The One That Got Away

Chapter Thirty-Six

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?"