“Today’s the big day, Bells.” He spoke without breaking our hug.

I struggled for the breath to form words. He was hugging me so tight.

“Yeah, I know..” I managed to gasp.

He properly interpreted my breathlessness and released me from his grip only to hold me at arms length by the shoulders and continue talking.

“Are you nervous?” His interest in the topic seemed strangely enthusiastic and genuine.

“Yes.” I nodded. It was the truth too. I had never had so many butterflies inhabit my stomach before now. “Hey Dad, not to…er, press my luck or anything-” I edged. “But what exactly did Edward say to you to bring on this sudden tolerance?”

His forehead wrinkled up as he thought about it.

“I don’t think it wasn’t so much what he said as it was how he said it. He was completely honest with me, Bella. I could see it in his eyes that when he said he loved you – he meant it.”

Ah, I thought, so the dazzling thing worked on Charlie too. Well played, Edward.

“It was almost like he could read my mind.” Charlie continued. “He answered every question, calmed every fear, and countered every argument before I even had the chance to say it out loud. It was strange, but it was good to know that he could put himself into my shoes and see things from my point of view.”

I nodded my head in agreement as Charlie pulled me into another too-tight bear hug.

“I’m sorry I was so difficult.” He sighed.

I waved off his apology. “Don’t worry about it Dad. All is forgiven.”

With that situation all cleared up, I shrugged out from under his grasp and began gathering my common breakfast supply.

“No cereal, Bella.” He ordered. “I am making you a big breakfast this morning.” He moved around clumsily compiling eggs and bacon onto the table in preparation for his weak attempt at cooking. I was not at all hungry, and I felt as though I was going to be sick as it was. But Charlie was trying to be thoughtful and generous and who was I to shoot him down. I wasn’t going to have much more time left with Charlie. I might as well let him have his way while I’m still here. I certainly wouldn’t be able to see him after the change…which was scheduled to occur shortly after the wedding.