The One That Got Away

Chapter Thirty-Eight

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 ...

Bella woke up shortly after seven at the insistent knocking at the door. Edward was snoring quietly. She kissed his lips, getting out of bed and saw Liam standing outside. His hair was sticking up every which direction and he was yawning. "What's up, Liam?" Bella asked. "You okay?"

"I'm hungry," he said. "I can't reach the cereal."

"You're a growing boy. You need something better than cereal," Bella snickered. She closed the door and held out her hand to Liam. "Let's go foraging."

"What's that?" Liam asked.

"Searching for food," Bella said. "Go to the fridge and look for eggs, bacon and cheese."

"Milk and orange juice, too?" Liam asked.

"Good idea," Bella beamed. She went to the pantry and grabbed some Bisquick and mixing bowls from the cabinets. While she was looking for the bowls, she found the griddle pan. Liam put the items she asked for on the kitchen counter. "Good man. You got everything we need."

"What are we making, Miss Bella?" Liam asked, nodding.

"Pancakes. Did you see blueberries in there, Liam?"

"I don't think so. We have strawberries and bananas," Liam replied, pointing to the basket of bananas. "Oooh, and chocolate chips."

"Too sweet for breakfast," Bella said, wrinkling her nose. "Why don't you go see if your sister wants to help make breakfast?" Liam nodded, skipping out of kitchen. Bella quickly made the batter. As she did, the front door of Edward's house opened. "Hello?"

Carlisle walked in, looking stern and not too welcoming. "You spent the night." His eyes swept over her sleepwear of a pair of shorts and tank top disapprovingly.

"Edward invited me. We got back from the park late and ..."

"Papa!" squealed the twins. They ran to him and hugged his legs.

"Hello, little ones," he said, ruffling Liam's bed head. "Why don't you guys go back to your room while I speak to this lady?"

"That's Miss Bella. She's not some lady," Lucy argued, scowling at her grandfather. "She read me a story and tucked me in."

"Lucy, go," Carlisle said, arching a brow. Lucy huffed, stomping back to her room with Liam on her heels. "My son, while book smart, is quite stupid."

"Excuse me?" Bella squeaked, her face flushing angrily.

"I can't believe he had you spend the night. It's not right. You're not the children's mother and unless you want to step into that role, you should not be here," Carlisle said coldly. "I like your father and he's a good man, but his daughter makes some questionable decisions."

"It wasn't her decision," Edward growled, tugging on a shirt and his glasses. He stood in front of Bella, taking her hand. "It was mine. What are you doing here? This is still my home."

"I was going to see if you wanted to go to church with your mother and me with the twins," Carlisle said. "Obviously, you need your faith if you're ..."