Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephanie Myer.

Hope you enjoy.

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April 1921 - Atlanta, Georgia

It hadn't taken long for Carlisle to get a job in Atlanta, in a small hospital where he would be specialising in surgery. Although they would all miss the company of the Denali coven, Esme knew that all three of them were ready for a fresh beginning and Carlisle had promised her that the widlife in Atlanta would intrigue her.

Edward had decided to attend the nearby university during the week, studying music and history. The normality of such a thing brightened his mood, and Esme knew that he was grateful that now he was able to have such an opportunity. It did, however, make her slightly envious of his chance to walk amongst humans again, and hoped that soon, her control would have strengthened enough so she could do the same.

With Carlisle at work for long periods of time, and Edward away studying, Esme found herself looking for new hobbies to keep her occupied. Both men had first been hesitant to leave her by herself, but the new house for far enough away from the local town to avoid any accidents, and Esme had insisted that she would fine.

Reading had taken up a great deal of her day, but not just on her favourite novels, despite her ever growing collection. She started to ask Edward to pick her up magazines and newspapers from the town on his way back to the house so she could keep updated with the goings on in the world.

Their new house had not been perfect, and Esme had prided herself on the work she had taken in order to restore it. She found satisfaction on maintaining the garden and restoring the rooms back to their former glory.

Carlisle had been pleased by her newest hobby; it made her happy, but she had also made the new house a home for the three of them with her careful eye and talent for bringing character into every single room.

Esme had also taken up drawing again, and Carlisle had restocked her supply of brushes and paints. First, she had focused mainly on the flowers she found in the garden, but her artwork was starting to develop into woodland creatures now. She especially enjoyed drawing robins, for she had always liked their deep red chests and the colour they brought onto the page.

One morning, after checking on the garden, Esme had entered the house to find Carlisle had returned home earlier than planned.

"Good morning, my love." He greeted her with a particular smile that was reserved purely for her. It made his eyes glisten with light, and a dimple appear by the corner of his mouth.

Esme's entire body tingled with warmth as she approached him, gently easing his coat from his shoulders and hanging it up for him. It still baffled her every time she did this; she had pictured it so many times before she knew he loved her, it seemed surreal to her now that it was her reality. "Good morning." She lay a kiss to his cheekbone as he undid his tie. "How was your shift?"

"Very long," Carlisle responded. He had been at the hospital for seventeen hours, after being asked to stay longer than planned when another doctor had gone home ill. "I don't think I will ever find those cots comfortable. I hate pretending to rest."

Esme understood the reason for his irritation. Carlisle did not need to sleep like the other doctors, but he had to take breaks so he didn't cause any questioning from his human colleagues. Carlisle, however, saw this as a waste of his time when there were people suffering.

"Do you need to go hunting?" Esme asked, taking in his deep golden eyes. He had hunted just before having to go to the hospital yesterday, but clearly being surrounded by that much blood was draining.

But, Carlisle shook his head. "Not immediately; right now, I'd like to have you in my arms while you tell me how your day was."

Smiling, Esme stood up on her tiptoes and kissed his soft lips before taking his hands and leading him into the living room. Together, they sat on the couch with Esme's back resting against his strong chest, while Carlisle's arms wrapped around her comfortably, a position that had become second nature to them now. When they were together, it was as if their bodies had to touch, even if it was just as subtle as the back of their hands brushing.

"My day was not very fascinating." Esme told him, noticing how he had rolled his sleeves up to show his muscular forearms. The sight alone was very distracting for her. "I finished The Wizard of Oz, and tended to the garden. It's coming along a bit better now."

Carlisle leaned further back into the couch, bringing Esme with him and enjoying the feeling of her body against his. Her soothing voice and sweet scent was enough to make him instantly forget about the stresses of his work day. Moments like this made him realise just how much he missed her when he was away at work.

He leaned his head against hers. "I am not due to return to the hospital until tomorrow afternoon. Is there anything you would like to do before then?" At first, he had offered to help her with anything around the house, but quickly realised that he wanted this house would be solely Esme's project. He didn't mind at all, of course, and enjoyed knowing that she had something to herself.

Esme was silent for a few moments as she considered his question. "Well, I don't think a quick hunt would do you any harm." She said. "Other than that, I have no suggestions. I'm quite content right here."

He smiled, kissing her hair fondly. "Well then, my love, perhaps we should stay here for a little while longer?" He suggested in a quiet voice, as he listened half-heartedly to the birds singing in nearby trees as they welcomed the sunrise.

As the golden rays of morning entered the house and touched their glistening skin, Esme smiled as his words and closed her eyes, resting in the security of his arms.

"That sounds perfect."

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"It will be Edward's birthday this time next week." Carlisle said as he tucked a strand of her caramel hair behind her ear.

They had been sat together for the last few hours, talking about anything and everything they wanted to share together. Esme had learnt that Carlisle had hated eating his vegetables when he was younger, but had turned to liking them in his teenage years as he realised their importance. He had had a pet dog - a hound - that had slept on his bed to keep him company through the dark nights. Carlisle had learnt that Esme's curiosity had landed her in several difficult situations, and those stories had made him laugh loudly.

Esme sat up a little straighter at this news. "His birthday? Why hasn't he mentioned it sooner?"

She felt Carlisle's shoulders shrug. "He doesn't tend to celebrate it." He explained.

"I'd like to get him something." Esme decided, her mind whirling with possible ideas. She knew she wanted to get him something personal and thoughtful, but she was not quite sure of what.

"I'm sure he'll adore whatever you get him." Carlisle reassured her, sensing her slight unease. "He has a soft spot for you, Esme; he didn't show me such kindness at the start."

Esme rolled her eyes. "Edward respects you a great deal, Carlisle. I am curious, though-"

He smirked in amusement. "Of course, you are."

Playfully swatting him on the forearm, Esme continued. "You told me that you introduced Edward as your cousin. Has that been your only story?"

Carlisle, slightly taken aback by this question, had to think about his answer delicately. "For the most part, yes. Sometimes, he has sometimes had to pretend to be the son of my 'late sister', because it would be foolish of us to keep the same story everywhere we went."

"Why have you never introduced him as being your son?" Esme asked, unconsciously allowing her teeth to settle into her bottom lip.

Sensing her unease, Carlisle did not stiffen or hesitate before answering. "Edward had a father. It would not be my place to pretend to be such a thing."

As much as that confused her, Esme also found herself feeling sympathy towards the bronze-haired vampire - who had gone out this morning and was yet to return. She knew that he sometimes liked to retreat to the library after his studies to rummage through the music section, as he found famous musicians fascinating. Sometimes, it was easy to forget that Edward had been so young when he had been changed.

"Do you think of him as a son?" She whispered. His arm was stretched out around her, resting on the chair. Slowly, she took his hand in hers and entwined their fingers together, enjoying being able to do such a thing with him.

Carlisle was silent for a moment, and Esme briefly panicked that she had crossed a line. But, thankfully, Carlisle let out a small sigh and spoke.

"Yes." He said, his lips close to her ear as he kept his head resting against hers. "I never had children of my own, nor had I ever thought about wanting them. But, with Edward, he fills me with pride with his intelligence and mannerisms - I often wonder if that is how it feels to be a parent. To love someone despite their mistakes and flaws, and find strength in watching them achieve great things..." He had been so proud when Edward had announced he wanted to start a university course - almost as proud as he had been when the young vampire had first started to resist human blood and embrace Carlisle's way of life.

Esme had filled a hole in Carlisle's heart, and he knew she was the love of his life. But, the love he felt for Edward was one of a father, he could not deny that. Another bout of sadness struck her when she remembered what Carlisle had once told her - that it was impossible for vampires to have children of their own - but she tried to hide that. She didn't want to make him feel bad.

Esme lifted their entwined hands so she could kiss the area below his thumb. "In my first few weeks as a vampire, I enjoyed watching you two together. I didn't have a brother growing up, and my father rarely played or interacted with me. But, with you two, there is such a strong, unspeakable bond."

Carlisle couldn't help but smile softly. Over the years, he had silently considered the bronze-haired boy as his own son, but he had never pushed Edward, nor had Edward acknowledged such thoughts.

"I am very lucky to have him in my life." Carlisle agreed, his voice a gentle rumble. "You have both given me such light - and, I can finally say that I understand what it is to have a family."

He spent decades and decades all alone, Esme thought, feeling saddened by the image of Carlisle barely existing by himself. But, she shook that thought away. The past is the past. He'll never be alone again.

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It had been Carlisle who had suggested buying something to encourage his passion for music, so that the young man could practice at home. It had been Esme who had suggested the particular instrument she felt would be the best for Edward. By the time his birthday rolled around, it was waiting in the downstairs living room of the house.

"It's beautiful." That was all Edward could manage to say at first, as he slowly took in each individual detail of the grand piano in front of him.

Esme felt ready to burst with happiness at the look on his face, and she subtly leaned into Carlisle, who was currently stood beside her. When she looked up, she saw that an expression that matched her own was lighting his face.

"Now, you can finally play those song sheets of yours." Esme said gently, having often spotted Edward creating different melodies onto scrap pieces of paper but never being able to make them come alive.

Edward smiled, his eyes warm as he looked up at them. "Thank you, both of you. So much." He stepped forward, extending his hand to Carlisle. It was a small surprise when, as Carlisle accepted the handshake, that Edward hugged him.

"I heard what you said, last week." Edward said as he pulled away. "Carlisle, I know that, at the beginning, I must have made you feel like the worst person in the world. I regret that, and I have to let you know that I have thought of you as my father for a long time now. You have taught me much more than I had ever expected to learn, and your compassion and selflessness is what I admire most from you."

Carlisle, completely stunned, was overcome by pride and emotion at Edward's words. "To be able to consider and introduce you as my son, Edward, would be a great honour. Thank you."

Thank you, Esme thought warmly. You have no idea how much that means to him.

Edward's eyes softened as he turned to her, and he wrapped his arms around her in a hug that they both relaxed into. Esme was no longer tense in his embrace, and she kissed his cheek before they parted.

"Should I play something now?" Edward offered, turning back to the magnificent gift.

Esme's smile widened with excitement. "Please, we'd love to listen!"

As Edward's fingers happily strummed away at the piano keys, Esme leaned into Carlisle, sighing in contentment as she listened to the soothing melody. Carlisle wrapped an arm around her waist, struggling to remember a time that he had felt so at peace with the world.

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Carlisle and Edward's relationship must have been quite a complex one at the start, so I enjoyed having this chapter to explore that a little further. This chapter was also to highlight how Esme brought the three of them together as a family.

- E x