The One That Got Away

Chapter Eleven

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!

After checking out, Edward drove Bella back to her Dad's house. They made plans for dinner at Edward's home, to truly celebrate Valentine's Day. They kissed in the car until Edward saw the chief glowering at him from the front window. "We better stop. Your dad may like me, but still has a permit to carry a gun and can shoot my ass," Edward said.

"Was he staring?" Bella asked.

"Glaring is a more appropriate description," Edward chuckled anxiously. "So, I'll pick you up at six?"

"Yeah," she blushed, kissing him chastely. "I'll see you tonight."

"Love you, sweetness," he mumbled against her lips.

"Love you, too," she replied back, kissing his nose. Grabbing the bag that Edward had packed, but was now filled with her dress and heels, she got out of the car and walked up to the front door. With a wave, she watched Edward pull away from the house, honking as he left. Bella let herself into the house, greeted by a scowling chief. "Charles," she said coldly.

"Isabella, what is this? You're sucking face in broad daylight? I don't like that. Not at all," Charlie grumbled.

"I'm twenty-eight, Charlie," she said, walking past him and into her bedroom. "Edward and I are together and need I remind you that you like him?"

Charlie followed Bella into her room, sitting down heavily on her bed. "I do like Edward. He's a good man, but he's got baggage."

"If you're talking about his kids, Charlie, I will smack you stupid," Bella deadpanned. Charlie shot her a wry look. "I know he has the twins. I also know that Tanya raked him over the coals. You have to realize that I've wanted this for so long. So has he! We're going to make this work." Bella put her hands on her hips, staring at her father.

"Okay, okay," Charlie said. "I'll lay off the protective father routine. I never got to do that when you were younger. I figured I could do it now."

"Yeah, I don't think so, Chuck," Bella said snarkily.

"Isabella Marie Swan, don't make me throttle you," Charlie grumbled. He hated to be called Chuck.

"Just because I was a wallflower in high school does not mean you get to be psycho-dad," Bella said. Charlie rolled his eyes and got up. "Now, where are you taking me for lunch?"

"Datz," Charlie answered. "Dress comfortably, Bells."

He left her room and she changed out of the yoga pants and Edward's shirt. She put on a cute sundress that Alice insisted she get along with a pair of ballet flats. Tossing her hair up into a loose ponytail, she put on some simple makeup. Just as she was getting ready to go, her phone rang from the charger on the nightstand. It was Alice. "Hello?"

"So, are you thoroughly sexed up?" Alice snickered.

"As a matter of fact, I am," Bella sang.

"Shut the front door!" Alice crowed. "You had sex? With the dreamboat? You sly dog!"