A Fresh Start

The Meeting with Dad

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 32: The Meeting with Dad

"Edward, are you're sure you alright?" I asked. He had been very quiet the entire flight to Seattle and was virtually silent as we drove to my childhood home in Forks. "The silence is killing me here."

"I'm fine," Edward said tersely, giving me a tight smile as he looked over to me as he drove.

"Bullshit," I snapped. "You're being moody and a bit of an ass. What the hell?"

"This is the first time I've been to Seattle since I've moved out to Sherryville. It's reopening some wounds," he muttered. "I'm struggling, Bella. I'm sorry."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't be snapping and I guess I never realized. I feel like an idiot," I grumbled.

"How would you know? I lived here for a long time. I spent two years here after Tanya's death. You'd figure I'd be okay in coming back. I just forgot so much about Seattle. I feel like I've stepped back in time; through the looking glass. When I left here, nearly a year ago. I was broken. A shell of a man. Now, I'm back and I'm with you. My fiancée. I'm not broken anymore," Edward said as he laced his fingers through mine. "Your love healed me. I just need some time to process all of the emotions."

"Okay," I said, squeezing his large hand. "If you need to talk..."

"You're number one on my list," he said, kissing my fingers. We drove in silence, save for the music that was pumping through the stereo system. I took out my book and read quietly as we drove the four hours to Forks. We were getting close and I put my book into my messenger bag. I directed Edward through the sleepy town of Forks, Washington, pointing out minor things as we went. It was exactly the same. Nothing ever changed.

We pulled up to a small white home with black shutters. Edward parked the BMW he rented for the trip behind the police cruiser in the driveway. We got out of the car and walked up the steps to my childhood home. I reached above the eave of the door and unlocked it. I placed the key back in its hiding place and opened the door. "Dad?"

Charlie walked out of the kitchen. He was still in his uniform. His chocolate brown eyes twinkled when he saw me and his face broke into a wide smile. He held open his arms and I ran into them. Charlie embraced me, holding me close. He was never an affectionate man, but nearly six years of not seeing him made him want a hug. "I've missed you, Bells. I love you, kiddo," he whispered. I sniffled and burrowed closer to my dad's chest. I had missed this. So much. Charlie squeezed me tighter and I felt him kiss my head. I pulled away, wiping tears from my eyes.

"Dad, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Edward Masen, my fiancé," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "Edward, this is my dad, Charlie Swan."

Edward stepped forward and held out his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"None of this 'sir' business. If you're marrying my daughter, it's Charlie," Charlie said. He shook Edward's hand and smiled. "Been taking good care of my baby girl?"