Prompt Name: Sealed with a Kiss

Written By: Jadsmama

Pairing/Main Character(s): Esme

Rating: T

Photo prompts can be viewed here: http:/photobucket(dot)com/snippetysnippets

Thanks to Jessypt for beta'ing, but especially for her wisdom and advice.

Many thanks to Tanglingshadows for pre-reading and to my partner in crime, Ladysharkey1, for her continuous support and encouragement of everything I do.

I had always believed Christmas was a magical time of the year. It allowed busy lives to settle down for the day, bringing people together. The urge to give back to your community was stronger than ever, knowing there was always someone in need who could use help. Endless joy lived inside you for another year from showering the people that meant the most to you with love and gifts. Needless to say, it was my favorite holiday and was intertwined with some of the most cherished memories of my life.

This past Christmas ended up as spectacular as the ones before it, but thanks to my son, I received an unexpected gift; a future daughter-in-law. Bella was the woman who stole my son's heart years ago and instantly fit in with our family as if she were always a part of it. She allowed me into her life as a friend and as someone she looked upon for guidance, giving me the daughter I always dreamt of having.

After a delicious meal filled with laughter and the usual banter between my boys, I excused myself to get a head start on the dishes. Hearing my loved ones retreat to the family room allowed me to take a moment to relax and reflect on the day as I scraped leftover food off the china and prepared the water.

Movement from outside the window over the sink caught my attention. Edward was holding Bella's hand as he walked her around the farm. They were deep in conversation, laughing every so often. There was no holding back a smile as I took in the sight; watching them together had always taken my breath away. Their love was so apparent and natural, and the connection they shared left me mesmerized. Seeing my son with her showed me a whole other side to him, one that I wasn't sure we'd ever see.

Edward was our oldest, yet never the one to really do anything first. He was quiet and reserved, allowing his brother to steal the spotlight throughout their childhood. He was never the one to put much effort into girls during high school, instead throwing himself into his studies and planning for his future. I worried about him going off to college. I wanted nothing more than for him to realize there was so much more to life than the bubble he had secluded himself in over the years.

To my surprise, he'd realized it early on in his sophomore year. I received a phone call asking if we'd mind if a friend came home for Christmas with him. I was proud my son didn't want his buddy alone in the dorms, eating a frozen meal and quickly reassured him that any friend of his was always welcomed in our home. Edward chuckled lightly into the phone and made a statement that changed all of our lives, She's more than my friend, Mom. She's the love of my life.

The clinking sound of dishes stacking startled me, causing me to break my undiscovered stare. I looked over to see my husband standing at my side with a smile mirroring my own as soon as he noticed what had been monopolizing my attention.

"I'm feeling a sense of déjà vu right now," Carlisle stated with a chuckle.

"Oh please, there's no way you're feeling twenty-two again so easily," I teased, earning a laugh from my husband as he stepped up behind me, pulling me into his warm embrace.

His scent engulfed me, making me melt into his arms from the comfort he had given me for years. Even though I didn't admit it, I had been feeling the same way all day long. We were a lot like Edward and Bella, our relationship moved fast and there were no doubts about where it was headed from the start.

"I remember the first time I brought you home," I said as memories flooded my mind. "I'm surprised my daddy let me give you a tour of the property alone, even if I was of age and living outside of the house already."

Carlisle let out a loud laugh, which made both of our bodies shake a little from his amusement.

"You must not remember how we weren't in this house no more than an hour before your dad dragged me to his study. The door wasn't even shut all the way before he demanded I declare my attentions with you."

I tilted my head and scrunched my eyebrows as I remembered the moment differently.

"I thought he was showing you his medical journals," I stated, feeling slightly embarrassed I'd never realized what was really going on that day.

Carlisle chucked again and then kissed my forehead, making my face naturally relax.

The subject of that first visit was let go, knowing that nothing more was said from my father as he witnessed a proposal before we returned to school. He walked me down the aisle six months later.

We both turned our heads back to the window and to my surprise, we watched our son gently get down on one knee.

"Oh my God, he's proposing!" I squealed with excitement before the shame of witnessing such a private moment washed over me.

"I know, he told me earlier that he was planning to ask her before the day was over." Carlisle paused, giving my forehead a gentle kiss. "He asked if I would mind if he stole my idea, proposing in the middle of the field. He said it was the place that started a great foundation for our life together, and he couldn't think of a better place to start Bella and his."

I blinked back a tear that was starting to form from hearing our son's heart-touching words. I knew we had set a good example for him, and I felt proud he wanted a marriage like ours.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me," I grumbled, suddenly wondering why I was left out of the surprise.

"Oh honey, you and I both know you can't keep a secret. Apparently, Edward does, too."

I swatted my husband's arm, trying to contain my laughter at the truth behind his statement.

Giving one more look out the window as the newly engaged couple shared a gentle kiss, I couldn't have been prouder of the man our son had become. I couldn't wait to witness his and Bella's happy life together.

Do I hear a collective sigh?... I know it's just too sweet. Writing this drabble brought out the mama in me. I couldn't help but to think about my son's future and when he finds his "Bella". Believe it or not, I can't wait to watch him fall in love and you better bet I will have taught him how to treat a lady right before then!

It's a cool day in California and your reviews warm my heart, so please leave one.

Thanks for reading!

Jadsmama