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Yes

Esme's POV

I sat on the living room couch rereading one of my favorite novels. I had spent most of the day refurbishing an antique dresser. It was in bad condition when I acquired it, but with enough sanding it became smooth again. Now, I was waiting for the stain to dry before lacquering it.

I was always happy to be near the entrance when the others returned from school. Being able to welcome them home made me feel human.

I heard the soft purr of the Volvo engine as it turned onto the drive. I froze to listen, I was anxious to see Edward. He has been in quite a state since that young girl had moved to town. Aside from some concerns, none of us were opposed to the union, but we could do little for him other than being kind and supportive as he struggled with the dilemma.

I never knew what mood he would be in when he came home. The car drove up the drive smoothly. Its engine did not rev as if in a hurry, and the turns were not sharp. That was a good sign.

On the bad days, which were common, Edward would race up the drive to drop the others off, then run into the forest without even coming into the house. It pained me. Those were the times I'd worry the most, wondering if he would come back.

Despite his reassurance, Edward's behavior reminded me of the time he had left us back in the 1920's. His attitude and emotions leading up to his sudden departure were erratic and self-loathing. Often locking himself in his room or staying out all night. Exactly as he was doing now.

The engine died, doors opened, and five sets of feet stepped out. Four sets headed towards the house while one lingered by the car. I knew it was Edward's and I wondered if he would bolt for the trees, but he did not.

I closed my book and set it aside, turning my head towards the entryway as each of my beautiful children walked in.

"Welcome home," I greeted from my seat. They each responded and went off to their various activities. Rosalie's eyes were narrow, and she looked annoyed as she trudged upstairs. With little enthusiasm, Emmett and Jasper picked up their complicated game in the corner of the dining room. Alice followed them, jumping with overexcitement.

My eyes followed the mixed expressions of my children, wondering what had taken place that day. What had Alice seen to make her so happy?

The fifth set of feet entered the house and my gaze darted to him. His lips were pulled up into a large grin. His eyes sparkled with joy. I had never seen him so happy. What had taken place at school?

I responded with a smile of my own as he approached me. Sitting on the couch next to me, he draped his legs over the armrest, and laid back with his head in my lap. His euphoria seeping out as he gazed up at me.

"Esme," he breathed, "I'm so happy."

That was obvious. I can see that, I thought, running my fingers through his bronze locks. I gazed down warmly at his resting head, my eyebrows rose, asking the question.

"She said yes –" his smile, which I did not think could get bigger, did just that. "—to me." He emphasized the last word with wide eyes, as if he was relaying a miracle. Glee emanating off him like a 10-year-old boy who had received his first bike, shedding the century of burden and responsibility. He continued, "She turned down all the other boys, but she said yes, to me."

His eyelids drooped slowly closed as he sighed. His hands came up to his chest, clutching at his heart. He breathed again, love and peace radiating from him. My son was in love.

My heart swelled at the sight of him. I had wanted this for him for so many years, to see this happy expression and hear the passion in his voice. Why did it have to be such a complicated situation?

You deserve this peace, I thought to him, I'm very grateful to Bella Swan. We sat silently for a minute, the only sound coming from my fingers as they brushed over each strand. My mind full of happy possibilities.

"So, you're taking Bella Swan to the dance then?" I asked.

His face dropped slightly and he opened his eyes. "Well no, not exactly."

He then went into detail about his invitation to Seattle. That she had claimed to be going there already on the day of the dance. One thing led to another, and she agreed to go with him.

It amazed me that a simple car ride with a human girl could bring him this much happiness. Edward was changing right before our eyes. Despite his intent to stay away from her, his world had been turned upside down, and he would never be the same again.

I hoped that this change would help him put aside his moral conflict with what we are. Having a new daughter excited me and I wondered briefly if the dresser I was refurbishing would survive her new-born craze.

Edward's face deflated as he saw the blood red eyes of Bella Swan in my mind. Don't let my daydreams bother you, I advised him, it's yours and hers decision.

His face stayed doleful, depressed, most likely berating himself for his fraternizing. I pursed my lips, most things aren't black and white son, I thought, today she just said yes to a little car ride.

I conjured up more subtle images. I imagined the Swan girl in our kitchen, eating food I prepared. Her sitting in the passenger seat of Edward's Volvo. Them lounging on the couch together, casually watching TV. Her descending our stairs in a blue gown, ready for the prom.

The crease in his brow softened, his features suspended in animation as my visualizations sedated him.

"She said 'yes,'" He breathed once more.

Thank you for reading.

I do not own Twilight.