One glance at Rose, and I knew she was still having difficulty processing the news.
Emmett saw our faces and frowned. “Ladies, you should both be smiling over this. That bitch got what was coming to her.”
“That may be so Emmett, and I know she did a lot of horrible things, but part of me is actually sad.” I muttered.
My brother looked bewildered. “What are you talking about Bells? She tried to send you to jail. She said awful things about you and to Rose. I hate her for that.” My brother said between clenched teeth.
“What good does it do to hate her Emmett? Every day that she was alive was an opportunity for her to realize her mistakes, an opportunity to change. That will never happen now.”
Rose patted my back. “Bella’s right Emmett. We shouldn’t revel in someone else’s misery, even if they did bring it upon themselves. That makes us no better than they are.”
We both looked at Rose with shocked expressions. Rose was the queen of ‘getting even‘ and then gloating over it.
“What?” She asked, then she smiled. “Eh, I think it’s the hormones talking.”
I had to chuckle at that.
Emmett was quiet for a moment as he thought. “I guess you’re right.” He said softly. “I just hate those things she did…”
“She’ll answer to God for all that Emmett. It’s out of our hands now.” I sighed. “Don’t you remember what Charlie always taught us?”
Emmett looked at me questioningly.
“Dad always said ‘Love the sinner, Hate the sin’.” I reminded him.
Emmett nodded slowly, and then gave me a one armed hug. “Have I ever told you how proud I am that you’re my sister?”
“Not often enough asstard.” I snarked, wishing to lighten the mood.
He and Rose both chuckled. I went back to addressing invitations, while they went back to arguing about the bachelor and bachelorette parties. My mood had turned morose, maybe it was the news about Geri Chance, or maybe it was the fact that the anniversary of my Mom’s death was a few short days away. No matter the cause, I no longer cared to participate in their discussion.
In the end, it was decided that the parties would be held in Las Vegas at the end of our Route 66 trip. They would both take place at the same time, but in separate locations.
--V&V--
“She’s dead?” Edward questioned in disbelief.
“Yeah. Evidently she got impatient waiting to cross the street and was hit by a city bus a few hours ago.” I answered. “The weirdest part was that the bus had one of Emmett’s underwear ads on the side.”
“Oh my God Bella. You are kidding.” Edward said, shocked.
“Nope.”
“Well, I guess I wouldn’t have wished death on her, I mean she was already in a lot of trouble, I figured that would be enough of a payback. But Bella, you have to admit that the underwear ad makes this pretty fucking funny.” He chuckled.
“I suppose it is funny.” I half-smiled.
“Bella, what’s bothering you?“ He asked.
“Don’t get me wrong, I despised Geri Chance with every fiber of my being, but when I heard this tonight, I didn’t feel vindicated or satisfied in any way, I just felt a little empty.” I admitted. “Somewhere out there, somebody, even if it’s only one person, is mourning her death. I can’t help but have compassion for them.”
Edward looked at me with an awed expression, it was one I’d seen from him before. “Oh Bella, just one of the many reasons I love you, your forgiving nature.” He sighed deeply. “You’re a very good person Bella, even if you refuse to see it.”
“Right back at ya, Mister Movie Star.” I smiled.
Maybe I’d found another trait to add to my list of ten, my forgiving nature, as Edward so eloquently put it.
Although, I knew in my heart that there wasn’t any forgiveness there for one person in particular. The man who had stolen so much from me, my mother’s life and, in some ways my life along with it would find no forgiveness from me. Not now. Maybe not ever.
I needed to change the subject. “So how’s the filming going?”
“Very well. At the rate we’re progressing, my scenes could be completed in just a few days.”
“You’re kidding!” I practically squealed.
“I’m hoping to be back with you very soon baby.” He grinned.
“Oh Edward, that news made my day.” I admitted.
“Keep your fingers crossed.” He said, smiling.
--V&V--
Friday would be a very busy day for Edward. He was going to be filming until late, therefore we would have to forgo our movie night this week. Instead of moping around my apartment, I made plans to have Lou drop me in Forks for the weekend. I had planned to go with Emmett and Rose on Saturday, but decided an extra day with my Dad was just what I needed. Especially this weekend.
I timed my arrival for when Charlie would be through with work for the day. He had taken off for the next three. When we pulled in front of his house, he was waiting on the front steps. I jumped from the car and bounded over to him. He pulled me into a tight hug. “Hi Daddy.” I said as I breathed in his clean scent, soap and Mennen’s aftershave. The scent of home. The scent that never failed to make me feel safe.
“Hey Bells.” Usually Charlie wasn’t big on displays of affection, but he always came through when I needed him most. He turned me and with one arm around me, guided me into the house, never losing contact. Lou followed with my bag.
Charlie had ordered pizza for dinner. I was able to coax Lou to stay and eat. We enjoyed our meal while Dad and Lou talked sports and law enforcement. Charlie’s two favorite topics, aside from his children of course.
After we ate, Lou left in order to return to Seattle. I would see him again on Monday afternoon, when he came to drive me back.
I saw Charlie glance at his watch. “We’d better get going if we want to be on time.”
I was puzzled. “On time for what Dad?”
He looked a little embarrassed. “Well, it’s not often that I get you all to myself. I thought we could go to the movies.”
I grinned and nodded before following him out to his truck, to begin our trek to Port Angeles, location of the closest movie theater. “So what movie did you have in mind?” I asked, knowing he would never agree to see Letters To Juliet, which had been released that day.
He pursed his lips as if giving the question a lot of consideration before he answered. “I hear that Iron Man 2 is pretty good, but if you want to see something else we can do that.”
Yeah right.
Good thing I adore Robert Downey Jr.
If any of Edward’ s movies had been showing, Charlie may have been in for an argument.
Unless the movie had a naked butt shot of Edward.
I was horrified even thinking of seeing that while Charlie sat beside me.
Awkward.
I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed spending time with my Dad. We ate popcorn and drank sodas big enough to swim in. It didn’t hurt that the movie was great, and afterwards we stopped for ice cream before heading back to Forks.
“Sounds like that movie Edward’s filming will be a big deal when it’s finally released.” Charlie said on the drive back to Forks.
Since when does Charlie follow the news from Hollywood?
“Yeah, it’s an important one for the studio. The book was very well received.” I answered.
Charlie cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’ve been reading it.”
Whoa. Charlie is reading something that isn’t a who-done-it?
I looked at him incredulously. “Seriously Dad, you’re reading The Harvest Of Avarice?“
He nodded.
I blinked hard. “Who are you and what have you done with my father?” I said with a chuckle.
Charlie smirked. “Hey, I’m branching out.”
By the time we got back to Charlie’s it was late. Edward had been in England so long that every time I looked at a clock, I mentally calculated the current time in London. So, when we arrived at Charlie’s it was almost seven Saturday morning where Edward was.
I phoned him to see if he’d left for the studio yet. “Hello sweetheart, did you have a nice evening with your Dad?“ His voice was like velvet and honey.
“We went to the movies.“
“Ah, and what did you see?“ He asked.
“Iron Man 2. As usual, Robert Downey Jr. did not disappoint.“ I said, knowing I’d get a rise out of him.
“Is that a fact?“ He responded. “Should I be worried about your admiration of Mr. Downey?“
I couldn’t see him, but I knew he was smirking.
“Absolutely not.“ I giggled. “I’m afraid that you’re the only man that will ever receive my admiration along with my undying devotion Mister Movie Star.“
He sighed. “I already knew that, but it’s always good to hear.”
“Do you want to go on skype?” I asked.
“At Charlie’s?”
“Yes, he broke down and purchased a wireless router and a laptop, so he could carry his computer around the house. He still has the old desktop dinosaur though. Between you and me, I think he’s been taking the laptop in the kitchen to look up different fish recipes. Charlie getting experimental in the kitchen can only lead to disaster, I have to admit it has me worried.” I grinned as I fired up my laptop.
“Maybe the Forks fire department should be put on alert.“ He said with a laugh.
“Good idea.“ I said in answer, just before his smiling face appeared on my screen. “Hello fiancé.” I teased.
“Same to you my love.” He said with a wink “When will Rose and Emmett arrive?”
“I would assume sometime around noon tomorrow. They have to start their Pre Cana classes at two o’clock.”
“Will we have to do that also?” He asked.
“I was going to speak with Father Pat on Sunday, but I’m assuming that it’s required. Are you okay with that?” I asked, suddenly unsure.
“Of course Bella. I want to marry you in your church. Whatever is required of me, I will do.”
“Sometimes you are too good to be true.” I smiled.
“Get used to it Miss Swan, you’re going to have me around for a long time.” He grinned.
“I’m counting on that.” I whispered.
He paused as he studied my face. “Sweetheart, what are your plans for Monday.”
This was the first time that he’d brought up that specific day, knowing what it was.
“Um, Rose has to work on Monday, so she and Emmett are returning home Sunday afternoon.” I sighed. “Lou is coming to pick me up after my visit to the cemetery on Monday evening.” I practically whispered the last part. “I want to spend as much time as possible there before I have to go home.”
“Once again, I’m not with you on a day when you need me.” He stated sadly.
“Don’t worry about it Edward. Even when I’m through with school, you won’t be able to be with me all the time. There are some days when your film schedule is not going to fit in with something I need to do, and that’s okay.”
He nodded sadly. “Does it get any easier now that seven years has gone by?”
“Not easier. I can’t think about that day, it’s too difficult. But I can think about my Mom without breaking down in tears. So, not easier, just different.” I said calmly.
Unbelievably, talking about this was not making me distraught, and I didn’t feel the slightest urge to cry. That alone was a big accomplishment for me.
We chatted a while longer about what we’d do when he got back. He was up for a couple of MTV movie awards, and made me agree to attend the show with him in L.A. on June 6.
Another thing I’d have to get used to if I was marrying Edward. Feeling awkward at public events.
Soon after that, Edward had to leave for the studio. I didn’t mind cutting our conversation short if it helped him finish filming sooner.
--V&V--
The next morning, I perused Charlie’s cupboards and discovered we were a few ingredients shy of what I needed to make the dinner I’d planned.
“Dad, can I borrow the truck? I need to go to the Thriftway.” I announced as he sat in his recliner, watching a baseball game.
Before I knew it, he was on his feet and headed toward me. “I’ll take you Bells.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Dad, I’m perfectly capable of driving to the Thriftway.”
“I know that Bells, and I’m perfectly capable of making sure you don’t go alone.” He smirked as he grabbed his keys.
“You and Edward are conspiring against me aren’t you?” I said as I laughed and shook my head.
“We both worry about you.” He said seriously. “By the way, you’ve got a good guy there Bells. I suspected as much when I found out Clint liked him.” He grinned.
I smiled. Charlie’s good opinion was not easily bestowed. “Thanks Dad. I think he’s pretty great myself.” I said softly.
A few minutes after we returned from the store, Emmett and Rose arrived. They both seemed to be bursting with excitement. I hugged them and Charlie hugged Rose before slapping Emmett on the shoulder.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Well, as you know, we went to my first obstetrics visit yesterday afternoon.”
While I was on my way to Forks, Emmett and Rose had attended Rose’s first appointment with her obstetrician, Dr. Phuket.
“Did you like your doctor Rose?” I asked.
Rose smiled “She was great. She explained a lot of things before the exam, about what to expect and all. I also have a lot of literature to share with you Bells.”
“Get to the best part Rose” Emmett butted in.
“And what part is that Emmett?” I asked.
“The ultrasound of course.” He grinned from ear to ear as he pulled out a black and white photo, holding it out so that Charlie and I could see it. “Now do you see that light, almost white image, sort of in the shape of a peanut?”
Charlie and I nodded.
“That’s Baby Swan” Emmett said with reverence.
I glanced at Rose, and she had tears in her eyes.
“This is your copy Pops.” Emmett announced happily as he handed the photo to our Dad.
Charlie held it in his hand as he studied it. “Thanks” He muttered quietly, not taking his eyes from the grainy image.
“Doctor Fuck-it also told us when the baby was conceived.” Emmett announced excitedly.
“Emmett, it’s Dr. Phuket. Would you stop mispronouncing it.” Rose scolded.
“Hey, you say tomato, eh whatever.” He shrugged, before he continued. “It’s just like those stories you hear about people who have names that fit their jobs. Like the guy named Hammer who owns a hardware store, or the lawyer with the last name of Sues. It makes sense that the obstetrician’s name is Fuck-it. Considering that babies are the result of fuck-ing.” Emmett smiled, proud of his logic.
Charlie was looking at Emmett like he was insane. He’d obviously forgotten what it was like to be around Emmett on a day to day basis.
“Anyway, the doctor calculated the conception date to be around March 28th and the due date is December 20th.” Rose announced happily.
Emmett interrupted again. “Yeah, the baby was conceived on March 28th. So that means the baby was conceived on the flight home from California!” Emmett was grinning from ear to ear after his announcement.
“You don’t know for sure that’s when it happened Emmett.” Rose snapped.
“Hey, they came up with that date, so I’m going with it.” He continued to smile. “You know babe, on order to top this one we’re going to have to conceive the next one on the Space Shuttle.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Rose, and she melted into giggles.
I saw my father’s face the moment he realized that Emmett and Rose had sex on an airplane. He actually winced and his lips puckered like he’d just sucked a lemon. He quirked an eyebrow at Emmett “You do realize that what you did is against the law?”
“You gonna arrest me Pops?” Emmett asked with a cheeky grin.
Charlie threw his hands up in surrender. “Of course not Emmett.” He sighed as he walked over to his recliner.
“Here Bells, we got a copy for you also.” Rose said softly, as she gave me my own photo of ’Baby Swan’.
Later that afternoon, when he thought no one was looking, I watched as my father took his copy of the ultrasound photo, and proudly displayed it on the front of his refrigerator, fiddling with the magnets for a minute or two so that they wouldn’t obscure any part of the image of ‘Baby Swan’.
--V&V--
When Rose and Emmett returned from class, I pulled Rose aside.
“How was the class?” I asked her, knowing that I would need to ask Father Pat tomorrow what Edward and I needed to do.
“It was fine. We told Father Pat about the baby. I thought he’d yell at Emmett, but he surprised me by simply stating that a child is a gift. The baby was conceived before the abstinence started, so as long as Emmett is still keeping his promise, Father said he’s satisfied.”
“That’s good.” I smiled. “So what was the class like?”
Rose looked at me knowingly. “You’re nervous about the classes?”
“I guess, a little.” I said as I bit my lip.
“Well, Father gave us an overview today. He talked about a lot of things, most of it really doesn’t apply to me and Emmett because we’ve already been living together for a long time.” She stated. “The stuff about household finances won’t apply to you either. We’re all very fortunate that money isn’t a worry.”
“Oh.” I hadn’t even thought about that.
“The really important stuff is going to be about handling conflict as a couple. Also raising children. I’m actually looking forward to a little guidance in that regard. I never want to be like my mother.” Rose stated icily.
I patted her arm reassuringly.
The rest of the day passed in relative familial happiness. I prepared dinner while Rose and I talked about wedding plans for both of us, and baby plans for her.
Emmett was thrilled when he heard Edward’s idea of shuttling everyone from our wedding to the reception, and got very excited. “Oh fuck yes! Like you‘re going to hire luxury coaches?” He questioned with a grin.
“I don‘t know yet Emmett, we‘ll have to see how many people will be in attendance.”
“Bells, everyone you invite will be there. Edward‘s a movie star for God‘s sake.”
“Hey didn‘t you just go to confession?” I asked him teasingly.
“Why yes I did and you have no room to talk Miss potty-mouth.”
I couldn‘t argue with that.
“You’re probably going to have a problem transporting those people though.” My brother remarked.
Oh shit. What has Emmett thought of that I didn’t?
“Why Emmett?” I asked, worried now.
He quirked an eyebrow. “Well, if there’s more than one bus, everyone will want to ride with me. I’m sorry there’s not two of me to go around for you Bells, because I intend to start the party long before we reach Seattle!” He bellowed.
I’m so glad that Edward and I will be safe and secure in the privacy of our limo.
Charlie smiled. “Well, that helped me decide something anyway.”
“What’s that Pops?” Emmett asked.
“If there’s only one bus, I’ll be driving my damn truck to Seattle because there’s no way I’m riding with you Emmett. I love you son, but you are out of your fucking mind.” And with that, Charlie smiled and walked back into the living room.
Emmett just grinned happily. “That’s alright old man. You tend to cramp my style anyway.”
I heard Charlie bark out a laugh.
--V&V--
We all attended Mass the next morning. Emmett was on his best behavior. All weekend, I noticed how he would casually rub his hand across Rose’s flat stomach, and smile gently at her.
After Mass, Emmett and Rose headed back to Seattle. They didn’t say anything, but I knew they were stopping by the cemetery on their way.
Back at Charlie’s house, I cooked and Charlie watched a game while we waited for Father Pat to arrive.
After we’d eaten, Charlie disappeared into the living room, leaving Father Pat and I to talk in the dining room.
“I hear you’ve set a date.” Father said with a smile.
“Yes, August 14th” I answered, returning the smile. “What we’d like to do, if it’s alright with you Father, is schedule the wedding for the morning, and then shuttle everyone to Seattle for the reception. Edward’s parents have graciously offered their home.”
Father looked a little surprised. “No big fancy hotel Isabella?”
I squirmed a little at the thought. “No Father. That’s more Rose’s style. You know how uncomfortable that would make me.”
“Yes I do.” He smiled.
“Besides, you haven’t seen the Cullen’s’ home. It’s pretty spectacular.“ I giggled and then paused. “I also wanted to ask you about Pre Cana classes for Edward and myself.”
“Well, as luck would have it, I was thinking about that too. Do you know when Edward will arrive back?” He asked.
“He said it would only be a few more days.” I couldn’t help the large smile that spread across my face.
Father patted my hand, chuckling at my reaction. “Well, I would like to meet with you both, similar to the meeting I had with Emmett and Rosalie yesterday.“ Father took a sip of his coffee. “These classes are usually done with groups, several couples meeting with the priest at the same time. But because of Emmett’s and now Edward’s notoriety, I suppose is the correct word, I thought it better to have private classes. That and the fact that Emmett is Emmett.“ He trailed off as he shook his head.
We both chuckled at that. “Just between you and me, I may never be invited back to another retreat after taking Emmett to the last one.”
Oh no.
Father saw my look of alarm. “I’m just kidding Isabella. Besides, it probably did those stuffed shirts some good to be exposed to Emmett. Our Lord doesn’t expect us to spend our lives in misery. Unfortunately some people think that’s the only way to get to heaven.” Father said with a twinkle in his eye.
I’m beginning to believe that Father relates to my brother more than I realized. I bet he was a hellion when he was a youngster back in Ireland.
“I think that it would be beneficial to all four of you if we were to combine your Pre Cana classes.”
I was stunned, and a little terrified.
“Isabella, what’s wrong?” Father asked.
“I, uh, I..”
Pull your shit together Bella.
I took a deep breath. “I don’t think that’s a good idea Father.“ I muttered.
“Why is that Isabella?“
“Because, although I love my brother, not a day goes by that I don’t think about kicking him in the…”
Don’t say ‘balls’ to the priest
“ …butt for something stupid he’s done.”
Father laughed. “I’m sorry, but I think this will be good for all of you.”
“I can’t change your mind?” I asked.
“No.” He said with a smile. “If it helps, I’ll require this as part of your penance.” He nodded. “So that’s settled. You phone me when Edward is back, and we’ll go from there.”
Shit.
The really bad thing was that I knew Emmett would be thrilled with this turn of events. Now he would have maximum opportunity to fuck with Edward.
Father finished his coffee and joined Charlie in the living room.
--V&V--
I couldn’t talk to Edward on skype that night. He sent me a text to let me know that he was going into the studio very early, and he would speak to me on Monday evening.
It disappointed me, but I also knew that he was trying to return to me sooner, so I tried to console myself with that fact.
Monday dawned grey and dreary. I rolled out of bed determined not to let myself be overtaken with memories from that day seven years before. Charlie and I attended morning Mass, and Father Pat stopped me outside afterwards.
“The Mass today was said in memory of you Mother, Isabella.“ Father Pat told me quietly.
I gave him a grateful smile.
“How are you coping?” He asked gently.
“Better than I usually do Father.” I admitted.
“I want you to have this. I always find comfort in this poem when I’m missing my parents or other family members who have gone before me.” He said as he placed a card into my hand. “I’ll speak with you later darlin’.”
“Thank you Father.” I said quietly before he walked away.
I spent the day with Charlie. It was quiet and comfortable. We had a late lunch at the diner, and stopped by the florist to pick up something for Mom’s grave.
Everywhere we went, people stopped to say hello and inquire about me and Edward or Emmett and Rosalie. I let Charlie field all the questions.
They always say that girls marry men who are like their fathers. After spending the weekend with Charlie, I realized how true that statement was. Many of the traits I admired most in my Dad such as his quiet strength, his loyalty, his sense of right and wrong were all traits he shared with Edward.
We arrived at Forks Cemetery in the late afternoon. My Dad walked to the grave with me, spending a few minutes, then went to wait by his truck so I could have some time alone. I carefully placed the assortment of wildflowers, Mom’s favorite, on her grave and sat gingerly down on the grass.
The cherub on her gravestone gazed sadly back at me as I read the words I had long ago memorized.
Renee Louise Swan
January 24, 1962 - May 17, 2003
Beloved daughter, sister, mother and wife
Rest in perfect peace, gentle soul
I pulled Father Pat’s poem from my purse, not having read it until now.
I am home in Heaven dear ones, oh so happy and so bright
There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over. Every restless longing passed.
I am now at peace forever. Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade?
Oh but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread,
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still,
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s Will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand,
Do it now, while life remaineth. You shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home,
Oh, the rapture of that meeting, oh, the joy to see you come!
.
I found that the tears I’d been stoically holding back began to trickle as I read. Some were tears of sadness due to the fact that I missed my Mom desperately, but the quiet joy contained in the poem gave my heart hope. The hope that some day I would see her again, and I cried happy tears as I thought about that.
I remembered my dream in which she told me she knew about Emmett and Rose’s wedding. I silently hoped that she knew about my wedding too. I hoped that somehow she could share in the happiness of the news of ’Baby Swan’. I smiled when I thought about it, and glanced at the ultrasound photo which Rose and Emmett had left by Mom’s gravestone.
When the tears finally subsided, I traced the writing on the gravestone one more time with my fingers, and whispered an ‘I love you Mom’ before standing to leave.
I turned to begin the walk back to Charlie’s truck. As I lifted my eyes and looked past the group of trees I would pass on my way, I noticed a figure walking toward me. There was something familiar about it. I took a closer look and froze in disbelief, my hand immediately coming up to clutch my throat when I realized who it was.
How is this possible? How is he here?
I gasped. “Edward.”
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