A/N: This chapter is best read while listening to 1950 by King Princess with a glass of wine. Enjoy some Carlisle and Esme loving this Valentine's Day! I love you all! Thank you for reading and reviewing this story! It makes me happy that you all enjoy reading this as much as I love writing it!

The family gathered around their father, as Esme still sat rigidly, her eyes never leaving his face. She was waiting as patiently as she could. Carlisle twitched slightly and his eyes fluttered open. Then he abruptly sat up. It was unlike everyone else's labored first breath, more like he was startled awake. The patriarch blinked a few times, when his gaze finally fell upon his wife. The doctor's lip quivered into a smile, as his arms embraced her tightly.

"It's you," Carlisle sighed breathlessly into her caramel curls, as his English accent became very apparent.

"Of course, darling," Esme's arms rose around his back, "I haven't left your side."

"It's always been you," he nearly whispered, as if not hearing a word she had said. The doctor pulled back taking his wife's face in his hands, marveling at her.

A fierce blush rose in her cheeks as she studied the man she had married nearly a decade earlier He was still her Carlisle, yet somehow he seemed different. He seemed more rested, jovial, and almost ecstatic. Best of all, that loving look he had always saved only for her, appeared to have grown with his humanity. And for the first time in a long time, Esme felt shy. Was it possible to have a crush on your husband? Edward chuckled beside her, obviously comparing her current thoughts to those he had heard when she first woke as a vampire.

"What color are my eyes?" Carlisle asked, a wide, curious, smile stretching over his face.

Esme continued to stare lovingly at him, until she realized that the question was directed at her, "Blue," she sighed, her mouth gaping slightly as she gazed into them for the first time, "Ocean blue, like the water on our island. They're…beautiful."

Carlisle dipped his head, his cheeks now turning red, "Oh, thank you," he replied quietly.

"You two," Edward lovingly rolled his eyed, "You are the only people I know who would start the process of falling in love all over again with just a simple change of eye color," he chuckled, "I won't let you subject the rest of your children to this."

"I don't know, Edward," Rosalie grinned, "I think it's cute."

"Alice," the doctor shouted in realization, "I don't know why you've wanted to know this, but my middle name is William!"

"Noted!" the little pixie mischievously smiled.

"Love, you already remember?" Esme replied in shock.

Carlisle nodded, "I remember…a lot. It's hard to explain. And I fear you'll think I'm crazy…"

"So were going to give you both an evening alone," Edward interjected, "Because, and please don't hate me, Esme, Carlisle and I need to take a short trip. I promise we'll be back in twenty-four hours."

The adoptive mother's face fell into a disapproving stare, as she wondered what her son had up his sleeve. Her husband, on the other hand, studied the boy's face. His brows knitted in curiosity.

The coper haired vampire turned to his father, "I think it'll help clear up some confusion and ease your fears. I've seen what you've remember. Please let me do this. As a thank you for everything you've done for me."

Carlisle turned from Edward to Esme. Her face softened into her usual understanding smile as she nodded in affirmation. He sent her a silent thank you before bringing his gaze back to his son. Edward gave a subtle nod as he pivoted towards his siblings.

"We get it," Nessie giggled, "Your kicking us out!"

"We're going to drive up to Port Angels this afternoon," Jasper smirked, "Call us if you want, but you've got my word that we'll be in our best behavior."

"Just a little shopping, dinner, and maybe a movie," Rosalie sashayed toward the door.

"But it'll take us a few hours," Alice added, "Plus the drive there and the drive back."

"What we're trying to say is, do as you please, wherever you please," Emmett winked, as he popped his head back into the room.

Bella shot him a glare, while both of her in-laws embarrassingly adverted their gaze, "I went to the store yesterday, Esme. Just in case you need to cook anything!"

The couple waited until they heard the rumbling of car engines to turn back to each other. It was then that the matriarch realized her husband had never let go of her hands. He held up her left one twisting the tiny gold band around her finger. Her husband's eyes then glancing at his own, and back into her loving gaze. His lips brushed the tops of her knuckles.

"Well," Carlisle grinned giddily, "where should we start?"

"Wherever you would like," Esme smiled softly as she squeezed his fingers.

It had been nearly 350 years since Carlisle Cullen had enjoyed the taste of human food. Needless to say, meals had changed quite a bit since 1663. So he thought that dinner might be the best place to start. And there was no better chef in the entire world than his very own wife. The doctor would have been lying if he said that he wasn't a little jealous of the people who raved over Esme's cooking. It was something she loved and took great pride in. And it was also something he had longed to be a part of, but could only help with preparation. Tonight though, he would finally be able to live that quiet daydream that seemed to cross his mind each time he found her making her next great culinary creation. But for now, he changed his shirt for the third time.

It was silly, right? To be nervous to have dinner with his own wife. Almost eighty-six years they had been married. So why did it feel so much like a first date? Carlisle sighed as he settled for one of his blue button down dress shirts, rolling the sleeves past his elbow. Esme liked seeing the arms of his shirt pushed back. It was her sigh that he had switched from hardworking doctor back to loving husband. The blond man turned to look at himself in the mirror, studying a face that seemed to be relatively the same apart from the eyes. Carlisle focused on them for a moment. Yes, the blue was nice, but very odd seeing as that for a majority of his existence they had been gold. Maybe he liked the gold better. Or perhaps he wasn't use to them yet.

The doctor quickly turned from his reflection, as some wonderful smell in the kitchen wafted its way up to the third floor. Suddenly, he felt incredibly rude. The dinner was nearly finished and he hadn't helped an ounce. Esme had insisted that he take a moment to himself. To, in her words, get acquainted with his past self. Carlisle appreciated the gesture, but in all honesty his past wasn't something he wanted to get to know again. And certainly not without her by his side. The parts without Esme honestly weren't worth remembering. He could feel his heart bet elevate just at the thought of her. For just a moment he closed his eyes as he held tightly to the door frame. It had always been Esme.

Carlisle quietly trotted down the flights of stairs and into the kitchen. And there she stood with her back to him, tending to something on the stove. Esme was beautiful. So beautiful, that noticing her change in attire had taken him longer than he cared to admit. The dress was sleeveless, white, with a beautiful brightly colored floral pattern at the top and near the hemline. It resembled the styles she had worn in the 1950s. He had always loved them the best because of the way they twirled around as he spun her. This, of course and it made him smile because she had put just as much thought into her outfit as he did. It was then that Carlisle made a silent wish that maybe Esme would be just as nervous too. The doctor pushed anxiety aside as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around his wife's waist. Instinctively she leaned into his chest, her free hand gently grazing his cheek.

"How can I help?" Carlisle kissed her temple.

"I'm almost finished," Esme cooed, "But, I wouldn't mind it, if you stayed right where you are!"

"I can do that," he smiled, dropping his head to rest on her shoulder, "You…you look so beautiful."

She giggled softly, "Thank you! And you sir, are as handsome as ever," she paused, "I hope you'll like what I chose to make. I felt like steak is so over done when it comes to romantic dinners. So I went with a fettucine. My initial thought was shrimp, but I was afraid you might be allergic and I didn't want to ruin date night. Then I went with chicken. Which, now that I'm looking at it seems far too plain to be..."

Carlisle turned her head towards his, gently kissing her lips, "Whatever you make will be absolutely perfect. I know it."

Esme relaxed again, leaning her forehead against his own. Yes there was something comforting about their shared jitters. The doctor was soon instructed to grab two plates, as his wife served the meal on a beautifully set table. And just as they were about to eat, Carlisle jumped up from the table, obviously remembering something. In an instant he was back, this time with a bottle in his hands.

"Is that wine?" Esme's lips turned up at the corners.

"Yes! The bottle Dr. Fitz gave us when we were first married," he smiled as he pulled at the cork.

"I can't believe you saved it," she giggled, "Is it still good?"

"Not sure," Carlisle shrugged, "He told me it would taste better on our five year anniversary. I'd like to believe it would be even more splendid after eighty-five."

The cork popped and the doctor pored two small glasses of wine. He then happily took a seat next to his wife, as they toasted this new change. They each took a tiny sip, not knowing if this was how the wine was supposed to taste. It wasn't bad, just neither had enjoyed drinking much alcohol in their human lives. Esme sat anxiously, watching Carlisle try the first bite of food he had eaten in centuries. She so badly wanted him to enjoy it, silently cursing herself for not making steak. His hand rested under his chin as he look from his plate to her and back again. He grimaced slightly.

"So this is what I've been missing out on?" Carlisle's mouth hung open, "Lord in heaven, Esme. This is bloody delicious!"

"If it's so delicious," she wagged her finger, "Then what was that frown for?"

"Oh, that was me realizing I'm going to get very fat, if I don't start running with you," he chuckled, "I'm going to want to eat all the time if everything you make is so tasty."

Esme threw her head back laughing that loud laugh she hated, but he so desperately loved. The couple continued to eat and over their meal shared stories from their pasts. Carlisle talked about the turmoil in England during his youth and what that meant for his role as the pastor's son. He told her of his friends to somehow remained Catholic during this time of Puritan rein. And how in the night they would sneak him out of his house and down to the local pubs. Esme told stories of what it was like to grow up sandwiched between four brothers. They teased her often, but that didn't stop her from loving them. She wondered if any had married or had children. The topic of siblings caused Carlisle to remember the young girl he was raised with, Hildegard. Or Hilde for short. She was two years his junior and taken in by his father when she was born to an unwed mother.

"Is that where you found your love of adoption?" Esme reached her hand across the table, lacing her fingers with his.

"No, not from him," Carlisle scoffed, thinking of his father, "I truly believe that she was biologically my sister, darling. We look so very similar. And my father was utterly obsessed with finding us both suitable spouses. Hilde and I must have been blood related. He couldn't have his son falling in love with his daughter."

"Did you love her?" the matriarch asked as she began to clear the dishes.

"Oh, absolutely. Just not romantically in any way, "he chuckled as he flipped on the sink, "She was in love with my best friend John. But neither of us was supposed to be seen with him. He was known for going against Puritan teachings. They, however, were the last two who saw me alive. I gave them my blessing, on behalf of my father, for them to marry."

"The three of you seemed so close. They must have been heart broken when you didn't return," she took his hand once more.

"Perhaps," he shrugged, "We should try to find their family line when we look for your brothers. I'd like to think that they went on with their marriage and ended up as happy as we are."

Esme was silent for a moment, "Carlisle was there ever anyone else, in your human life who made you as happy as I do? I promise I won't get upset. I guess I've just always been curious. I mean you were almost too old to be a bachelor in your time."

Carlisle thought for a minute, trying to find the correct way to word his answer, "No, Esme. No one else who has ever walked this Earth could make me as happy as you do," he dried his hands on the kitchen towel and pulled her into his arms, "So how about that ice cream?"

The caramel haired beauty looked up at him, "Well, the best I've found is at this little shop in town. Would you like to ride our bikes there? It's such a lovely evening."

"I would love nothing more," he nuzzled her nose.

Carlisle Cullen couldn't remember the last time he actually had to try when riding a bike. In fact he probably never did. Despite the lack of superhuman strength, Esme made bike riding look effortless. He was utterly captivated as her hair flew behind her in the warm summer wind and how she giggled as they sped down the hills. The blond man reveled in the scenery that he so often overlooked in his drive to town. That was one of the many joys of being married to Esme. She always held great attention to detail, especially in nature. The world would always be beautiful in her eyes.

As they rounded the corner into town, it seems as if traffic almost stopped. People on the sidewalks were focused in their direction. Each person wore a confused expression or stoic glare. And although his family had been here for nearly 5 years, Carlisle had never noticed how others saw them. Suddenly, he felt rather uncomfortable.

"It's ok," Esme said as she peddled up to him, "They always stare at me when I come to town. The doctor's mysterious little wife," she laughed, "It's better with you here. Most of them are used to seeing you."

"It can be worse than this?" Carlisle furrowed his brow, "How can you stand themlooking at you so coldly?"

"Some smile, now that they know me. And a few that I've talked to say hello," she smiled, always the optimist, "That's why I wanted my business. I want to be around more people. That way they don't think you have a reason to hide me!"

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "Esme, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hide you. I don't want you to think that I don't…"

"I know," his wife beamed, "When you're off work, you just like to be at home that's all!"

"Well then, I need to make more of an effort to come to town with you," the doctor gave her a serious smile.

"You already are," she pushed off from the curb and pedaled toward the shop.

The place wass quiet and looked like a malt shop from the 1950s. Although Esme's attire matched her surroundings perfectly, she still seemed out of place. Hell, they both did. It wasn't often that they came to town and even less so they went and got food of any variety, let alone dessert. However, that didn't stop his wife from ordering two cones one vanilla, one chocolate. Carlisle held the door open as they sat on a bench just outside the store, away from the leering eyes inside. He leaned back against the wooden frame, throwing Esme's legs over his lap. If this town wanted to show, then they would get one. No one in Forks, Washington would ever question if the doctor loved his wife.

"It's the most basic flavor," Esme whispered between giggles as she handed him the treat, "I didn't want start you off too bold. And it's a classic, like you."

"Classic," Carlisle arched his brow, "So you mean old," he chuckled to himself, as he tasted the desert, "My God," his eyes were wide, "This is spectacular! I see why you love it!"

The couple siat on that bench for a good half hour, eating ice cream, laughing, sharing stories, and utterly ignoring the world around them. They'd always been good about finding a place just for them. Blocking out the sounds and commotion of reality. It is what Carlisle love most about their relationship, their ability to just be with each other. Their conversation entertaining. Their attention undivided. Even in the monotony of life, there was always an adventure with Esme. Their connection was simply electric.

"Dr. and Mrs. Cullen," a familiar gruff voice broke their conversation.

"Charlie. Sue. Hello!" Esme greeted cheerfully as she turned to them.

"Out for a date night?" Sue grinned at her friend, "You two look lovely!

"Yeah, doc," Charlie studied Carlisle's face, "You get some sun? You look…"

"Rested," his girlfriend and rejected, "You must've gone on vacation. Yes?"

"Yes," Carlisle quickly followed Sue's lead, "I took a trip with some friends to California this past weekend."

"Friends from medical school," his wife smiled, "Can you believe it Sue. Every two years he leaves me for an entire weekend, just to go golfing with his buddies!" She winked. Esme had always been the best at creating cover stories.

"And with all those kids," Sue scolding in jest, "Carlisle how dare you take a day off!"

"Women," Charlie teased, wrapping his arm around the love of his life, "Well we're trying to get home before the rain. So we'll see you soon."

"Wednesday for book club," the caramel hair beauty smiled.

Carlisle playfully rolled his eyes as their friends departed. The two of them quickly scampered to their bikes for the ride home. The first half was just as lovely and enjoyable as the trip into town. But, the second was a race to beat the weather, which ended with both of them getting completely soaked by the sheeting rain. The doctor quickly pushed open the door to the house, ushering and his wife inside. As they passed into the hallway he caught a glimpse of himself once more in the mirror. He wasn't used to seeing this reflection yet. No wonder everyone was staring. He did look different. His dress shirt clung to his body, as his normally coiffed hair fell in front of his blue eyes, sticking to his forehead. A pair of slender arms wrapped around his waist from behind. He could feel her quivering in the house's cool air.

"You're freezing," the doctor smiled as he moved from the stranger in the mirror to his bride.

"I'm always cold," she pulled closer to him, "You've just always been colder."

It was astounding this difference in temperature. Since he had known his wife she had been a human and warmer than him or a vampire who shared his chilled disposition. Esme wiggled into his embrace. Was he the one providing her warmth?

"How about I draw us a bath," he murdered the top of her soaking wet curls.

"Yes," she replied hesitantly, "I'd like that very much," she nodded again, almost unwilling to let go.

Carlisle made his way to their master bedroom, quickly riding himself of the damp clothing as he passed the laundry basket. He hasistily turned on the warm water in the giant bathtub, filling it with the lavender scented soap she liked so much. It was then that the shyness re-entered his mind. They had only known each other one way, as vampires. Esme was the only woman he had ever been with intimately and Carlisle the only man she ever willingly let be intimate with her. She had experienced several nightmares within the last week, all centered around her abuser. As he slipped into the warmth of the filling tub, the doctor felt almost guilty about being so presumptuous. Sure, they have been married for an extensive amount of time, but was he acting on carnal desires.

His thoughts were halted as the door to the bathroom clicked open. Esme in her silk robe, glided through the door. Her hair was pulled up and the soft fabric hung loosely around her, almost sliding off her shoulders. Carlisle's mouth dropped slightly. It has been a minute since he had seen her like this. In recent weeks the pair really hadn't had a moment alone due to the chocolate fiasco. Esme slowly dipped a toe in the water as she reached for the ribbon around her waist. Carlisle, despite his desires, quickly averted his gaze. Then like a waterfall it all flooded back to him. His father's pounding of Puritan teaching. Learning of Esme is abuse. Her body going rigid at the slightest touch. This shear anxiety that their wedding night brought for both of them…

"Love?" Her voice was quiet as she brushed her hand against his cheek. She could sense the worry that played him. Even then he refused to turn her direction, even though he desperately wanted to gaze at her beauty, "Carlisle, I'm your wife. You're allowed to peek."

With his wife's given consent he turned back to her as the robe pooled on the tile floor. Carlisle watched her with a lustful stare, as she gracefully slid into the tub. He immediately pulled his wife into his arms, lightly kissing every inch of expose skin, that wasn't submerged in water. Finally, Esme's lips found his own and for a moment they kissed, those long, slow, drawn out kisses. Carlisle pulled away first placing his head against hers, until Esme rested against his chest. And it was if time stopped.
Carlisle didn't know how long he held his wife, and he also didn't care. Nothing mattered more in this moment then being with Esme. Lacing her pruned fingers with his own. Feeling the weightlessness warmth of the water around them. Placing tender kisses across her shoulders. He had always loved her shoulders. His eyes lingered on the faint scar he could still so clearly see on her neck. The mark the connected her to himself. The one that made him recall his most selfish act, connected to the person who reprimanded him every time he considered it something less than love. Carlisle kiss that spot more than once, still hoping to forgive himself the way Esme did.

And as the water began to dip to a tepid temperature, they both exited the bathroom, towel clad and cozy. When they reach their room they noticed a small package on the bed. Inside was a pair of pajamas for each of them, with their initials monogrammed on the front pocket.

"Alice," they turned to each other with a smile.

"I guess this is why she wanted to know my middle name so desperately," Carlisle chuckled as he began to dress himself.

Out of the corner of his eye, the doctor saw his wife, Towel still clutch to her breast, gazing lovingly at him, gazing lovingly at him. He step forward, tossing the silk shirt to the side of the bed. His hands immediately found her hips and she snaked her arms around his neck. Esme placed a fervent kiss his lips. He gripped the material that clung to her side, pulling her closer to his chest. Her delicate fingers climbed up his neck and wove their way through his hair, deepening the kiss. Carlisle caressed the side of his wife's body as he entangled one hand in her Carmel curls. His other arm was secured around her waist.

Esme pulled her head back catching her breath, her hands moving to her husband's bare chest, "I knew it," she sighed, her eyes never leaving him.

"Knew what, love?" Carlisle placed a trail of kisses down her neck to her collarbone.

She gently lifted his head to bring his lips to her own, "That you've always been perfect."

The doctor blushed, adverting his gaze, picking his wife up and laying her on the bed, "Perfectly made for you is the only type of perfect I need to be."

Esme giggled as he tenderly kissed her for head, "I love you. I just love you."

"And I love you," Carlisle rested his nose against hers in an Eskimo kiss, "So much more than you'll ever know."

It was nice to have a day off. Off of work. Off of parenting. Off of the usual. The doctor thought to himself as he began to drift off into sleep. Nice to have the house to themselves. Marvelous should have the opportunity to be young and in love. And absolutely wonderful to be tangled in Esme's embrace after making love. Carlisle brushed a few wild curls from her face before he drifted off to dreamland.

It was an almost muffled noise that woke Esme that evening. It sounded like somebody trying to speak, but not forming words. Her eyes immediately snapped open as she turned to face Carlisle. His arms remained around her pulling her closer to him. However, his face was pained as he continued to murmur nonsense to himself. She brushed her hand lovingly against his cheek in an attempt to wake him.

"Don't go," he sleeping he whispered, "Please."

"Carlisle," the matriarch spoke softly, "It's just a dream, love."

His eye snapped open darting around in a panic fashion until they found her face. Carlisle only began to relax as her fingertips gently stroked his face. Esme could it tell something wasn't right, but she knew better than to press the issue. Instead he tucked himself under her chin as she kissed his temple. The caramel haired beauty could feel him pressing his face into her chest like a child in fear.

"Don't leave me," Carlisle's voice came out like a whimper.

Esme's head shot back, "Darling, I would never leave you."

"But you've left me before," his eyes began to droop, "So many…" he yawned, "So many times."

"Carlisle, I never left you," she replied earnestly, "Are you thinking about when we first met back in Ohio?"

"No," the doctor shook his head, "The first time. In England."

"I've only ever been to England with you," his wife arch her brow.

"You left me," he crawled into her more, "Just promise me you won't make me wait for you again. I looked for so long."

"I promise," she replied quickly, in fear he become more hysterical, "I'm not going anywhere. I love you too much."

"And I've loved you, forever," Carlisle kissed her shoulder before falling back to sleep.

Esme sighed, holding onto her husband as if somebody was trying to take him out from her grasp. She knew that she shouldn't let Carlisle's half-conscious thoughts bother her, but in comparison to the others his nightmare was strange. Everyone else had memories of the past. Some pleasant. Most horrific. But, never about things had which never happened. She thought back to what Edward had relayed during his transformation. Carlisle mind had been jumbled. He'd been confusing people and time. Perhaps he just needed rest to set his mind straight. Yes, Esme mused, a lot of rest and a little love.