After a long day at work, Carlisle relaxed in the quiet comfort of his study. Pushing the medical journal aside, he leaned back and rubbed his eyes to stave off the thoughts that continued to interrupt those rare moments that his mind fell silent. It had been several days since his and Jasper's "episode" and he knew that logically he should have been able to have put it all behind them by now, but the patriarch was still troubled by the events. Over his long life, Carlisle had become something of an expert at letting past events die, but the severity of the conflict still disturbed him as it latched onto his spirit like an emotional leech draining away his contentment.

He sighed softly as he raked his hand unconsciously through his hair. If only there was some way to eradicate the memories of that day and with them the noxious emotions that they dredged up, Carlisle would have embraced it in a heartbeat. Regrettably a vampire's memory was infallible causing him to be forced into continually enduring the deep remorse that his actions caused.

The sounds of laughter drew his attention towards the window. Carlisle stood up from his desk and stretched the muscles of his back and neck before wandering over to the expanse of glass that formed the outside wall of his study. Looking out into the yard, he watched his children enjoying the brisk autumn afternoon. Rosalie and Alice were sitting on the grass near Esme's garden apparently discussing Alice's recent shopping venture. Carlisle shook his head and smiled while groaning slightly at the thought of his next credit card bill. Surely a new belt for Jasper had found its way into her collection of bargains. The memory of seeing Alice walk past him with Jasper's old belt trapped between her thumb and index finger held at out arm's length as she headed towards the trash still caused him to laugh lightly. There was no way that he would be using that implement on his son again; his little girl had seen to that.

Jasper and Emmett were locked in a wrestling match as Edward leaned against a tree laughing at the antics of his brothers. As their father looked on, Em tossed Jasper through the air with a look of triumph on his face. That expression was soon wiped away as Carlisle's wheaten haired son landed lightly on his feet and charged his brawny brother while growling playfully. Both boys collapsed in a writhing, snarling and laughing heap with Jasper fighting to pin Emmett to the ground.

Carlisle chuckled at the sight of his carefree children. What he wouldn't give to change places with them for just a little while. Jasper's laughter acted as a healing balm for his father's suffering soul. There had been a little worry that his son would continue to ruminate over events, particularly the attack on his mother, but seeing him happy and playful laid Carlisle's concerns to rest. His family was indeed whole again; now it was just up to Carlisle to let go of the crippling remorse that plagued him and allow for his own healing to occur.

Too wrapped up in watching his sons to notice the soft footfalls, Carlisle was blissfully unaware of Esme's presence until her arms wrapped around him from behind. Taking her hand, he kissed it gently then pulled her around in front of him. With a smile, Esme kissed her husband's cheek before turning toward the window in search of his source of amusement. "What has caught your attention, handsome?"

"Just watching the children."

Esme's eyes narrowed slightly as warning growls, hissing and snarling reached her ears. "You don't think that they will hurt each other, do you?"

"No, love. They are just having fun and blowing off a little steam. Nothing to worry about at all." He shifted his focus to where his daughters sat animatedly chatting. "Has Rosalie been behaving herself?"

"Mhm. She always seems to be right there ready to help with anything I'm doing. She has been going well out of her way to make herself useful. While we were cleaning up the mess Emmett made trying to patch the wall, we had the chance to talk things out. I think that I was the cause of some of what happened, although I didn't realize it at the time. I forget what it's like to be a teenager. They shouldn't have to deal with stress, but they do and sometimes it gets to be a bit too much for them. It would appear that I added to Rosalie's burden that night when I should have been more conscious of her emotional state."

Carlisle caught Esme's face between his hands as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. "Then they need to speak up and let us know that they are struggling instead of acting out in inappropriate ways. That would make things easier on us all. And you, little miss, will not take the blame for that fiasco. Do I make myself clear?" Leaning in he kissed her as his passion for his mate flared, threatening to consume him.

Esme pushed him away as she giggled slyly. "Doctor Cullen, there you go again thinking only of yourself," she admonished lightheartedly. "We mustn't upset the children. What will poor Edward think if he hears us?"

"That I am the luckiest man in the world." He cocked an eyebrow as he reached for his wife only to have her dance away. Carlisle stalked her around the room as Esme kept just out of his reach, her joyous laughter filling the room as well as his soul, helping to displace the lingering pangs of guilt. "Come here my inamorata. You husband needs your touch more than your son needs to be sheltered."

"Tsk. Doctor, you know that a mother can't set aside her maternal instincts like that." She grinned at him as mischief gleamed in her eyes.

"Hm." Carlisle wandered back over towards the window and popped the latch. "Edward!"

His son looked up at him with a questioning expression as the rest of the children stilled in their actives also to turn their attention towards their father.

"Do your old man a favor and get the hell out of here, son."

It took a moment for Carlisle's first born to respond, but the sound of his mother's lyrical laughter was all it took to get him moving. "We were just talking about taking in a hunt anyway, Dad. We'll be gone for a couple of hours...at least."

"Woo hoo! Way to go, Pops! Need any pointers?" Emmett smirked as he wiggled his eyebrows, giving his father a thumbs up. "I can share some moves that will help you get momma's motor revving."

"I think I have this one just fine, but thanks Em."

Rosalie punched her mate hard in the shoulder as she hissed something to him much too quietly for Carlisle to hear and began to drag Emmett towards the woods. Turning back he shouted out, "If you say so Pops, but you know who to come to if you need any advice on getting wild and wicked. Rosie and I have got all those moves down. Happy to show you the ropes so you and mom can keep it real." The echo of a sharp slap resounded through the trees followed by an equally loud, "Ow, what did I say to deserve that?" as Emmett and the others disappeared from sight.

With a shake of his head, Carlisle turned his back to the window to find his beautiful mate sitting on his desk with her hand over her mouth attempting to suppress a fit of giggles.

"Oh, so you find it humorous that your son feels the need to teach me some of his tricks."

"There is nothing wrong in an old dog learning a new trick or two." She tilted her head as she smiled at her mate.

Carlisle closed the distance between them in several steps then rested his hands on the desk on either side of her as he leaned in, evading her personal space. "So, I am an old dog now, missy? Is that what you are saying?"

His enticing masculine scent and the coolness of his breath caused Esme to shiver with excitement. "Well, you are pushing three hundred seventy years, lover. If you figure that into the old rule of thumb for dog years that puts you somewhere in the range of two thousand six hundred. That would be not only an old dog, but an ancient one by anyone's standard. I'm surprised there are tricks left for you to learn let alone you having the physical ability to pull them off." Esme could not stop the smirk from forming on her lips as she giggled quietly.

Carlisle growled softly as he held her gaze. "You just keep digging that hole and see where it gets you, young lady. You should count yourself lucky that you aren't one of the children or that sexy little rump would be mine by now."

She wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him gently then deepened their kiss as her tongue found its way between his lips to ease over his teeth. Carlisle moaned as he reciprocated when her tongue teased his. Esme pulled away from him and whispered, "I already am yours to do with as you please, Carlisle. I always have been and always will be."

"Is that so?" He lifted his right hand and ran it up the back of her neck until his fingers laced themselves through her hair and closed tightly. With persistent yet gentle pressure he pulled her head back exposing the flawless pale skin of her throat. Esme offered no resistance as he kept his handhold while tracing the delicate curve of her neck with his lips. A low rumbling purr issued from deep within Esme's chest as she completely relaxed in response to his feather light kisses.

Glancing up into his wife's angelic face, Carlisle smiled before he dipped his head to catch the top button of her blouse between his teeth. With a swift bite he severed the threads that held the closure in place then with a slight cough he spat the offending object across the room. Don't inhale after you bite, Carlisle. Choking yourself does not add to the seductive factor here. He felt Esme's hands leave the back of his neck to tangle themselves in his thick silky blond hair, giving her some measure of control over his actions. One by one he snapped off the buttons until they lay scattered around the room leaving her blouse to fall open at will. Carlisle released his grip in his lover's hair and gently ran his hands beneath her blouse as he explored her body while he raised his head to claim her lips once again.

Esme's hands slipped between their bodies as she made quick work of the buttons on her husband's shirt then smoothly pushed him back so she could slide the offending fabric from his frame. Nuzzling against his jaw she kissed him then grazed her teeth against his ear before whispering, "You are going to be sewing those buttons back on, Mister."

Carlisle chuckled as he slid her blouse down her arms and kissed the hollow of her throat. "I'll have Alice buy you a new one. I'm sure she won't mind and her shopping skills beat out my sewing any day."

"With all the stitching you do? Ha."

Esme moaned softly as her husband's lips found her nipple. When his tongue flicked the sensitive flesh her breath became rapid and shallow until it caught in her chest. She lightly drew her nails over Carlisle's back and shoulders as her body quivered in response to his attention. His thumb and fingers kept her other nipple occupied as his teeth applied gentle pressure to his original captive. Slowly Carlisle's free hand glided between her soft skin and the waistband of her slacks dipping between her legs, inciting a sudden squeal from Esme.

Carlisle released her and pulled up with a grin on his face as he gazed at his wife through half closed eyes. "Did you say something, my darling?" Amusement rang through his tone.

Esme shook her head as she caught her breath. Her palms ran over his muscular chest and down his stomach until her fingers curled in the waist band of his trousers allowing her to pull him firmly against the desk as her legs straddled his hips.

"Love, you still have entirely too many clothes on for that." He smiled brightly and kissed her cheek before pressing his hands against her shoulders to lay her down on the wide smooth wooden surface. A sheaf of papers was knocked off the edge where they escaped their binding and drifted like fallen leaves to scatter across the floor. Carlisle's focus on his wife was so intense that he paid no heed to the paperwork disaster that normally would have driven him crazy.

His kisses trailed across her body while her hands ran through his hair offering him unneeded encouragement. Esme's scent caused the venom in Carlisle's body to race, building up the pressure in his cock, inducing it to press painfully against the constricting fabric of his pants. His unadulterated need for her was agonizing. His animal nature howled for release, but Carlisle's control was unwavering when it came to his beautiful and vulnerable Esme.

Her words echoed in his mind as he provided her pleasure while restraining his own. "I already am yours to do with as you please, Carlisle." It pleased him to give her the pleasure that she had been denied during her short human life with Charles. Charles had taught her fear and pain. He had exerted power over her as his wife and property while denying her the love she deserved; the very thought of which caused anger to rise like bile through Carlisle's system. While he was not given to violence, that was one man that Carlisle would have been only too happy to throttle within an inch of his life for the harm he had caused to this exquisite creature. For Carlisle there could be no greater gratification than seeing his beloved happily sated and content; woe to the person who would have it any other way.

"Carlisle, are you alright, love?"

He shook the dark thoughts from his head as he looked down at her with a tender smile on his face. "Why of course, sweetheart. How could I not be alright when I am with you?" He kissed her hip then ran his hands lightly along her sides bringing about another bout of wiggling squealing laughter as he tickled her before turning his attention back to the task at hand.

He knelt and slowly removed her shoes, but before he could stand Esme sat up and placed a foot on his shoulder gently forcing him to stay put. Cocking an eyebrow her face lit up with a wicked smile. "Hm, you look very fetching in that position, lover."

"Do I now? Is this one of those new tricks that you would like the old dog to learn?" He returned her smile as he tilted his head slightly while holding her smoky gaze.

"No. I don't think that's a trick you need in your arsenal, but it is still a very handsome sight."

"One for your eyes only, grá mo chroí. I would not kneel nor submit to anyone but my one true love; for you I would do or be anything you ask."

Esme removed her foot from his shoulder and extended her hand toward him. Taking it, he placed his lips softly on the back of her hand then returned to his feet, toeing off his shoes in the process. "I would never ask that of you, Carlisle. While I have no doubt that would be a most entertaining game of sorts, I much prefer that we be equals."

His eyes twinkled with mirth as he grinned at his loving wife. "As you wish, M'lady." Carlisle bowed only to have Esme cuff him lightly on the back of the head.

"Cut that out." Peals of laughter rang out as they enjoyed the humor of the moment.

A roguish expression came across Carlisle as he reached to unbutton Esme's slacks. "You know I find it way too warm in here to be burdened with clothes, love. Let me help make you more comfortable." Catching her hips in his strong hands, he easily lifted her off of the desk and onto her feet before kneeling down again to slowly slide her pants down her legs. She placed a hand on his shoulder to help keep her balance as she stepped out of the tangle of fabric. "Those have to go, too." He nodded towards the sheer panties that stood as the final barrier for him to eliminate.

Esme lightly slapped his hands away and pulled him to his feet. "No, sir. You will not have me naked while you are still clothed."

"Oh perish the thought." Carlisle rolled his eyes and grinned as Esme swiftly stripped her husband of his pants and boxers in one brisk movement. "Do I get to keep my socks?"

"I think not." She easily fell to her knees before him and rolled the black socks from his feet before refusing his hand to help her stand. "I rather like it down here, lover." She kissed his inner thigh causing him to shudder and groan as he closed his eyes while pleasure coursed through his body. "Seems that the shoe is on the other foot now." Taking his engorged cock in her hand she softly spoke as her cool breath wafted over his member, "Now Carlisle, I know we can do better than that." A light flick of her tongue drew a deep moan as he caught her hair in his hands to retain his balance.

"Esme," his breath was little more than a hoarse whisper.

"Mhm." She snaked her tongue around him forcing his breath to catch in his chest. Drawing him deeper towards the back of her throat she felt his body shiver harder as it instinctively responded to her manipulation. Soon she heard him gasp loudly before he pulled his cock from her mouth as his knees buckled bringing him down to the floor beside her. "See, I told you that it was better down here." She smirked as he responded with another throaty moan. "We could use a bearskin rug though. You will remember to talk to Em about that, won't you, sweetheart?" Esme giggled when Carlisle's only response was a quick nod while he struggled to regain his breath.

Carlisle whined quietly while his wife stroked him to full erection as he frantically tore the thin fabric of her panties free from her body to eliminate the last hurtle that stood between him and the sweet redemption only realized through his love's intimate embrace.

"I love you, Carlisle."

"I love you, Esme." He whispered as he kissed her while staring deeply into her eyes, her lithe body pinned lightly beneath him. "I would be lost without you. You are my soul's redeeming angel and will be until the end of time."

"Then it's a good thing that we have forever because I will never leave your side, my love." She brushed her hand gently against his cheek. "A very good thing indeed."

AN: Not the chapter I was planning on writing, but Carlisle had other ideas. Seems that he was weary of waiting for his turn at love so he made his own move and I couldn't do a thing but follow along. The funny thing is that even without conscious thought, this chapter did set somethings that I need to bring about the next chapter or two. Guess the characters really know what they are doing after all. LOL.

To those who are curious, as far as I know "grá mo chroí" means "love of my heart" in Irish Gaelic. This was a phrase of endearment that was taught to me by a pub owner and musician. If he taught me wrong, and that really wouldn't surprise me given his sense of humor, I apologize to my Irish readers. Feel free to correct me, guys. I really don't want to butcher the language. I decided to toss that in since Carlisle's heritage would be Irish and as well educated as he is, I figure he must know at least some Gaelic.

All my thanks for the wonderful feedback and support. Thanks to Splinter for continuing to put up with my mishaps and thanks to my fabulous support group. Y'all are simply awesome!

I think this one will wrap in another two...maybe three chapters so if anyone has any ideas that they would like to share towards giving my idle hands something else to do, please feel free to shoot me a pm. I have a few things in the works but am always searching for inspiration. ;-)