The One That Got Away

Chapter Thirty-Seven

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!

We'll finish up the family time and have some naked fun time with Edward and Bella. She wants to have her own time to play with Doctor/Daddyward. And Liam, he's starting to come around to Bella. Is it going to be a smooth ride the entire time? Probably not.

"Another game," Lucy said, yawning widely. "I want to beat you, Daddy, at Go Fish!"

"You are fading fast. Liam is down for the count," Edward chuckled, running his fingers through Liam's red hair, as his son slumped against his father's arm. "It was a big day." Lucy scowled. "Come on, Luce. Let's get you settled in bed." He easily scooped up Liam. Bella got up, offering her hand to Lucy. She reluctantly took it, following Edward into the kids' wing. Edward tucked Liam into bed, kissing his forehead. "Good night, bud. Love you lots."

"Love you, Daddy," Liam mumbled, rolling over and snuggling into his bed.

"Miss Bella, can you read me a story?" Lucy asked.

"Pick out a book, Lucy," Bella smiled. Lucy bounced away, grabbing a picture book and crawling into bed. Bella sat next to her, opening the book and reading the story of Where the Wild Things Are. Edward grabbed his cell phone and took a few photos, watching Bella interact with his daughter and acting like a mom and loving his children. Halfway through the story, Lucy conked out, her face pressed against Bella's arm. Bella kissed her cheek and tucked her into bed. "I hope I didn't overstep."

"Not at all," Edward said, pulling Bella into his arms. He closed his eyes, trying not to cry. "Thank you, sweetness." He kissed her tenderly, staring into her eyes.

"Are you okay, baby?" Bella asked, massaging his forearms.

"I'm perfect," he said, hugging her close and moving her away from the twins' rooms. "I know that I shouldn't be this emotional, but seeing Lucy ask you to read to her? And how you interact with them? I love you so much and my love for you has grown because you accept my babies."

"They're hardly babies," Bella giggled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"They'll always be my babies," Edward chuckled, sitting down and holding Bella to his body. "I gave them their first baths and saw almost all of their firsts, save for their first steps. I was at work when that happened. Tanya told me with a wave of the hand, like it wasn't a big deal. She didn't even film it." He scowled, tightening his hold on me. "But, they're my babies. Even though they're seven, they're my babies."

"And they adore you, Edward," Bella smiled, pressing a kiss to his slightly scruffy cheek. "Liam looks at you like you're his personal superhero and Lucy has stars in her eyes, comparing every fairy tale prince to you."

"I doubt that," he snorted, pressing his lips to her forehead. "But, thank you." They stayed snuggled on the couch, listening to some quiet music. "So, tell me more about this position you accepted at the University of Tampa?"