A short sob escaped me as Edward’s fist flew forward and met Jacob’s jaw with a thunderous crack.

He yelped and clutched his face in shock.

“Edward…” I scolded lightly.

“Don’t worry, love, He’ll be over it in a minute.”

Sure enough, Jacob’s convenient quick healing process set to work and regrettably, he opened his fully functional mouth a moment later to speak. Edward cut him off.

“If you ever threaten my wife again…”

Not wanting him to fight fire with fire, I stepped in.

“Jacob, if you tell Charlie, it will not change anything. I have made my decision and nothing in this world can make me change it. So, telling Charlie will just hurt him worse and put him in unnecessary danger. Leave, Jacob. Just go. Now, before I hate you even more.” I held back tears.

His body rippled violently with anger as tortured howl tore trough him. He turned quickly and started running for the woods. He didn’t stop.

I began to sob openly. Edward took me in his arms and wiped the tears away with his icy cold finger before the water could ruin my makeup.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault. Thank you for punching him for me.” I sniffled.

“Thank you for what you said to him.” He countered.

“I only told the truth.”

“I know,” He smiled. “I like the truth.”

“Jacob didn’t.” I sighed. “Come on, we have guests to entertain.”

He laughed. “Alice could entertain them all night.”

“Lets not give her the chance.”

We reentered the house to find I very serious looking Billy. He had somehow knew that we had just sent away his ride home.

“What happened?” Billy scowled.

Charlie simply stood there, looking very confused.

“Your son kissed me.” I glared.

Charlie’s face fell. “Stupid boy.”

Billy just laughed.

“Honestly, its not funny.” Edward shot Billy a dark glance.

A light voice cut through the conflict. “There you guys are!” Alice sang. “It’s time for the father-daughter dance.”

I was relieved to escape the drama. I grabbed Charlie’s outstretched hand and walked with him through the parting crowd.

Dancing with Charlie was not nearly as easy as dancing with Edward. My feet actually had to be on the ground, for starters. And dancing with Charlie was also not as pain-free. He stepped on my toes multiple time, making it no secret where I got my lack of coordination from. I ignored the poor dancing techniques and rested my head on his shoulder, knowing that this would be one of the last father-daughter moments I would ever have with him. It was a bittersweet realization. He kissed my forehead in a very fatherly gesture.