The One That Got Away

Chapter Seventy-Five

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.

Up next will be Edward's turn shopping with the twins and the holiday program. We'll also lead up to Christmas. I am still debating on the ring. It's been whittled down to three options, but I need to figure out which one works the best for the story. But, I have the ending planned. I just need to get there.

"Mom, can you curl my hair?" Lucy asked Bella. "I want to look nice for the Christmas program tonight!"

"Let me help you, peanut," Alice chirped. "I don't know how your mother is doing with her physical therapy. Can you wield a curling iron yet?"

"That would be a no," Bella snorted. "Put gel into a squirm's hair? Yes. Stop moving, little man." She finished with his hair and pointed to his math homework on the counter.

"I'm hungry, Mom," Liam whined. "And that chili smells so good. I want some."

"Patience, son," Edward snickered, making some pasta to go with his chili mac. It was a family secret and the twins were begging for it before their Christmas program. "Though, I'm not sure about you guys eating chili, filled with beans. You might be noxious with all that gas. My two little fart-monsters."

"That's Liam, Daddy," Lucy giggled as Alice was smoothing her strawberry blonde curls.

"Oh, no, princess. When you were little, you were far more toxic than Liam," Edward said, arching a brow. Lucy scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's true. However, as you've gotten older, Liam is a bit more vocal with his gas."

To prove a point, Liam burped.

"GROSS, LEE!" Lucy yelled. "You're disgusting."

"Okay, stop poking the bear," Bella growled. "Liam, say excuse me. That was nasty."

"Excuse me," Liam grumbled.

"And Edward, you don't call a girl toxic," Bella said, arching a brow at him. "Apologize to your daughter."

"Sorry, Luce," Edward said, giving her a sympathetic grin. However, he pulled Bella to his side. He whispered in Bella's ear. "It was the truth, though. That girl shit through more clothes than God."

"Doesn't matter," she said, twisting his nipple. He yelped. "I'm going to change. Alice, thank you for helping with Lucy's hair."

"You guys were gracious to open up your home for me while Jasper and I closed on our house. It's the least I could do," Alice giggled. Bella kissed Alice's cheek, running up the stairs. "Do you want braids in your hair, peanut?"

"Yes, Aunt Ali!" Lucy beamed, bouncing in her seat.

"Will Jasper make it in time? He's been at that interview a long time," Edward murmured. He was leaning against the counter, wearing a pair of dark-wash jeans and a hunter green sweater.

"He wasn't as lucky in the job department as Bella. He's interviewing for a position at Hillsborough High School. One of the history teachers is going on medical leave for second semester. Cancer or something and Jasper, who has his teaching certificate, is trying to be a long-term sub, possibly turning into something permanent. But, he needs to get his license in Florida, as well as take a few classes or something, over the summer. That's why it's a long-term sub thing," Alice explained. "Okay, peanut. You're braided. Go check it out!"