Ready, Set, Don't Go

A.N: Okay, so there may be a couple of "Eclipse" spoilers here- but not many. This is Charlie's POV of finding out that Edward and Bella are getting married. It was inspired by the Billy Ray Cyrus son of the same name.

Disclaimer: Own nothing- it's all Ms. Meyer's.

I should have expected this.

Really, part of me had been. Hadn't I asked her- begged her really- to tell me if they decided to run off? At least now I was going to see my baby move on.

I had been expecting this since he had come back- so why was it hitting me so hard?

"We're getting married Dad."

I hadn't been able to say anything at first, I was so dumbfounded. Bella must have seen something that worried her in my face, because she began to ramble.

"I love him, Dad- I really, truly do. I want to spend the rest of my life with him… but I want you to be happy for me, too… so… are you going to say anything?"

I wanted to rant and rave that no, she couldn't get married. I wouldn't allow it. I wanted to say she was too young, that he had hurt her once and would only do it again, but if I said either of those things, I would be lying. Looking into her big brown eyes, I managed to force a smile onto my face.

"Congratulations, Bells… I'm happy for you."

"Really?" she asked, here eyes searching my face.

"Really," I was surprised to find that I actually meant that. "He makes you happy, Bella… and that makes me happy."

It also breaks my heart.

I fought not to let that thought show on my face as I kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly. Edward met my gaze over her head, and I could read understanding in his eyes.

"You should go call Renee," I told her, pulling back so I could hold her at arm's length. "It's best if you get that ordeal over with right away."

"You're probably right," she sighed and turned her eyes to Edward. "You coming?"

"I'll be there in a second," he told her, smiling at her- his expression soft and adoring. Bella looked at him for a moment, chewing on her lip thoughtfully, before she nodded and headed up the stairs. The door to her room snapped shut, and I was left standing across from the boy- the man- that was going to be taking my baby from me.

"I'll take care of her, Charlie," he said softly.

"I don't want to believe you," I replied. "I want to believe that you're the wrong thing for her- that you'll just hurt her again."

"I won't do that Charlie, I swe-"

I held up my hand to silence him and he cut off mid-word.

"I said I want to believe that Edward. I don't want to believe that she's grown up, that she's moving on with her life… I've had her for so little time, but…" I could feel the tears begin to pool and stubbornly pushed them back. "She's my little girl Edward- I can still remember when she was little and would come to me to make her scratched knees feel better," I smiled fondly. "I don't want her to leave… I don't want to say good-bye… but she's happy. You make her happy… and she's mature enough to know what she wants in life," I turned my back to Edward so he wouldn't see the tears that fell. "You have my blessing to marry her Edward- please don't make me regret it. Now- you shouldn't keep Bella waiting. She'll need the support."

I heard Edward move towards the step, then pause.

"I'll never hurt her again, Charlie- I'll make her happy."

I didn't say anything until I heard the light murmur of voices as he joined Bella. Then I let loose a half-sob half-laugh.

"I know," I said to the empty room. "And that's why I won't get in the way."

She's at the starting line of the rest of her life

As ready as she's ever been

She's got the hunger and the stars in her eyes

The prize is hers to win

She's waiting on my blessings 'fore she hits that open road

Baby get ready, get set, don't go…