Puppies and Promises

Chapter 10: A Trip to Charlie's

Chapter 10: A Trip to Charlie's

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. . . . .

That Friday, Bella took her ancient Chevy, and I took my dad's pickup, and drove to Charlie's. It wasn't ideal, but there was no way, Bella, Dad, his wheelchair and I, would all fit in one vehicle. I only wish ... Funny, but I was just as excited to see my honey as I always was. I guess you could say she had me heart and soul, huh?

I didn't realize how much I missed seeing Charlie. When Bella married the freakin' leech, I avoided him as much as possible. It was just one more reminder that she was lost to me. It really hurt to see him when he visited, and I'd always duck outta the house with any excuse I could come up with. Now, it was almost like a joyous reunion of sorts.

Dad and I arrived at the Swan residence just as Bella was removing a pan of lasagna from her truck. The aroma was killin' me.

After setting up the wheelchair and getting Dad situated, I let him wheel toward the front door while I helped carry in the rest of the dinner, salad, bread sticks, and a chocolate roll. Jeez, she really outdid herself tonight.

Charlie greeted us at the door. "Mnn, mnn ... I can smell it from here. C'mon in guys. Mi casa es su casa."

# # # # #

My dad was in a rare mood tonight, maybe because all his favorite people were here. He was chatty and smiling. I'd never seen him so talkative. There was one awkward incident however, while we sat at the table. He looked from Jacob to me, and spouted, "So, I take it you two are a couple now. Getting really close, huh?"

"Yeah," I muttered.

I peered over at Billy who was suddenly interested in the ceiling tiles. I nudged Jacob, and flicked my head toward his father. Jacob gave him a sidelong glance, and nodded at me. His wordless gesture shouted loud and clear: Yep, he knows.

Holy crap. I was aware of how good he was at keeping a secret, but this just might slip out to my dad accidentally. Charlie at the moment seemed oblivious to the unspoken conversation going on between us, so Jacob and I were safe from his wrath for the time being. Anyway, I was a grown woman, what was he going to do ... forbid me to see Jacob? He could try, but wouldn't be giving me a lecture, if I had anything to say about it.

. . . . .

Dinner was over, and Jacob and I cleaned off the table and other surfaces, washed all the dishes, and stacked up all the ones that needed to go back with me to the apartment. We left them sitting on the kitchen counter and went outside to the truck.

Dad and Billy were in the living room watching some idiotic football game, so Jacob and I sat in the cab and talked, and kissed, and hugged and kissed some more. My gosh, his mouth was so soft and warm. It was made for kissing. The cab was cold in there too, but my wolf boy saw to it that I didn't get chilled in the least. It was nice having my own personal heating pad, convenient too.

When he finally allowed my mouth to rest awhile, I asked him, "Do you think my dad saw that look on Billy's face when he asked about us?"

"Nah... anyway, you know it's gonna come out sooner or later."

"I'm hoping for later—much later."

His lips were busy brushing the shell of my ear while simultaneously talking. "What's the big deal? Charlie knows we love each other. He's not stupid. He was young once too."

"I just don't want him to be disappointed in me."

Jacob stopped seducing my earlobe and slumped back against the seat cushions. "Well, thanks a lot. That makes me feel great."