Here's the second part of my artwork... hope you like that... it contains some 'quality time' together... Enjoy!

Like a family

The next morning I woke up refreshed and well rested. I got up and into the shower and then went into the kitchen to make my breakfast. But, there was already someone there.

ESME'S POV

I had again woken up early again and went down in the kitchen where I made some coffee. I had heard Carlisle getting up and thought I could make breakfast for him and myself.

A few minutes later Carlisle came down into the kitchen and stopped surprised. "Good morning…" he said rather startled. I grinned. "Hey, I was up early and thought I could make breakfast." I told him shyly. Carlisle smiled. "Thanks a lot, that's great. But you don't have to make me breakfast, I mean, I like it, but I can do that myself…" he said quickly. I chuckled and Carlisle then looked at me. "I'm rambling again, am I not? Okay, so thanks for the breakfast." He grinned and sat down next to me.

CARLISLE'S POV

I sat down and got started on my breakfast. I actually was happy I didn't have to eat alone and that there seemed to be no awkward feelings left between me and Esme. "I have to tell you something else…" Esme began. I looked up. "What is it? I mean, it can't be worse than… well, you probably know…" I finished, trying not to blush. Esme nodded. "Yesterday, when we were shopping, we… eh… well, a nurse saw the twins and recognized them of course and also me… I don't know what she knows, but I was there with your kids and your car, so… I hope this doesn't cause trouble for you…" she said, looking a little afraid. I shook my head. I nodded. "Well, you are staying with me, and watching my kids. We are friends. This is nothing wrong and nobody can get me for this." I told Esme self-confident. She visibly relaxed. "Well, I also have something for you, I forgot to give it to you yesterday… I'll get it…" I said and went upstairs to get the brown paper bag.

ESME'S POV

I watched Carlisle coming back in the kitchen with a brown paper bag in his hand. He set it down on the table and pushed it towards me. "Well, eh… just, look at it…" he mumbled somewhat shyly. I took the brown bag and looked into it. It was a cell phone. My eyes widened shocked. I looked up at Carlisle. "No, I can't take that… I mean, I don't know how much this cost you, but…" Carlisle interrupted me. "Esme, please, I want you to have it. If you get in trouble or something you can at least call me. I programmed my cell phone number, the number of this house and even the number of my pager into it. And if you don't want to take it for your own, take it for the kids. If something happens to one of them, you can call help, okay?" he said. I had nothing to say against that. "Okay, for the kids' sake… Thanks a lot." I agreed, taking the cell phone. Carlisle smiled. "Should I pick you up from work again?" I asked him. He thought about it for a moment. "Well, it would be great if you could pick me up at 5 again." He told me. I nodded. "Sure. I will." I said. Carlisle smiled at me. "Alright, I get going now. Have a nice day Esme." He said before grabbing his jacket and leaving through the front door.

CARLISLE'S POV

In truth Esme telling me about a nurse seeing her and the kids the day before had gotten me a little worried. I knew the nursing staff and there were no greater tattlers in any other place. And since all the nurses tried to get into my pants this could cause trouble, but I didn't want to think about that yet. After all, there really wasn't anything going on between us. We were… friends… the only problem was my growing attraction for Esme – a woman who had just freed herself from an abusive husband and was still badly shaken… she was not ready for another man to jump into her life… The problem was that I had already done that. I had convinced her to stay with me, I secretly didn't want her to ever leave again, I felt so good having her and Edward around… and of course there was still what happened last night… embarrassing, but true. I really was attracted to Esme…

Well, I could only hope Dr Chapman wouldn't get hold of the wrong end of the stick in this matter. Her patience with me was probably already cut short because of my impulsive nature lately.

I stepped out of the cab I used again to get to work and had just closed the door when I heard someone calling my name. "Dr Cullen?" I turned around to be greeted by nurse Jessie. "Not using the Mercedes?" she tried to start small talk, flicking her strawberry blond hair over her shoulder in a flirtatious manner. I inwardly sighed. "No, obviously not the Mercedes." I replied. She grinned. "Broken, or did you again lend it to your girlfriend?" she asked. I looked at her, not being quite able to hide my shock. A nurse knowing about Esme was no real problem, nurse Jessie knowing about her was a problem, or had the great risk to become one… "I met her yesterday, taking care of your kids. You never give Jasper and Rosalie over to a stranger… you hardly let them go to daycare." She remarked icily. I sighed. "Esme's not a stranger, and she's very nice, the twins like her, and also her son Edward." I answered. Jessie smiled. "So… she's using your car? And I believe she was a patient of yours, or still is, just like the child she has…" "Nurse Jessie, Esme is nothing more than a friend of mine, and Edward is good friends with Jasper and so… Esme offered to take care of the kids while I'm at work and I agreed, she needed the car to go to the supermarket since her own was wrecked in the accident. Alright?" I told Jessie, giving her a look that hopefully would keep her from asking anymore questions. Jessie only grinned. God, I really hoped she kept her mouth shut over this. I mean, knowing her exaggerations and hospital gossip this would sound like some bad romance…

I put my stuff in my office, changed into my scrubs, took my lab coat and was out again to start my rounds. I visited my patients, which weren't many, after all this was a small hospital and then got back down in the ER to see if there was anything I could do.

ESME'S POV

The kids were happy to stay home and have me to play with them again. And I was happy, too. I made them breakfast and then we went to play in the living room. Jasper and Rosalie were busy showing me and Edward all their toys. We played a board game for a while but then Edward got bored and looked through some of Jasper's books. After a while I checked on him. He had found a children's book about the human body and was just looking at a picture of a skeleton. "Is that how my body looks like?" he asked me curiously. I grinned. "Well yes. That's your bones." Edward smiled. "Cool. And I broke the bone in my arm, right? Which one?" he wanted to know eagerly. I shook my head. "Hey, why don't you ask Carlisle that when he gets home, he's the doctor, I bet he can explain that way better." Edward smiled. "Okay." I turned to the twins who were just playing with their stuffed animals. "Hey guys, how about we have some lunch? And later we go out, play in the garden for a bit? After you took a little nap of course…" "Nooo… no nap…" they all moaned. I smiled. "Well, you lay down for a bit, I read you a story, okay? But now we make lunch first."

CARLISLE'S POV

"Alright, Dr Cullen, an ambulance will arrive any minute, obviously some accident in the kitchen, I have you to take care of it, I'm needed in surgery and Dr Stone is sick today, he just called." Dr Chapman announced. I nodded. "Alright, I just finish up here." I replied. "Make it quick." Dr Chapman said. I nodded and then sighed lowly. Nurse Jessie grinned. "What Dr Cullen? Afraid you might not make it out in time for when your girlfriend to picks you up? Or was that your patient… I'm a bit confused." I shot the nurse a glare while Dr Chapman had stopped dead in her tracks, giving me strange looks. Excellent. Now I was in trouble. Nurse Jessie smirked at me.

I finished stitching up my patient and then left the nurse to do the wrapping. At the reception my next case had already arrived. A middle-aged woman, her hand was wrapped in a bloody washcloth. "Alright, Mrs Black," I said, glancing at the chart Dr Chapman had laid out for me a minute ago. "I'm Dr Cullen. Let's get you into an exam room and I'll take a look at your hand." I told her. She smiled at me. "Thanks Doctor." I pushed the wheelchair into the next available exam room and then gently peeled the bloody cloth away from my patient's hand. She had a large cut on her thumb which was heavily bleeding. "Alright, how did this happen, Mrs Black?" I asked her while getting some pain medication ready. She smiled. "Well, I got startled… by my son… Jacob, he's five… he ran into the kitchen and startled me while I was chopping vegetables for lunch…" I smiled at that. "I can imagine. I have three little devils at home right now… my twins, and the son of a friend… he's also 5, my two are four." I told Mrs Black while I began stitching her up. "Oh my, that's a lot to handle, and being a doctor is not an easy job either." I grinned. "No, but I love my job and I love the kids, so I manage, somehow…" I told her smiling. "And your girlfriend, or wife is taking care of the kids while you work?" she asked. I shook my head. "No, friend is… I don't have a wife, or a girlfriend." I told her. "Alright, your good again." I announced a minute later, just have to wrap it and you can go back home again." I said smiling. Just in that moment the door behind me opened and Dr Chapman, still in scrubs looked inside. "Dr Cullen, when you have a minute I need to see you in my office. I'm sure a nurse could finish in here." She said, glancing at Mrs Black's hand. I sighed. "Alright, Mrs Black, I'll send a nurse in to wrap that hand of yours and then you are fine to go home." She smiled. "Thanks Doctor, and good luck, with your boss… she looked a little unhappy…" I grinned. "Thanks." I grinned before leaving the room.

I knocked on Dr Chapman's door, feeling slightly nervous. This was probably about Esme and what nurse Jessie said. "Come in." she said. I opened the door and stepped inside, feeling like a schoolboy who was caught doing something naughty. "Dr Cullen, have a seat. I think I want you to explain something." She said coolly. I sat down. "I think you know what this is about. Is it true what nurse Jessie said earlier? You have an relationship with a patient of yours?" I sighed. "No, it isn't. Well, I'm not romantically involved with Esme." Dr Chapman nodded. "The woman who was brought in after the car accident, with her son?" I nodded. "Yes, nurse Jessie saw Esme and Edward and my kids yesterday at the grocery store. With my car. She assumed." "Well, what actually is there, this woman keeps an eye on your kids, drives your car…" I nodded. "I know that. Esme had to stay under medical supervision for 2 days, I offered to let her stay with me for that 2 days, because of her son. I thought keeping them in the hospital would not have been good. Well, when I wanted to take her back into her apartment, it was broken into and searched. Esme panicked, just like Edward. She told me it could be her ex-husband, she moved here to be away from him. She was scared and I took her home with me again. She was frightened to death, the man was abusive! What should I do? I wanted to help her. Well, so Esme is staying with me now, we're having a flat-share, kind of, my house is big and the kids like each other a lot." I explained. Dr Chapman gave me a long look. "Well, as long as it is only the kids who like each other a lot…" "I assure you, it is. I don't have a relationship with Esme, we're… friends." I said, becoming a little sad at the thought of only being friends with Esme. Dr Chapman nodded. "Good. But keep that in mind. Just to be on the safe side, I will take you off these cases, you will no longer be their doctor, I will." She said. I nodded. "Alright, but Esme has to have her stitches removed… and with the kids…" I started carefully. Dr Chapman sighed. "Alright, you can do that at home. But nothing more." She gave me another long look and then added. "Dr Cullen, don't push the border too far. I understand your situation with your kids and all better than most others would. I also understand you sometimes lose your temper, but recently I had enough of that. So keep quiet for a few days, okay?" I nodded. "I will." I said lowly and got up.

ESME'S POV

I had actually managed to get the kids to sleep for a while. They were all cuddled up on my bed now, after I read them a story. I watched them sleep and smiled. They looked so cute. I sat down in the rocking chair to read a bit and relax.

CARLISLE'S POV

After Dr Chapman's talk to me had passed without causing more trouble for me nurse Jessie was giving me the death glare again. I knew I had messed up with her when refusing to go out to dinner with her. Well I couldn't change that. I was only glad Dr Chapman seemed to have a soft spot for me.

I kept calm the rest of the day, happy I wasn't fired. But my shift dragged on with Jessie making ambiguous comments all the time.

ESME'S POV

After they're little nap I took the kids out to play in the garden. After all it was a beautiful sunny day and quite warm. They were playing hide and seek and it was my turn to count. I did and then started looking for them. Edward had hidden under some bushes, Rosalie in the little barn and Jasper had actually climbed a tree. I scolded him a little for that, after all he could have fallen off and hurt himself.

"Alright, we have to stop now, Carlisle gets off work in a while and we will pick him up now." I announced after some more rounds of playing. The kids all nodded. "okay, let's pick daddy up…" Rosalie said smiling. Jasper grinned. "Yes, maybe he'll play with us later!" he said to Edward. Edward smiled.

CARLISLE'S POV

At 5 I finished my shift and left the hospital with a happy smile on my face. After all it was Friday and I had the weekend off. "See you on Monday, Dr Cullen." Dr Chapman, who was also just leaving said. I nodded. "Have a nice weekend." I replied politely before heading to the spot where Esme had parked my car. I got in, knowing Dr Chapman probably watched us. "Hello! Thanks for picking me up!" I said to Esme then looked at the kids. "So you three little devils, what did you do all day?" I asked them and a minute later got a detailed report of their day. I laughed. "Very good. And tomorrow we go to the zoo." I told them. "You don't have to work tomorrow Daddy?" Rosalie asked. "No, I have the weekend off." I answered, smiling.

Esme drove home and I relaxed in the passenger seat. Two days off sounded great to me right now. No nurses to stress me out, only the kids and Esme. I smiled.

A few minutes later the car pulled in the driveway and I helped the kids to get out of their seats so they could go back to playing. Esme had already opened the door and was scolding the kids not to run into the living room with their shoes on. I smiled softly. Somehow this flat-share worked very well.

I got inside and was attacked by Jasper, asking me to play soccer with him and by Edward shyly asking me to explain something to him. I smiled. "Alright, Jasper, we can play some soccer after dinner, I have to mow the lawn first, the grass is too high, okay?" Jasper smiled and ran back into the living room to Rose. "What do you want to know Edward?" I asked him, kneeling down. Edward was holding one of the books I got for Jasper and Rose some time ago. It was about the human body. "You are a doctor, so… mommy said you can explain this to me…" he said holding up a picture of a skeleton. I smiled. "Of course. What do you want to know exactly?" Edward bit his lip. "Well, these are the bones… in my body? I look like that, inside?" he asked. I grinned. "Yes, you do, with a lot of other stuff inside…" Edward looked at the picture, lost in thought, but he grinned. "And what bone is broken in my arm?" he wanted to know then. "Well, it's a small one, so you can't see so well on that picture, but I have another book in my office, do you want to see it?" I offered him. Edward nodded eagerly and followed me upstairs. I sat him in my office chair and then got an anatomy book from the book case. I opened up a close up on the bones in the arm and laid it on the desk to show it to Edward. "Here, these are the bones in your arm…" I explained. "And you… you broke this small bone here, you see?" Edward nodded, intently focused on the picture. "That's cool…" he mumbled. I smiled. "Yes, it is." I agreed. "So… how about we go back down, hm? I still have to mow the lawn, but I have to change into some old clothes first, alright?" Edward nodded. "Can I wait here? And look at the book?" he asked. I smiled. "Of course you can. I'll only get changed."

I changed into a pair of old worn jeans and a simple black t-shirt. Edward was still sitting at my desk when I left my room, looking through the book though he would not understand much, not even by looking at the pictures. "Okay buddy, can we go back down?" I asked him smiling and holding out my hand. Edward jumped from my chair and followed me downstairs.

Jasper instantly ran towards Edward, wanting to play with him since Rosalie was playing with her dolls. The two boys immediately got their cars out and started playing while Esme went to play with Rose. "I'm outside, mowing the lawn." I said smiling. Esme looked up. "I could have done that today, you could have told me." She said. I shook my head. "No, it's fine. You don't have to. This is my job." I told her grinning.

I went outside and got the mower out of the lawn then started cutting the grass. Not the most exciting thing to do and surely nothing I liked doing a lot, but the grass was in deep need of cutting. And I would probably not have much time this weekend.

ESME'S POV

I played with Rosalie and her dolls, now and then glancing at the boys on the floor who had gone from playing with their cars to toy soldiers again. Then I looked outside into the garden and my eyes locked on Carlisle mowing the lawn without his shirt on. His chest was sweaty and glistening in the sun. It made my mouth water.

"Mommy!" I heard Edward say loudly and tore my eyes away from Carlisle. Just then I realized that all kids were staring at me. I blushed. "What is it you three?" I asked them, pretending nothing happened. Rosalie giggled. "Where you watching daddy?" she asked me, still giggling. I froze. "Eh… no, I wasn't… I was… thinking…" I replied, trying to sound not as shaken as I felt. The kids all giggled and I got up. "Let's make dinner." I said, hoping to distract them.

We went into the kitchen and I asked the kids what they wanted to eat. After some time we all decided on fish fingers. So I started preparing dinner with the kids helping me. When everything was prepared I made a fruit salad for later and then set the table with the kids. A few minutes before everything was finished Carlisle came back inside, wearing his shirt again. But it was soaked with sweat. "Dinner is almost ready." I told him. He grinned. "Thanks for making dinner, again…" he told me. "It is nothing, no problem, really." I told him. Carlisle nodded. "Is it okay if I take a quick shower first?" he asked. I nodded. "That should be fine, dinner still needs a minute." I replied. Carlisle nodded and headed upstairs.

CARLISLE'S POV

I went upstairs and jumped in the shower, hurrying to get all the sweat and rests of grass of my body so I could go downstairs for dinner. I shut the water off and stepped out of the shower – and jumped back, startled. Rosalie was sitting on the bath mat, giggling. "You startled me." I told her while wrapping myself in a towel. "Dinner is ready." Rosalie simply said, still giggling. I smiled. "Okay, let me put some clothes on." I told her and left the room. Rosalie followed me into my bedroom and sat down on my bed. I quickly slipped some jeans and a shirt on and then turned to Rosalie. "Okay, let's go." I said. Rosie looked at me again and giggled. "What is it, angel?" I asked her softly. "Esme watched you…" she told me. I didn't understand. "She watched me?" Rosalie giggled. "Yes, outside… when you had your shirt off… daddy, why did she do that?" Rose asked me. "I don't know. Have you asked her?" I replied while trying to hide the grin that wanted to appear on my face. Esme had watched me without my shirt? And she was that zoned out that the kids noticed? So maybe her staring last night was no result of shock… thinking that Esme had watched me because she well… found me attractive boosted my ego and got my hopes up…

"She said she was thinking. But I don't believe it." Rosalie said, interrupting my train of thought. "Maybe it is true. Maybe she was really just thinking. Why should she lie to you, hm?" I asked Rose again. She shrugged and jumped off the bed. "Okay, I'm ready, let's have dinner." I told Rose and scooped her up in my arms, going downstairs into the kitchen.

Dinner was again delicious and very merry with the kids talking about random stuff. Esme and I mostly listened, now and then scolding them lightly for talking with a full mouth or not sitting still.

Afterwards me and Esme quickly loaded the dishwasher. The kids had already gone back into the living room. "Eh… I wanted to ask you something." I told Esme, stopping her from going into the living room herself. She looked at me. "Well, it's Friday evening and I thought maybe we could let the kids watch a movie with us before going to bed… Jasper and Rose do that often, because on the weekends I usually have time for them… I just don't know about Edward…" I said. Esme smiled. "Of course. I think Edward will like that. So, what are we seeing?" she asked. I smiled. "Let's ask the kids." I told her, following Esme into the living room.

ESME'S POV

Carlisle's idea of watching a movie with the kids was great. I again felt strange when I thought of the fact that Edward didn't know something like that. He had never been allowed to stay up late and watch a movie with me… or going to the zoo… every time I watched Carlisle playing with him I felt tears welling up in my eyes. He was such a great father, a great man…

Carlisle kneeled down next to the kids and asked them if they wanted to watch a movie with us. "And stay up late?" Jasper asked curiously. Carlisle nodded. The twins cheered and Edward smiled. "You don't like to stay up late with your mom and me?" Carlisle asked him. "Eating some cookies and stuff, hm?" Edward grinned. "Yes, what movie will we watch?" Carlisle chuckled. "You chose one." He told him.

Jasper and Rosalie had in the meanwhile gotten all their favorite DVDs and spread them out on the floor. Edward went over to them and looked through the movies they selected.

"Alright, what do you want to watch?" Carlisle asked after a few minutes. "Cinderella!" Rosalie shouted. "No! Cars!" Jasper argued back. "Cinderella is stupid!" he told her. Rosie looked angry at her brother. "Cars is stupid!" she told him. "Cars is cool!" Jasper yelled. "I also want to watch Cars." Edward said. I chuckled as I watched Carlisle sigh and shake his head. He surely hadn't planned this argument. "Okay, okay you three…" Carlisle said, interfering before Jasper and Rose could start to become violent. "so, why don't we watch the Lion King? Hm? Would you all like that?" Jasper and Rose stopped their argument. "Yes." Edward said lowly. Rose and Jasper nodded. "Okay, daddy." They said.

Carlisle put the DVD in the player while the kids climbed onto the couch and started to snuggle into some blankets. I joined them and soon had Edward and Jasper cuddling up to me. Rosalie waited for Carlisle to sit down before climbing in his lap. We all fell silent and watched the movie. Half through the movie the kids got tired and Jasper even fell asleep on my lap.

CARLISLE'S POV

I noticed Rosalie and Edward rubbing their eyes and hardly concentrating on the movie anymore. Jasper had even fallen asleep in Esme's lap. "Let's get them to bed, shall we?" I whispered to Esme. She smiled and nodded. I stood up, holding Rose in my arms. Esme sat up straighter and wanted to wake Jasper but I stopped her. "Wait… let him sleep… I take Edward…" I said and scooped Edward up with my free arm. He snuggled against me, closing his eyes and mumbling something incoherently. Esme took Jasper and we carried the kids upstairs into their rooms. I placed Edward on his bed in Jasper's room before carrying Rose into her own room. She was half asleep by now. I softly laid her down on her bed and then dressed her in her pajamas. I then placed the covers over her, kissed her head and went back into the boys' room.

Esme had already taken Jasper to bed, he was sleeping soundly, snuggled into the soft covers. I smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. Edward was also asleep. Esme was carefully dressing him in his pajama and then put him to bed, too. I softly ruffled his hair and also gave him a kiss on the forehead.

ESME'S POV

After the kids were put to bed Carlisle and me went back into the living room. "Okay, do we want to watch a movie now?" he asked grinning. I smiled. "Yes, something else than an animated film would be nice." I told him. Carlisle chuckled. "Yes, let's see what's on…" he said and turned the TV on. After zapping through some channels Carlisle found 'pretty woman' somewhere. He turned to me and asked: "Okay?" I grinned. "What do you think?" I asked him back. Carlisle laughed. "Alright, this was probably a stupid question…" he mumbled.

CARLISLE'S POV

"So, the kids will hopefully sleep a little longer tomorrow…" I said after a moment. Esme nodded. "Yes, that would be nice…" she agreed. "Maybe I can even sleep a little longer…" I laughed. "Yes, you were up early these last days." Esme smiled sadly. "Yes… well, I'm not used sleep long undisturbed…" she murmured. "I'm sorry, Esme, I didn't want to…" I began to apologize but she shook her head. "It is alright, I'm sorry... I shouldn't have…" she whispered. "No, don't apologize… it was my fault…" I said, gently reaching for her hand. Esme smiled lightly. "You've already done more for me and Edward than anyone else, thanks for that…" I grinned shyly. "Are you trying to make me blush?" I asked Esme, getting a smile out of her.

"So, when are you planning on going to the zoo?" Esme asked. I shrugged. As soon as we're awake and ready to go… we could make some sandwiches to take with us, or eat on the way somewhere…" I told her. Esme nodded. "Alright…" I then coughed awkwardly. I wanted to talk about something else with Esme, but I didn't know how to approach it. "Well, erm… about your apartment…" I began. Esme nodded. "Yes, don't worry, I will find a job as soon as possible, I thought maybe I could do some research this weekend and then we move out again…" I quickly shook my head. "That was not what I meant." I said quickly. "I… well, I thought that maybe you should report it to the police, so they can find out… who did it…" I said softly. Esme stiffened. "I…" I looked at her. "Esme, I know you're afraid, but please understand I only want to help you… okay? I don't want to pressure you into anything, I want you to feel safe here, and… I surely don't want you to move out… I… I really like having you around, it feels… damn this surely sounds weird but it feels a lot more like home since you and Edward are here…" I admitted, this time blushing a little. Esme also blushed.

"I know, I'm sorry… it's just… that frightens me… you know… I rather don't find out, in case…" she shuddered. I nodded. "Hey, I'll help you, okay? You don't have to do anything alone… I'll always be here…" I said sincerely. Esme gave me soft shy smile. "Thank you… I'll think about it…" she whispered. I smiled again, softly squeezing her hand.

We continued to watch the movie for a while longer, not saying anything. The movie then came to the famous love scene after the opera. My eyes were focused on the screen, but in my mind a completely different scene was playing. I wasn't seeing Julia Roberts lying there. I saw Esme. My mouth went dry at the image and I became horrible aware of her presence next to me. I hardly dared to breathe. Then the scene was over. I visibly relaxed and closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Esme looked at me. "Tired?" she asked. I grinned. "A little, you?" she grinned. "Well, yes, don't think I'd stay up much longer also…" I chuckled. "So how about we call it a night then?" I asked her. She smiled. "Yes, I think that's a good idea…" she agreed and we both got up. I turned the TV off and then looked at Esme. "Good night." I said. She smiled, stopping at the stairs. "You too." She replied before going upstairs.

ESME'S POV

I went into my room after checking on the kids one last time. They were all sleeping soundly in their beds. Then I entered my room and quickly got ready for bed. I was asleep within a few minutes.

I stretched in bed and slowly opened my eyes to glance at the clock. It was half past 7. So much for sleeping in. But, I had slept wonderfully. And I had a fantastic dream. I grinned and closed my eyes again. I didn't want to get up right now.

After a few more minutes of lying still in my bed and not being able to fall asleep again I decided that I would take a nice long shower and spoil myself a little bit this morning. So I got up and headed towards the bathroom.

The shower felt great and after I was got out I took my time drying my hair and applying some decent make up before getting dressed. Since we would go to the zoo I decided on comfortable jeans, a dark blue blouse and a jacket to wear over it. After everything was ready and I still couldn't hear any sounds in the house I took my sketchpad and wanted to sit down in the rocking chair by the window. Just then I saw Carlisle coming out of the forest. He was wearing sweat pants and a grey t shirt that was soaked through. He looked like he had been jogging. I grinned and sat down in the rocking chair. I would not risk getting out of this room and meet a sweating Carlisle. This image I got from the window would be enough to give me improper dreams for a month.

I heard Carlisle coming up the stairs and a few seconds later the door to his room clicked shut. This was my cue to get up and prepare some breakfast. I was sure the kids would also be awake soon.

CARLISLE'S POV

I quickly discarded my jogging clothes and then stepped into the shower. I hadn't been jogging in a while, but I felt good. And some physical exertion was definitely needed after the dream I had last night. Also, I needed to be fit for my job.

After my shower I dressed in a pair of worn jeans, a white long sleeved shirt and went downstairs. At the top of the stairs the smell of breakfast already wafted towards me and I smiled. Esme.

I entered the kitchen with a huge smile on my face. "Good morning." I said. Esme turned to me. "Hello." She said. "What are you making for breakfast? Can I help you?" I asked her. Esme smiled. "Are pancakes alright?" Esme asked. I smiled. "Pancakes sound amazing." I replied. "Okay, could you hand me the milk?" Esme asked.

We prepared the pancake dough together and just as Esme had the first two pancakes ready a sleepy Rose entered the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. "Morning…" she mumbled. I chuckled and picked her up. "Good morning my little angel." I said, kissing her cheek. Rosie smiled and waved at Esme. Then she looked around my shoulder. "Pancakes!" she cheered. I laughed. "Yes, Esme made pancakes for breakfast. But before we eat we have to wake the boys up, okay? Will you help me?" I asked Rosalie. She nodded. "Yes, let's wake them up! Then we can eat pancakes!" I shook my head, chuckling and turned to Esme. "Alright, we're waking the boys up." I told her and carried Rosie upstairs.

I sat Rosalie down in front of the boys' room and opened the door. Rosalie immediately stormed inside, jumping on Jasper's bed. "Wake up Jazzy!" she yelled and then pulled Edward's blanket away. "Edward! Good morning!" she said. I laughed as the two boys sleepily opened their eyes and yawned. "Hey, Rosie, be a little more gentle…" I scolded her lightly. Jasper groaned and pulled his blanket back over his head. "Jazz, wake up…" I whispered, stroking his head under the blanket. "Esme made pancakes…" I said, hoping that would get his attention. Edward had already sat up on his bed. "Good morning Edward…" I said. "Hello." He said. "Mommy made pancakes?" he asked. I nodded. "Yes, so let's eat and then we can go to the zoo? Okay?" This made all the kids cheer. "Yeah! Zoo!" they said. I smiled. "First breakfast. The faster we are all ready, the earlier we can go to the zoo." Without a second thought the kids all got to their feet and rushed out of the room. I followed them, calling after them to be careful on the stairs.

ESME'S POV

I was just placing the pancakes on the table when Rosalie, Jasper and Edward entered the kitchen. "Good morning boys." I said. "Good morning!" Jasper greeted before sitting down on the table. Edward smiled. "Good morning mommy." He said and came running to me to give me a kiss on the cheek before sitting down. Carlisle entered the kitchen just moments later, helping me to get everything to the table. After that we sat down and began to eat. The kids were loading their plates with pancakes, pouring maple syrup over them and then began to eat. I thought it was good they all were still in their pajamas and not dressed for the zoo yet. We would have to change them again after breakfast.

"So, can you get these little devils here washed and dressed and I clean up the kitchen?" Carlisle asked me after breakfast. I nodded. "Yes, I do that." I agreed and turned to the kids. "Let's get you dressed for the zoo, okay?" I asked them and they quickly jumped to their feet.

Upstairs I first maneuvered the kids into the nearest bathroom to wash their faces and brush their teeth. After that I went into the boys room and selected a pair of jeans for each of them, plus a green hoodie for Edward and a blue one for Jasper. Then I went to Rose's room. I also selected some jeans for her and then a nice red long sleeved top with a crown printed on it. After Rose was dressed I helped her sweep her hair up in a ponytail before we went to find the boys. They were both already dressed and just putting their shoes on.

When we came back in the kitchen I saw that Carlisle had packed a few sandwiches and some juice into a backpack. "Can we go now?" Jasper asked hopeful. Carlisle ruffled his hair. "Yes, I just get my jacket, okay? Maybe Esme and you can already get in the car…" I said. I smiled. "Yes, come on, let's go." I said and took the backpack from Carlisle before following the kids in the garage.

CARLISLE'S POV

I quickly grabbed my black leather jacket and then headed back down. Esme had already put Rosalie and Edward in their car seats and was just buckling Jasper up when I arrived in the garage. "Looks like we're ready to go…" I said and opened the door for Esme before sitting in the driver's seat.

As we left Forks and turned on the highway Esme gave me a questioning look. "Where are we going exactly?" she asked. "To Port Angeles." I replied. "But Forks…" I interrupted her. "Yes, has a small zoo. But believe me, some people in this town have more pets than the zoo has animals. And in Port Angeles we can actually spend the whole day there." I told her. "I'm sorry, I should have clarified…" Esme smiled lightly. "I am sure the kids will love this… I'm not upset, I am happy… Edward… well… he's never really been to the zoo…" she admitted lowly. I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, realizing what that meant. "He didn't show that…" I whispered. "He tends to keep quiet about stuff like that… He knows all the other kids know stuff like that…" Esme told me lowly. I swallowed. "I'm so sorry, Esme…" I whispered hoarsely. She shook her head. "Don't be, please…" she mumbled, wiping away some tears. My heart really broke for her and Edward then.

Before the silence could become too awkward the kids demanded Esme's attention. They were bored. Esme suggested they play 'I spy' and the kids happily agreed.

"I spy with my little eye... something… green and hard…" Jasper said. I furrowed my brow. Suddenly Rosalie laughed. "Edward's cast?" she asked. Jasper smiled. "Yes!" I grinned. They were having fun. "I spy with my little eye… ehm… something… blue and… nice!" she said. They continued this game until I stopped in the parkin lot of the zoo. I turned around to look at the kids. "I spy with my little eye… something black and grey! Checked!" Jasper said. "There is nothing like that here!" Rosalie complained after a few seconds. Suddenly Jasper giggled. "There is! Daddy's boxer shorts!" he argued back. I stared at Jasper before indeed realizing that my shirt had ridden up during the car ride and a small part of my boxers was indeed showing. I blushed a terrible scarlet. The other two kids giggled while I readjusting my shirt with shaking fingers.

ESME'S POV

I couldn't help it and sneak a quick glance down at Carlisle's hips the moment Jasper mentioned the boxer shorts. A second later I blushed as hard as he and then quickly scolded Jasper lightly. Telling him this was nothing one mentioned while playing 'I spy'. Carlisle had quickly gotten out of the car and freed Edward from his car seat. I also got out of the car, my cheeks still hot.

But the embarrassment was quickly forgotten when the kids were out of the car. Their energy was contagious. They practically dragged Carlisle and me towards the entrance.

As soon as we had passed the entrance the kids kept running ahead of us. They were smiling and laughing, pointing at the animals. Edward and Jasper were extremely taken with the lions while Rose rather wanted to go to the zebras and giraffes. I smiled at Carlisle. "Thanks for the wonderful day." I told him. He grinned. "We have hardly started the day…" he told me smiling.

CARLISLE'S POV

The day was really perfect. The kids had obviously a lot of fun. Edward was over the moon. He quickly found his favorite animal: the mountain lions. I was happy he all the kids, but especially Edward had so much fun. It also made Esme smile all day.

Around noon we arrived at the petting zoo and of course all the kids wanted to stroke the goats. I didn't know why but I actually agreed to buy some of the food for the goats from the vending machines and stepped into the enclosure.

ESME'S POV

I watched Carlisle step into the goat's enclosure with the animal food in his hand. A second later he was attacked by a herd of starving goats. They all ran towards Carlisle, knowing he had food with him, effectively knocking him off his feet.

I watched how Carlisle landed on his backside, goat food and a second later goats all over him. I couldn't help it. I laughed and laughed until tears streamed down my face. Carlisle was looking so cute then. His face in the most adorable pout.

"Well, happy you found this funny…" Carlisle half grumbled when he stepped out of the enclosure, brushing dust off his jacket. I gave him what I hoped was an apologizing smile. "You should have seen your face…" I giggled. Carlisle pouted for a while longer before finally starting to chuckle. " I believe it looked a little funny…" he mumbled.

CARLISLE'S POV

After my little stunt with the goats I kept my distance to the rest of the petting zoo. I didn't want to embarrass myself any further and I had to admit I was also still a little sore.

At noon we had some lunch on some benches under a tree. We ate the sandwiches I made earlier and later I got some ice cream for all of us. Esme was again a little embarrassed because I had already paid for everything, but I just wanted to make her and Edward happy.

I was walking behind the kids with Esme when we neared the exit. I saw that the exit was actually a shop you had to go through. Normally I wasn't too fond of this concept. It only made the kids cranky because they wanted a toy. But today I had a different idea.

ESME'S POV

We entered the shop at the exit and of course the kids' eyes grew wide when they saw all the stuffed animals on the shelves. I really wanted to get them out quickly before they started to ask for a toy but then Carlisle bent down and told them they could each select a stuffed animal for them. I quickly grabbed his arm, telling him he shouldn't do this but Carlisle smiled. "It is alright."

I watched the kids select their animals. Rosie was already cuddling a zebra. Carlisle saw that and bent down to her. "Hey angel, what have you got, a horse in a pajama?" Rosie glared at him. "Daddy, this is a zebra!" she told him. "Oh, you're right it's a zebra." He agreed. "Sorry zebra…" he mumbled to the animal. Rosalie smiled again. I was interrupted by Jasper pulling on my leg. "Hey Jazzy, what is it?" I asked him smiling. "Can you give me the fox down? With the big ears?" he asked. I nodded and handed Jasper his animal. He took it, smiling widely then hurried to the checkout where Carlisle was already waiting with Rosalie and Jasper. I followed him. I hadn't seen what Edward had chosen yet.

Carlisle paid for the kids toys which they hardly let go, not even for the prize being scanned. Especially Edward was holding onto the mountain lion he got for dear life. "Mommy, look what I got?" he told me, showing me his new toy. I smiled. "Yes, it's really cool." I told him. Edward smiled cuddling his mountain lion.

After we left the shop Edward was suddenly stopping, pulling on Carlisle's jeans until he kneeled down in front of Edward. "Hey buddy, what is it?" Carlisle asked him smiling. Edward bit his lip but then quickly hugged Carlisle. "Thanks…" he whispered and actually gave Carlisle a kiss on the cheek. I really had to hold back the tears then. This was so cute and touching.

CARLISLE'S POV

I smiled at Edward and stroked his head. I was really touched by his little gesture. "I'm happy you liked today… and you like your toy." he replied.

ESME'S POV

The car ride home was much quieter. The kids were all playing and cuddling their animals, smiling happily. "I'm going to call her Zoey." Rosalie said, stroking her zebra. "That is a beautiful name." I told her, smiling. Rosalie beamed. "And it starts with a 'z' like 'zebra'." Carlisle told her. "I'll call mine foxy…" Jasper said. "You liked the fennec, hm Jasper?" Carlisle asked him. Jasper nodded. "He looked so cute, with the big ears. Daddy, why were his ears so big?" "Well, he lives in the desert, they are not many mice for him around to eat, so he needs this big ears to hear them when they're far away." Carlisle explained.

CARLISLE'S POV

I smiled as I watched the kids in the rearview mirror cuddling their stuffed animals. Rose and Jasper had already named theirs, only Edward was looking a little unsure at his mountain lion. Suddenly he bent forward and whispered something into Esme's ear. She smiled before whispering something back. Edward beamed before whispering another thing in Esme's ear and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Well, I don't know, you have to ask… but I think so…" she replied. Edward then turned to me. "Carlisle? Can I call my lion Carlin? Like Carlisle, because you got him for me?" he asked me. I smiled, again touched by Edward's affection. "Yes, of course. I think that's a cool name." Edward grinned and leant back in his seat.

After the kids had all named their animals they quickly fell asleep in the backseats. The day had been very exhausting. Esme gave me a soft smile. "Today was great. Thanks a lot. Edward is so happy right now." I smiled back at her. "I'm happy you had a great time, and Edward too."

We arrived home around 6 in the evening. Esme and I woke the kids up and let them play in the living room while we prepared a quick dinner. After eating we put the kids to bed. They quickly went back to sleep, all three clutching their stuffed animals.

What do you think? Tell me, please! ;)

PS: here are some pics of the animals the kids got at the zoo...

Edward's mountain lion: yfrog(dot)com/mt9iaj

Jasper's fennec: yfrog(dot)com/m9p2nj

Rosalie's zebra: yfrog(dot)com/5ngmj

PPS: For updates and teaser to all my stories follow JuleWhatev on twitter! ;)