754Here it is, the big kahuna, the final chapter. Enjoy, my loves, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Chapter 6:
Charlie Swan was already exhausted, and the holidays hadn't even started.
As mayor of Forks, his job was mostly ceremonial. Show up for the photo ops, listen to complaints every Tuesday for two hours, and every Thanksgiving, select the ceremonial turkey from the farm north of town. Charlie did these duties without much fuss, even though most of it was rather asinine.
But right now, there was nowhere he'd rather be than listening to Mrs. Cope complain again about how her lawn gnomes didn't have enough of a view from her porch. What she expected Charlie to do about it, he had no idea, but she'd been issuing the same complaint for a year now.
For as busy as work could get around Thanksgiving, it was nothing compared to the complete chaos of his house.
Renée had been cooking all week, barking orders to no one as she dashed about the kitchen, checking and rechecking her lists.
Kate had been over nearly every day as well, helping to get things ready. Between the two of them, Charlie had a list as long as his arm of chores to accomplish before the rest of the family arrived in town. Renée wasn't giving him a single moment of rest, and it was driving him completely up the wall.
So he did the only reasonable thing he could think of.
He called Bella.
"Dad?"
Wherever his youngest was, it sounded busy.
"Hey, Bells," he said, realizing only now how little they spoke on the phone.
"What's up?"
Charlie sighed and looked up from the garage where he was pretending to fix a table Renée had been yelling about all morning. "I was just, uh…" he cleared his throat. "Say, you're not coming to Thanksgiving by any chance, are you?"
His daughter snorted. "Despite my better judgment, we'll be there."
Charlie frowned when he thought about Edward. He wasn't a bad guy, but Charlie had been subjected to already too much of their sex life. It forever tainted how he saw Edward.
"When do you think you'll get into town?"
Bella was quiet for a moment, and Charlie felt his shoulders start to slump. This had been a dumb idea, and on top of dumb, it had been stupid. Bella of all his children would never—
"Are you asking me to come early and distract mom from the list of chores she's throwing at you?"
Charlie sputtered, sitting at his workbench, phone slack in his hand. "H-how did you know?"
Bella snorted. "It's the same every year, dad." She snickered. "Hold on dad." He heard her move away from the phone, and he knew by her muffled voice she was likely speaking to Edward. "Dad?" She asked, coming back a moment later.
"Yeah?"
"We can be there in about four hours."
Charlie's relief was immediate. "Thanks, Bells. Let me know if I can pay for your gas or something."
Bella chuckled. "We'll be fine on gas. Just see if you can secure us two rooms at the motel, will you?"
Charlie frowned. Did Bella and Edward sleep in different rooms? The thought made him like the boy just a little more.
"You got it Bells. See you soon."
They hung up, and Charlie was so relieved, he grabbed his keys. He didn't bother letting his wife know he was going. Likely, she wouldn't notice.
Charlie climbed into his truck, lighter than he'd felt all week.
…
It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and everything in Renée's house was an absolute disaster.
"Everything needs to be cleaned!" she shrieked to no one in particular. Her husband had resorted to hiding in the garage this week, and while she could have used his help, mostly she was glad he was out of the way and not making more messes.
Kate was due over after work to help polish silverware, but until then, Renée was on her own.
She couldn't believe her luck, getting all her children home for Thanksgiving two years in a row. This year was special, and Renée knew that everything had to be absolutely perfect.
Renée coped with the stress by making lists. She had lists of things that needed to be cleaned, pruned, polished, cooked, prepped, and washed. She even had a master list that encompassed all others. She wasn't going to leave anything to chance.
She heard the front door open while she was on her hands and knees, cleaning the baseboards.
"Charlie?" her voice was shrill as she shouted his name.
"No, mom. It's me." Kate appeared, unwinding a scarf from around her neck.
"Oh, Katie honey. Thank you for coming. The silverware is in the dining room."
Kate's eyes swept her mother before she nodded and headed through the kitchen. Renée went back to scrubbing.
A few minutes later, she heard the door open again.
"Honest to go, Charlie. What the hell could you be doing out there? Don't you know I could use your help? Or do you want our children to think our lives have gone to shit without them around?"
Renée stood, intent on chasing down her husband and nagging him into doing chores, but she stopped short when she saw Bella and the Cullens at the door.
"B-Bella!" Renée stuttered, stunned.
"Hey mom," Bella said, unbuttoning her coat. "You remember Carlisle and Esme, right?"
The Cullens were beaming behind Bella as they too shed coats. Renée was struck absolutely mute.
Beside her daughter, Edward cleared his throat. "It's lovely to see you again, Mrs. Swan. This is for you." He held out a bottle of wine and Renée took it reflexively.
"Thank you," she wheezed. Then she realized what she was wearing. Torn leggings and one of Charlie's old shirts. Her hair hadn't been washed and was in a rat's nest of a bun on the top of her head. "Oh god, please excuse me!" she squeaked before sprinting for the stairs.
Bella watched her mother run away, amused. "This was totally worth coming early," Bella whispered to Edward. He rolled his eyes at her as she led the Cullens into the house.
"You two don't have to stay and do chores," Bella said, turning to Carlisle and Esme. "The room should be ready if you want to go relax."
"Nonsense, darling. We're here to help," Esme said with a shake of her head.
Bella nodded. "Well, knowing my mom there is a list with lists on it of things to get done."
She headed toward the dining room where she was surprised to see Kate polishing silver. "Hey, Katie."
Kate looked up in surprise. "Bella! Edward! What are you two doing here so early?"
She dropped the silverware and stood, pulling Bella into a hug.
"Oh, you know," Bella said with a noncommittal shrug. "I assumed mom would be driving everyone up the wall at this point and we got into town early."
Kate looked past Bella toward the Cullens.
"Darling, I don't think we got to meet you properly at your lovely wedding. I'm Esme, and this is my husband, Carlisle. We are Edward's parents, and one day, Bella's in-laws," Esme said, winking at the couple. Edward frowned at his mother, but Bella just smirked.
"In-laws?" Kate asked, pulling back from Esme's abrupt hug.
"We're not engaged," Edward said, shaking his head slightly.
"Pish posh. We all know it's just a formality. Bella is family now, which makes all of you family too," Esme said, smiling at Kate.
Bella was amused by the overwhelmed look on her sister's face.
"Where is mom's list?" Bella asked, trying to push her sister into focusing. Kate blinked, then looked around the dining room.
"Oh, it's… uh. Kitchen."
Bella nodded and headed back in that direction while Esme settled at the table to help Kate with the silver. Carlisle and Edward followed Bella, waiting for instruction.
"Hm, let's see," Bella said, finding the list and peering over it. "Carlisle, are you feeling like you want to be inside or outside?"
"Outside is fine," he said, shrugging one shoulder.
"Here is my mom's outdoors list. Please don't feel like you have to do it all. Just pick the good jobs out and we'll leave the rest for my dad." She handed him a list and he smirked at her before looking it over.
"Your mother is very thorough," he observed.
Bella rolled her eyes.
"You have no idea."
"I'll help you, dad," Edward offered. Carlisle nodded, and Bella took them out to the garage where the tools were kept. Once they were busy at work, Bella headed back into the house, only to run into her mother.
"Hey, mom."
Renée had a full face of makeup, her hair had been brushed, fluffed, and sprayed down with dry shampoo. She was now dressed in a blouse and skirt, and an honest to god strand of pearls was around her neck.
"Expecting the Queen?" Bella asked dryly.
"Isabella," she hissed. "How wonderful to have you home so early," she said, her voice a little louder than necessary.
Bella sighed. "Esme is helping Kate, and Edward and his dad are outside," she provided.
Immediately, Renée changed.
"How dare you show up early and not let me know you were bringing company," she hissed. "I've never been mortified in my life."
Bella rolled her eyes.
"There is still plenty of time in your life to have a more mortifying experience, mom."
Renée spluttered as Bella pushed past her into the living room.
"And anyway, we're here to help you. Esme and Carlisle don't care what you look like. They're beyond crap like that."
Renée had no idea what that meant.
"Now, what do you need help with?"
Bella turned to her mom, and Renée stared at her youngest, uncertain. Bella was easily her most unpredictable child. She never knew what Bella was actually saying, or her motives for saying it.
"You're really here to help?" Renée asked, her eyes narrowing.
"No mom, I flew to the states and drove the four hours to Forks just to mess with you."
Renée huffed. "I wouldn't put it past you," she snipped.
At that, Bella grinned. When she smiled like that, Renée saw Bella as a child; round-faced and joyful, even though she was mischievous as hell.
Renée let out a breath. "Fine. You can start dusting."
Bella nodded and immediately got to work. Renée watched her daughter work for a moment before she let out a tight breath and resumed her task of washing down the baseboards.
It was much harder in a skirt.
…
Charlie Swan was a seasonal coward. He'd accepted this part of himself long ago. Ten months out of the year, he was easygoing, confident, mostly patient, but around the holidays, he was not above hiding from his wife and daughters.
The motel had, somehow, only had one room available, and no matter how much arguing he'd done, another one hadn't magically opened up.
To be fair to Frank, the hotel manager, there were only five rooms in total, and all the rest he said, were booked by the Swan clan and their various guests.
Charlie had been avoiding going home for a few reasons, but certainly having to tell Bella that the motel only had one room available was one of them.
So Charlie drove around, and pretended it was part of his duties as mayor/chief of police.
Eventually, he couldn't put it off any longer.
There was an unfamiliar car in front of his house, and he assumed that was Bella's rental.
He parked on the long driveway, climbed out of his truck and eyed the house. Growing up, most of the girls had shared rooms. They had two open now, but Charlie wondered if Bella would go for them. Somehow, he doubted it.
He climbed up the porch, and taking a deep breath to brace himself against whatever lay beyond the door, opened it and walked in.
To his surprise, he heard laughter.
It was probably the last sound he'd expect to hear at this time of year.
"Hello?"
He stepped into the living room, surprised when a group of people looked up at him. Renée was pouring more wine in glasses held by Esme and Carlisle Cullen, Bella and Edward were curled up on the sofa, and Kate was sitting next to them.
"There you are, Charlie," Renée said, waving him in. "Come on over and take a seat. I'll get you a beer."
He hesitated. This felt like a trap, though he wasn't quite sure how it would be. Bella snickered on the couch, bringing her wine glass up to hide her smile.
Charlie scooted into the living room, taking a slow seat in his favorite recliner. Renée got up, setting the wine bottle on the coffee table as she left to get him that beer.
Charlie's eyes swept the room again.
"It's so lovely to see you again, Charlie," Esme said, smiling brightly at him.
He cleared his throat.
"I didn't know you two were joining us."
"Oh, I hope we're not intruding," Esme said, sending a worried glance at Bella.
"Nonsense," Renée said coming back into the room. She handed Charlie one of his favorite beers, patting his shoulder. "The more the merrier."
Esme beamed at her.
"Where were you, dad?" Bella asked, lowering her wine glass from her mouth.
Charlie looked at her.
"I was trying to get rooms for you," he huffed. "But Frank could only offer me one."
Bella frowned and turned to Esme and Carlisle. "You two take that room. Edward and I will stay here."
Charlie coughed on his beer. It wasn't that he wasn't happy to have his daughter home. He just didn't want it to be with that boy.
Maybe they could sleep in separate rooms.
"If you're certain," Carlisle said, glancing at Esme.
Bella nodded. "Yeah, it'll be fine."
Edward couldn't help glancing nervously in Charlie's direction. Unfortunately, Charlie missed it pouting into his beer.
"Is the motel booked up with our family?" Bella asked, getting Charlie's attention. He glanced at her.
"Uh, yeah. According to Frank."
Bella nodded.
"Who all is coming this year?"
All eyes turned to Renée who sipped her wine and then recited the guest list.
"Irina and Laurent and the twins, though the twins will be sleeping here in the room with the bunk bed," she said, motioning up the stairs. Charlie's heart sank. So much for getting Bella and Edward in different beds. "Irina said something about Laurent's parents coming too. Not sure yet if they'll be able to make it or not." She sipped her wine. "Rosalie, Emmett, and the baby," she sighed, a hand fluttering to her heart. "Then, of course, Katie and Garrett will be here, and Garrett's parents as well, right?" She turned to Kate who nodded the affirmative. "Tanya said she's bringing two guests but has not divulged who that might be yet." Renée frowned as if the mystery was personally offending her. "And finally, you four."
"Twenty to twenty-two people?" Bella asked.
Renée nodded and Bella nodded.
"Well, that'll be interesting," Bella mumbled into her glass. Edward squeezed his arm around her shoulders.
Charlie sipped his beer, his own shoulders slumped. He couldn't agree more with his daughter, though, he thought, interesting was putting it very mildly.
…
"Love, are you sure about this?"
Bella looked at Edward and smiled.
Carlisle and Esme had left for the motel, and Kate had gone home. Bella and Edward, who were struggling with jetlag, had retired upstairs, despite the anxious glances from her father.
"Come on," Bella said, tugging him into the room. It had been Bella's in high school. It was the smallest room in the house, and she'd only been allowed to move into it when Kate moved out. Tanya, who had more friends and wanted to have sleepovers, had kept the larger room with the bunk beds.
Shortly after Bella had moved out, Renée had gone through the rooms, taking out the personal mementos from her children and converting them into proper guest rooms. Looking at this room, it'd be hard to imagine it ever housed teenagers.
Bella pushed him toward the full-sized bed. Sure, it was small, but since Bella tended to sleep on top of Edward anyway, she wasn't worried about it.
"Your father looked like he'd swallowed a lemon," he pointed out. Bella giggled as she pulled her sweater off.
"But did you notice he's stopped asking intrusive questions? My methods are effective."
Edward snorted, shaking his head.
"I don't want him to hate me."
Bella giggled and whipped off her long sleeve. She saw her boyfriend's eyes narrow on her bra, distracted.
"He doesn't. If anything, he has a healthy dose of fear for me."
Edward blinked, trying to focus on her words as she stripped out of her jeans. Was she trying to tease him, or was he just horny? He couldn't tell.
Once Bella was in nothing but her undergarments, she moved across the room toward him. He shook his head, even as his hands reached out to grab her hips.
"We can't have sex here."
Bella grinned, leaning down to kiss him. "Why not?" She asked against his lips.
Edward felt his resolve weaken, just a fraction. "Because I fear you will use the opportunity to be a little extra vocal and embarrass everyone in the house."
Bella giggled and climbed into his lap, her knees resting on the bed around his hips, her arms wrapping around his neck.
"You know me so well," she confirmed, pressing her lips to his again. He groaned as he felt her tongue playing with him.
"Bella," he groaned, trying to pull back.
"What if I promise to be quiet?" she asked, a wild dark look in her eyes. Edward shook his head.
"Love, you can't be quiet. We've never managed that."
Briefly, he recalled all the times they'd tried to sneak sex in public, and the disastrous results. His girl was a moaner. That's what made her so good at her job.
"Come on," Bella whispered, pressing a kiss to his throat. "There is a first time for everything."
Edward couldn't resist her. He knew he probably should, but he didn't want to. He didn't care that the people downstairs would one day be his in-laws, he didn't care that Bella's father had a case of guns on display, or that her mother had boundary issues and was likely to come up and make sure they didn't need anything. He didn't even care that the door didn't have a lock.
All he cared about was Bella.
How could he deny her anything?
"Please," he groaned. "Try to stay quiet."
Bella's devious giggle told him that she was not going to be able to make such a promise.
…
The Cullens were morning people. Both Carlisle and Esme loved to wake up before dawn and start their day with yoga and meditation. It was centering and started things off on the right foot.
Once they'd gone through their usual morning routine, they both sat down to work, answering emails, and returning phone calls. They had a hectic schedule next week, but they'd been adamant about taking this week off for the American holiday.
After clearing their inbox as best they could, the Cullens climbed into the car and set off for the Swan residence once it was an appropriate hour.
Both Esme and Carlisle loved Bella as if she was their own daughter. She'd completely won them over, and neither could wait to officially call her family. They knew the kids were taking their time with things, a wise decision for most people, but Esme knew fate when she saw it.
Edward and Bella were fated, no question about it.
They pulled up to the Swan house, climbed out of the car, and made their way to the front door. Carlisle inspected the yard work he and Edward had accomplished the day before, and he felt proud it was all holding up.
Esme knocked on the door, but no answer came. She frowned, checked the doorknob, and felt it slide open.
Feeling it was best to slip inside and wait for their guests downstairs, perhaps with tea, she let herself in.
"Es," Carlisle started.
"Come on," she said, motioning him inside. "You're letting the heat out. We'll make them a nice cup of tea."
Carlisle sighed, but followed his wife inside. They removed their shoes and outer layers in the mudroom, and were heading into the kitchen when Charlie's voice made them pause.
"Nee, I can't take it!" he was nearly shouting.
"Charlie, you're being dramatic."
Esme glanced at her husband curiously. They both knew they shouldn't be eavesdropping, but before they could move into the kitchen, Charlie continued.
"That boy violated my little girl all night. I'm never going to be able to sleep after what I heard!"
Esme snorted, and Carlisle shook his head, embarrassed.
"It wasn't that bad," Renée said, though her tone was unconvincing.
Esme couldn't take it anymore. She moved into the kitchen, a sunny smile on her face. "Morning, Swans!" she cheered. Charlie and Renée looked at them in surprise.
"Oh! M-morning!" Renée said, pulling her robe tighter around her and smoothing down her hair.
"I'm sorry we let ourselves in, but the door was open," Carlisle provided.
"Charlie, we couldn't help hearing your dilemma," Esme said, cutting right to it. The Swans both froze, deer-in-headlights looks on their faces. Before they could deny it, Esme pressed on. "Your daughter is an adult and a sexual being. I think it's healthy that they are going at it all night. Bella and I have spoken extensively about their sex life, and it sounds like they were trying to be considerate last night and restrain themselves."
Charlie was the color of a plum, and Renée looked faint.
"Restrain?" Charlie choked. "It sounded like a damn porno!"
Carlisle coughed lightly to hide his laugh.
"Oh, well yes, that's because the kids—"
"What's going on?"
All eyes turned on Bella and Edward as they walked into the kitchen. The Swans were still near speechless.
"Oh, your father was just remarking about hearing some sounds last night, and I was telling him it's all normal and healthy."
Edward groaned a hand slapping against his forehead and Bella snickered.
"You promised me you'd be quiet," Edward said, rubbing his head. Bella turned to him.
"I promised I'd try," she clarified. "I did try but when you do that—"
"Okay!" Charlie screamed, cutting everyone off. All eyes turned to him. "I'm going to work. For the love of god, do not bring this up ever again."
He stormed off, and Bella watched him, amused. Renée was still standing with her hands clutched around her robe, looking confused.
"Renée. Can I help make some breakfast?" Carlisle asked, gracefully moving across the kitchen. She nodded and made a hasty excuse for herself before dashing out of the room.
"Bella. I don't want your parents to hate me," Edward complained. Esme turned to watch Bella take her son's face in her hands.
"They don't, though I'm sure they regret inviting me early."
Esme smirked. She loved watching how tender Bella was with Edward. Despite her sometimes rough exterior, it was abundantly clear how much Bella loved him.
It was all Esme ever wanted for Edward.
"As much as we love your candor," Carlisle said, drawing everyone's attention. "I imagine it can be difficult for a father to hear his daughter's sex life in action. Especially in his own home."
Edward shot his father a grateful look as Bella considered his words.
"Fine," she agreed. "We won't let dad hear anymore."
Edward let out a long breath, wrapping his arms around Bella. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head as she leaned into his embrace.
Esme turned to Carlisle, beaming.
Despite Bella's clear defiant streak, there was a part of her that could be reasoned with, and that was what made her such a good match with Edward. He needed a little more rebellion in his life, and Bella needed someone to talk her down.
The fact that Bella respected Esme and Carlisle enough to listen to them too was more than Esme could ever ask for.
Her husband shot her a look, and she understood it completely.
They both absolutely adored Isabella Swan.
…
The day before Thanksgiving went smoother, once Charlie left for work and everyone was able to move past the sex incident.
Kate and Garrett came over around two, and between the seven of them, they managed to tackle every item on Renée's list.
It had been far more help than she'd expected to get, and though the help had come with some strings—like that god-awful conversation that morning, or constantly being surprised by the Cullens when she was underdressed—Renée was grateful.
They had even finished early enough that over their simple dinner of pasta—made, to her surprise, but Bella—the Swans and Cullens sat down for a game night.
The Swans hadn't had a family game night since the Great Monopoly Disaster of 2016. It turned out that raising children to be driven also meant that most of them were highly competitive. It had been an unmitigated disaster, and Monopoly had been burned in the yard at the end of the night and completely banned from the Swan household.
Tonight's game was proving that it might not just be board games that the Swans couldn't play together.
Apparently, Garrett's family—the Connors—had played Rummy at every family gathering they'd had for at least thirty years. Since Charlie had once hidden all the cards in the house to stop his girls from their streak of cut-throat poker, none of the Swans were familiar with the game.
It was rather simple. Everyone got cards, and you had to put together sets of like cards or runs in a suit. There were seven official rounds (nine, if you had the stamina for it), and some rounds exclusively relied on being as sneaky and difficult to read as possible.
The Swans took to it like a fish to water.
"No, no, no!" Kate shouted, leaning forward and pointing at Charlie's hand. "You can't discard to go out! Pick up the card."
Charlie was red, whether from the beer or from yelling over the group, no one could tell. "I played it right!" he argued.
"Pick up the card, old man," Bella barked across the table. "Babe, see what you can do to block him." She winked at Edward, who was sitting two seats down from Charlie. Edward smirked, and Charlie shot him a glare.
Reluctantly, the Chief picked up the card and put it back in his hands. He sorted out his moves before ending his turn, giving a hard look at his girls.
"You didn't say one card!" Esme sang the moment Renée picked up a card to begin her turn. Charlie let out a grunt and Bella cackled, leaning across her sister to high-five Esme.
"It's a stupid game," Charlie grunted, but dutifully picked up his two tax cards. By his next hand, he'd forgotten all his grumbling as he successfully managed to sabotage Bella's move.
She swore, and Charlie grinned triumphantly.
The eight of them played all nine rounds, each one decently drunk by the time the game was finished. Though there was some arguing over the final score, it was Carlisle who came out as the winner, followed closely by Charlie.
"Gloat now," Renée said, eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow, we're going to kick your asses."
Bella toasted her mother. "Here, here!"
They gathered the cards and wrapped thick rubber bands around the three combined decks. Tomorrow, with the number of people, they'd either need a few more decks or just set up two concurrent games.
"We should head home," Kate yawned, looking at Garrett. Bella had never really spent time with him, even at the wedding. She found that she'd enjoyed getting to know him tonight. He wasn't a pushover like Bella originally thought, and even had a little bit of a mischievous side.
She liked him for Kate.
"Mkay," he hummed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"Are you okay to drive?" Charlie asked, his eyes narrowing.
"We walked," Kate assured her father. "Come on. Goodnight, everyone."
A chorus of goodbyes followed them out the door. When they were gone, Esme sighed.
"Renée, is there anything we can help you with?"
Renée shook her head, looking sleepy and content on the sofa. "No, everything is ready. I just have to remember to flip the turkey in the middle of the night. Charlie, will you set a timer?"
Charlie nodded but didn't reach for his phone. Bella picked up her mom's phone from where it was charging near her and set the timer for Renée.
Esme and Carlisle helped clean up wine glasses and dessert plates before bidding everyone goodnight.
Once they were gone, a content silence fell over Bella, Edward, and her parents.
"What time is everyone coming tomorrow?" Bella asked, curled in her boyfriend's arms.
Renée looked at them. They really were a striking couple. Bella was beautiful, admittedly not in the way her sisters were, but Bella's beauty shone from somewhere inside her. It was a beauty that Renée had never been able to quantify and thus, had always devalued.
She regretted that now in her drunken state.
"They're trickling in," Charlie said with a yawn. "I'm sure Irina and the kids will be here sometime in the afternoon. Rosie said her flight got in tonight, so they'll hit the road early."
Bella nodded. "And Tanya?"
The Swans all frowned. "No one knows what her plans are," Renée supplied.
Bella hummed, and at her back, she felt Edward rub a small circle.
"I think we're going to turn in," Bella said, yawning. "We're still jet-lagged."
They stood from the sofa, wished Renée and Charlie a goodnight, and headed upstairs. When they were gone, the two Swan parents sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
"What do you think she means, they are jet-lagged?" Charlie asked, looking at Renée.
"Who knows," she said dismissively. "Do you think they'll get married?"
Charlie looked at her in surprise. "Hard to say with Bells. But I think if anyone can talk that girl into it, it'd be that boy."
Renée nodded, her gaze distant.
"What's on your mind, Nee?"
She blinked and turned her focus on her husband. "Oh, nothing. I'm just realizing that Esme knows more about my daughter than I do." Her heart was heavy with the admission. Charlie frowned.
"I don't think that's true."
Renée signed. "She does. Bella has replaced me."
Charlie shook his head. "Bella dropped everything to come out here early and help you out. She didn't do that for Esme's benefit, she did it for yours."
Renée looked at him. "Sometimes I don't think any of our girls like me."
Charlie sighed. "Are you hard on them, sure, but what parent isn't hard on their child? They all know you love them, Nee, and they prove that each time they pick up their lives and come back here to see us. You'll see tomorrow. Our girls may be independent, but none of them would be a fraction of who they are without you."
He reached over, patting her hand, and she smiled, tears welling in her eyes. She took his fingers in hers and brought his hand to her lips, kissing him sweetly.
"Thank you, Charlie."
He smiled and slipped his arm around her shoulders as they both stood from the sofa. "Come on, let's get to bed. We've got a big day ahead of us."
Renée nodded. They turned off the lights, made sure everything was locked up and gathered their phones before heading up to their room. Both hesitated passing the room Bella and Edward were sleeping in, but all was quiet, and both parents let out breaths of relief.
Thank god, Charlie silently groaned.
…
Edward was starting to really love Thanksgiving.
Not only were there strange and delicious foods, but the holiday also brought Bella's family together, which was always entertaining. It also brought out quite an appetite from his girlfriend.
After waking him with a "Gratitude Blowjob" as she'd dubbed it, Edward had given in to her pleading for sex. To keep her quiet, he'd nearly smothered her with a pillow, which had made her laugh loudly. It had been, he supposed, the better solution for their predicament.
Once they were out of bed, showered, and dressed, they headed downstairs. Bella set out to help her mom, and though Edward offered to help cook as well, he was sent to bond with Charlie.
It made the back of his knees sweat to think about it.
Charlie was watching American Football, a black coffee in hand when Edward came and sat on the sofa.
"You like football?" Charlie asked, skeptical as he looked Edward over.
"I've never watched it," Edward admitted. He glanced at the screen. As far as he could tell, no sport was actually being played. It looked like news castors talking to each other about what the game would hold later on.
"So, Edward," Charlie said, his eyes cutting toward the kitchen before he looked at the boy on the sofa. "Are you and Bella living together?"
Edward swallowed hard. "Yes."
Charlie's eyes narrowed. "Are you two living in this country?"
Edward let out a breath. He'd hoped no one would ask; he didn't have Bella's gift for evasiveness.
"No," he said slowly.
Charlie leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed. "Do I want to know what my daughter does for work?"
Edward considered it. On the one hand, he thought Charlie was owed the truth, but Edward also recalled the fuss he'd thrown about the moaning yesterday morning. Best to keep him in the dark still, he thought.
"No."
Charlie nodded and sipped his coffee. "Is she happy and cared for?"
Edward looked at him and answered without any hesitation. "Yes."
Charlie studied him a moment longer before bobbing his head and leaning back in his chair.
"All right, then."
And that was that. Edward and Charlie sat in the living room, and Charlie explained American Football to him until Carlisle and Esme showed up. Carlisle joined them and seemed eager to learn about the sport, while Esme dived straight into the kitchen.
One by one, the Swan girls showed up. First was Kate and Garrett, along with Garrett's parents, Charlotte and Peter. About an hour later, Rosalie, Emmett, and Little Liam arrived, raising the levels of excitement and energy in the house significantly. Emmett, who Edward had always liked, came to sit next to him on the sofa to watch the game, Liam in his arms.
Edward melted under the baby's gummy smile, and in almost no time, had the baby in his arms as Emmett and Charlie both shouted profanities at the television.
Edward didn't care about the results of the game, he was perfectly content as he was.
The door opened, and in came Irina and her family, the twins now ten and just as energetic as they were the last time he saw them.
The house was nicely crowded, and almost deafeningly loud when the last Swan daughter finally arrived.
Edward noticed Tanya enter, and though no one around him seemed to, he stood to greet her. He still had Liam in his arms as he made his way to her.
"Hello Tanya," he shouted over the din. She looked at him in surprise and offered him a small smile.
"Hey," she called. She swallowed hard and turned behind her, grabbing the hand of a woman Edward had seen once before. "This is Carmen."
Edward beamed.
"It's lovely to meet you, Carmen. I'm Edward," he said, offering her a hand. She grinned and shook it.
"Edward, this is my daughter, Noela." Carmen reached behind her, gently bringing forward a girl about eight years old. Edward secured Liam in his arms and crouched down to smile at her.
"Hello, Noela, it's so nice to meet you."
She ducked her head shyly.
"I know there are a lot of people here," he said leaning toward her to be heard over the noise. "But they are fun. Do you want to meet some other kids you can play with?"
Noela nodded, and Edward grinned, standing. He looked at Carmen. "Do you mind?" he asked. She shook her head, beaming.
Edward was about to lead Noela to where the twins were playing outside when Tanya stopped him.
"Where is Bella?"
He looked at her and motioned with his head toward the kitchen. She squeezed his arm in gratitude before moving in that direction.
He was relieved to see Tanya had taken Bella's advice. He'd never seen her look so relaxed or happy.
It seemed there was a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
…
Tanya had never been more nervous about anything.
She was terrified to bring home Carmen and Noela.
It had taken Tanya almost a month to process all of Bella's advice, and when she had, she realized it boiled down to this: follow her heart or stay miserable.
Feeling braver than she'd ever felt, Tanya took the plunge.
It had been awkward, at first, and for a horrible moment, she'd thought Carmen would send her away, and Tanya would lose her best friend.
But then, they had talked, and Tanya found out, much to her surprise, that the feelings went two ways.
They took things slow, both easing into this new relationship. Work kept them busy, and Carmen shared custody of her daughter, which meant when she was in town, she was usually with Noela, but the blossoming couple had found a way to make it work.
It had felt too soon to bring Carmen home, but when plans with Carmen's family had fallen through, and she and Noela planned to spend the holiday in their apartment on their own, Tanya had given in.
Tanya had no idea how her family would react, but she prayed they would all be at least somewhat willing to hear her out.
At the very least, she was banking on them loving her enough to want her to be happy, regardless of what that looked like.
For the first time since meeting him, Tanya was happy to see Edward when they walked into the Swan house. If she reflected on the feeling, she'd sum it up to being content in her own life, and for once, not filled with bitter envy over her sister's lives.
Kind, gentle Edward, brought Noela into the den where the twins were storming inside to play video games. Carmen looked at Tanya, who took a breath and reached for her girlfriend's hand.
"It'll be great," Carmen said gently. Tanya smiled at her as she led her into the kitchen.
It was bustling, packed to the gills with all the women of the Swan house, and then some. Carmen squeezed Tanya's hand gently, and Tanya took courage from the touch. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her throat, and by some miracle, timed it with a slight lull in the conversation that ended up silencing the kitchen.
All eyes turned to her, and she felt her knees start to buckle. "Everyone," she called out. "This is my girlfriend, Carmen."
There was a beat of silence as most of the women gaped at her.
The only one to move was Bella. She squeaked past their mother and brought Tanya into a deep hug. Tanya let go of Carmen to wrap her arms around her sister.
"I'm so happy for you," Bella whispered into Tanya's ear. Tanya felt she might burst into tears at any moment.
Bella let go of her and turned to Carmen, pulling her too into a hug.
Tanya looked up and made eye contact with her mother.
Renée looked back and forth between Carmen and Tanya before her eyes finally landed on her daughter. Tanya watched Renée take a deep breath, and then a smile slipped over her face.
"I'm so glad you made it, sweetheart," she said moving to pull Tanya into a hug. Tanya returned her mother's embrace, stiff with surprise. Renée pulled back and looked at Carmen. "Carmen, it's good to see you again. Welcome to our home," she said, leaning in to hug her. Over their shoulders, Bella met Tanya's stunned eyes and offered her sister a wink.
As soon as Renée embraced Carmen, the rest of the house seemed to launch into action, embracing both Tanya and Carmen in turn.
Tanya had no idea how relieved she could feel, wrapped in the accepting arms of her loved ones.
…
Thanksgiving had been one for the books. Renée had never been happier. All of her girls were home, and each one had someone they loved and who loved them in return. What was more, it looked like she was going to get a new granddaughter to love on in Noela. She knew it was still premature to rush to such conclusions, but she just had a feeling.
The afternoon ran into the night, and never had the Swan household been so filled with laughter and love. Renée never wanted it to end.
Sometime after the Rummy tournament had ended, and between rounds of pie and leftovers, Bella stood up and cleared her throat, getting the attention of the entire room. All eyes turned to her as she grinned.
"Thank you all for shutting up. I have something important to say."
Renée gasped, immediately expecting a pregnancy announcement.
Instead, Bella turned to Edward.
"Since the moment I came crashing into your life, my world hasn't been the same. You've taught me about love and patience, about forgiveness and grace. You've completely changed my life, and I don't know that I can ever tell you how fully and completely I love you."
Bella dropped off the sofa and bent until she was on one knee. A few people around the room gasped. "And now, we have this new job opportunity, and I want to move forward together."
She pulled her purse toward her, pulling out a ring box. "Will you marry me?"
The room was silent, waiting on pins and needles to hear what Edward would say.
"Is this because you saw my ring?" Edward asked, leaning back on the sofa and pulling out his own ring box. A new round of gasps rocked the room, and Bella snickered.
"Yeah, I had to beat you to it."
Edward let out a groaning laugh, yanking Bella off the ground and into his lap. Renée felt like she was about to burst.
"Is that a yes?" She demanded, unable to keep it in. Edward and Bella looked up at her.
"Yes," Edward said, turning back to Bella. "Unequivocally, unconditionally, yes."
They leaned in to kiss as the room burst into cheers. Renée felt a hand come around her shoulders and looked to see Esme crying and embracing her.
"I knew we'd be family!" Esme sobbed. Renée embraced the woman back before they were both fighting their way to hug their children.
Renée got Bella in her arms and squeezed her youngest as she'd never done before.
"I love you," Renée cried into her daughter's shoulder. "I'm so proud of you."
Her mother's tears moved Bella's own, and she blinked hard to chase them away.
Renée pulled back, holding her daughter's face in her hands.
"I don't know what you do for work, and I don't care," Renée said, finally letting the topic go. "I'm just so grateful whatever it is, it's bringing you so much joy."
Bella smiled, and for the first time in her life, felt the desire to actually share something about herself with her mother.
"Mom," Bella said, placing her hand on Renée's shoulder. "I'm actually—"
"Bella! Congratulations!"
Rosalie came swooping in, embracing her younger sister and cutting her off. Renée let them go, tears in her eyes, and warmth in her heart.
She could see it now, the true success of her children hadn't been their careers or the money they made. Her children were loved, well and truly.
What more could she possibly ask for?
The running gag of Bella's job was too funny to resist. Sorry for all of you dying to know specifics. The good news is, I don't know that I'm entirely ready to say goodbye to this crazy family. I can't say if updates will come here, or if I'll flesh out a more specific BxE story later on down the line, but the point is, I'm open to it.
Until then, if you like this Bella, check out my story Lockdown. That Bella is wild and completely unrestrained.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you who have followed this story, and for cheering it along. It never would have been more than a oneshot without your support and encouragement.
So much love to you all!
Until next time! xx