Please see first chapter for disclaimer, rating, warnings, pairings, etc.
Part 4/5
Part IV
Esme & Carlisle
"Look at them, Carlisle," I sighed. "Isn't it wonderful?"
My husband followed my gaze, looking around at all our children, plus our grandchild with "her Jacob." "It's wonderful to see them all so happy," he agreed.
I spotted Bella and Edward on a roller coaster, the only ones laughing as everyone else screamed. Alice and Jasper, dear hearts, were on the Ferris wheel. I wondered how long they'd been there, since I'd seen the ride turn its circuit five or six times without them disembarking once. Turning slightly, I saw Rosalie and Emmett strolling slowly among the booths, a giant stuffed teddy bear tucked under her arm. I didn't see Jacob and Nessie, but I wasn't worried. They'd protect each other. "So wonderful," I agreed.
Carlisle took my hand. Following Rose and Emmett's lead, he gently pulled me through the booths, pointing out things along the way. I allowed him to buy me a bracelet, which he immediately clasped around my wrist. I admired the topaz stones for a moment before turning my gaze up to my husband's eyes, almost the exact same shade. "I love you, Carlisle."
He smiled. "I love you, too." Taking my hand again, he tugged me toward the other end, where the rides were situated.
I laughed at his impulsiveness. "Carlisle, where are we going?"
"You'll see, Esme."
That was the best I was going to get. I contented myself with allowing him to lead me along, his steps quickening now. Cheerful music met my ears, and I felt my eyes widen as he slowed. "No!" I gasped.
Carlisle grinned. "I heard the music, and it made me think of you." He handed over the tickets, then gently lifted me up onto the platform. I led the way, running my hand along the prettily painted hides and saddles of the merry-go-round horses. "My first fair ride," I sighed. It was perfect. Though I loved to run, I wasn't like the others. I didn't like fast cars so much, or much of anything else that went up high or traveled fast. It was something that had come with me from my human life.
Carlisle mounted the horse next to mine. As the ride began to slowly turn, I reached out my hand. He took it, smiling at me. His eyes, hair, and skin sparkled under the lights, and I leaned my head against the golden pole sticking up through my horse's shoulders, admiring him. I would never tire of watching Carlisle, no matter what he was doing.
I had the best man in the world.
As the ride spun, Carlisle and I watched each other. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion around us, though the merry-go-round was moving faster than I thought it would. I didn't mind the speed, caught up as I was in Carlisle's contented gaze. If ever I had regretted this life, my life as a vampire, this would my certainly change my mind.
I wanted this moment to last so much longer. But too soon, the carousel spun to a stop, and we had to disembark. Carlisle kept hold of my hand, squeezing it tightly as we looked around for something else to do.
Hugging my arms tightly around his waist, I grinned. I had a sneaking suspicion we'd return to the merry-go-round again before the night was over. It would be our special ride now, and into the future. I looked forward to when the fair returned to Washington again, so I could have some more carefree moments with my dear Carlisle.
He looked at me and smiled, and I knew he was thinking the same thing.
-End Part IV-