Chapter 14

Carlisle and Esme strolled hand in hand along the shoreline of La Pushe. It was a late, overcast afternoon and Alexandra was walking along in front of them picking up seashells to show them every so often. Her language was still choppy, but was coming along. Her thoughts were there but she still struggled to get out all the words. More or less she was on the same pace that the rest of the children had been on.

"Aro's coming to the area," Carlisle told Esme, "I spoke with Lucy about it earlier today."

She gave him a light, dissatisfied look.

"I don't think it'll be a problem." He switched his arm so it hung around her shoulders.

"We shouldn't hunt alone," Esme said.

As much as he thought they'd be fine regardless, he agreed with his wife, "Good idea."

She leaned into him and smiled at Alexandra as she began to take a few cautious steps toward the water as it moved away from her. She waited a moment as it came back toward her bare feet before retreating away with a nervous smile.

A few people passed, smiling at their daughter with quiet whispers of how adorable she was. Esme couldn't help but smile, knowing the precious baby belonged to her.

Carlisle decided to copy what their daughter was doing to amuse her. He rolled up his pants around his calfs and grabbed her hand as she walked toward the water as it went out to sea. When the water rushed back at them, he picked her up both both hands and dangled her just above the small wave that rippled in.

Alexandra laughed before he allowed her toes to hit the said again, repeating a similar motion as the water continued it's back and forth game.
Esme smiled at the two of them, almost letting out a laugh at her daughter's little giggles and excitement. A wave of emotions rushed through as Carlisle's attire reminded her of their reunion on Isle Esme. She was so thankful for her family.

Another couple approached where they stood with a boy of about ten years old.

"Dr. Cullen!" they boy called with a wave, "Dr. Cullen!"

Carlisle and Esme both looked up and Carlisle scooped Alexandra into his arm. He recognized the boy's voice and face, though it took him an extra second to realize who it was. Kenny; the boy that Masen had saved from the hospital. He looked healthy and strong, no longer bald from the excruciating chemotherapy. He had a full head of brown hair, a much tanner complexion and his face had filled in along with the rest of his body. He looked like a completely different person, so full of life and energy.

"Kenny," his mother smiled wide, looking completely elated from the miracle that had happened upon the termination of her son's cancer. She hurried behind him as he ran down the beach. His father, a handsome man who still looked a little tired under the eyes from years of worry, shuffle close behind. He held a red frisbee in one hand.

Carlisle smiled as they got closer, "Kenny. How have you been?"

"Great!" His voice rang with life.

"I'm sorry," his mother smiled again, she held her hand out, "I'm Sandra, Kenny's mom."

"Carlisle. This is my wife, Esme."

"And Alexandra," Esme added.

"She is adorable. Oh her little sun dress."

They both laughed.

"Frank," her husband finally caught up to them. He flashed a warm smile.

"Kenny has said lots of good things about you," his mother gushed, "He says you cured his cancer."

Carlisle smiled and Esme clutched his arm, "I'm glad he was cured. It really was a miracle. People are still so happy down at the hospital. One nurse in particular that was with him a lot."

"Laurie Jacobs."

Carlisle nodded, "She's been brought to tears several times."

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes and Frank squeezed her shoulder, then tossed his son the frisbee.

"Thank you for keeping him positive," Sandra said, "It really made the difference."

Frank nodded in agreement, a bit choked up himself. He glanced over at his son.

"Hi," he said in a loving, baby voice to Alexandra, who in turn flashed a smile and put her head down on Carlisle's shoulder.

Sandra and Frank managed a genuine laugh, still overcome with emotional joy in discussing their son.

"Carlisle was thrilled to hear the news that your son beat cancer," Esme told them.

"Well," Sandra said, placing a hand over her stomach, "It encouraged us to.. have another."

"Congratulations," Carlisle and Esme said at the same time.

"Thanks," Frank said, followed by his wife.

"It's going to be girl," Kenny said, twirling the frisbee around his finger, "I think."

At the same moment, Sandra and Frank seemed to be almost in a trance, looking into Carlisle and Esme's eyes. They both then looked toward Alexandra. Neither of them said anything, but both had a look of astonishment and wonder on their faces.

Carlisle found himself suddenly wishing Edward was there to read their minds. He looked up toward the sky to make sure the sun wasn't out. Clouds still covered the sky above them.

"I've never-" Sandra started, then looked at Frank and shook her head, "Nevermind."

"Well," Carlisle told them, "I'm really happy for your family. It's been the greatest thing to happen in Forks. It's truly a miracle."

"Thank you," Sandra said, unable to look away from his stare, "Thank you so much Dr. Cullen. You have a beautiful family."

Frank shook hands with Esme, and Kenny gave a friendly wave goodbye. They continued their walk down the beach with Kenny continuing to toss the frisbee with his father as they went.

Carlisle set Alexandra back down in the sand and she continue to pick up things that caught her eye.

"I'm so happy you guys could do that for that boy and his family," Esme told him, leaning a head on his shoulder.

"It's nice to see them that happy. I didn't even recognize Kenny. He looks like a totally new kid."

"Come here," Esme pulled Carlisle's face to hers and gave him a long, closed mouth kiss until both of them smiled and parted.

"I love you," he told her.

She kissed him again, "I love you."

He brought her to him as they continued to walk.

Down the beach, Sandra took a look over her shoulder to where Carlisle and Esme continued to walk with Alexandra. Frank followed her gaze for a moment and the two of them looked at each other at the same time, thinking the same thing. As the sun peeked out of the clouds, they could have sworn they saw their skin sparkle.

Sandra looked at Frank and smiled, feeling as though her son may have been right.