The One That Got Away

Chapter Twenty-Three

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 science museum with the kids and Edward. Plus, we're getting closer to Edward and Bella's reunion. How smexy do you think it'll be?

"Daddy! We've got to go!" screamed Lucy. "I don't want to be late for our field trip!"

"I'm coming," Edward said, stuffing his feet into a pair of Chuck Taylors. He slid on a pair of glasses and grabbed a backpack filled with lunches for both he and the twins. "I slept through my alarm, Luce," he said, kissing his daughter's forehead. "Where's Liam?"

"Pooping," Lucy replied.

"Great," Edward chuckled. His son had a tendency to take forever when he had to chuck a deuce. "Go into the car, my little love and I'll see if I can hurry your brother along. We don't have time for his usual hour-long toilet sessions." Lucy giggled, taking her bag and his to the car. Edward poured himself a mug of coffee, pounding on the bathroom door. "Liam, don't plug up my toilet."

"I'm almost done, Dad," Liam said. "And it was you who plugged up the toilet."

"You keep telling yourself that, kid," Edward snorted. "Two minutes and don't forget to wash your hands, Liam Matthew."

"Yes, sir."

A few moments later, Liam came out, wiping his hands on his shorts. Edward rolled his eyes, guiding his son to the car. Clambering into the BMW, he backed out of the driveway and drove to school. Lucy was prattling about the field trip and all of the things she was excited to learn. Liam was just playing on his iPad, ignoring his sister. Parking the car, they all got out and Edward signed into the school. "Daddy, come on!" Lucy squealed, tugging on his hand.

She led him down the hallway to her classroom. Ten other adults were in there besides the teacher, Mrs. Prendergast. "Ah, Dr. Cullen," she smiled, shaking his hand. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Edward said. "Do I need to sign in or something?"

"You already did that in the office. But, here's your list of responsibilities and group of children you'll be supervising," Mrs. Prendergast explained. "You'll be partnered up with another adult because your group is so large. I think you know her. Lauren Mallory?"

Edward brows shot up, blinking at Mrs. Prendergast. "Miss Mallory doesn't have any children."

"She's filling in for Jessica Stanley. She came down with the flu and was unable to come. Miss Mallory is little Seth's godmother," Mrs. Prendergast explained. "Here you go, Dr. Cullen."

Edward smiled tightly as he walked over to the corner where Liam and Lucy were standing, along with Seth Stanley, Jessica's little boy. There were five other children in the group, three girls and two boys. "Hello, Edward," purred Lauren, wearing a pair of yoga capris and a tight jacket. Her blonde hair was piled into a ponytail and her skin looked like leather. "Are you surprised to see me?"