Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 30

“Is something wrong, Dad?  Did something happen on the hunting trip?”

“Yes,” Edward replied, nodding.  “You took off.  Mom said you were too tired to hunt, but you’re here with Jacob.  What gives?”

Renesmee slumped on the edge of the bed.  “Okay so maybe I fibbed about being tired, but I just couldn’t concentrate on hunting.”

“But you’re alright?”

“Of course, Dad,” she sighed.

He nodded slowly and joined her on the bed.  “Good.”

“I’m sorry I made you worry.”

“You know, Jacob’s recovery is going to be slow and painful.  You two can’t spend every waking moment together.  You need to move on with your life.”

“Jacob is my life, Dad.”

Edward pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.  “I know it feels like that right now…”

“No!  This isn’t a crush.  I won’t be over him in a week.  We love each other and there’s nothing you can say to make me change my mind about that,” Renesmee rose slowly and faced her father, her voice calm and never wavering.

“I’m not doubting how serious you two are about each other, but Renesmee…”

“No buts, Dad.  He is everything to me.  I can’t even breathe if I think he’s hurting.  And I can’t think straight when I can’t be with him.  So I’m sorry I bailed this morning, but Jacob needs me.”

“I just want you to be careful, sweetie.  Jacob is unpredictable right now.  He’s not in control of his body or his emotions.  And I don’t want you hurt.”

“Jacob would never hurt me on purpose.  He loves me.  Don’t you see that?”

“I don’t think he would mean to hurt you, but maybe a little distance wouldn’t do any harm.  You could start sleeping at home,” he suggested gently.

Renesmee crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back on her father.  She stared out the window and took her time to reply.  “Wherever Jacob is, that's where I'm gonna be.”

Edward nodded slowly.  “I know you love him.  And this whole experience has given me some insight into the way you feel about each other,” he paused to stand and join her.  “I guess I never dreamed you would feel as strongly as you do for him or that it would happen so quickly.”

“Okay, but…”

Edward raised his hand.  “Please let me finish.”  She nodded in agreement.  “I see what you’ve done for him, the way you saved him.  I know that was done out of love.  This hasn’t been easy for me, but I needed to see it.”

Renesmee glanced over at her father now, her expression softening.  “It’s not about the imprint.  Our feelings are real and I wish you would respect that.”

“I’m trying.  I’m just not ready to lose my little girl yet.”

“You won’t lose me, Dad,” she gushed as she pulled him into a hug.  “I’m right here.”

Edward chuckled as he hugged her back tightly.  “You’re growing up, Ness.  And I was the last one to see it.”

Renesmee held her father’s face in her hands. She showed him their memories together and some of how gentle and loving Jacob had been to her.  He smiled a little and nodded.  “Believe me when I tell you that there is no one who could love me more than he does,” she whispered.