Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

I hope you guys don't mind I'm posting this a couple of days after the holiday. Enjoy.

Fourth of July

Esme opened Carlisle's latest letter again as Edward fussed in his wooden crib. She had been trying to get him to sleep for an hour, but every time Esme put him down, he would wake up and express his dissatisfaction. She had decided to try reading him Carlisle's letter from his crib.

June 24, 1917

"Dear Esme,

If you would like to see me in my uniform, than I will certainly wear it for you as well as Father the next time I visit. Personally, I would like to see how you look with Edward inside your big apron! I am sure you both look adorable. I also look forward to seeing how much hair he has the next time I see him. And, of course, I'm always interested in seeing your beautiful face, Esme. You and Edward visit me in my dreams every night, but it isn't the same as viewing you in person.

I'm sorry you had a disagreement with Cindy. I know she is one of your close friends. I'm sure you will reconcile eventually, though. I believe the stress of the situation is what caused you both to react that way.

I am becoming more used to the big base hospital with it's open floor plan and lots of medical personal the longer I am here. It is actually nice to have so many nurses, doctors, and medics to help with patients, especially considering we are still only allowed limited time to examine them.

One thing that I have struggled to become used to is that most of the other medics are about ten years younger than I am and don't have as much medical training as I have. In Columbus, I was the youngest doctor in the hospital. Here, the other medics look to me for guidance on how to do procedures and how to make diagnoses. I suppose that's why they've made me a lieutenant. Still, I am not exactly comfortable with so many people watching me. Plus, it worries me that I will say or do something wrong to these young medics. On the other hand, I admit it is gratifying to know I have helped them in some way. I hope I can do as well as my mentors once did for me.

I hope to be a role model for the younger medics and soldiers in other ways, too. This one area I almost positive that I can do better than Dr. Pinero. A few days ago, they showed a film to all of the new army trainees about the dangers of spending too much time with…loose women, if you understand me. They can carry diseases, the film explained. I can encourage the younger men to stay away from these women, for I loathe the practice. (Certainly not just because of the diseases, of course.) But if they must, at least insist they do something to protect themselves. Perhaps I shouldn't discuss these things with you, Esme, and I am sorry if I am bothering you, but you did advise me not to hold back in your last letter. Besides, I would like to make it clear to you how…abhorrent I find to use these women's services.

The army is also discouraging drinking, thank goodness. I know you disapprove of prohibition, Esme, but you have to understand how serious it is for soldiers, of all people, drinking. I still shutter when I think of my behavior when I drank too much alcohol a few years ago. I cannot imagine what would happen if soldiers started doing that. To combat this problem, the army has forbidden alcohol from being bought by army personal. I hope the younger soldiers remember this and listen to my reminder when they have free time this weekend.

I know the Fourth of July is approaching, and I'm sorry I will not be home for that. I wish I could see Edward's face the first time he sees the parade. I am sure he will enjoy it.

As Army trainees, we are supposed to march in the parade in Wilcox, in our uniforms. I suppose I understand why that is, although I'm still not comfortable with so many people looking at me. I will wear the uniform for you, Esme. But for everyone else…I am not sure. I would rather focus on being a good doctor.

According to the general, I may be able to come home in two weeks. If I do, it will only be for one night before I am headed for Europe. I will tell you more details as soon as possible.

Whether I see you or not, Esme, I love you. And Edward. Always,

Carlisle."

Just as Esme had suspected, Edward was asleep by the time she'd finished reading Carlisle's letter. So Esme carefully tip – toed out of the room, relieved that Edward's bedroom was carpeted. She yawned. It was almost time for her to sleep, too.

As Esme let her hair down, put on her pajamas, and climbed into bed, she thought about Carlisle's letter again. She hoped he would be able to come home soon, even if it would only be for one night. Esme was desperate to see her husband again. Sleeping on their bed without him felt wrong. It was incredibly lonely. Esme picked up his letter from the nightstand and ran her hand over the words, trying to be as close to him as she could.

Esme was pleased Carlisle had told her about his distaste for "loose women," and how he hoped to encourage the other men to be more careful with them. Many people would say it wasn't appropriate topic for a man to discuss with his wife, but Carlisle had apparently decided to take her seriously when she'd told him not to hold back. It was also reassuring to know Carlisle still had no interest in finding someone to take her place in his bed. As lonely as the empty bed could be, they both knew finding someone else wasn't an option.

She sighed and placed the letter back on the nightstand and then put her head on the pillow, trying not to think of how silent this room was without Carlisle. Another reason the bed felt lonely. He was such a quiet man by nature, but he still made soft sounds as he fell asleep like everyone did. Esme missed those sounds. Still, she was tired, so fortunately, Esme was able to fall asleep soon.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The next day, Esme finally received a letter from Junior. As much as Carlisle's letters meant the most to her, she was incredibly happy to have a letter from her oldest brother. Between changing and feeding Edward, cleaning, and washing, Esme eventually sat in her rocker in the front room to read it.

June 26. 1917

Dear Esme,

Sorry I haven't written to you yet, sis. I've been busy. Military training here in Texas is intense. They have several different kinds of guns we have to practice using and big tanks we have to practice driving. They are also showing us a war strategy called "trench warfare." We are supposed to dig man – sized ditches to hide in and shoot the enemy from. To be honest, the trenches are kind of fun. They remind me of all the digging in the dirt Alan and I did when we were younger. And hiding from the enemy reminds me of playing cowboys and Indians as a child.

Speaking of cowboys I actually met a couple of real ones out here. They talked about lassos, and branding cattle, and herding them in the fall, and everything! They're pretty nice fellas, too. Supposedly, there are actually female cowboys around here, too. Cowgirls, I think they call them. I'm not sure I believe that, but I'd be interested to find out.

And you should see the size of the beef out here. Last night I had a ham – (Sorry. I mean Saulsberry Steak. The men here don't like to call it "hamburger" because it's a German word.) So last night I had a Saulsberry Steak that was twice as big as what I would find in Ohio. They tell me "everything's bigger in Texas."

I wonder if that's true for everything, or just for food. I'd love to find out someday.

Hope you are doing well. Are you going to go to the Fourth of July celebration with Mother and Father? I think it will be fun if you do.

Tell Edward I'll be back to teach him how to climb a tree, definitely.

Always your brother,

Junior

Esme sighed. She couldn't help but notice how different it was than Carlisle's messages. Carlisle was learning how to be an army doctor and mentoring the other medics. Junior was learning to fight. As much as he tried to gloss over it, Esme was very aware that was what Junior's lessons were about. Esme knew that when they'd both left, but somehow this letter made it more clear the danger her brother was in. He'll be all right. He has to be, she told herself. After all, Edward had to learn how to climb a tree, right?

She shook and looked at the letter again, trying to decide where she should keep it. Esme didn't want to leave it out in the open, but it didn't belong upstairs on the nightstand with Carlisle's letters, either. After several minutes, she put the letter inside her old copy of Grimm's Fairytales, which was located on the brown bookshelf in the corner of the room. Perhaps she would remember to write back to her brother when she decided to read her favorite childhood book again.

Then Esme turned her attention to Edward, who was lying on the floor in the front room. He rolled over and grinned at her. "Ah – goo!" he exclaimed, and then put one of his blocks in his mouth.

Esme smiled at her son. He made her day brighter. "You'd like to climb a tree someday, wouldn't you Edward? Of course you would." She leaned over and tickled his tummy and Edward giggled.

OOOOOOOOOO

Two days later, the Fourth of July arrived. Mother, Father, Camille, Linda, and Timmy had all came into the city to watch the parade with Esme and Edward. They were all dressed in their Sunday best, considering how rare most of them came into the city. Yet, despite how nice everyone looked, there were people missing. Amy was unable to come because she was seven months pregnant now, so Alan had stayed home as well. Esme also couldn't help but notice how incomplete their group seemed without Carlisle, though. He had been considered a member of their family since before she and Carlisle had been married. And with this being Edward's first Fourth of July celebration…

Esme reminded herself how important it was that Carlisle stay in Arizona at the moment and tried to focus on other things.

"Father, may I have some lemonade?" Linda asked as she noticed a stand being set up across the street.

"Me, too!" Timmy agreed.

Father sighed as he adjusted his brown top hat and checked the pockets of his best trousers for coins. "I suppose everyone else would like some as well?"

"That would be nice, Father," Camille agreed, obviously trying to sound like a proper young lady. Sometimes Esme had trouble remembering her younger sister who had always liked to joke was sixteen now. Camille was even wearing an ankle – length blue dress and a corset.

"I think that would be refreshing, George," Mother agreed, nodding her head.

Esme nodded as well. It was rather warm, and lemonade would taste especially good today.

Father selected Camille and Timmy to assist him with the drinks. Mother turned to Esme as they disappeared into the crowd. "I actually heard from Junior last week," she commented. "He seems to be doing well, I suppose. Certainly enjoying his training and his time in Texas."

Esme nodded as Edward wiggled a little in her arms. So far he hadn't made a mess on his nice blue pants and vest. "Junior sent me a letter, too. It's nice that he seems happy, I suppose. I just wish…" her voice trailed off, as Esme was unable to say what she was thinking.

Mother nodded, knowing what Esme was unable to say. Probably because she felt the same way. They both wished Junior wasn't going to fight in the front lines. "Have you heard from Carlisle?" Mother asked instead.

Esme nodded as Edward wiggled again.

"Let me take him, Esme," Mother offered, holding out her arms. "I have been looking forward to holding my grandson, after all."

Esme passed her son to Mother. Then she replied, "Yes, a few times. Carlisle seems to be becoming more used to the army hospital as time goes on."

"That's nice," Mother agreed. "It's nice that he and your brother are doing well, I suppose."

"Yes," Esme agreed, although she knew from Carlisle's letters that things weren't that easy for him. He missed her and Edward very much. Besides that, Carlisle struggled with the "timed – physicals" as he called them, and was uncomfortable with so many young medics looking to him for guidance. Actually, Esme wondered if Junior was really doing as well as he claimed or if Carlisle just told her more of his problems than her brother did.

The rest of their family arrived back with the lemonade just then.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Esme and her family enjoyed the parade. Esme enjoyed seeing the National Women's Suffrage Association and the American Red Cross, as they were worthy organizations and she knew some of the participants. Father liked seeing some of the new John Deere trackers that were available. Timmy was excited to see the very loud fire trucks. Edward smiled and babbled at all the people, and many other parade – watchers admired his outfit. (Which fortunately was still clean at the moment.) As the parade ended, everyone enjoyed as someone played, "The Star – Spangled Banner" on an old fife.

"We sing this song in school, Mother," Linda commented, as she hummed along.

Timmy began singing as well, although a little off – key.

Esme listened closely as well, thinking Carlisle probably heard this song frequently at the army base. The song helped her remember what her husband was doing was so important.

After the song ended, Esme noticed Cindy standing in the distance. A part of Esme wanted to approach her former friend. After all, they had been close companions for a long time, and Esme kind of missed talking to Cindy. Perhaps Carlisle had been correct in his letter, and Cindy had only said those things because she was stressed. Maybe she regretted them? But as Esme looked at Cindy's smiling face as she talked to her family, she decided against it. Cindy was busy with her family, just as Esme was busy with hers. Besides, what if Cindy didn't regret what she said? Esme thought to herself, wishing she hadn't.

Esme pulled Edward back into her arms again, wanting to focus on someone other than Cindy. "Are you having fun on your first Fourth of July?" she asked him.

"Ahh – va!" Edward replied, giving his mother a toothless grin.

"I think Edward really liked the music, too, Esme," Mother commented. "Didn't you, Edward?" she asked the baby, tickling his chin.

Edward giggled. Then suddenly, Esme's luck ran out, as her son spit up all over his nice outfit.

"I suppose I should take him home and change him," Esme sighed, looking at the mess Edward made. She put Edward in his stroller, briefly making a face because of the sour – milk smell all over him. She hoped she could manage without getting milk all over herself as well.

Mother nodded. "Of course. I'll come with you." They had been walking for a couple of minutes when Mother commented, "Hearing the national anthem reminded of something I wanted ask you, Esme. How you're coping? With Carlisle gone, I mean." Esme could tell by the tone in her mother's voice how serious she was.

Esme smiled, glad that her mother had thought to ask that. It was nice that someone realized how complicated her feelings were about Carlisle preparing for war. "I think I am all right. Edward keeps me busy. Especially with all the messes he causes." Esme pointed to the one had just created.

Mother chuckled. "I am happy to hear that. Have you been painting lately?"

Esme shook her head. "I would like to, but I can't find a good place to put Edward while I do it."

"Have you considered doing it while he's sleeping? I know how much painting helped you before so, I think it's really something you should try, Esme."

Esme nodded. Painting certainly had made a huge difference for her when Thomas died. Perhaps she should make it more of a priority, especially when Carlisle eventually reached Europe. "Thank you, Mother. I'll do my best." Soon they arrived at Esme's home, and she brought Edward inside to change him.

Yes, painting would probably help her, Esme thought, as she and her mother changed Edward. But something that would help even more would be seeing Carlisle again. She really hoped her husband would be able to come home next week, even if it was only for one night.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

Carlisle encouraged all the men who would be marching in the parade to drink a lot of water. Their formal uniforms and the Arizona heat were an intense combination, and he did not wish to have more patients suffering from heat stroke. To his disappointment, not all the men carried water with them. Carlisle prayed to God that everyone would be fine anyway.

As they all began marching, Carlisle noticed how many men were participating. There were the men from the army base he worked at, of course. But there were also retired soldiers, probably from the Spanish American War. There were even some old men who wore grey uniforms who had apparently fought for the Confederacy. Carlisle felt slightly uncomfortable marching with these men, as he'd always been taught that the Union was the victor for a reason. These men didn't even wear the blue uniforms the rest of the army did.

Still, the spectators did not seem to mind that some of the soldiers had been Confederates. They all cheered, hollered, and waved flags for every single one of soldiers. A few of the young women even whistled as well. Other spectators called out, "Good luck Johnny," or "Looking fine, Tim!" Carlisle was honestly quite uncomfortable with all the attention. He understood why the soldiers should march in the Independence Day parade, especially as many were on their way to war in Europe. It was nice that most of the country supported the war and the soldiers fighting it now. But Carlisle still didn't care for people looking at him all the time, especially the young ladies. Esme was enough for him; Carlisle didn't need women whistling as he passed.

Honestly Carlisle wished he was home instead of listening to the sound of feet hitting road as they marched and women shouting. He wanted to see how Edward reacted to his first parade. He wanted to see Esme enjoying herself with the rest of her family. And this blue uniform was so uncomfortable in the hot weather, Carlisle may have been baking in an oven.

Suddenly, as the soldiers continued to march, a boy a couple years older than Edward called out "Grandpa!" Although children were supposed to be seen and not heard, "Grandpa" didn't seem to mind. One of the old men in the grey Confederate uniforms smiled at the boy and waved and then kept on marching. The ex – Confederate must really love his grandson. Carlisle supposed he had never really thought of it, but of course the Confederate soldiers would have families. All of the soldiers did, of course. And most of the men probably wished they could be home with their families. But instead they were here, because the country needed help. Carlisle began to feel closer to all the soldiers, even the former Confederates. They were all military men, marching together. By the end of the parade, he accepted the slaps on the back that all of the men gave, including those that had retired and those that were still working and training at the base. Carlisle had truly become one of them.

But no matter how close he was becoming to the other soldiers, he still wished he could see his family again. Carlisle sincerely hoped the general would allow him a short visit to see Esme on his way to Europe next week.

I'm afraid it will be a couple of months before I update this again. I have some other writing projects to work on, and RL is busy for me at this time of year because both my girls are on school vacation. But don't worry, I won't abandon it.

In the meantime, please give me some reviews and or/PMs if you prefer, for this chapter. I know some of you may find it hard to believe, but they really do help me write.

Here's a response from the last chapter.

Bloomandgrow: Well, it's too bad Esme didn't get much support from Cindy, but as you can see, she did receive some nice support and advice from her mother. (I know you'd didn't read YLOFA, but it's ironic, because in that story Esme's mother wasn't very supportive of Carlisle, while Cindy was. In this story it's reversed.) And yes, Edward is adorable. Hope you enjoyed the history in this chapter. I had a lot of fun researching and writing it.