Chapter 3
Jacob took his turn around the campfire. As the grandson of the Chief, he felt as though he owed it to the tribe to take a turn discussing the power of the lunar eclipse, and what it meant to the wolves in particular. As much as he enjoyed these gatherings, speaking wasn't something he was particularly fond of. He cleared his throat and began to speak, winking at Renesme as he stood.
"People of all cultures have stories about the powers of a full moon. There are lots of false beliefs out there, my personal favorite is that people go crazy during the full moon and go these wacko killing sprees," Jacob made a fake stabbing motion with his hand accompanied by a goofy face causing Renesme and some of the younger people to chuckle, "But the reality is that, for us, the full moon itself is just a symbol. A symbol of unity, a symbol of family, of love..." He had everyone's attention, "Tonight's lunar eclipse is special. It's far more powerful than any old full moon. Miracles are capable of happening during a lunar eclipse, the unimaginable, the impossible... that is if the stars align correctly and things all fall into place in perfect unison. People at the brink of death have found health, hearts have found each other." He paused before continuing and looked at Renesme, "Miracles."
He looked up toward the moon beginning it's color transformation. The rest of the group around the fire did the same.
* * *
Esme had lost track of time under Carlisle's gentle embrace. It had been so long since they had been given the opportunity to be alone and forget the world around them. The house was always filled with the joyous sounds of their amazing family, but to have just a moment or two to enjoy each other was a rare and much needed thing.
Carlisle unlinked his hand with Esme's and cuddled up next to his wife. She turned to face him with a smile, as he planted a kiss on her lips. Neither of them spoke. For Esme, the silence heightened the sensation of Carlisle's touch as he traced her curves with his fingertips.
His self control was far beyond that of the average man - or vampire, though in this moment, Carlisle couldn't resist the precious woman at his side. Time after time, he could not bring himself to separate from her for longer than just a minute or two. His wandering hands made Esme giggle and playfully grab him by the hair.
Carlisle locked eyes with hers and couldn't help letting out a short laugh. Before he could make another move, Esme had him pinned down and positioned herself on top of him. He smiled wide and began to laugh, pulling her lips to his.
"What has gotten into you, Mrs. Cullen?"
Esme's teeth clutched his ear lobe, "It's just been so long since we've had a night like this," she whispered.
"I wish it could happen more often." Carlisle's hands traveled across her back and he let out long sigh while breathing out the words, "I love you, Esme."
She pulled him into her, "I love you, Carlisle."