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.
I planned for there to be a lemon, but things kind of went a different direction. I promise you that I will add some lemony goodness. Perhaps the night of the benefit? Oh, and there will be some more run-ins with that mystery woman. How do you think Edward will react?
"Edward, behave," Bella chided as she pushed his hands away from her breasts. "You're acting like a horny teenager."
"And this is a bad thing?" Edward asked, his lips wrapping around her ear. "Ever since I woke up, seeing you with my children and knowing that you love them, makes me love you more. I want to show you how much." He turned her around, away from the sink full of dishes. "You have no idea what it means to me that you accept my twins, my babies, so easily."
"How could I not? They're a part of you," she whispered, kissing his jaw.
"They're also a part of Tanya, too," he sighed, brushing his lips against hers.
"Don't mention her while you're seducing me, Dr. Superman," Bella quipped, nibbling on his lower lip. "Bad taste."
"Sorry, sweetness," Edward chuckled. "I'm just yearning for you. You have no idea how much."
"Oh, I have a pretty good idea. Your idea is poking me in the stomach," Bella giggled, pushing him away. "Your dad hasn't given me the glare today and I pray that trend continues."
"He won't. He realized that he made a snap judgment, it nearly cost him his marriage and it's still costing him time with his grandchildren," Edward murmured. "I don't trust him with them."
"Carlisle hasn't apologized, though," Bella shrugged, turning back to pile of dishes on the kitchen counter. "I'm not holding my breath."
Edward bit back a growl, wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck. "I'll be right back. Thank you for doing the dishes."
"Go spend time with your family. I don't mind," Bella said, turning her head and puckering her lips.
Edward kissed her tenderly before going out to the backyard. The twins were splashing in the pool, laughing and playing a game of their own invention. Carlisle and Esme were sitting, drinking some wine. "Dad, a word?" Edward asked, his voice cold.
Carlisle grimaced, standing up and walking over to his son. "Thank you for bringing the twins. It's been so nice spending time with them," Carlisle smiled.
"I'm glad, but there's someone that you need to talk to, Dad," Edward muttered. "Things have been improving with you and Bella, but you've yet to do one important thing." He crossed his arms, arching a brow at his father. "You made her feel small with your words and actions. Have you once apologized?"
"No," Carlisle sighed, scrubbing his face. "I know I should."
"Yes, you should. If you don't, I can easily revoke your response for the benefit, Dad," Edward snarled. "Apologize to my girlfriend. Make her feel welcome. Accept her for who she is." With a parting glare, Edward sat at the edge of the pool and laughed at his children.
Carlisle blew out a breath, walking into the kitchen. It was sparkling and Bella was putting the plates away, but struggling with where they needed to go. "Do you need some help?" Carlisle asked. "You didn't have to do the dishes, Bella."
"I wanted to," she said. "And yes, I'd love some help. I figured out the dinner plates, but the serving pieces, I'm not sure where they go."
Carlisle smiled, putting them away easily and pouring a cup of coffee for them. "Do you want cream or sugar?"
"Black is fine," Bella said, taking the cup from Carlisle. "Thank you."
"I know that this is long overdue, Bella, but I'm sorry about how I acted toward you," Carlisle said, gripping his coffee mug. "I jumped to conclusions and I can clearly see that I was wrong in … well … everything."
"And does this apology have anything to do with the fact that I just told Edward?" Bella asked, her eyes hard. Carlisle grimaced. "I appreciate the effort, but it doesn't really seem genuine." She sipped the coffee, trying to keep calm. "And I don't understand why. That's what baffles my mind, Carlisle. I never did anything to deserve your wrath. I love your son. I adore his children. In those actions, where do you see the proof that I'm a gold-digging whore?"
"You're not, Bella. I should have known that. Your father is one of my closest friends," Carlisle breathed.
"Was. Not anymore," Bella argued. "Charlie said that if he sees you any time soon, your gonads will be introduced to his knee. My father doesn't take kindly to people who torture his daughter. I dealt with too much of that when I was in high school. A teenaged girl, whose mother left for no apparent reason, and my dad who works for the police department. I was the butt of too many jokes and made fun of by your ex-daughter-in-law. She was the ringleader. Edward was one of the few people who was kind to me. I thought he got that from his family. Clearly, he got his compassion and kindness from Esme."
"I deserved that," Carlisle sighed. "And probably worse. I know that I've done nothing but make your life miserable and it was Edward who pointed out that I haven't apologized."
"You don't see what you did was wrong?" Bella asked, trying to keep her voice even.
"I do. Believe me, I do," Carlisle said, taking Bella's hand. She took it away, gripping the mug. "I will do everything to show you that I'm sincere in my apology."
"Why did you think I was …?" she trailed off, unable to repeat those words. "I'm not Tanya. I'm the complete opposite, really."
"I see that now," he murmured. "I guess my opinion about the women my son dates is tainted by Tanya. She wanted nothing but money."
"To be honest, Carlisle, I have my own," Bella said. "In case you've forgotten, I'm a published author and suffice it to say, I don't have to work at the University of Tampa. I choose to work there because I'm more than just an author. I'm more than just a librarian." She sipped her coffee and looked at her boyfriend's father. "I understand your trepidation about Edward's relationship. I'd be gun-shy after Tanya, too. She was a bitch in high school and it appears her behaviors haven't changed in the least. However, it would have been in your best interest to actually get to know me before you made blanket, broad generalizations." She poured the coffee into the sink. "I need time. You hurt me, tremendously, Carlisle. You spread lies about me to your grandchildren. I just need time. Could I accept your apology? Possibly, but not right now."
"I understand and I respect that," Carlisle sighed. "I'll do my best to prove to you that I'm not a douche canoe."
"Excuse me?" Bella laughed.
"Esme called me that," Carlisle chuckled. "And in retrospect, it's too kind of an insult." He sobered. "I hope you can forgive me."
"Time. That's all I ask," Bella said, giving him a timid smile. She turned on her heel, making her way out to the pool. Edward pulled Bella onto his chaise lounge, snuggling her into his arms. He kissed her neck. "Love you, Edward."
"I adore you, Bella," he whispered. "Do you want to talk?"
"No. I just want you," she said. "Your arms, your love, your strength."
"You have me," he vowed. "You will have all of me, once we get home. Nana is taking the kids tonight and they're planning something tomorrow. So, you're mine tonight."
"Good. I need you," she breathed. "Only you."
xx TOTGA xx
"Esme, this really isn't necessary," Bella argued as she sat in the pedicurist's chair.
"Nonsense," Esme chuckled. "We needed a girly day. We've got the benefit tonight. We have to look gorgeous. Not that you need any help. You're so beautiful, Bella. Edward is a lucky man."
"Thank you, Esme. I appreciate the girly day. I honestly didn't know what to do with my hair. This helped," Bella laughed, gesturing to the curl that fell onto her shoulders.
"It also gives me a chance to get to know you better," Esme sang. "How are you settling into Tampa? Do you like your apartment?"
"My apartment feels like a hotel room," Bella chuckled. "I rented a furnished place since I didn't want to unpack and then repack after six months. It's nice, but lacks the homey touch."
"I know that Edward asked you to move in," Esme smiled.
"He did, but we wanted to establish ourselves as a couple before I moved in. I mean, we knew each other in high school, but we're getting to know each other as adults. We've both had other lives prior to reconnecting at the reunion, Esme," Bella explained. "I am planning on moving in December."
"Good," Esme beamed. "And it's wise of you to establish yourselves as a couple. Edward has been everything … a husband, a doctor, a son, and a father. His role as a husband was rocky, but that was due to his wife. Tanya was a hateful girl, turning into an abhorrent woman. She walked away from those children when Edward promised her money. Not a lot, but enough to keep her out of our hair."
"Do you think she may want the children back?" Bella asked. "She did sign her rights away, right?"
"She did sign her rights away and she was almost gleeful when she did," Esme growled, her eyes darkening. "Edward acted as a father and mother. He doted on those children while Tanya gallivanted with random men. I saw her once."
"What?"
"I was doing some work for a friend of mine. I was out, running errands and picking up some pieces for the design," Esme explained. "I saw Tanya out with a man. Though, he appeared to be in college. Boy would have been a more appropriate description. Anyway, she kissed him and I followed them to a sleazy motel. She didn't even bother closing the curtains. I watched, with sick fascination, as she let that boy fuck her." Esme pursed her lips. "I took pictures and it was those photos that sealed her fate. Edward didn't even blink when he saw the pictures. He knew what Tanya was doing. The proof just gave him the ammunition to end the marriage and get full custody of Liam and Lucy. Tanya wanted money. He gave it to her, but not nearly the amount she wanted. The wonders of a prenuptial agreement."
"Remind me to never get on your bad side," Bella snorted.
"Bella, you'd never get on my bad side," Esme said, her face warming. "You love my son and his children, even if they are half she-devil. Though, with Edward's parenting, you can't tell. He's taught them to be loving, kind, funny and independent. The only time I can see Tanya in the children is in Lucy, with certain mannerisms and obviously, her hair. Liam is an Edward clone."
"He is and Lucy is so sweet. Nothing at all like her mother," Bella giggled. "She's so adorable."
"Lucy loves you, Bella," Esme said. "So does Liam, in his own way."
"We're working through all of that," Bella said. "We respect each other and Liam understands that I'm not going to hurt him or his father."
"I know you won't," Esme nodded. "You're probably the best thing that happened to my son in a long, long time."
"The feeling's mutual," Bella breathed.
The rest of the afternoon was spent getting manicures and pedicures. When they were done, Esme drove them back to her house. They both got dressed for the benefit. Esme cooed about Bella's dress and it warmed Bella's heart. She never had this moment with her own mother. Esme doted on her, making her feel welcomed and wanted. "Oh, I have something for you. Jewelry!"
"Oh, I have my pearl earrings," Bella argued.
"No, this is from Edward. Pearls are beautiful, but with this dress, you need something that makes a statement," Esme said, pulling out a bag. "Let me go get him." She glided out of the room and came back with Edward, wearing a gorgeous tuxedo that was cut perfectly to his athletic body.
"Holy crow," Bella breathed. "You're gorgeous."
"I'm alright, but you are exquisite," Edward said, crossing over to her and trailing his fingers down her cheek. "I'm afraid to kiss you. I'd get ripped a new asshole if I kissed Tanya with her face done."
"You can kiss me," Bella said, licking her lips. "I have more lipstick." He grinned crookedly, kissing her lips and sliding his tongue into her mouth. She whimpered, tugging on his hair. They broke apart, panting heavily. "Wow."
"Yeah," Edward said, holding her closely. "Now, open your present, sweetness. Alice sent me a picture of your dress so I could get you jewelry to match." He picked up the bag, which had been left on the bed. "Open it up, sweetness."
Bella sat down on the edge of the bed, removing the tissue paper from the bag. Inside, there were three boxes. "Edward, this is too much."
"Nope. Never," he said, kissing her temple. "Remember what I said? I plan to spoil you."
She gave him a glare, opening the smallest of the three boxes. Inside, nestled on a satin pillow, were a pair of earrings. They were pear-shaped, bright pink with diamonds surrounding the stones. "Oh, wow. This gem is gorgeous."
"Pink tourmaline," Edward said. "It matches the pink in your dress."
Bella got up and put the earrings on, looking at the jewelry in the mirror. They were the most gorgeous things she'd ever owned. "They're beautiful, Edward."
"You're not done, Miss Swan," Edward chuckled. She sat back down, opening the next box, which was a bracelet with the same stone and diamonds. Bella bit her lip as he put the heavy bracelet around her wrist. "This is not too much. I can see the hamster wheel turning."
"Edward, I can only imagine how much this cost," Bella breathed, opening the final, largest box. "Fuck me."
"I intend to do that later, Bella," Edward laughed, taking out the final piece – a pink tourmaline and diamond necklace. "I want to see you wear only the jewelry I've given you and a smile."
"Perv," Bella giggled as she flipped her hair over her shoulder while Edward put on her necklace. "Thank you. You didn't have to do this."
"I know," Edward replied, his fingers gliding down her slender arm. "I wanted to give you something … spoil you."
"Just being with you is enough, Edward," Bella murmured, turning to face him. "I love you, the man. You don't have to shower me with gifts. My feelings for you won't change."
Edward's eyes softened and he cupped Bella's cheek. "I did this because I wanted to, but it's good to know that you're not materialistic, sweetness."
"I like my creature comforts, but I only want you and your children," Bella said, kissing him tenderly. "The rest? Sprinkles on top of our familial sundae." Getting up, she tugged on his hand. "Now, we've got a benefit to attend, and I think an award for you to accept."
He stood up and they went downstairs. Esme squealed excitedly, having Edward and Bella stand together for pictures. Once the memory card of her camera was filled, they got into their respective cars and drove to the hotel where the benefit was being held. Using the valet, they walked into the lobby and to the large banquet hall. Edward and Bella were at the same table as his parents and Dr. Elijah VanDuzor and his wife, Belinda.
Dinner was bland, to say the least. What they lacked in flavor, they made up with decorations and flair. The banquet hall was decorated with red, white and blue decorations, calling on the upcoming July Fourth holiday. It was elegant, with white twinkle lights, roses as centerpieces and navy accents. Once dessert was served, the chief of staff stood up at the podium by the DJ. He congratulated several retiring members of the staff and sang the praises of the doctors and nurses, saving many children's lives. The chief continued, passing out awards that were distributed annually. Edward's name was called for his quick thinking and ability to save Seth Stanley. Edward's face flamed as he accepted the award, shaking the hand of the chief and smiling for the photographer.
"Let me see," Bella crooned, asking for the plaque. "2016 Resident of the Year, St. Joseph's Children Hospital. This is amazing, Edward. I'm so proud of you."
"This is great, but in my office, Elijah gave me a Superman plaque, calling me Superhero Doc," Edward laughed. "I'm going to be forever known as Dr. Superhero. I've got ties, scrub tops, surgical caps … all with various superheroes, mainly Superman."
"And I'm feeding the frenzy," Elijah smirked. "You're a local hero, Edward."
"I do try, but I was just doing what was best for the child," Edward said. "It could have been avoided if it weren't for …"
"Do you know what happened to the woman? Lauren?" Belinda asked. "I heard she was arrested."
"She was and she pled out," Edward explained. "I don't know what she got, but the district attorney contacted me, informing me that I didn't need to testify at the trial. However, there may be a possibility of testifying at the civil trial. Jessica's suing Lauren for damages."
"Okay, enough talk about work," Elijah laughed. "Dr. Windbag is done talking. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening. Belinda, may I have this dance?"
"Of course," she laughed, taking his hand.
Carlisle and Esme followed them, leaving Bella and Edward at the table. "Do you want to dance, sweetness?" Edward asked, his fingers twined with Bella's.
"Maybe in a little while," she smiled, kissing his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, Edward. Resident of the Year?"
"I never expected this," he blushed. "There was talk about some sort of accolade for my work with Seth, but I never expected to win Resident of the Year. I thought that it was given to the chief resident. That was not me."
"Who was it?" Bella asked.
Edward pointed to a petite woman with short dark hair. "Dr. Marilyn Downton. She beat me for the job by a fraction of a point. She's a great doctor, amazing with the kids and one of those natural-born leaders."
"I could say the same about you, Dr. Superman," Bella giggled. She blinked over at him, giving Edward a seductive smirk. "You know, seeing you up there made me want you even more." She kissed him, sucking on his bottom lip.
"I always want you," he breathed. Bella's smile darkened and she stood up, offering her his hand. "A dance?"
"No," she purred. "I want you and I'm feeling a little like an exhibitionist today."
"Fuck me," Edward growled.
A/N: Cliffie … I know. But, we're going to have some smexy times in the next chapter. Where should they get it on? I'm thinking outdoors … In my mind, this imaginary hotel has a gazebo overlooking a manmade lake. What do you think? And let's just say that this next chapter will be nothing but lemons. Juicy, sexy, hot lemons.
Pictures of the benefit, Bella's dress and her jewelry and Edward in a tuxedo will be on my blog. Link for that is on my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm also on twitter: Tufano79.
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