Chapter 69

Esme sat on the couch watching a movie with Masen and Leah, checking the clock on the wall every few minutes. She knew Carlisle's shift had only ended a few minutes before, but she found herself anxiously awaiting his phone call that he was on the way home. It was something he agreed to in order to make her feel better.

Masen's chuckle at something from their movie made Esme smile. She ran a hand through her son's hair and felt very content that Leah would always be there for him throughout his life.

"Mom, have you ever seen this movie?" he asked.

The DVD case caught her eye in that moment and the words 'The Other Guys' were written boldly on the front.

Esme nodded, "It's one of Emmett's favorites. I watched it with him and Rosalie once before."

"Did you like it? You're not laughing."

She smiled, "I think it's really funny."

"Do you like it?" Masen asked Leah, "Because we can put on something else if you don't."

Leah grinned, "I've never seen it, but I like Will Farrell," she continued to smile, "I've seen a lot of his movies and this one's funny so far."

Esme looked at their smiles, and couldn't help but feel warmth knowing that both of their lives would be better because of each other. A loud buzzing sound from Esme's phone made her jump and she looked down to see that it was Carlisle. Relief filled her mind.

"Hello," she said.

"Leaving work now," Carlisle's voice came from the receiver.

"Okay. Be safe."

"Always. See you when I get there. Love you."

"Love you, too."

Esme looked at Masen's golden eyes, "When did you hunt?"

"Oh, like an hour ago when you were doing laundry."

"You went on your own?"

He nodded, "Yeah."

The thought of Masen in the woods alone with Felix and Demetri made her cringe, and she tried not to scold her son, knowing he really didn't do anything wrong. "Why don't you go with me, or one of your brothers next time," Esme suggested, "After last night and the night before, I don't want to take any chances."

Masen nodded, "Okay."

Esme looked up at Leah, "And if Leah's with you, that could work also."

Leah smiled, overly happy that Esme seemed to approve of her. The glow on her face was apparent, "Thank you Mrs. Cullen."

Esme smiled.

"Movie's on, remember," Masen said lightheartedly, "So... shh!"

Esme exchanged a warm smile with Leah, and found herself thinking how nice it was to see her smile. She was so beautiful, and the scowl that lingered on her face for years seemed to block that out. The radiant expression she now had was much better suited for her.

Emmett entered the room, apparently realizing what movie they were watching, "The Other Guys. Mase you should have told me." He made himself comfortable in a chair, and Rosalie soon joined, cuddling up with him.

Everyone's laughter was contagious, and it was impossible to be unhappy at that moment, though Esme still found herself continually glancing at the clock until Carlisle finally entered through the front door. He went through his normal routine, kicking off his shoes and hanging his jacket before giving Esme a quick 'hello' kiss.

"Dad, you ever see this movie?" Masen asked.

Carlisle watched a few seconds, then smiled, "We watched this one other time," he said, "It's funny."

"Come watch."

Carlisle kissed the top of his son's head, "Let me just get chang and I'll be back down to join you guys." He motioned for Esme to join him for a minute, and she followed him upstairs.

"So, I have to be honest," Carlisle said, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and tossing his work pants into the hamper, "I asked Edward to keep track of yours and Masen's thoughts for me today."

Esme folded her arms over her chest, "Oh really?"

He nodded with a smile, "And he called and said Masen seemed alright. Leah's been a good distraction for him."

Esme didn't say anything.

"But your thoughts," he went on, "He said you've been a nervous wreck all day."

Esme's eyes shifted to the clock that hung on the wall. It read 9:30 pm. "Well," she said defensively, "Last night at this time, you were almost killed. I think I have the right to be a little extra anxious."

Carlisle could see she was beginning to get a little angry, which wasn't his intention. He felt bad that Esme had been on edge over the last few days and so he decided to try lightening the mood.

Without warning, Esme found herself pinned lightly on the bed beneath her husband, who was now smiling above her. His hands were placed gently over her wrists above her head and he let his body collapse onto her.

"Stop being so worried," he said with a laugh.

Esme smiled and glanced over at the open door, "What if someone walks by right now?" she whispered.

Carlisle closed it quickly and was back in his original position on top of her, "It wasn't my intention to try to seduce you, Esme," he said in a playful tone, "But if you continue to be sad, there may be certain measures I'll have to take." He kissed her neck and pressed himself firmly against her, making his arrousal apparent.

Esme felt herself relax for the first time in days, and she couldn't help but let a girlish giggle escape her lips.

Carlisle pulled back and looked at her, "Feeling better?"

She smiled and pulled his face to her to give him a kiss, "Yes," then added, "If I say no, will you continue?"

Carlisle laughed. There was a knock at the door and he quickly got up, asking Esme to answer it. Jacob stood on the other end, "I was sent to come get you," he said with a sheepish grin, "Masen is starting the movie over so we can all watch it together."

"Oh, great," Esme said, "We were just about to come down."

Carlisle sat on the end of the bed pretending to put on a pair of socks.

"I think Alice is making some popcorn for Nessy, so take your time. We won't start without you."

"Thank you Jacob," Esme said, "And you and Leah can help yourself to any of the food in cabinets or where ever. We buy it for you guys."

He smiled and said "Thanks," before heading back downstairs.

Esme sat down beside Carlisle and leaned a head on his shoulder, "Ready to go downstairs?"

He nodded, "Are you in a better mood?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks," then added, "But this is why I worry so much, Carlisle. No one can instantly make me feel better about things like you can."

"Try not to think about it," he told her, " I've envisioned how terrible it would be without you, and it just gets me in a funk."

Esme nodded, knowing the feeling.

Carlisle kissed her again, and found his attention returning to her neck.

She giggled the same way as before, "We have to go downstairs," she whispered.

"I know," he said in a muffled tone, not detaching himself from the area beneath her jaw.

Esme found her hand slide to the back of his head, "Carlisle," she whispered, smiling, "You're only torturing yourself."

He climbed on top of her again with a smile, "Am I not torturing you?"

She smiled and her eyes focused to the area below his waist, "You can't go down there like that."

Carlisle found it in him to stop, knowing Masen was eager to have a family movie night, "I know." He closed his eyes and pushed himself back onto his feet, grabbing Esme's hands, "Let's go."

As they walked down the stairs at the entire family, plus Jacob and Leah, both of them looked at each other, knowing how blessed they truly were. The Volturi might have been proud of how powerful they were, but the Cullens were all just grateful to have each other.