Don't You want to stay?! (Twilight)(Paul Lahote)

{9}

Chapter Nine: Truth and Promise

The afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over Forks as Paul drove to Charlie's house, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He had finally worked up the courage to talk to Charlie about Stevie, to ask for his blessing to take her out on a real date. It was a significant step, one that Paul knew would mean a lot to both Stevie and her father.

Paul parked his truck outside the house and took a deep breath. He walked up to the front door and knocked. Moments later, Charlie opened it, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Hey, Paul," Charlie said, stepping aside to let him in. "What's up?"

"Hi, Charlie," Paul said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I was hoping to talk to you for a minute. It's about Stevie."

Charlie raised an eyebrow but nodded, leading Paul into the living room. "Sure, let's talk."

Paul took a seat on the couch, Charlie sitting across from him. The two men regarded each other for a moment, the air filled with unspoken words.

"I wanted to ask if I could take Stevie out on a date," Paul began, his voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in his stomach. "I know things have been complicated with Bella and everything, but I really care about her."

Charlie's expression softened slightly. "You've been good to her, Paul. I appreciate that. But this isn't just about you and her. It's also about what she needs right now."

"I understand," Paul said earnestly. "I want to do right by her. I know that everything has been tough, and I want to show her that there's something positive, something real between us."

Charlie considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Paul. You have my blessing. Just remember to treat her with respect."

Paul smiled, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Charlie. I promise I'll do my best."

With Charlie's blessing secured, Paul arranged a special outing for Stevie. That evening, he picked her up, and they drove to La Push, heading towards the beach. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, creating a picturesque backdrop for their evening.

Stevie looked at the scenery with awe as they arrived. "This is beautiful," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Paul smiled, reaching out to take her hand. "I thought you'd like it. There's something I need to talk to you about, and I wanted to do it somewhere special."

They walked along the shore, the soft sand beneath their feet and the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack. Paul led Stevie to a spot near the water, where he had set up a small blanket and some snacks.

As they sat down, Paul took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Stevie, I know this might sound crazy, but I need to explain something important. What you saw last night... it's part of who I am. I'm a shape-shifter, part of a pack that protects the people here."Stevie's eyes widened, but she listened intently, her expression serious. "I guessed as much. It's... a lot to process."