The One That Got Away

Chapter Forty

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 ...

Anyway, we're going to jump ahead in time. Bella is going to finish up her time at the Seattle Public Library and prepare the move. And she's not the only one moving. So is Edward ... where will he go?

"I'm sorry to see you go, Bella, but I'm happy for you with your new position. Teaching at University of Tampa and working in their library?" Linda smiled. "You're planning on staying through the end of April?"

"Yeah. I've already got someone who purchased my condo. I'm driving back to Tampa and searching for a new place, staying with my dad until I get settled," Bella explained. "I start at the library in July and I'll get my course load toward the end of the month, too."

"Are you sure that there's nothing I can do to convince you to stay?" Linda asked. "A raise?"

"As tempting as that is, I got a substantial raise with the new position and the man I love lives in Tampa, with his two adorable twins and my family, too," Bella said. Though, in the back of her head, the words that Carlisle spewed that fateful morning almost two weeks ago, haunted Bella. She twisted her ring and tried to ignore the pit in her stomach. Shaking off her feelings, she smiled back at Linda. "Anyway, the moving truck has been ordered and on May 2nd, I'll be heading toward Tampa, moving back home."

Linda got up from her desk, hugging Bella tightly. "You better not be a stranger, Bella. You were one of the best workers I've had in a long time." She smiled warmly at Bella. "And we're going to have a party, Bella. We need to celebrate the next chapter in your life."

"Thank you, Linda," Bella nodded, hugging her boss again. She left the office and went to her floor, checking on her staff. Seeing that they were alright, Bella sat down and opened the plot outline for her story, Out of the Darkness. She had most of it planned, but was struggling with the climax. She had written almost two-thirds of the story, but was trying to figure out how to make the main characters and drama come to a head. As she worked, an email pinged in her mailbox. It was another link from Edward.

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Cullen, M.D.
Date: April 28th, 2016, 03:16pm
Re: I miss you so much ... oh, and check out this link!

Dearest Bella,

My real estate sent me this link to this recently added property in the twins' school district. It's exactly what I'm looking for and I hope you like it, too. It's in Swann Estates. And that was not intentional, the name of the subdivision. Anyway, it's got a pool and turn-key. What makes me happy is that the kids won't have to move schools. I walked it and I think it would be perfect for me and the twins and when you move in with us, for the two of us, my sweetness.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. I love you and I miss holding you. Liam and Lucy told me to tell you that they missed you, too. I've attached a picture of the two of them with a sign for you, baby.

I'm on tonight and I just had a few moments to send you this email. If I get a chance, I'll call you when I get a break.

Love you so much!