What else could we do? Edward brushed his fingers lightly over her cheek. I saw him touch her lips for just a momenta reminder. Would you have refused her?
Hmph. Well. He shook his head absently. Jake says you call her Nessie?
No, we dont, I said, my voice too sharp and piercing. Her name is Renesmee.
Charlie refocused on me. How do you feel about this? Maybe Carlisle and Esme could
Shes mine, I interrupted. I want her.
Charlie frowned. You gonna make me a grandpa so young?
Edward smiled. Carlisle is a grandfather, too.
Charlie shot an incredulous glance at Carlisle, still standing by the front door; he looked like Zeuss younger, better-looking brother.
Charlie snorted and then laughed. I guess that does sort of make me feel better. His eyes strayed back to Renesmee. She sure is something to look at. His warm breath blew lightly across the space between us.
Renesmee leaned toward the smell, shaking off my hair and looking him full in the face for the first time. Charlie gasped.
I knew what he was seeing. My eyeshis eyescopied exactly into her perfect face.
Charlie started hyperventilating. His lips trembled, and I could read the numbers he mouthed. He was counting backward, trying to fit nine months into one. Trying to put it together but not able to force the evidence right in front of him to make any sense.
Jacob got up and came over to pat Charlie on the back. He leaned in to whisper something in Charlies ear; only Charlie didnt know we could all hear.
Need to know, Charlie. Its okay. I promise.
Charlie swallowed and nodded. And then his eyes blazed as he took a step closer to Edward with his fists tightly clenched.
I dont want to know everything, but Im done with the lies!
Im sorry, Edward said calmly, but you need to know the public story more than you need to know the truth. If youre going to be part of this secret, the public story is the one that counts. Its to protect Bella and Renesmee as well as the rest of us. Can you go along with the lies for them?
The room was full of statues. I crossed my ankles.
Charlie huffed once and then turned his glare on me. You mightve given me some warning, kid.
Would it really have made this any easier?
He frowned, and then he knelt on the floor in front of me. I could see the movement of the blood in his neck under his skin. I could feel the warm vibration of it.
So could Renesmee. She smiled and reached one pink palm out to him. I held her back. She pushed her other hand against my neck, thirst, curiosity, and Charlies face in her thoughts. There was a subtle edge to the message that made me think that shed understood Edwards words perfectly; she acknowledged thirst, but overrode it in the same thought.
Whoa, Charlie gasped, his eyes on her perfect teeth. How old is she?
Um . . .
Three months, Edward said, and then added slowly, rather, shes the size of a three-month-old, more or less. Shes younger in some ways, more mature in others.
Very deliberately, Renesmee waved at him.
Charlie blinked spastically.
Jacob elbowed him. Told you she was special, didnt I?
Charlie cringed away from the contact.
Oh, cmon, Charlie, Jacob groaned. Im the same person Ive always been. Just pretend this afternoon didnt happen.
The reminder made Charlies lips go white, but he nodded once. Just what is your part in all this, Jake? he asked. How much does Billy know? Why are you here? He looked at Jacobs face, which was glowing as he stared at Renesmee.
Well, I could tell you all about itBilly knows absolutely everythingbut it involves a lot of stuff about werewo
Ungh! Charlie protested, covering his ears. Never mind.
Jacob grinned. Everythings going to be great, Charlie. Just try to not believe anything you see.
My dad mumbled something unintelligible.
Woo! Emmett suddenly boomed in his deep bass. Go Gators!
Jacob and Charlie jumped. The rest of us froze.
Charlie recovered, then looked at Emmett over his shoulder. Florida winning?
Just scored the first touchdown, Emmett confirmed. He shot a look in my direction, wagging his eyebrows like a villain in vaudeville. Bout time somebody scored around here.
I fought back a hiss. In front of Charlie? That was over the line.
But Charlie was beyond noticing innuendos. He took yet another deep breath, sucking the air in like he was trying to pull it down to his toes. I envied him. He lurched to his feet, stepped around Jacob, and half-fell into an open chair. Well, he sighed, I guess we should see if they can hold on to the lead.
26. SHINY
I dont know how much we should tell Rene about this, Charlie said, hesitating with one foot out the door. He stretched, and then his stomach growled.
I nodded. I know. I dont want to freak her out. Better to protect her. This stuff isnt for the fainthearted.
His lips twisted up to the side ruefully. I would have tried to protect you, too, if Id known how. But I guess youve never fit into the fainthearted category, have you?
I smiled back, pulling a blazing breath in through my teeth.
Charlie patted his stomach absently. Ill think of something. Weve got time to discuss this, right?
Right, I promised him.
It had been a long day in some ways, and so short in others. Charlie was late for dinnerSue Clearwater was cooking for him and Billy. That was going to be an awkward evening, but at least hed be eating real food; I was glad someone was trying to keep him from starving due to his lack of cooking ability.
All day the tension had made the minutes pass slowly; Charlie had never relaxed the stiff set of his shoulders. But hed been in no hurry to leave, either. Hed watched two whole gamesthankfully so absorbed in his thoughts that he was totally oblivious to Emmetts suggestive jokes that got more pointed and less football-related with each asideand the after-game commentaries, and then the news, not moving until Seth had reminded him of the time.
You gonna stand Billy and my mom up, Charlie? Cmon. Bella and Nessiell be here tomorrow. Lets get some grub, eh?
It had been clear in Charlies eyes that he hadnt trusted Seths assessment, but hed let Seth lead the way out. The doubt was still there as he paused now. The clouds were thinning, the rain gone. The sun might even make an appearance just in time to set.
Jake says you guys were going to take off on me, he muttered to me now.
I didnt want to do that if there was any way at all around it. Thats why were still here.
He said you could stay for a while, but only if Im tough enough, and if I can keep my mouth shut.
Yes but I cant promise that well never leave, Dad. Its pretty complicated. . . .
Need to know, he reminded me.
Right.
Youll visit, though, if you have to go?
I promise, Dad. Now that you know just enough, I think this can work. Ill keep as close as you want.
He chewed on his lip for half a second, then leaned slowly toward me with his arms cautiously extended. I shifted Renesmeenapping nowto my left arm, locked my teeth, held my breath, and wrapped my right arm very lightly around his warm, soft waist.
Keep real close, Bells, he mumbled. Real close.
Love you, Dad, I whispered through my teeth.
He shivered and pulled away. I dropped my arm.
Love you, too, kid. Whatever else has changed, that hasnt. He touched one finger to Renesmees pink cheek. She sure looks a lot like you.
I kept my expression casual, though I felt anything but. More like Edward, I think. I hesitated, and then added, She has your curls.
Charlie started, then snorted. Huh. Guess she does. Huh. Grandpa. He shook his head doubtfully. Do I ever get to hold her?
I blinked in shock and then composed myself. After considering for a half second and judging Renesmees appearanceshe looked completely outI decided that I might as well push my luck to the limit
, since things were going so well today. . . .
Here, I said, holding her out to him. He automatically made an awkward cradle with his arms, and I tucked Renesmee into it. His skin wasnt quite as hot as hers, but it made my throat tickle to feel the warmth flowing under the thin membrane. Where my white skin brushed him it left goose bumps. I wasnt sure if this was a reaction to my new temperature or totally psychological.
Charlie grunted quietly as he felt her weight. Shes sturdy.
I frowned. She felt feather-light to me. Maybe my measure was off.
Sturdy is good, Charlie said, seeing my expression. Then he muttered to himself, Shell need to be tough, surrounded by all this craziness. He bounced his arms gently, swaying a little from side to side. Prettiest baby I ever saw, including you, kid. Sorry, but its true.
I know it is.
Pretty baby, he said again, but it was closer to a coo this time.
I could see it in his faceI could watch it growing there. Charlie was just as helpless against her magic as the rest of us. Two seconds in his arms, and already she owned him.
Can I come back tomorrow?
Sure, Dad. Of course. Well be here.
Youd better be, he said sternly, but his face was soft, still gazing at Renesmee. See you tomorrow, Nessie.
Not you, too!
Huh?
Her name is Renesmee. Like Rene and Esme, put together. No variations. I struggled to calm myself without the deep breath this time. Do you want to hear her middle name?
Sure.
Carlie. With a C. Like Carlisle and Charlie put together.
Charlies eye-creasing grin lit up his face, taking me off guard. Thanks, Bells.
Thank you, Dad. So much has changed so quickly. My head hasnt stopped spinning. If I didnt have you now, I dont know how Id keep my grip onon reality. Id been about to say my grip on who I was. That was probably more than he needed.
Charlies stomach growled.
Go eat, Dad. We will be here. I remembered how it felt, that first uncomfortable immersion in fantasythe sensation that everything would disappear in the light of the rising sun.
Charlie nodded and then reluctantly returned Renesmee to me. He glanced past me into the house; his eyes were a little wild for a minute as he stared around the big bright room. Everyone was still there, besides Jacob, who I could hear raiding the refrigerator in the kitchen; Alice was lounging on the bottom step of the staircase with Jaspers head in her lap; Carlisle had his head bent over a fat book in his lap; Esme was humming to herself, sketching on a notepad, while Rosalie and Emmett laid out the foundation for a monumental house of cards under the stairs; Edward had drifted to his piano and was playing very softly to himself. There was no evidence that the day was coming to a close, that it might be time to eat or shift activities in preparation for evening. Something intangible had changed in the atmosphere. The Cullens werent trying as hard as they usually didthe human charade had slipped ever so slightly, enough for Charlie to feel the difference.
He shuddered, shook his head, and sighed. See you tomorrow, Bella. He frowned and then added, I mean, its not like you dont look good. Ill get used to it.
Thanks, Dad.
Charlie nodded and walked thoughtfully toward his car. I watched him drive away; it wasnt until I heard his tires hit the freeway that I realized Id done it. Id actually made it through the whole day without hurting Charlie. All by myself. I must have a superpower!
It seemed too good to be true. Could I really have both my new family and some of my old as well? And Id thought that yesterday had been perfect.
Wow, I whispered. I blinked and felt the third set of contact lenses disintegrate.
The sound of the piano cut off, and Edwards arms were around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder.
You took the word right out of my mouth.
Edward, I did it!
You did. You were unbelievable. All that worrying over being a newborn, and then you skip it altogether. He laughed quietly.
Im not even sure shes really a vampire, let alone a newborn, Emmett called from under the stairs. Shes too tame.
All the embarrassing comments hed made in front of my father sounded in my ears again, and it was probably a good thing I was holding Renesmee. Unable to help my reaction entirely, I snarled under my breath.
Oooo, scary, Emmett laughed.
I hissed, and Renesmee stirred in my arms. She blinked a few times, then looked around, her expression confused. She sniffed, then reached for my face.
Charlie will be back tomorrow, I assured her.
Excellent, Emmett said. Rosalie laughed with him this time.
Not brilliant, Emmett, Edward said scornfully, holding out his hands to take Renesmee from me. He winked when I hesitated, and so, a little confused, I gave her to him.
What do you mean? Emmett demanded.
Its a little dense, dont you think, to antagonize the strongest vampire in the house?
Emmett threw his head back and snorted. Please!
Bella, Edward murmured to me while Emmett listened closely, do you remember a few months ago, I asked you to do me a favor once you were immortal?
That rang a dim bell. I sifted through the blurry human conversations. After a moment, I remembered and I gasped, Oh!
Alice trilled a long, pealing laugh. Jacob poked his head around the corner, his mouth stuffed with food.
What? Emmett growled.
Really? I asked Edward.
Trust me, he said.
I took a deep breath. Emmett, how do you feel about a little bet?
He was on his feet at once. Awesome. Bring it.
I bit my lip for a second. He was just so huge.
Unless youre too afraid ? Emmett suggested.
I squared my shoulders. You. Me. Arm-wrestling. Dining room table. Now.
Emmetts grin stretched across his face.
Er, Bella, Alice said quickly, I think Esme is fairly fond of that table. Its an antique.
Thanks, Esme mouthed at her.
No problem, Emmett said with a gleaming smile. Right this way, Bella.
I followed him out the back, toward the garage; I could hear all the others trailing behind. There was a largish granite boulder standing up out of a tumble of rocks near the river, obviously Emmetts goal. Though the big rock was a little rounded and irregular, it would do the job.
Emmett placed his elbow on the rock and waved me forward.
I was nervous again as I watched the thick muscles in Emmetts arm roll, but I kept my face smooth. Edward had promised I would be stronger than anyone for a while. He seemed very confident about this, and I felt strong. That strong? I wondered, looking at Emmetts biceps. I wasnt even two days old, though, and that ought to count for something. Unless nothing was normal about me. Maybe I wasnt as strong as a normal newborn. Maybe thats why control was so easy for me.
I tried to look unconcerned as I set my elbow against the stone.
Okay, Emmett. I win, and you cannot say one more word about my sex life to anyone, not even Rose. No allusions, no innuendosno nothing.
His eyes narrowed. Deal. I win, and its going to get a lot worse.
He heard my breath stop and grinned evilly. There was no hint of bluff in his eyes.
You gonna back down so easy, little sister? Emmett taunted. Not much wild about you, is there? I bet that cottage doesnt have a scratch. He laughed. Did Edward tell you how many houses Rose and I smashed?
I gritted my teeth and grabbed his big hand. One, two
Three, he grunted, and shoved against my hand.
Nothing happened.
Oh, I could feel the force he was exerting. My new mind seemed pretty good at all kinds of calculations, and so I could tell that if he wasnt meeting any resistance, his hand would have pounded right through the rock without difficulty. The pressure increased, and I wondered randomly if a cement truck doing forty miles an hour down a sharp decline would have similar power. Fifty miles an hour? Sixty? Probably more.
/> It wasnt enough to move me. His hand shoved against mine with crushing force, but it wasnt unpleasant. It felt kind of good in a weird way. Id been so very careful since the last time I woke up, trying so hard not to break things. It was a strange relief to use my muscles. To let the strength flow rather than struggling to restrain it.
Emmett grunted; his forehead creased and his whole body strained in one rigid line toward the obstacle of my unmoving hand. I let him sweatfigurativelyfor a moment while I enjoyed the sensation of the crazy force running through my arm.
A few seconds, though, and I was a little bored with it. I flexed; Emmett lost an inch.
I laughed. Emmett snarled harshly through his teeth.
Just keep your mouth shut, I reminded him, and then I smashed his hand into the boulder. A deafening crack echoed off the trees. The rock shuddered, and a pieceabout an eighth of the massbroke off at an invisible fault line and crashed to the ground. It fell on Emmetts foot, and I snickered. I could hear Jacobs and Edwards muffled laughter.