Conventional Mishaps

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight; it belongs to the talented Stephenie Meyer. I am simply playing with the characters in her lovely saga.

Chapter 7

**Esme's POV**

It didn't take us very long to arrive in Denver, Colorado. Alice took us to the site where our home was to be built. It was a very large property that she had purchased so that the house would be able to accommodate all of our family members.

The property was even large enough to build smaller cottages for our children if they ever wanted to live on their own, but remain close to home.

Alice was talented and always thought of all the details. I suppose that it helps that she can see how the future can go in many ways.

I smiled appreciatively at her as I stepped out of Carlisle's Mercedes. "You have done it again, Alice, dear," I spoke softly taking in every new detail. Colorado was similar to Washington, but it had its differences as well.

We were living in the urban city this time; however, it was in a wealthy neighborhood that we could close off for our own security. I already knew that our house was going to be the biggest of them all. We had more money than most of the nobility in the world and it comes in handy at times like this.

I watched my family gather our things. Carlisle stepped forward, clearing his throat. Our children filed in, encircling us to hear what he had to say.

"First off I want to thank Alice for preparing everything on the financial end by purchasing our property. The boys and I will start building the house tonight. We will have to do our best to make it appear to take us a long time, as it would take a human. In the meantime, our lovely ladies are going to be staying in the hotel nearby. I have purchased a decent sized suite for you all to share. I know Alice will have plans for you already. As soon as the home is ready, we will retrieve you," he stated the blue prints for the next few weeks for us.

It would be difficult for our family to stay apart for that long. We were used to creating our homes quickly and starting our lives. We are also aware that we have to keep up the human front, especially since we were near many of them in this place.

I looked at Alice curiously, "Can you explain how the popular vote ended in Colorado? We're in such an urban city."

She gave a shrug, "That's all I saw. We are still secluded enough from them that they won't give us much trouble. They are also filthy rich in this neighborhood and keep to their activities constantly. Emmett suggested we put a security gate around the house so they can't trespass easily."

"There is also a bigger variety of wildlife here," Rosalie added with a smile, "Emmett is really excited about the grizzly bear population. Apparently there is an over abundance and he is willing to help out."

I laughed softly, "I had a feeling." I glanced at Bella interacting with Renesmee. My little granddaughter had her hand practically glued to her mother's face, no doubt showing her the new surroundings.

There were birds flying above that didn't populate Forks, elegant creatures. Small rabbit families were scattered along the perimeter of our property. There was a rare white fox in the distance, clearly stalking for its next meal. Along the drive we saw caribou, deer, and elk—which we had expected. Emmett was excited about the grizzly and Edward was talking about a trip to the Rocky Mountain for some mountain lion.

I caught Carlisle's eye as he stood giving the boy's their orders. Emmett was to get the lumber, Jasper set to buy the scaffolding and insulation for the home, Edward was in charge of buying the neutral paint so that Alice and I could decorate afterwards. Carlisle would be taking care of the security: fences, gates, safety measures to ensure that our family was safe.

I have always enjoyed watching Carlisle work, on anything really; I know that even working at the hospital he is a born leader. His caring personality never failed, but he had the perfect balance of authority and strength.

"Well, the men know what they must do. Shall we get to the hotel and check in?" I asked, smiling at my daughters and only granddaughter.

Renesmee's eyes lit up at the words. She was very eager to get our new adventure underway. She looked up at Bella, "Are we going, Mommy?"

Bella gave a soft laugh. "Of course we are, sweetheart," she murmured with a smile. Then she looked at me. The expression on her face was subtle but as a mother I picked up on it quickly.

"What is it, dearest?" I asked Bella quietly, leading my girls away from the men and their work.

She bit her lip slightly, an old habit from her human days. I offered her another encouraging smile.

"Well, because of the rush and exhilaration of the move, even I have neglected to say goodbye to Charlie. I spoke to him the other day, long before this came up. I was caught up in the moment, along with Renesmee, when we were packing. I would really like to head back and tell him where we will be. Renesmee wants to see him as well. I didn't bring it up to Edward yet because it would halt the progression of the house being built."

Alice and Rosalie giggled behind us. Rose was the one to speak up.

"I still find it amusing that you are so stubborn and harness these emotions and thoughts from your husband. You do need to let your guard down more often, Bella," she said in a gentle, sisterly tone.

If Bella could have blushed, we all knew she would.

I smiled and hugged her. "She's still getting used to the married life. She has the undying love down already," I joked lightly causing Bella to laugh, "Of course we can head back. We have time before the men will have the home ready to move in. There are some things I want to buy back in Seattle, so why don't we make a pit stop at your father's house before we go shopping?"

Alice beamed, "Saw it coming! Girls we are going to have such a good time!" she clapped her hands together.

Renesmee smiled, nuzzling her face into Bella's neck gently. "Grandpa Charlie will be happy," she said in her lovely soprano voice.

"Yes, he will be happy to see us off," Bella smiled sending us all a grateful look, "Hey; I am working on being completely open as a wife. Some times are easier than others. This was just me keeping it to myself. I promise I will let him know if it ever happens again." She laughed at herself.

I nodded approvingly. "It doesn't happen often, dear; we aren't faulting you. I am going to let Carlisle know where we are going. Why don't we take the Jeep, so that we have room for our purchases as well?"

Rosalie smirked, "I will steal the keys." She hurried over to Emmett before I could scold her.

I shook my head, "That girl… Alright, wait by the Jeep girls," I said, heading to speak with Carlisle. He pulled me in for a loving kiss as I approached. I smiled sweetly, "Your plan seems to be moving along smoothly."

"So far so good," Carlisle replied cheerfully. "Are you ladies off to the hotel? What was the commotion regarding Bella? I was concentrating on giving the boys instruction, but I caught a few words."

I smoothed his hair back, adjusting his tie. "Oh, Bella wants to go back to Forks to say goodbye to Charlie. She got flustered with the anticipation of moving and didn't bring it up to Edward." I smiled knowing Edward was with in earshot.

He glanced over at me and Carlisle, chuckling, "She will hopefully stop doing that once we've been together for many years," he said in a light tone.

I was aware that he could never be angry with Bella over something flighty like this. I hugged Edward, patting his shoulder. "Of course she will. Now get back to work, dear. I do want to decorate my lovely home once we return."

Edward nodded with his crooked smile and hurried off to join his brothers. Emmett waved at me and the girls. Jasper dipped his head as if tipping a hat to a lady.

I kissed Carlisle gently, "We will return in a few days and will head back to the hotel. Let us know when everything is finished. Be safe, Dearest."

He smiled at me, playfully shaking his head, "You act as though we do not know what we are doing, Love. Thank you. Be safe in your ventures as well. Have a good time. Oh, Edward says to say goodbye to Charlie for him also."

I nodded, waving to Edward for acknowledgement and walked to the Jeep. I slid in the driver's seat, turning to Bella.

"Edward wishes you send his goodbye to Charlie as well, and a thank you for letting him take you and his daughter so far."

Bella giggled softly, holding Renesmee in her lap, "I was going to anyway."

I started up the Jeep and we made our way back to Washington. It took us a few long hours. I decided that, since we had the time to kill, we should drive the speed limit. Alice and Rosalie sent me exasperated expressions. If it had been up to them, we would already be in Seattle shopping.

Bella and Renesmee, however, were enjoying the scenery and luxury of being on a peaceful road trip. I turned the radio to one of the stations with child-friendly music to play as background noise.

It was an enjoyable time together. Our family usually ran in groups, but it was rarer to be able to spend it with only my girls and have Carlisle keeping the boys busy.

Renesmee piped up as we reached the state borderline along Oregon and Washington. She sat in between Bella and Alice.

"Nana? Can you tell us a story?" she asked delicately.

I glanced back at her in the rear-view mirror, "A story, sweetheart? A story about what?"

Up until this point, we had all been discussing a variety of things. All of my girls looked at me expectantly.

"A story about you and papa," was all Renesmee added to her previous question.

I thought for a moment as we passed the "Welcome to Washington" sign. My daughters, even Bella, knew the story of how Carlisle and I came to be mates. I believe we had shared it with Nessie also.

"Alright," I spoke still thinking about what story to tell them. Then a thought came to mind, "Would you like me to tell you how our trip went?"

Renesmee's eyes lit up, "Please?"

Bella, Alice, and Rosalie shifted in their seats to pay attention as well. Renesmee snuggled to her mother, watching me.

"Well, we left to celebrate our anniversary. It had been a long time since we had put together a getaway for just Papa and me to celebrate. Unfortunately we had to spend time together around his doctor's convention. He had to sit and listen to a lot of people talk and participate in activities that had to do with being a doctor. Papa already knew many of the things in the convention, so we decided to go celebrate on our own. Well his boss found out and got mad at Papa. So Papa decided that it was time to move and he resigned as a doctor at Forks General Hospital. After that we flew to Isle Esme and had a lovely time on the beach. It is beautiful there; maybe your mommy and daddy will take you there soon," I ended my story there.

Alice sent me a look. "Oh come on. You didn't tell us what you did when you can Carlisle celebrated! I know you did more than spent time on the beach. You spent a couple days together in… was it Montana?"

I smiled, "Michigan. And yes, we did. Fine, you caught me. I went shopping—which is where I got those outfits for Nessie. After that we spent a lovely time at a club. I was able to dress up in a beautiful evening gown, and we went dancing. Oh, it was a splendid night. Then we were able to stay together in the hotel a couple of times. The pictures are on our camera."

Rosalie dug it out of my purse and went through them with the girls. They were quite enriched in my story. I smiled internally.

Bella looked at me, appearing to be debating a question. Alice nudged her.

"Ask, Bells," she whispered.

I gazed back, straight into Bella's eyes, "You can ask me anything, dear."

She bit her lip as she had earlier, "How long did it take you and Carlisle to… get as close as you are now?"

I blinked a little taken aback by her question. I had to think back. It has been many years.

"That is a good question. I believe… it took a few years. You know my story. I had to get past that and learn to trust him entirely. Bella, are you having trouble?"

She shook her head, "No, not with Edward. I guess the marriage thing is just gnawing at my brain. It's different for vampires though. A different bond, right? I know I already know all this…"

I reached back and held her hand, "Everyone has drawbacks. You want to make sure that it's real. We do have a different bond, a stronger bond, than that of humans. They have fleeting desires. We only desire that which is already ours. You can be vulnerable with Edward. I know it is strange at the beginning, but you are in the early stages. It gets easier. One day you will open your mind to him, just to let him hear your private thoughts. He is the half that makes you whole. I have seen that being apart from him, you already show the anxiety we all feel with our mates."

Bella gave a natural smile, a thankful smile. It radiated relief. We didn't need Jasper to be here to see it plain in her features. She relaxed.

"I thought it was just me. I know I have been different than many of you already," she admitted sheepishly.

"We are all different in many ways, dear. But that is an area that we all share. Whenever you need to speak about these things, come and talk to one of us. Alice more than likely will already know. She'll direct you to who has the most relatable advice." I responded as we pulled up in front of Charlie's home. I guess my lead foot finally got the better of me.

Renesmee touched Bella's face with a big grin. It lopped to the side, just like her daddy's did.

"Yes, let's go see Grandpa Charlie," Bella slid out with my granddaughter. She stopped and turned back. "Esme, would you mind joining us? You know the address and all."

I laughed softly, honored to join my newest daughter. "Absolutely, Alice and Rose. Please stay in the car. Don't take it to Seattle and bring it back before we walk out." I walked up with Bella.

Charlie was on a need-to-know basis with our family and everything that concerned his little girl and grandbaby. He knows what we have told him, and he was alright with it. I was thankful for that.

Bella knocked lightly, smiling wide as Charlie opened his front door. "Hey Dad," she hugged him.

Charlie's smile was the mirror image of Bella's at the moment. He hugged Bella and took Renesmee in his arms. "Well, hey to you both. What brings you here, Bells?" he asked cheerfully.

I stepped back slightly, in observation. I didn't want the attention to be on me at all. This was their moment.

Bella fidgeted with her shirt. Oh, so this is why she was having trouble earlier. She didn't want to disappoint Charlie. He was finally trusting of Edward and our family. It was all thanks to Renesmee and Bella together.

Bella leaned against the pillar of the porch, "I wanted to bring Renesmee by so we could tell you that we are moving. We wanted to tell you goodbye and let you know where we were going."

Charlie's brow furrowed slightly. "Moving, huh? Is this because of…" he glanced at me. I nodded to confirm. He looked back at Bella and Renesmee, "I'm allowed to visit, right? And you better come see me too. I want to watch this youngin' grow up."

Bella nodded, squeezing my hand as a thank you, "Yes, you can come visit. We will make our way up here to say "hey" every now and then. We're just going to Colorado. It's not like we're going to a different country, Dad."

"I will hold you to that, Bells," Charlie replied with an understanding smile.

Renesmee placed her hand on his cheek. I'm sure she was showing him images of where we were going to live.

"It's really pretty there," she whispered happily.

I pulled a notepad out of my purse and wrote down the address, handing it to Charlie, "You are welcome to visit at any time. Oh, Edward says thank you for letting him take your precious gems with us and he sends his farewell."

After that I walked back to the Jeep to allow Bella and Renesmee their final adieu with Charlie. A few minutes later they walked back to the car and hopped in the back with Alice.

"We are ready," Bella announced softly. Renesmee smiled gently, waving to Charlie as I drove us off.

"On to Seattle!" Alice giggled and shouted gleefully.

I just laughed along with my girls and took us there. Non-stop shopping here we come.

A/N: Here you go! Some big girl bonding time with all of the female members of the Cullen clan. They have officially moved. They Cullen boys will be building the house in the next chapter as well as having Carlisle bond with them without the girls. Carlisle will also be finding a new hospital to be employed as well as a new high school for the kids.

Last chapter, I had a review from Muzicismyescape and they highlighted that if Bella was a vampire (which she is already) that they would have told Charlie first. I thought about it, and they were absolutely right. I didn't want that to be the entire focus of this chapter but I did want to add it in. So, thank you Muzic for the catch! It fit in with my storyline perfectly.

As always thank you so much to all of my reviewers and readers. You are amazing! I couldn't have gotten out of my writer's block funk without you. You are my motivation.

Thank you so much to my lovely beta, TwilightGuru09. She's the reason my chapter's flow so nicely and have no mistakes. Thank you, thank you!

Love, Ebony-Rosez