For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results … first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.
Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado …
This is the beginning of the extension of the original contest entry. ALL NEW! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy this!
Up next will be the trip to Busch Gardens and leading up to some citrusy times. The plan for this story is currently undergoing a metamorphosis. The original plan is not working for me, but I think you'll like what I've got going in my head.
The next morning, Bella packed a small duffel with some comfortable, kid-friendly pajamas. She also grabbed a small backpack, filling it with sunscreen, a small first aid kit and some protein bars. Putting her duffel and backpack by the door, she ate a quick breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, reading her email. As she predicted, she received a response from the University of Tampa, formerly offering her the position. Bella bit her lip, responding that she'd take the position and looked forward to her new position at the university, beginning in July.
With that done, she sent an email to her real estate agent, telling her to put her condo on the market. Bella blew out a breath. Things were being put into motion and she was picking up her life, moving back across the country, to be with the man of her dreams.
But was she being too hasty? Too impetuous?
She didn't have time to dwell. The doorbell rang. Bella stuck her phone into the pocket of her shorts, opening the door. Edward was standing there with both of his kids. Liam held a box of donuts while Lucy held a tray of coffee. In Edward's hand, he held a single rose. "For you, my love," he said, handing her the red rose. "These two wanted to get breakfast. Liam suggested we get it to go so we could share breakfast."
"I saved you the blueberry cake donut," Liam said, opening the box and handing Bella one of her favorite treats. "Dad said you liked them."
"Thank you, kind sir," Bella smiled, taking the donut and ruffling his hair. Lucy handed Bella one of the coffees while Edward picked up her bags, tossing them in the back of the SUV. "Are you guys excited about going to Busch Gardens? In all my years living here in Tampa, I've never been."
"Daddy said that the seniors went there for their class trip," Lucy said, buckling into the car and sipping some orange juice. "Didn't you go? You were in the same class as Daddy."
"Your dad and I weren't as close in high school, Lucy," Bella explained. "Plus, I couldn't afford to go. My dad struggled to make ends meet when I was younger."
"Miss Bella's dad is Chief Charlie," Edward explained.
"I love Chief Charlie! His mustache is cool!" Liam laughed. "Dad, grow a mustache like that."
"Please don't," Bella whimpered. "I'll be scarred."
"Noted," Edward snickered under his breath. "No porn stache." Getting on the highway, he drove them to the park. It was early and they were one of the first families that were allowed entrance. Bella tried to pay for their admittance, but Edward gave her a stern glare. She tucked her wallet back into her backpack, holding her hands up. Once inside, Edward tugged them to one of the picnic areas. "Now, no one is to roam away. You both have your cell phones, right?"
"Yes, Dad," the twins chimed.
"I programed Bella's number in there, and mine is speed dial number one if you get lost. If you don't get us, find one of the park workers," Edward said quietly. "They can call us over the intercom. I don't think we'll get separated, but just to be safe. I love you both so much."
"I love you, too, Daddy," Lucy said, hugging her father's neck. "We'll be good. Right, Liam?"
"Right," Liam nodded. He looked up at Bella and put his hand in hers. "Do you ride roller coasters?"
"I've never been on one," Bella giggled. "I was kind of boring as a teenager and then I went to school for a long time, focusing on getting my dream job."
"Like Daddy!" Lucy said, tugging on Edward's hand. "He works all the time, but he went to school forever, too. But, he said that after he's done with his residency, he'll have more time for us. All of us."
"After a much-needed vacation, little love," Edward said, chuckling quietly. "Now, do we want animals or rides first?"
"Rides!" Liam and Lucy yelled.
"Let's get you covered with sunscreen," Bella said. "You both are pale like me and my guess is that dear old dad forgot to cover you."
"Oops," Edward blushed. "I think I need some, too. I'm just as pasty as my twin terrors."
"We're not terrors," they both admonished.
"You heard them," Bella giggled, pulling out the sunscreen. "Okay, who's first? Thing One or Thing Two?"
"I'm older! I go first," Liam said, holding out his arms.
"But, I'm a lady and Papa said that ladies ALWAYS go first," Lucy argued.
"How about we go at the same time," Edward laughed, squeezing some sunscreen into his hands. He tugged on Lucy, covering her arms while Bella rubbed the lotion into Liam's arms and face.
"Nice face, Liam," Bella giggled as Liam scrunched his nose up.
"It smells funny," he said, scrubbing his face. "Like coconuts, but not. You know?"
"I do," she said, blending the sunscreen into his skin. "Thank you for the donut this morning and for giving me a chance, Liam."
"Lucy talked to me. She told me I was being a butthead," Liam snorted.
"Language," Bella chided. "Your dad said that word was not allowed."
"Sorry, Miss Bella," he blushed, giving her a crooked grin and looking so much like his father. "And I'm sorry about yesterday. You seem really nice and you do make Dad happy." Liam kissed Bella on the cheek. He took Bella's hand. They walked to Lucy and Edward as Edward was finishing applying the sunscreen. Together, they walked to the first set of rides and waited in line. Liam was friendlier with Bella, but he was still a bit leery. Lucy hung on every word that Bella said, asking questions and prattling on like a monkey in a tree.
The day went by quickly, filled with laughter, fun and bonding as a growing family. Edward was throwing away some garbage from their shared plate of funnel cake. "Your family is beautiful," said an older gentleman. "The love between all of you is flowing, overflowing."
"Thank you," Edward said, smiling at the man. "They are my world." The man grinned back, shuffling away and Edward went back to his family. He wrapped his arms around them, finally feeling contentment since the end of his miserable marriage. He felt content with Bella, but knowing his children got along with the woman he should have been with since the beginning.
As the sun began to set, they left the park and drove back to Edward's home, stopping at a pizza place to pick up dinner. Parking the car in the garage, they went into the pool house on Carlisle and Esme's property. Edward wrinkled his nose, seeing his parents' car in the garage as well. I need my own place. This worked when it just me and the kids, but now, I want my own privacy.
"Edward, what's up with the face?" Bella asked, carrying the bag with the garlic bread sticks, mozzarella sticks and a small cookie cake.
"I need my own place," he said. He blinked over to Bella, smiling softly. "Or, our place." Bella gave him a Mona Lisa smile, following the kids into the pool house. "Twin Terrors, go get ready for bed."
"But, Daddy," Lucy whined. "I want to hang out with Miss Bella some more."
"You will, but I want you both to shower and put your jammies on. I love you both, but you stink," Edward snorted, waving his hand in front of his face. "Icky POO!" The twins attacked, tickling Edward. He picked them both up, carrying them to their bedrooms. Their squeals filled the house as Bella tossed the pizza into the oven to keep it warm while the twins finished their baths. Edward came back out, his shirt covered with water.
"What happened?"
"I got attacked by my son. He thought it would be funny to spray me," he snorted. "So, I retaliated by tossing him into the shower, clothes and all. He's cleaning up and Lucy is using my bathroom." He slid up onto the counter and pulled out a beer. "So, places. What do you think about finding a place together? I mean, if you are moving out here."
"I am moving out here," Bella said. "I just accepted the position at University of Tampa. My real estate is putting my condo on the market once I return to Seattle, after I sign the paperwork." She bit her lip, looking at him. "But, doesn't that seem fast? We're still getting used being a couple and not having a long-distance relationship."
"I just want you with me," Edward said, pouting adorably. "I want you to sleep in my arms and wake up with your kisses. But, I see your point."
"How about a compromise?" Bella suggested. "I'll rent an apartment, but sign a month-to-month lease or a six-month lease. That way, if we're still together and you want to move in together, we can."
"Well, I'm still going to look for something separate from my parents. I love them and they are amazing, but I want my own freedom," Edward snickered. "I'm almost thirty and I'm finally moving out of my parent's place!"
"You moved out, but moved back out of necessity," Bella giggled. He tugged on her and moved her between his legs. "I understand your need to have your own place. I'll support you in whatever you decide."
"I want you with me," he said, kissing her lips. "But, the compromise seems like the logical choice. However, I want you to come house shopping with me, sweetness. Even if you aren't moving in right away, I want you to have a say in what you want."
"You drive a hard bargain, Dr. Cullen," she said, narrowing her eyes. "But, I agree to your terms." Edward beamed happily, pressing his mouth to hers.
"Daddy and Miss Bella, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," Liam sang.
"Yep," Edward laughed. "And you're next, bud." He hopped off the counter and chased a squealing Liam through the house until he captured him, smothering his face with kisses.
"Daddy!" Liam cackled. "You're drooling on me."
"I'll show you drooling," Edward snickered, blowing a raspberry into Liam's face. Liam's giggles filled the house and once he was placed on the ground, he sprinted behind Bella. She laughed, protecting Liam. Seeing Liam trust Bella and her step in, protecting his son, made his heart swell. If it were possible, he fell further in love with Bella than he already did.
A/N: We'll finish up the family time and have some naked fun time with Edward and Bella. She wants to have her own time to play with Doctor/Daddyward. And Liam, he's starting to come around to Bella. Is it going to be a smooth ride the entire time? Probably not.
Pictures of Busch Gardens in Tampa are on my blog. I went there in 2001 with an ex-boyfriend. It was fun, but I don't remember much. The link for the blog is on my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation as well as twitter: tufano79. Leave me some! ;-)