Saving Grace-The final chapter (hopefully)
Summary: The (hopefully) final chapter in Grace new life. This one will include a few different POV's-I hope it's not too confusing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. It belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
Later that evening, after she and Alice grabbed some coffee and returned home, Grace found herself knocking softly at Rosalie's bedroom door. The older vampire answered quickly, sensing the girl and feeling mildly annoyed by the intrusion, as Rosalie was trying to read. Grace smiles up at her sister, and speaks.
"Do you have a minute? I want to discuss something with you. And Emmett, probably, too. But you first, I think." Rosalie considers for a moment, then steps aside and motions her in. Grace hesitates before entering; Rosalie and Emmett's room was the one place in the house she'd never been in. She quickly takes in the scene, and smiles. Rosalie and Esme appeared to have a similar decorating style, and it is cozy in the room. Rosalie indicates the desk chair for Grace as she sits on the edge of the bed. Rosalie raises an eyebrow.
"What's up, kid?" Grace rolls her eyes, but answers.
"I don't know how to say this, and Alice will probably kill me, but-wow, this is more awkward than I thought. Do you mind if I am frank?" Rosalie shakes her head, and glances at the clock, in an obvious manner, so that Grace will understand that Rose thinks of her as an interruption. Grace inhales and continues. "So I've been talking to Alistair, and to Esme and Carlisle, and even Alice and Jazz, and I-I want to do something for you. Um, when the time comes for Alistair and I to have a child, I want to give one to you and Emmett." Rosalie exhales sharply, and looks as though Grace had slapped her. She shakes her head, and then nods, but looks at the girl.
"My first instinct is to say yes. But I really need to think about it. What does Alistair say?" Grace shrugs.
"I think he thinks I'm a little crazy. But he thinks that it's "admirable" that I think of you and Alice even when I am hurting. I made the same offer to Esme, but she passed. Alice is worried that having even one child will kill me, but I have already told Alistair and Carlisle that I don't care. I want a child, and if it means I don't live so that someone else might, so be it." Rosalie stares hard at her, trying to determine if the girl is being truthful. The myriad of emotions playing across the girl's face indicate that she is, and so Rosalie sighs deeply. In a rare show of emotion, she stands and embraces Grace.
"Thank you for thinking of me. That is a wonderful gesture. But I really do need to think on it. I mean, we have a while to decide, right? You didn't tell me this because you're pregnant now, are you?" Grace sighs, and shakes her head.
"I'm not pregnant now. But there's SOME time. I have decided that what Alistair and I have is real, and we're going to make it permanent as soon as I graduate. I have promised Carlisle and Esme that I will at least get a diploma. But I am uninterested in waiting much beyond that. I can go to college after; we can find someone to watch the child. By then, Nessie will be in regular school, and Esme could do it. But whatever. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. I just wanted to talk you now before Alice got to you." Rosalie nods.
"Ok. Thanks, I guess." Grace nods once, and then stands.
"Well, I guess I'll leave you to your books. I am going to get Alistair. But, uh, just think about it, OK?" Rosalie, who has turned back to her books, just nods as Grace exits.
Rosalie's POV
When Grace came to me today and told me her plan and her idea about giving me a child, I had to fight my first instinct to agree on the spot. Of course, the child is crazy. But then, it's almost an offer made to order. But on the other hand, she is my newest, youngest sister, and even though I hate the inconvenience of yet another newborn vampire, I think of Grace as Alice's savior. Since the child came here, Alice has been truly happy, and things have been really peaceful. I like peace. So what the hell do I do?
3rd Person POV
Later that evening, Grace has brought Alistair with the slightest flick of her wrist and a quick smile.
"Hello." Grace spoke as the image of her love appeared in front of her.
"Allo," came Alistair's reply. "Sweetheart, I thought you were meant to phone first." Grace grimaces.
"Sorry. Was it important?"
"No, you just have the bloodiest right knack for conjuring me in the middle of a rugby game is all. Arsenal was winning. For once." Grace rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that football meant more to you than seeing me does. I can send you back." He shakes his head, realizing his error.
"No, Gracie. It's ok, actually. I can watch it on replay tonight." Grace shakes her head.
"No you can't. I won't let you go until Esme and Carlisle get back." He sighs, but nods.
"Well, then, perhaps I could ask Emmett to record it for me." Grace grins, and sidles to him.
"Perhaps." She smiles as he bends his head to kiss her, and then steps back slightly.
"Something is wrong, I can sense it. You're tense." Grace nods lightly.
"I'm sorry. I was having a chat with my sisters, you see, and it got a little heated, I think." Alistair nods, but leads her to her armchair, and settles them into it.
"Why did it get heated?"
"I made the baby offer to Rose. Alice passed. Said I was crazy, and would likely die." Alistair sighs, and nods once.
"Sweetheart. You really couldn't have expected them to be onboard with it? I mean, I know you're trying to make a kind gesture, but couldn't you just get them jewelry or something? Besides, I am not sure if I am comfortable with the idea of my mate carrying a child to give to someone else, whether family or not." Grace stiffens in his arms, and he sighs again. "Look, Gracie, honey. We have so much time. It's really not as urgent as you think." Grace considers his words, and her face brightens as an idea comes to her.
"Can you test my venom again?" He nods.
"If it will calm you, I will test it every day until the end of time." Grace smiles, and rises as far as her knees, and turns her body to face his.
"Thank you." He taps her nose, and smiles back.
"Of course." Grace kisses him, and he responds in kind. They fall into a deeper kiss, and as Grace moves her body tighter into his, he picks her up and carries her to her bed. They stop long enough to settle themselves comfortably on Grace's double bed, and then continue kissing. It is a little while later that Grace whispers in his ear.
"I'm ready. Can we do it tonight?" He stops his trail of kisses across her neck as he replies.
"Do what?"
"Make love to me. Please?" He sighs, but nods once.
"Are you very sure?"
"I'm positively sure." He nods, and sits up.
"I want to talk to you first." Grace sighs, but sits up, too. She replies, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice.
"Honey, what is it?" He looks her straight in the eye and holds her gaze for a few moments before speaking again.
"I just want to make sure again that you're sure, and that we do this right. Also, I need to explain some things about the way it works." Grace bites her lip, fighting a giggle, and nods. She holds up a finger and then reaches into the bedside table where she had hidden the supplies that Carlisle had given her earlier. She dumps the contents of the envelope on the bed between them, and speaks.
"I have condoms. I am ready to do this. And I want us to be safe and careful, too." He looks momentarily shocked, but recovers quickly. He continues.
"Great. Where did you get all this?" He plucks a packet from the bed and holds it between his thumb and forefinger. She giggles.
"Carlisle brought them home. I didn't ask him too, but I DID talk to them." Alistair nods, and places the condom packet back onto the pile, and faces her again.
"Well, that's squared away, then. But um, has anyone ever talked to you about how this works?" Grace raises an eyebrow, and he can read the confusion on her face. He shakes his head. "I mean, has anyone had a frank talk about the whole mechanics of it? It will hurt, sweetie. At first. But I promise we can stop if you want. Please, Grace, are you very, very sure?" She falls silent for a moment, but nods before responding.
"Sweetheart. I believe that whatever it is that you and I share-a bond, or whatever-that it is so special, and I so love that you care so much about me. Yes, I am sure. I am not making this decision based on any other factor than the fact that I love you and I want to share myself with you. If it hurts too badly, we can stop. If it gets uncomfortable, I'll speak up. But this is something that just feels so right." He sighs, but nods in defeat.
"All right. I love you too, Gracie." She smiles as she puts the condoms away, and then turns back to him.
"So how does this work? Should we, like, make out until the time is right, or is there some kind of feeling I should look for or what?" He grins.
"It's more of a wait-and-see thing, I'm afraid." She nods, and leans into him for a kiss. He kisses her, laying her back gently against the sheets, and pulling the duvet over them. He undresses her quickly, and then disrobes himself. He settles himself next to her, his head facing into her as he speaks quietly to her.
"Oh, Grace. I was hoping it would be different from this. More spontaneous, I think." She smiles lightly, and lets her hands slide up and down his bare chest.
"I know. I'm sorry." He just nods and continues to kiss her neck. He raises himself over her, and settles himself on top of her body, his breath coming slowly. She stares deeply into his eyes and nods once. He wets his lips and nods.
"Ok, sweetheart. I'm going to show you first." He slides a finger inside of her as she gasps a little, and then smiles. They continue, him probing further with his finger and her moving softly under him until she speaks aloud.
"Alistair, honey. Just do it, OK?" He smiled, but spoke urgently.
"Please get one of the rubbers. I mean-"
"I know what you mean." Grace fumbled around, locating the drawer near her bed and the manila envelope. With a skilled, quick hand, he showed her how to use the condom and then mounts her, filling her in two quick thrusts. He closes his eyes against hers as they widened with an unspoken pain, but then he opened them again as he heard her satisfied sigh. They moved as one for awhile, until Grace giggled.
"What's funny?"
"It's just-Ok. I just thought it would be more, I don't know, spectacular. It's kind of-" He smiled as he slid a finger back inside of her and touched her core. She gasped loudly, and her grinned.
"Is it more spectacular now? Just wait. I was keeping it gentle for you, but I can step it up if you wish." She nods, unable to speak. He grins again, and moves harder, thrusting with his all and using his fingers and adding his teeth to bring her to orgasm. They come together, and as they finish, she sighs deeply and sinks into the now-wrinkled duvet cover, smiling. He smiles lazily at her, and raises his eyebrows.
"Well, that was lovely, if unexpected." Grace giggles.
"Agreed." They lie together, quietly enjoying the others scent, for the rest of the evening, until Grace realizes that the house had been silent and that, very likely, the whole house had heard her foray into the sensual. She whispers to Alistair.
"Do you think the others heard us?" He shrugs, still caught up in the post-coital glow.
"Perhaps. But I don't care." She nods.
"Me neither. When do you have to work?" He glances at her bedside clock, and grimaces.
"In a few hours. I guess I should be getting on, though I don't want to."
"Can't you tell them you're ill?" He shrugs and purses his lips.
"I suppose I am due some holiday, but didn't you say you had plans this afternoon with your friends?" Grace grimaces and cuddles closer to him.
"I don't consider them "friends." Alice is my friend. They're mortals. People I have to like because of who we are." Alistair shakes his head lightly.
"No. You must go. You cannot think that. I will not be the cause of your lost childhood. Believe me, in a hundred years or so, you will hate me if I do not force you to have some fun now whilst you can. Most especially if you're intent on this children lark." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I AM. Fine, I will go with the stupid kids to the mall, and I will flirt, and you will regret making me go. If I meet an awesome mortal dude and bring him for Carlisle to change, it's all your fault." Alistair traced her nose as he chuckled.
"I think I shall take my chances, dear girl. Now, let's get you cleaned up before your parents return and smell the vampire sex, as I am sure they will NOT appreciate it." Grace made her eyes big.
"I never realized that that was what that scent was. Oh, my." Alistair chuckles, but rises, and in the small stream of light coming from her window, Grace notices his sparkle, and sighs deeply.
"Your sparkle is sexy." He grins, but shakes his head and pulls up his trousers.
"Thank you, my dear. Now, how are you feeling?" She takes the camisole he hands her from the floor near her bed and thinks for a moment.
"Truthfully, I AM a little sore. But I also feel like I am the happiest I have ever been." He crosses to the bed, where she still sat, half-dressed, and kissed her head.
"I'm glad. I thought you might regret it after." Grace shakes her head.
"No, actually, I want to do it again." He grins at her.
"There is plenty of time for more later, sweetheart. Meanwhile, I mean it. You need to dress." She nods, and stands, letting the sheets fall off of her and revealing her alabaster skin to the sunlight. He watches as she dresses, absentmindedly smoothing the fabrics over her body, and unknowingly piquing his interests again.
As soon as she is dressed, he embraces her and whispers in her ear as he kisses her neck.
"Gracie, my dear, sweet Grace. I love you." She smiles and whispers back.
"I love you, too." They remain in their embrace for a few more minutes and then he sighs and steps out of the embrace.
"I should go." Grace nods, and speaks.
"Home?"
"Yes, please." She raises her hand and he disappears as she sighs deeply. She turns around and pulls the sheets off of her bed and carries them down the hallway to the laundry room. She ignores the grins from Emmett as she passes him in the hallway, and sticks her sheets in the washer, where Esme had left a half-load of linens the night before. Grace flipped on the machine after adding the soap and hurried back down the hallway. She showered and dressed, aware that her siblings were now discussing whether or not to tell Esme and Carlisle what they'd heard, but she promised herself that she would tell them before any one of her siblings did. She stepped into the sneakers she was planning to wear to the mall and left her hair to dry naturally and went downstairs. She found the others sitting or standing around the den, the TV was on, but everyone was talking about her instead. They all fell silent as she entered the room, and settled herself on the floor next to Nessie. She opened her mouth to speak.
"Not a single one of you will breathe a word to Carlisle or Esme. I will talk to them." The others nod, and as Grace turns her attention to the child and soon she realizes that only Alice remains in the room with them. She looks up at Alice and smiles.
"What is it, Alice?" Alice looks at her, sadly.
"I just need to know one thing-were you careful?"
"Yes." Alice sighs again, and Grace stands and then settles herself on the couch where Alice was now sitting. Alice speaks again, a hint of anger in her voice.
"Why didn't you tell me, Grace? I could've cleared the others out."
"I wasn't planning on it, OK? It just happened."
"I see. Well, I guess we don't need to have the birds and bees chat with you again. How was it?"
"Frankly, I don't see what the big deal is. It was nice, but it wasn't the earth-shattering thing I had in mind." Alice grins.
"Your first time is always difficult. I don't know how many girls Alistair has had, and I don't want to know, but I know he had a mate before, so he's had SOME experience. We can read Cosmo for some advice." Grace grins, and the two play dolls with Nessie until it is time for Grace to get ready for her afternoon.
Alice's POV
I am just a little annoyed. It is one-thirty, and Jazz and I have left the house to get some air, because I might have killed Grace if I had stayed on anymore. I am SO glad she's leaving for the afternoon, because I am so not calm right now. What the hell is she thinking?
Ok, I get that her and Alistair have a love match. Fine. I even get that no one, not even Grace herself, can control it. But did she have to go so far, so fast? I am so mad I could spit. She's a smart girl, almost too smart, but her actions could be so, so devastating. I don't know what to do, what to say. I don't know how to help her through this.
Jasper takes my hand, and I slow down. He can feel how tense I am, because he stops suddenly and pulls me into an embrace. His scent calms me, and I look up at him.
"What do I do?"
"Nothing, Alice. This is one we have to leave up to Carlisle and Esme. You've done enough to help her, sweetheart. I know it kills you that you can't be there all the time for Grace, but she IS sixteen, and intelligent, and she knows that there are consequences for her actions. Could she have handled this better? Of course. But it's done, and believe me, it can't be undone." I consider, and nod.
"I guess you're right. So, do we let her tell Carlisle and Esme on her own, or do we say something?"
"We leave it alone. Grace will tell Carlisle and Esme; she is close to Esme, and I know that she understands responsibility. She will need you to have her back when she delivers the news, pardon the expression." I grimace at his choice of words, but nod again.
"Ok, I guess you're right." He nods, and kisses my head, and we continue into the deep forest. I am ready to hunt, and I try to push all thoughts of Grace, or more specifically, Grace and Alistair, out of my head.
A few hours later
Grace's POV
The mall scene was awful. So many people, and the boys are tense with each other because of me, and I am alone, and I miss Alice, and I wish that I could be there with Alistair. But I smile and do my best to pretend I am having fun, and I do, actually, a little bit.
We met at the food court, and I have discovered that the smell of all the foods mingled together makes me ill; score one for the vampire in me. Carlisle will be pleased. But once I am able to focus, I find that I don't generally have a problem with the food, and I order a diet Coke and a pretzel with cheese, and eat with the others. Minus one point for vampire hood; looks like I am 0 for 0. Oh, well.
I talk to Larry and Tom about my plans for spring break, leaving out the bits about Alistair, and simply saying that we have family friends in London. Tom looks a little upset, and then confesses that he was going to see if I was available to hang out. I tell him that my trip is only a few days long, and that perhaps the whole group of us can hang out when I get back. Nothing is set in stone, though, and we begin the shop, with Tom and Larry, along with Tessa, who is friends with Larry, whisking me off to the computer store. Tom shows me Facebook, and some other websites, and I giggle when I realize how socially retarded I am. We mess around some more, and then I separate with the girls to do some serious shopping, after it is agreed that we will meet at the bookstore in an hour to go to Tom's for a quick Math club meeting. It is at the perfume store that the girls start to tease me. The girls who are with us are mostly the girlfriends of the guys-Tessa, a girl called Stephanie who's with Nate , this girl from music called Janey, and Tom's sister, Sophie.
"So, Grace. What is going on with you and Tom? Is it serious?" I look at Stephanie and Tessa, confused.
"What do you mean?" Sophie grins wickedly, and Janey rolls her eyes.
"I mean that Tom has it hot for you. That's the real reason he asked you along today; he wants you to be his girlfriend." I gulp, suddenly feeling an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach. What do I say? I smile and try to deflect.
"Oh, I think you must be mistaken. He's only known me a few weeks." Janey snickers, and replies.
"Honey, look at yourself in the mirror," she says, pulling me to a full-length mirror against a wall in the store we are standing in. "You're gorgeous, and you have breasts that would make any man melt, and you seem a little mysterious." I nod again, but step back from the mirror, noticing that the edge of the crescent-shaped bite mark on my chest is visible. I tug my sweater closer to me, and try to sink into the wall. I try to think of something to say, but decide to use my powers to deflect their attention. Just then, a boy walks by, and I send out signals to make the others turn to stare in interest, and breathe a small sigh of relief. When the boy passes, they turn back around to me, and I smile lightly, and suggest we move on. No one brings it up again, but throughout the hour, I gather that they don't particularly like me, and are tolerating me because their boyfriends do. The news about Tom has me on edge, and I must find a way to nip it in the bud before it becomes disastrous.
We meet back at the bookstore, and pile into cars to head to Tom's. I find myself in Tom's car, with Larry and Nate and Sophie. I am in the back, squished in between Larry and Nate. Larry is a lanky, skinny guy, but Nate is a football player, and it's like being squished in between Emmett and Jasper. Larry keeps grinning at me, but luckily, the others are oblivious, and as Tom drives, I am able to keep up a steady stream of chatter with Nate and Sophie. I am grateful that it is a short drive from the mall to Tom's, who does indeed live near us, on a small farm on the outskirts of town, maybe a half-mile from our home. I smile as I slide out of the car, and see a large, black bull grazing on hay and staring at us. Tom is at my side, and he speaks to me.
"That's Boris the Bull." I nod, and smile.
"He looks so big and scary." Tom chuckles, and we follow the others into a small, older farmhouse as a heavyset but pretty woman greets us. Tom introduces me to her, and I realize instantly that she is his mother.
"Mom, this is Grace Cullen, the girl I was telling you about from Math club. Grace, this is my Mom." The woman smiles as I extend my hand, using the manners befitting a Cullen, and she takes it, mildly surprised.
"I am Janice Robertson. Welcome. Can I get you guys anything to eat or drink?" I shake my head, but Tom interrupts.
"Do we still have some Coke?" The woman nods, and disappears behind a door. I smile uncertainly around at the others assembled; they have all already settled themselves into the room. Apparently, the Robertson's home is the hot Math club hang out, and I feel a little out of place. Tom smiles, and indicates the couch for me. I sit, primly, suddenly very aware that I feel clumsy and out of place, as sitting isn't a natural activity for a vampire. He sits next to me, and smiles, and I try to relax and take in the scene, but the din in the room is very loud. From Sophie and Tessa, I can hear whispers about how close Tom is sitting to me, and bets are taken as to whether he will try to kiss me tonight. I sigh, and stand up, excusing myself to the bathroom to call Alice. I dial home and am annoyed that Alice isn't home; Bella says that her and Jazz left to hunt. I tell Bella about the events of the day, and she suggests that I either tell Tom that there is someone else in my life, or that I come home and discuss it with Mom and Carlisle, who are likely to have suggestions for me. I decide that I will spend a little longer at Tom's house, and Bella tells me that if I am just nice, Tom shouldn't read too much into it, but that she can have Edward phone in an hour, telling the Robertson's that I am needed at home because of some kind of emergency. I thank her, and we hang up. I remember that I am supposed to be using the bathroom, so I flush once, and wash my hands, letting the water run a few extra moments just to be sure. Then I head back out to the den where the others are gathered, and I force myself to relax. I can pick up a myriad of emotions in the room; most of the kids are relaxed and happy, but a few are oddly tense, and one boy, John, was radiating shyness. I smile at him and force him to relax a little, and then turn to Tom.
"Your parents have a lovely home, and it's so nice of your mother to have all of us." Tom grins.
"I guess. Sometimes we meet over at Larry's, too." I nod, unsure how to continue. Someone suggests that we play some card games to get our brains running, and I sigh. I hate card games; I played cards so much when I was sick that I got tired of them. Besides, given my enhanced abilities, it's not exactly fair. But Tom is instant, and I am paired up with him, Nate, Sophie, and another boy, John. Opposite us is Larry, a boy called Peter, Tessa, and Janey. We play a few rounds of Rummy, and I try not to win them all.
Then, my phone rings; it is Edward and he calling to save me. I make my excuses to Tom and his mother, and I head back home, after I tell Tom that I would walk since we live so close. He seems to buy this, although I can sense that he's disappointed, and I head for home. When I am down the path, I head for the forest and then conjure myself home.
I arrive in the kitchen as planned, and come face to face with Edward, who surely had heard my thoughts. He smiles lightly.
"What was the problem, Grace?" I sigh.
"Tom Robertson wants to kiss me." He tries to hide a smile, and I roll my eyes. I continue. "Plus, I was starting to feel a little out of place." He nods.
"Was it the thirst?"
"No, I just still feel weird with people my own age."
"That's understandable. You did the right thing, coming home. Carlisle and Esme called; they'll be home soon." I nod.
"Thanks, Edward." He nods, but then speaks.
"Look, whatever happened earlier, don't worry. Most of the others are aghast, but no one actually plans to say anything." I nod.
"Thanks." I turn to go upstairs, and I close myself into my bedroom and pick up my phone to call Alistair. I dial him quickly, and realize as it goes to voicemail that he is indeed at work, so I keep my message brief.
"Hi. It's Grace. I'm home early, and just wanted to talk. Call me later; anytime. Miss you." I hang up, and sigh deeply. I settle back against the pillows and pull the novel I have to read for English out of the bedside table and cover myself up to read.
A little while later, I hear Carlisle's voice coming up the stairs. He sounds happy, and I almost hate to interrupt them, but I feel that I must, before one of the others does. I take a deep inhale, smooth my hair and my shirt, and head into the hallway. Esme sees me and smiles.
"Hello, dear. You're home; we expected you later." I nod.
"Yes, it got weird, so I felt safer coming home." She smiles at me again.
"I think that's wise. You look like you need to talk; do you want to come with us while we unpack?" I shrug, but follow them down the hallway, and into their bedroom, where I settle myself onto Esme's vanity bench again. I watch for a few moments as they hand things to each other, seemingly oblivious to my presence until Carlisle turns to me.
"Grace, what's up?" I bite the inside of my lip before I sigh and speak.
"Well, it happened. And I wanted to be the first to tell you, because I think the others heard, and I just-" He and Esme exchange a look before he looks at me.
"Wait, what happened?"
"Alistair and I, um, slept together this weekend." I see him pale slightly, and I shrink back, and try to calm him. He stops in his tracks for a moment, then sighs, and sits on the foot of the bed. Esme sits next to me on the bench. I can feel her intense fear, and I take her hand. I continue. "Please don't be upset. We were safe, and careful. It just-it just happened. But now I don't know what to do. I mean, I want to be with him, but the mortal boys from school are being weird." I stop speaking as Carlisle and Esme exchange another look. I speak again. "Someone please say something." I hear Esme make a noise; I look at her and notice that the look on her face is one I have never seen before. She looks as though she wants to hit me. I hear Carlisle whisper to her.
"Sweetheart, please calm down." He speaks again, a little louder.
"Well, I am glad you were safe about it. But please know that if you choose to be intimate again, do it at his place, OK?" I nod. He continues. "Are you OK?"
"Yes. He was very gentle." A smile plays at his lips, and he struggles to regain his composure as he responds.
"Well, that's good then. Please, please, Grace. Please remember to be safe at all times, OK?" I raise my hand, and nod.
"I promise." Esme has been oddly quiet, and I try to smile at her, but she looks away. I sigh deeply, but stand.
"Well, I guess that's all. Please, excuse me." Carlisle nods, and stands. I fly out of the room as he crosses to the bench where Esme is sitting. I don't wait to hear their conversation as I close myself into my bedroom.
Back in their room, Carlisle pulls Esme to him.
"What is the matter, Sweetheart?"
"I'm just-so surprised. I didn't expect this." He considers, his lips pursed.
"Neither did anyone else, I'm sure. But Esme, it has happened. And she was smart about it." He can feel her relax just slightly, and she looks up at him.
"I know. But she's still so young. He could hurt her, leave her, and she would be devastated, and-" Carlisle cuts her off.
"He wouldn't. He's afraid of us. A more likely scenario would be that Grace tires of him and does the leaving. But what they have is solid; Alice saw a wedding, you know." Esme nods.
"I know. I think I would've felt better if she'd come to me first." Carlisle nods again.
"I know. But maybe she will now." Esme nods, and smiles lightly.
"I hope so. I so want to be a part of her life, and no matter what, I just want her to know that I love her so much." Carlisle pulls her closer and murmurs into her hair.
"Me, too, sweetheart. Me, too."
End of Chap. 8