Thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing. The link to the items Carlisle purchases for Esme, as well as the dress she wears can be found on my profile page.

****

Previously…

"A lot has happened in this house, Carlisle."

"That's very true."

"You saved me in this house. I'll always have fond memories of this place."

I kissed the top of her head.

"You saved me, Esme. Let's go."

I held the door open for her as she sat down in the passenger seat. I put the key in the ignition and turned it over as the car came to life. I held her hand in mine and looked at her and Edward.

"We've had some great times in this house, but we'll have so many more at the new one. Off we go."

We drove away from the house, Esme turning to look at it until it left our sight.

"I'll miss that house."

So will I, Esme. So will I.

****

Two months had passed, and we were settled in quite nicely in our new home in New York. Esme had taken to decorating the house beautifully, and she was so proud of the way it had turned out. She had painted all the walls in white, but added small bits of color throughout the house. She used the accessories to add color, so it would be easy to change for the next person that lived here. She knew that we had to move every ten years or so, so based on that she had decided that white walls were the easiest to work with. I would have been happy with anything she had decided, but seeing her happy with her decision made me happier than I could ever have imagined. Edward had started school as a junior in September and was adjusting to life as a New Yorker.

It was the second week of December and the snow had already piled up outside, casting a beautifully calm scene around our secluded house. I worked most midnight shifts at the hospital since I was the newest member of staff, and I didn't mind at all. I had just come home from my shift at the hospital and found Esme and Edward sitting at the kitchen table having what looked like a deep discussion.

"Well, what's going on in here?"

"We're just having a talk about the coming season, Carlisle. We're not talking about anything too special. How was your shift?"

She got up and gave me a hug which was very welcome after the difficult night I had. I gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"That's what I needed. It was difficult, but everyone made it that I treated. With the evolution of automobiles getting faster and better every day, humans seem to want to test their fate with them and go too fast when the roads are so slippery."

"Well, having you as their Doctor was their stoke of luck."

I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Esme. I actually have something to ask you."

"What's that?"

I knew that Edward could read my thoughts, and he graciously excused himself from the room.

"I have to get going to school, Carlisle. I'll be back at around 4:00. I'll need to go hunting tonight, I'm feeling a little weak."

I nodded my head.

"We should all go, I think. We'll see you this afternoon, son."

"Have a good day."

He picked up his books from the front door and ran outside to school. I looked at Esme and smiled.

"How was your night, love?"

She took my hand and we walked into the Living Room together.

"It was good. Edward and I worked on a puzzle for a little while and while he was doing his school work I started reading one of the books in your office."

"Which one?"

"A Tale of Two Cities. It's a great book."

I sat on the couch and she sat beside me.

"It is, Esme. It's one of my favorites."

I lay down on the couch and pulled her close to me in my arms. We lay there for a few moments, just enjoying the quiet and each others' company.

"Esme, I have to ask you something, and you don't have to say yes."

"Alright, what is it?"

"Well, Christmas is coming and the Hospital is holding a Christmas party for the staff on Friday evening. They're holding it at the Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue. It's a dinner and dance, and I'd be honored if you would join me."

She turned and looked at me with bright eyes.

"Oh Carlisle, I'd be thrilled to join you! Do you think I could go into town today and get some fabric so I can make myself a new dress?"

I smiled.

"I think we can do one better than that, love. It's cloudy out today; let's spend the day in the city."

"Oh Carlisle, that's so exciting. I'll just run upstairs and change then we can go!"

She threw her arms around me in excitement and ran up the stairs. I watched her as she ran and with a large smile on my face I knew that what I was planning in a couple of weeks would be the best thing I had ever done, in all of my years of existence.

****

Friday had come, and the level of excitement that was coming from Esme was almost palpable. One of my patients had developed complications so I had to head back to the hospital for a few hours, and this didn't seem to bother Esme one bit. She was too concerned about getting ready for this big event in the city, and though I had finished at the hospital earlier than I had planned it gave me enough time to get the items I needed for her. I arrived home just as Edward was getting home from school.

"Carlisle."

"Edward. How was your day?"

"Good, thanks. Just so you know, she'll love them."

I smiled at him and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Thanks, son. She means the world to me."

"And you to her, Carlisle. You'll have an incredible time tonight, I can only imagine."

"Thanks, I just hope she thinks so."

We smiled at each other as we walked inside the house, the small bag I had picked up in the city today in my hands as I walked up the stairs to my office. I put it down on the desk and then knocked on Esme's door.

"Yes?"

"May I come in?"

"Not just yet, Carlisle. I'm still getting ready."

"How long does it take to make perfection better, Esme?"

She laughed, and I knew she caught my fake impatience.

"Since this is my first appearance with you, Carlisle, I need to make sure that I look acceptable. I promised you that I would be ready at 5:00, and if you keep talking to me I'm going to be late."

I could sense her smile even through the closed door.

"Alright, love. I'm going to have a quick bath and get ready, and I'll meet you downstairs."

I looked at the clock in my office.

3:42. There's plenty of time to run a bath and get cleaned up before 5:00.

I had my bath, dried off, changed into my tuxedo and walked down the stairs and I found Edward waiting with his camera. He took a photograph of me as I was coming down the stairs and I couldn't help but smirk at him.

"Why are you doing this, Edward?"

"This is your first official date with Esme, and I thought that one day you might want to have photos to look at to remember this day."

"Good idea."

Just as I reached the bottom steps with my small bag in hand, I heard a shy and small voice coming from upstairs.

"Carlisle, I'm coming down. Don't laugh."

"Why would I laugh, Esme? I'm aching to see you!"

"Alright, I'm coming down."

Never before in all my years of existence – human or otherwise – have I seen anything as breathtaking as I saw at that moment. If it were possible for me to fall more in love with her than I already was, then I would be doing just that at this very moment. She was elegant, graceful and was going to be, no doubt, the envy of every woman and the subject of every man's affection that night. They could all deal with their emotions and desires, because she was mine and mine alone. Edward was taking pictures as with angelic movements she floated down the stairs towards me. I walked towards her with my hand extended.

"Esme, you're stunning."

"In a good way, I hope."

I shook my head.

"No, not in a good way. In a fantastic, incredible way."

I pursed my lips as I looked at her, not in the way of asking for a kiss – although I would certainly be doing that later – but as if I was inspecting her almost. She smiled and held out her arms and turned around in a circle.

"Do I pass inspection, Sir?"

"Something's missing."

"Missing? I put the dress on, obviously, my shoes… My wrap, but that's in the front closet. I don't think anything's missing, Carlisle."

I smiled and nodded my head.

"Possibly something in this bag."

I handed it to her and she became overcome with emotion.

"Carlisle, you didn't need to get me anything."

"It's the least I can do, my love. My heart is forever at your service."

"You've been reading Shakespeare again, haven't you?"

I smiled.

"Guilty as charged. The sentiment is just as real though. Go ahead, Esme. Open them."

She pulled three boxes out of the pale turquoise bag and was shocked at what she saw.

"I was hoping you'd allow me to put these on you tonight, love."

She brought her hand up to her chest and simply nodded her head.

I took the necklace out of the box and secured the clasp, but not before placing a gentle kiss on the back of her neck. She opened the second box and saw the earrings inside.

"You'll have to put those on yourself, Esme."

She nodded her head and put the earrings in, while I took her hand and secured the matching bracelet to her wrist, ensuring that I placed a gentle kiss on the underside of her wrists.

"Now you look perfect."

"Carlisle, you really didn't need to do this. These pieces must have cost so much money."

"I'm afraid I'm guilty of having to quote Shakespeare again, but Esme, my bounty is as deep as the sea. My love as deep; the more I give to thee the more I have, for both are infinite."

I leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her lips when I heard Edward clearing his throat behind us. We broke apart and smiled.

"Sorry about that, Edward."

He smiled at us.

"I'd be guilty of the same if I were you, Carlisle. Have a great night. I'm off to do a little homework."

He walked past Esme and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You look beautiful, Esme."

"Thank you, Edward."

"Good night."

I got Esme's cloak from the closet and held it out for her, then quickly put on mine as we walked out to the car arm in arm. I held the door open for her and she got inside as I ran to the other side, not wanting to be apart from her for any great length of time. I started driving down the road, watching her out of the corner of my eye. We didn't say much to each other on the drive into the city proper, but once we were almost there my curiosity had gotten the better of me.

"What are you thinking, love?"

She sighed.

"Well, I was just wondering what I should say to the humans."

"In reference to what, specifically."

"Well, if people ask about, you know. Us."

Ahhh. The inevitable 'us' question.

"Why don't you let me handle that?"

She looked at me with a smile.

"Ok."

We arrived in front of the Astoria and the Valet came to my door and held it open for me. He handed me a ticket for the keys, and I went to help Esme out of the car. We walked arm in arm inside the lobby of the hotel and I saw that people were watching us. I leaned in to her and whispered.

"If at any time you feel uncomfortable, promise me you will let me know and we will go, alright?"

She smiled up at me and nodded her head as I took our coats and handed them to the coat check person and received a ticket for each. We walked to the front door of the ballroom where the maitre d was standing.

"Good evening. Your names please?"

"Doctor Carlisle Cullen and Miss Esme Platt."

He looked on the invitee list and nodded when he found our names.

"If you'll follow me please."

I held out my arm and Esme took it, her delicate hand resting on my arm. We approached our table and I realized that we were the last to arrive. I could feel Esme getting a little tense so I placed my hand on the small of her back and she seemed to calm down almost instantly.

"Carlisle, we were beginning to think you weren't going to make it."

"I'm so sorry about that, Jeffrey. The roads weren't very clear and I have very precious cargo in my car tonight. I had to drive a little more carefully than I normally do."

I glanced at Esme and she had lowered her head when I made that statement. I whispered to her.

"If the scents are bothering you, just don't breathe, ok?"

She smiled up at me and nodded her head.

"I'm alright, thank you."

"Carlisle, you must introduce me to this lovely woman you have brought with you this evening."

I placed my hand out towards him.

"Doctor Jeffry Michaels, it's my pleasure to introduce you to my very lovely lady, Miss Esme Platt. Esme, Jeffrey."

He held her hand and placed a kiss on the top, all under my watchful eye.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Platt."

"Please, it's Esme."

The gentlemen at the table stood as I pointed them all out to her and they each nodded their heads and said hello as their names were mentioned. I held the chair out for her and she sat down gracefully, and once she was seated the men at the table sat back down.

"So, Esme. How long have you and Cullen here been an item?"

She responded a split second before I could.

"I beg your pardon?"

"It's just that Carlisle has never shown any interest in anyone at the hospital – staff or otherwise, and well… when you walked in on his arm I can understand why."

She smiled at me and I nodded my head.

"I have known Carlisle since I was 16. He actually treated me when I had broken my leg, and well, he's an excellent Doctor. He made quite an impression on me."

I reached down and grabbed her hand under the table and gave it a little squeeze.

"Did you just recently re-connect?"

"Well, about a year ago we met in Wisconsin. I was teaching and he was at the hospital there, by coincidence. We happened to meet in one of the buildings near the hospital one day and we started our friendship right where we had left off."

Jeffrey's wife smiled and sighed.

"That sounds so romantic, Esme. You are certainly a very lucky lady."

"I know."

She squeezed my hand and I squeezed back.

****

Dinner had been served and although I ate small amounts of everything, Esme chose not to and very cleverly went with the reasoning that she was just over a stomach bug, and such rich food may not sit very well right now. Everyone being physicians, they followed the story without question. The band had begun to play, and some of the couples had already made it to the dance floor. Esme sat there beside me, her head resting on my shoulder, my hand running along her shoulder.

"Are you doing alright, Esme?"

She nodded her head.

"I really am, Carlisle. I thought that this may be a little difficult, but it's not as hard as I thought it would be."

I kissed the top of her head.

"Good, I'm glad."

The music changed from a jive to a beautiful waltz. I leaned forward so Esme knew I had to get up and as I stood I took her hand in mine.

"Would you care to dance?"

She smiled at me and took my hand.

"I thought you'd never ask."

I took her hand and we walked to the dance floor, getting into position to begin the dance.

"Esme, I know we talked yesterday about you not being a great dancer, but don't worry. It's all in the leading anyway. If you trust me, I promise I won't let you fall."

"Well, Doctor Cullen, by your lead."

I took her left hand in my right, and her right hand was on my shoulder. I began the first step and she followed along effortlessly with me.

"Esme, you're an amazing dancer."

"I have something to confess, Carlisle."

"What's that?"

"Edward taught me a few steps last night while you were out."

"Remind me to thank him later."

"I'll try."

We waltzed around the dance floor with expert precision, and at times during our dance the floor cleared around us. It was as though we were the only two people, well – undead people – in the world and both of us were completely fine with that. When the waltz ended, we were in each others' arms looking only into each others' eyes, and then the clapping started. We smiled at each other and started to laugh. Esme turned to walk off the dance floor, but not before doing an adorable courtesy to the crowd who laughed at her good humor. We approached the table and instead of sitting down, Esme turned to look at me.

"Carlisle, I have a question."

I brought her close to me and whispered to her.

"What is it, love?"

"This has been such an incredible evening, but I'm feeling a little weak, which you have said is a sign of hunger. I don't want to ruin this, so I'm wondering if we can…"

I nodded my head.

"Absolutely, love. We'll get our coats and be on our way."

"I'm sorry, Carlisle, but I thought I drank enough the last time we went."

"It's not a problem at all, my sweet. Your welfare is more important to me than anything, and you know that."

I took her hand in mine and approached the Doctors that were at our table, speaking to them all, but really addressing Jeffrey. After all, he was the Chief Resident and deserved the respect he was due.

"Esme is a little worn out from the evening, so we're going to get going. It was a pleasure everyone."

"And it was a great pleasure to meet your lovely lady, Carlisle. Bring her by the hospital more often."

Jeffrey stood and as he did the rest of the men at the table followed suit. He took her hand and kissed the top gently.

"It's been a real pleasure getting to know you, Esme. Don't be a stranger."

"Thank you, this has been a marvelous evening."

"Take care, and we'll see you on Monday, Carlisle."

I nodded my head.

"Thanks. Merry Christmas."

"To both of you too."

We collected our coats and I helped her into hers then we got our car from the valet and began the drive home. She leaned her head on my shoulder and sighed.

"This was a perfect evening, Carlisle. Thank you for bringing me."

"There's no one I would have rather spent this time with, Esme. I promise you that."

She smiled and we drove for about 30 minutes when she brought up a topic of conversation that I never thought I would hear a fellow vampire speak.

"Carlisle, I was wondering if it would be possible to find a store that was open tomorrow."

"What kind of store, love?"

"A grocery store. I'd like to get some corn."

"Corn? Whatever for?"

"And peanut butter."

My curiosity was very much piqued.

"Absolutely, Esme, but I'm just wondering why."

"Well, in my human days near the Christmas holidays we would pop corn and string them up on the trees both inside and outside our home, and the peanut butter is to put on the pinecones as an extra little treat for all the little furry creatures out there."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"You find it funny?"

"Not funny, Esme. Beautiful and endearing. I think I know what your gift is, you know."

"My gift?"

"Yes. I believe that when a human is changed into one like us, they bring over an enhanced gift from their human lives. I believe that mine was compassion; Edward as you know is able to read minds. I think that stems from his ability to relate to others in his human days. I think that yours is similar to mine, but in a different way. You have this love that's inside of you that just seems to want to break out. You care for the little creatures in the forest, and want to give them a present for the Christmas holiday? Esme, if that's not an outpouring of unconditional love, I don't know what is. I think it's a beautiful statement, and I will get you as much popping corn and peanut butter as I can carry."

She smiled at me.

"Thanks, Carlisle. We should decorate the house for Christmas as well."

"I hadn't thought about doing that."

"If you don't want to, then that's alright. At least I can have a few things outside to make the house a little more festive."

"Tonight once we get home and change out of these fancy clothes, we will go out for a hunt and then we will find the best tree in the woods and I'll chop it down for you. I know that tonight you'll want to make a list of things we'll need to pick up before we go out, but when we get back we can decorate the tree and the house together as a family. How does that sound?"

She squealed in her chair and kissed my cheek.

"It sounds perfect, Carlisle. Thank you."

"My pleasure, love. My pleasure."