Chapter 74

Every member of the family had seen Masen's bold act to kiss Leah. He hadn't noticed any of them had come onto the porch.

Carlisle turned to Emmett, "Don't say anything to him."

He smiled, " I won't."

Esme looked at Carlisle before a smile snuck up on her face, " I can't believe he just did that." She wasn't quite sure how to feel, "He's growing up way too fast."

" It's an odd feeling, isn't it?" Edward asked.

"He wasn't a baby long enough," Esme said, finding her feelings beginning to switch on the subject. Her heart suddenly felt heavy.

Carlisle put an arm around her and kissed her temple.

" I hope he won't just continue to age and age," she went on.

"I've had visions of him and Leah getting married down the road," Alice said, "And he only looks a little different that he does right now. So I think that's a good sign."

Esme's face dropped, "Married?"

Carlisle smiled, " Don't get her worked up, Alice."

"I was just saying, I don't think he'll get past a certain age. The same way as Renesme."

Esme suddenly felt a little guilty for her thoughts, "I'm being selfish. We didn't even think we could ever have children. I don't care how fast he ages. He's still my baby."

Alice felt bad and hugged Esme, "I'm not trying to give you a panic attack," she said, then glanced over at Edward, "Besides, Nessy and Jake will get married way before then."

Edward didn't change his expression. He just stared at his sister until she stuck her tounge out at him.

"I told the little guy to wait on it," Emmett said.

"What can you really do," Rosalie chimed in.

"I wonder what their kids would look like.. little blond haired werewolves?" Emmett said with a laugh.

Carlisle and Esme both gave him simliar looks, and Rosalie put a hand over his mouth, "We're going back inside."

Jasper snickered and Alice flicked him in the ear.

"Hey!" He said with another laugh.

"He's on cloud nine," Edward said to Carlisle, "He's happy."

"I have to talk to him," Carlisle said. He looked at Esme who still appeared somewhat stressed out, "Don't worry."

"I'm not worried."

He raised his eyebrows at her and smiled, as if to say ' I know you too well.'

Esme looked down and took in a deep breath of the night air, "Okay. I don't know why I am, but I am."

Carlisle hugged her again, "It's going to be fine," then added, "Mom."

She patted his back with her hands and pushed herself back, "Talk to him."

They all went back inside and Carlisle pulled Masen out onto the porch with him. They both were certain the rest of the family would be eavesdropping regardless, but nonetheless it felt more private.

The little light that decorated the back porch hung over them, as they sat in the patio chairs across from each other at the little table.

"I feel like this is the beginning of an interrogation," Masen laughed.

Carlisle smiled back at him, "Well, you're lucky I'm the good cop."

"Mom's definitely the bad cop," he said a little extra loud with a grin. They exchanged a laugh before Masen returned his gaze to his father's, "I know."

"You know what?"

"I know you guys saw me kiss Leah. That's what this is about right?"

Carlisle didn't say anything at first, the nodded.

"You know, I saw it to be a good opportunity and I just did it. I don't know." The tone of his voice was slightly defensive, as if he thought he was in trouble.

Carlisle leaned forward, "You're not in trouble, Masen."

Masen looked around before making eye contact with his father again.

"Me and your mom, we.." his voice trailed off for a second, "We just want to make sure you're not growing up too fast," he focused his eyes on the wooden planks beneath his feet, "But I guess that's kind of inevitable."

"Dad, if it makes you feel any better, I don't even think Leah's interested in me like that yet."

Carlisle looked up at him, "Well. I just want you to be careful with everything. As old as you are, you've still only been around for a short time. There's a lot to learn."

"I know," he agreed, "I understand. I probably won't be feeling that bold for a little while. I really don't know what came over me when I kissed her."

He laughed, "That's what worries me a little. There are lots of steps you'll take as far as relationships go. I hope you'll really hold off and have patience so you can sort of catch up to yourself; catch up to your age... if that makes sense."

"I know, Dad," Masen said, "For the short time I have been around, I'm still your son. You've showed me the right way to live. I would never be reckless with anything, especially when it comes to Leah."

Carlisle nodded, looking his son in the eye, "Come here." He held his arms out and Masen gave his son a long hug.

Masen knew that his father was more on the emotional side than normal, "We're all fine, Dad. I'm fine. I'm not going anywhere."

"I know, son," Carlisle said, still hugging him, "We just love you very much. It's tough for your mother and I to watch you grow so fast."

"I know it has to be different. I mean it's all I know as far as normalcy goes, between me and Renesme. But I get it."

Carlisle patted his back and then looked him in the eyes, "You're the greatest thing I could ever imagine. We thought it was impossible until you came along."

Masen swallowed hard, noticing the glossy cover over Carlisle's golden eyes, "I know."

He fought back the urge to shed a tear and messed up Masen's hair, "Go inside."

"Alright," he headed toward the door and looked back, "Thanks again for the movie, Dad."