Chapter 13

Carlisle sat in the bath tub with his eyes closed thinking over all of the possibilities that could potentially come of what was going on. It had been awhile since he'd taken a bubble bath, it was more of a relaxation technique for women, but in that moment he felt at east and his thoughts were coming in clearly.

Alice would have seen something bad happening, he thought, she said she saw our son at about Renesme's age and all was well. That must mean that at least for awhile they would be fine. He battled himself in his mind. But Alice's visions can be altered. Nothing is set in stone.

"I put us all back in a predicament," Carlisle said in a loud whisper to himself. He shook his head. The sounds of the family could be heard downstairs. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but he knew deep down that Jane hadn't been in town by coincidence. She had a reason. The Volturi always had a reason, and he knew this first hand.

There was a brief knock on the door and Edward stepped in, laughing at Carlisle as he did.

Carlisle smiled, "I know," he said before Edward could comment, "I just need a few minutes to myself."

"Should I go?" Edward asked.

"No, no. What's on your mind?"

"Things are going to be okay, Carlisle."

He nodded, "I'm sure you're right."

"I hate invading everyone's private thoughts," Edward went on, "But yours are so loud and constant. Don't think you've done anything wrong. You're the reason why we're all here. You're the heart and soul of this family. What you've managed to do truly is a miracle, and you're going to be a great father. You have been to me, and I want you to know that no matter what happens, no one would ever blame you for anything. You're an inspiration to us all."

Carlisle didn't speak for a moment, he swallowed hard, then responded, "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Alice would know otherwise."

"I know. I'm lucky to have you all. If for some reason the Volturi do come our way, I want you and Bella to take Renesme and go somewhere. Go anywhere."

Edward shook his head, "We're a family Carlisle. You're my family. The Volturi won't bother us, but if they do then no one is going anywhere."

"Don't be silly, Edward."

"I'll send Renesme and Bella away, but I'd never leave you to fight on your own. You and Esme are my parents."

"We'll discuss it at a later time, if necessary."

Edward didn't say anything more on the matter, "I just want you to enjoy this, Carlisle. You deserve. Esme is so happy. It's even happier than I've seen from here than the moment you two got together - or at least very comparable."

"I know. I'm very happy, too. There's nothing I could imagine wanting more. My concerns are just equally as strong. It would be a devistating loss should something happen to our son once he's born. It will be a fear of mine every day."

"It's still a fear of mine with Renesme," Edward confessed, "I think about it every day. But I've been able to control that, just like anything else, and truly enjoy every second of time we spend together."

Carlisle listened to his son's words and realized how much he had grown since meeting Bella. It was now he who was giving his father advice after so many years of listening to Carlisle's words of wisdom. Edward believed now that it was possible to have a happy life with lots of positive outcomes to the adversity they faced.

" I'm proud of you Edward," Carlisle told him.

" I'd be nowhere without your guidance. Now, take the advice you've given me your whole life and allow yourself to go through this experience with all the love and wisdom you possess."

Bella walked into the bathroom and lightened the mood with a laugh. She looked at Edward with a chuckle, "Should I give you some privacy?"

They both laughed, " I'm about to get out," Carlisle told them, " So, why don't you two go downstairs and I'll meet you there."

"Carlisle," Bella said, "You're going to be such a great dad. You already are. You and Esme are perfect."

He smiled and closed his eyes again. "Thank you, Bella."

Edward and Bella made their way downstairs and back to the rest of the family. Both of them shared similar feelings that this would all end up being okay, though despite their conversation, Edward knew Carlisle still had his doubts about the Volturi.

Carlisle had finished getting dressed when Esme entered the room. Her stomach was growing by the minute, it seemed; something that made Carlisle both filled with joy and anxious at the same time. He had no worries about raising the child or anything that came with it. Despite his family's constant claims, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling away about Jane.

"Tell me what you're thinking, Carlisle." Esme said.

He laid down on the bed and ran a hand through his hair, motioning for her to join him. Esme cuddled up next to her husband and wished at that moment that she had Edward's abilities to read minds.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you, too."

"It shouldn't be long before this all happens," he explained, "I thought in the beginning that you would be on the same pace as Bella was, but in reality we may have this baby before the new year." He placed an ear on her stomach.

Esme played with his blonde locks gently, "I can't believe this is actually happening."

"Me either," he looked up toward her, "I'm happier than I've ever been, Esme."

She continued to stroke his hair, "So am I."

"The Volturi won't ruin this," he assured her, " I won't let them do anything to either of you." He motioned to her stomach then cuddled behind her with a sense of urgency, pulling her close.

Esme smiled, "You're crushing me, love.".

He loosened his grip only slightly. "Next Christmas we'll take our boy to the city like we did tonight."

She smiled, "And the Christmas after that. And after that..."

Carlisle kissed her neck, "Forever."