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.
We will be having some kid cuteness time, hearing from the kiddos about their relationship with Bella, Edward's birthday/Father's Day and then some citrusy goodness. The following chapter will be the benefit and more citrusy fun times.
Driving to the mall, Lucy and Liam were chattering in the backseat, coming up with ideas for their daddy for his birthday/Father's Day. Most of them were too extravagant or too expensive. "Daddy would love a sports car!" Lucy sang.
"And who's paying for that?" Bella deadpanned. "How much money do you guys have for your dad's gifts?"
"Fifty dollars," Liam answered.
"Sports cars cost more than fifty bucks," Bella snickered. "Let's try and get him something that means a lot to him. What are some things that you do with your dad that make him and you happy?"
"I just like spending time with him," Lucy answered, her nose wrinkled. "He works so much. I know he's important because of his job, but I miss him."
"He misses you, too. His office is covered with pictures of you guys," Bella smiled, parking at the mall. "How about we get some pictures of you? There's a picture place in the mall."
"With you, too!" Lucy sang. "Wouldn't that be awesome, Liam?" He nodded. Bella plastered on a smile, looking down at her casual attire of a pair of shorts and one of Edward's Dartmouth shirts. The twins were somewhat coordinated with similar colors. "Come on, Bella! That would be awesome!"
"Well, I need to get some clothes since I'm looking very casual," Bella giggled. Lucy nodded, looking a lot like Alice, appraising her critically. "I won't be long." They got out of the car, walking to a nearby big box store. Bella found a skirt and shirt that matched the twins, purchasing it without trying it on. She also got some makeup, paying for that and changing in one of the bathrooms.
"Bella, you're so pretty," Lucy said, her voice filled with awe as Bella put on the mascara. "No wonder why Daddy loves you. Doesn't Bella look pretty, Liam?" Liam shrugged, responding like a typical boy. Lucy rolled her eyes, smacking her brother.
"Thank you, Lucy. You are just as beautiful," Bella smiled, dabbing on some lip gloss. "And Liam, you are handsome and kind, just like your dad."
"You think I'm kind, even though I was a total brat to you?" Liam asked, his brows shooting to his hairline.
"I understand that you were hesitant to trust me, Liam. You never were a total brat," Bella argued.
"Yes, he was," Lucy snorted, slipping her hand into Bella's. "You're too nice, Bella."
"Okay, you were a bit of a brat, but I know that you are working on being nicer to me," Bella smiled. "Now, let's get those pictures taken and pick out some awesome picture frames for your dad."
"You have to get something for Dad, too," Liam said. "He needs a new watch. His died or something. It was one of those watches run on sunlight."
"Let's get the pictures taken and then we'll pick out his present from me," Bella said. She slipped her purse on her arm and offered her hand to Liam. He readily took it, walking with his sister and dad's girlfriend to the picture studio. They had an opening and a photographer spent an hour with them, taking pictures at a nearby park. From the tiny screen, the pictures looked amazing and would be the perfect present for Edward. With a grin, they went back to the picture studio and chose the picture package, pooling money from both Liam and Lucy, but Bella covered most of it. They decided on picking six of the photos in several different sizes. Paying for the photos, the photographer said that the prints would be ready in an hour.
Using that time, Bella and the twins went to a specialty store, getting a special Father's Day frame for Edward. It took a while for them to decide on which one they wanted, but chose a metal frame that said "Super Hero Dad." Wrapping the frame in tissue paper, Liam tugged on Bella's arm to a jewelry store. She found a watch for him, getting the back of it engraved.
As they waited for the pictures to be printed and the watch to be engraved, the three of them went to Red Robin for some lunch and to get out of the heat. Bella had forgotten how hot and sticky Florida got in the summer. She was ready to peal her clothes from her body and jump into the bay, missing the cool summers of the Pacific Northwest. The twins were unfazed by it, but seemed happy to be in the restaurant.
"Bella, I'm going to the bathroom," Lucy said, wiping her hands on a napkin. "Do you know where it is?"
"I can go with you," Bella replied.
"I'm good," Lucy smiled. Bella pointed to the rear of the restaurant. She skipped to the back, leaving Bella with Liam.
"Thank you for taking us to get our gifts, Bella," Liam said, munching on a steak fry. "Normally, Nana takes us, but she's busy with some big renovation, restoring some old house or something. Dad would have gotten homemade cards and cereal for his birthday."
"It's my pleasure, Liam," Bella grinned. "You guys can ask me anything. I'm here for you. If you want to talk, vent, get presents for your dad …"
"Dad put your phone number into our cell phones. If he's not available, he said to call you. He trusts you, Bella," Liam said, his lips quirking up into a crooked smirk, looking so much like his father.
"I hope you are beginning to trust me, too," Bella said, leaning back and staring at the too-serious boy in front of her.
"I am," he said, his smile widening.
"Bella!" came the startled cry from Lucy. She ran to the booth, hopping into the side with Bella, wrapping her arms around her neck. "There was a weird lady in the bathroom."
"Are you okay?" Bella asked, her heart stammering. "She didn't touch you, did she?" Bella was ready to pull this woman's hair out for startling little Lucy. Her trembling body was as close to Bella as she could be. "I've got you, pretty girl."
"No, but she was staring. It made me feel …" Lucy shuddered, snuggling close to Bella. Lucy looked up as a flash of blonde was walking to the exit. "That's her." Bella wanted to get up and give this woman a piece of her mind, but Lucy was suctioned to her body.
"You're okay, Lucy," Bella whispered, holding the little girl tightly. "I've got you." Liam moved to sit next to his sister and the three of them were crammed on one side of the booth. Very little lunch was eaten from that point. Lucy was an anxious mess. Liam was ready to fight bears for his sister and Bella was pissed off that some stranger would scare a child like that. Paying the bill, they left the restaurant and walked to the jeweler's first, picking up the watch. Then, they got the pictures from the photographer, putting their favorite into the frame.
The last stop was a Hallmark store, picking up cards for Father's Day/Edward's birthday. Bella got him a funny card for his birthday, while the kids got some sweet cards for Father's Day. They also got some gift bags and wrapping paper, driving back to Bella's apartment to wrap the presents.
Other than the creepy woman, it was a good day.
But, who was that woman?
xx TOTGA xx
"Why are we whispering?" Lucy hissed. "Daddy's upstairs, snoring. He's not going to hear us."
"It's supposed to be a surprise," Liam argued, still whispering. "Right, Bella?"
"It is a surprise, but Lucy is right. Your dad is down for the count," Bella giggled. "Do you guys have your presents?" They both nodded, their heads moving like bobble heads. "I'm almost done with breakfast. One of you should carry the tray. It'll just be just the food. I'll carry the coffee and juice."
"I can carry the juice," Lucy sang.
"One of you has to carry the presents," Bella said, popping a blueberry into her mouth. She put the blueberry pancakes onto the dish, placing it onto the tray. She checked her pocket for the lighter and candle to place in the pancake. "Okay, who's my tray carrier?" Liam's hand shot up. "Hold it with two hands."
Carefully, Liam took the tray and began walking to the stairs. Lucy helped by carrying the syrup and gift bags. Bella managed the coffee and juice, plus her camera in her back pocket. Lucy opened the door and tiptoed into Edward's bedroom. He was snoring, making sounds no human should ever make. Placing the coffee and juice in the bathroom, Bella took the tray from Liam and placed it on the dresser. The kids crawled into bed with Edward, snuggling up with him. As if he knew, his arms wrapped around his kids and he sighed, a soft smile spreading over his face. Bella took a picture, which woke Edward up. His eyes were unfocused. "Bella?"
"I wanted to document the cuteness," she snickered.
"Come join in the cuteness," he said, his voice gravelly. She kicked off her shoes and lay down behind Lucy. She beamed as Edward pulled Bella into their family snuggle. "This is the perfect way to wake up." He kissed the foreheads of his children, leaning forward to brush his lips with Bella. "What did I do to deserve this awesome wakeup call?"
"It's Father's Day, Daddy," Lucy said, burrowing against Edward's chest.
"And your birthday!" Liam said, bouncing onto his knees and beaming widely. "You're old, Dad!"
"Ancient," Edward quipped. "I roamed the earth when mammoths were alive."
"How old does that make Nana and Papa?" Lucy asked.
"They were around with the dinosaurs," Edward snorted. "Thank you for the snuggles. This is the best birthday/Father's Day present ever."
"We're not done," Bella said, getting out of the bed. "We have presents for you!"
"You leaving is not a part of the plan, Bella," Edward whined.
"Hush," she snorted, grabbing the breakfast tray with the blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon and fresh fruit. He sat up, putting on his glasses and giving his children kisses. Bella put the tray over his lap. "This is the first part of your day, Edward."
"I can't eat all of this," he laughed as Bella put the coffee and juice on the nightstand. "I've got to maintain my girlish figure."
"Dad, you got lumpy muscles," Lucy deadpanned. Edward snorted, making a muscle and snarling. "See?"
"I'm a huge muscle man," he chuckled. "But, I want all of you to enjoy this with me."
"We already ate," Bella said, sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bed. "Right?"
"Bella makes the best pancakes, Dad. Better than yours," Liam nodded. "So, eat up!"
Edward blinked up, his eyes wistful and filled with adoration for the beautiful woman who had come back into his life, but his smile grateful. She blushed. Lucy had climbed into Bella's lap, toying with her fingers and Bella used the opportunity to hide behind her messy curls. "We need to tell your dad what we're doing today," Bella said, her arms draped around Lucy.
"Oh, right!" Liam chuckled. "After breakfast, we're going to hang out at the park. We want to play with you, Dad. It been forever since we've played."
"Sounds great," Edward said, tucking into his breakfast. "I think that there's a festival at the park today. We can ride the rides, eat deep-fried Twinkies and act like kids all day."
"Not all day, Daddy," Lucy said. "We're going over to Nana and Papa's for a barbeque at four. We need to celebrate Father's Day for Papa. He's your daddy." She blinked up to Bella. "What did you do for your dad, Bella?"
"We went out to eat yesterday with his girlfriend and her son," Bella answered. "My dad knew I had plans with you guys."
"We could invite Charlie to join us at the barbeque at my parents' place?" Edward suggested, putting the tray onto the floor and sipping his coffee.
"He's working tonight," Bella said. "Are you ready for presents?"
"I'll get them," Lucy said, scrambling off Bella's lap. She grabbed the bags and put them in Edward's arms. "Bella helped with our present, Daddy."
"I was just the driver," Bella said as Lucy sat back in her lap.
"Open them, Dad," Liam said.
"Which one?" Edward asked. Liam put the twins' present on his lap. He took out the card, grinning crookedly as he read it. "I love you both so much. This is going on my desk at work."
"Wait until you see the present, Dad!" Lucy squealed.
Edward tore into the tissue paper, tossing it onto the bedspread. He took out the two wrapped presents inside. He opened the first one, which was a photo album of all the twins' favorite pictures for their dad. "I remember holding you both when you were this little." He kissed Liam's forehead, tucking him to his side. "You both were so tiny."
"Not anymore," Liam chuckled.
"True," Edward snorted, poking Liam's belly. "You've been enjoying too many Pop Tarts, bud."
"Don't buy them," Liam retorted, grinning at his dad. "Open the next one. I think you'll like this one."
"No, you'll love it," Lucy sang. "Do it, Daddy!"
Edward laughed, opening the second present which was the photo from the photo shoot that Bella had arranged. He smiled at the frame, pulling it out of the box and gasping when he saw his children and beautiful girlfriend smiling at him, looking like the gorgeous family he'd always wanted. Bella looked like a mother, smiling tenderly at both children as she draped her arms over their bodies. Lucy was hugging Bella, an enthusiastic grin on her face. Liam was behind Bella, his cheek pressed to hers as he stood behind her. "This is …"
"You don't like it?" Lucy asked. "We should have used another picture, Bella. The one where we were on that bench!"
"No, Luce," Edward breathed. "This is perfect." He blinked up and smiled, his heart stammering in his chest. "Seeing you all together … it's an amazing, sweet, perfect, awesome gift."
"Doesn't Bella look pretty?" Lucy asked.
"Pretty is an understatement," Edward said, staring at his girlfriend. "I love the photo and the frame is freaking cool."
"You are a superhero," Liam said, beaming. "It makes sense that you're our superhero dad! I love you!"
"I love you, too, Daddy," Lucy murmured, scrambling to kiss her dad's cheek.
"I'm so lucky," he whispered, hugging his children. He reached his hand and tugged on Bella, pulling her into his arms. "I have the best family in the world." Liam and Lucy were oblivious as he stared into Bella's eyes. The emotion behind them was powerful, making Bella's eyes tear. They didn't say anything. It wasn't needed, but Edward knew that once his children were occupied, he'd show how much he appreciated what Bella had done for him, for his babies.
After sending Edward to shower, Bella had help from the twins to do the dishes. Once that was done, they bounced up to their rooms to get ready for the day with their dad. She heard them chirp to Edward and within a few moments, Edward's arms were around her waist. He kissed her neck, holding her to his body.
"I'm trying to put the pans away," Bella giggled.
"I'm trying to kiss and thank and love my one," he said, turning her in his arms and crashing his lips against hers. Bella moaned, her hands flying to his hair and tugging on the damp strands. "Bella," he breathed. "Words cannot express what you've done for me, for the twins." He looked at her, tears brimming in his eyes. "You made us a family. A true family. The way they're acting, seeing that picture, sharing Father's Day … I never had that." His eyes darkened and he pressed Bella against the counter. "I fully intend to thank you, in the way that only I can."
"Don't forget. I have a present for you, birthday boy," Bella said, breathless and desperate for more of his touch. She pushed him away, but hated to do so since his rock-hard body was pressed against her, his arousal pinned between them. She handed him the card and box. "Happy birthday, Dr. Superman."
"You didn't have to do this," he argued. "I know that those pictures were probably expensive."
"They were, but seeing your face was worth it," Bella said, sliding up on the counter. "We have more photos that we can add to the house, if you want. They're at my apartment. We can pick out frames …"
"That sounds awesome, but next time we get photos, I want to be there. The three of you … it was magical, but it's not our complete family," Edward whispered. "The four of us … we're a family."
"I'm beginning to see that," Bella breathed. "Now, open your present."
Edward rolled his eyes, tearing into the card first. He laughed at it, loving Bella's snarky note. He kissed her gently and opened the gift, gasping when he saw what she'd got him. "Bella, this is too much."
"Nothing is too much for you," she said, opening the box and shaking the watch out of it. "I had it inscribed."
"Amor Vincit Omnia," Edward read. "Love conquers all."
"It's clichéd, but it's the truth," she murmured. "I love you, Edward."
"I love you more, sweetness," Edward smiled, cupping her cheek. "And I intend to show you how much later tonight."
"Is that a promise?" Bella giggled breathlessly.
"A solemn vow."
A/N: Okay, so things ran away from me. The lemon will come next chapter, along with the benefit. Oh, and there will be some more run-ins with that mystery woman.
Leave me some loving! Thank you for reading! ;-)
