene to write because I wanted to be true to both Charlie and Edward. They may be different but they both tend to get their point across, one way or another.

-REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW