A/N: Surprise! It's another chapter! For some reason, I was super motivated, so I was able to get this chapter out quickly. The story should pick up the pace soon. Thanks again for all the sweet reviews. Enjoy the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.

Song for chapter: Your Call by Secondhand Serenade

I was born to tell you I love you

And I am torn to do what I have to

To make you mine, stay with me tonight

Esme POV

Carlisle returned to the room followed by a lieutenant and another officer.

"I met them outside," he explained. "Is it alright if they talk to you?"

I nodded and forced a smile, ready to get this out of the way. Carlisle pulled up two chairs in front of the couch where I was sitting. The officers sat down and introduced themselves, but the names didn't register in my mind. I was already distancing myself, not wanting to relive the emotions of the trauma.

Carlisle sat down beside me and put an arm around my shoulder. I leaned against him and he rubbed my arm. His gesture calmed me greatly as I resolved myself to tell my story.

The officers asked about my relationship to Charles, and I had to explain my fleeing, hiding, and when he found me two days ago. They asked for as much detail as I could comfortably give about the attack, and I was able to tell a lot since I was so detached.

Once I finished my story, I focused my attention back on Emmett. He looked like an angel as he napped, and I had to thank God once again for his safety throughout this whole ordeal.

Carlisle talked to the officers for a few more minutes. They were talking about "extradition," "embezzlement," "extortion," and "larceny." I had never studied law, so I wasn't sure exactly what they were discussing.

Every question was answered and the officers promised to be in contact within the next week. With it being the weekend, not a whole lot could be done. Carlisle mentioned something about a lawyer, but I knew I didn't have one.

I was thanked for my time and cooperation and Carlisle walked the officers to the door. I leaned back against the couch and closed my eyes. I'm not sure how long I sat there, but I was brought out of my daze when Carlisle knelt in front of me with his hands on my knees.

My eyes met his, and whatever he saw there made him sigh softly.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?" he asked me softly.

I wasn't sure how to answer. I had pushed all of emotions back in order to give my statement, but now it felt as if they were all flooding back.

I finally shook my head "no" as tears started falling down my face. Carlisle lifted Emmett carefully out of my arms and stretched him out on the couch beside me. Before I knew what was happening, Carlisle had me cradled in his lap, holding me tightly.

"It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe here with me. Just let it out."

Carlisle continued holding and comforting me as my tears turned to full out sobs. I realized I had never fully worked through the emotions I had felt when I was with Charles. All of my feelings of pain, despair, and longing were released as I clutched Carlisle sweater lightly in my hand. He had one arm wrapped around me with his hand resting on my thigh as he rubbed comforting patterns with his thumb. His other hand was in my hair as he gently held my head against his shoulder.

"That's it," he whispered. "Let it all out."

It amazed me that Carlisle knew exactly what I needed. I never had the opportunity to work through my emotions before since after I left Charles, I had to be strong for Emmett. Now, I could make myself vulnerable and release everything because I knew Carlisle would keep me safe.

I felt like I was in an impenetrable bubble. As Carlisle whispered his love for me in my ear, I imagined that love being able to protect me from anything I might face in the future. With that imagine in my brain, I was able to calm my breathing and my sobs finally quieted.

Carlisle never loosened his grip on me, even when I was reduced to the occasional sniffle. I finally let go of his sweater and he released my head to hold my hand in his.

"Thank you," I said in a hoarse voice as I placed a small kiss on the side of his neck. Carlisle squeezed me against him and then pulled me back so he could see my face. I looked into his eyes which were now filled with an emotion I couldn't identify.

"Esme, I'm so proud of you. You are, without a doubt, the strongest person I know. I have no idea how you managed to live through what you did and hold yourself together. You did it for your son, and that just proves what an amazing mother you are. And now you have me, so please feel free to let go anytime you need to. I'll be here to support you, or hold you, or be anything you need me to be. If you need a shoulder to cry on or even a punching bag, just call me and I will be by your side in an instant. But I'm going to tell you right now, you should never have to call me because I plan on never letting you go again."

I didn't know if Carlisle was finished with what he had to tell me, but I couldn't take it anymore. I wrapped my good arm around him and held him tightly.

"I love you. So much" I whispered.

"I love you, too," he said as he held on to me. "I can't even wrap my brain around how much I love you. Sometimes, I feel like I might go crazy with this love."

I pulled back from him and smiled. "Well, then we'll have to go crazy together."

I leaned in and softly pressed my lips against his. We stayed molded together until we had to breathe. Carlisle reached up and reverently held my face in his hands.

"I. Love. You," he said once more, punctuating each word with a short kiss.

We looked into each other's eyes again and a big, true smile formed on my face. I broke eye contact finally when I looked over at Emmett. He was still asleep which I suspected. He could sleep through almost anything, apparently including rather loud emotional breakdowns.

"I bet you could use a nap now, hmm?" Carlisle asked me. I did feel completely drained, but I also felt lighter than I had in a long time.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe later."

"Are you sure you're alright now?" Carlisle asked in a serious tone.

"Yes, I'm sure. I feel so much better. I'm ready to leave whenever you are." As much as I was enjoying sitting with Carlisle, I knew we couldn't stay here forever. I needed to get back to my apartment, even though I really didn't want to go back there, and I also needed to see Maggie.

I stood up from Carlisle's lap and he followed. I couldn't resist wrapping myself around him again once we were standing.

"This is never going to get old, is it?" Carlisle pondered as he embraced me.

I shook my head against him. "I don't think so. You're not complaining are you?" I teased lightly.

"Never." He placed a kiss on the top of my head and I stepped back from him. I knew that if we didn't let go soon, we would never go anywhere. I was too content with just sitting or standing in Carlisle's arms.

I grabbed the diaper bag this time while Carlisle picked up the still sleeping Emmett. We walked hand in hand out to the parking lot out to Carlisle's Mercedes.

"Isn't this a bit unethical?" I asked. "A doctor driving off with a patient?"

"I think we're fine," Carlisle laughed. "Technically, you haven't been my patient since my shift ended last night. And even if you were, I don't think anything could prevent me from driving off with you, my dear."

"That's good to know," I said, and I squeezed his hand tighter.

He opened the passenger door for me and helped me get in before going around to the back to fasten Emmett into his car seat. The noise from shutting the door startled Emmett and he slowly opened his eyes. Carlisle went around to the driver's side and got in the car. Once we were both buckled in, we headed toward my apartment.

"Mama?" Emmett asked from the backseat.

"I'm right here, baby." I turned around so he could see me. He smiled lazily at me and then looked out the window.

"Car?" he asked as he pointed down.

"That's right, little man. We are in a car," Carlisle answered while looking at Emmett in the rearview mirror.

Emmett continued identifying what he could as we drove. I would have been a nice car ride except for the fact I was extremely nervous. I had no idea how I was going to react when I went back into my apartment.

Carlisle seemed to sense my anxiety and placed a comforting hand on my knee. I turned to face him and he smiled and nodded- a gesture I took to mean that he would make everything okay. If anyone could help me, it would be him, so I prayed everything would work out.

Carlisle POV

I could tell Esme was becoming more uncomfortable the closer we got to her apartment. She had already had an emotionally draining day, and it was still morning. We still had many things to discuss, including the meeting with the police.

I knew Esme had closed herself off while she was answering questions. When I looked at her after the police left, I noticed how distressed she really was. I encouraged her to release all of her pent-up emotions, and she did. It hurt me to see her in such turmoil with feelings, but I stayed strong for her. Once she had quieted down, she appeared to be relieved, but exhausted. She needed a nap; however, I knew she was right about having things to do.

As we drove I began thinking of solutions for the roadblocks of our future; the major one being Charles. After what the police told me, I was confident in our ability to overcome that hurdle. I just needed to explain the situation to Esme and call the family lawyer. That would have to wait until Monday, but I wasn't worried about Charles posting bail anytime soon.

We also needed to decide what to do about housing. I wanted to ask Esme to move in to my apartment, but I wasn't sure how she would feel about the idea. I had a feeling she would want to say no based on the fact that we weren't married. There was no doubt in my mind that we would be married, and soon, but Esme was not one to compromise her beliefs. My apartment had three bedrooms, so in my mind, we could easily live as roommates, for the time being, and Emmett could also have his own room.

If Esme moved in with me, it would make it much easier for me to help her with Emmett, and we could all grow closer as a family. That was my main goal- to make the three of us into a family.

I pulled into the parking lot of the apartment building, and Esme was still fidgeting in her seat. She had her head down with her eyes closed, taking slow deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

I turned toward her in my seat and rubbed her arm slowly.

"Esme, it will be okay. I promise. Can you look at me, please?" She took another moment to control her breathing and looked up at me. I could see the fear deep in her eyes. I raised my hand and stroked her cheek with the back of it.

"Sweetheart, I know you're afraid to go in there, but I will be with you every step of the way. Now, I have a proposition for you and I would greatly appreciate it if you would hear me out before you make a decision. Can you do that for me?"

After a few moments, Esme nodded her head, and some of her fear dissipated.

"Okay, thank you. So I know your apartment probably holds some great memories in it, but now that this has happened, you are afraid to live there. Am I right?" I waited for her to agree, and when she nodded, I continued.

"You are also going to have challenges taking care of Emmett by yourself. I have already told you that I will help you as much as possible with him and I think it would be easier if you…move in with me." I rushed through the last four words, hoping she could understand even though I was so nervous.

"Carlisle, you want me to move in with you? But we're not married. Well, I am married and I have a baby. There's no way we can live with you."

Esme immediate refusal of my offer was what I expected, and I didn't take it personally.

"You promised you would listen," I countered. Esme didn't say anything else so I continued.

"I do realize we aren't married…yet. And I'm not asking you to share my bed or anything like that. Unless you would want to that is. I'm not opposed to going to sleep and waking beside you every day, but I do have two extra bedrooms. You and Emmett could have your own rooms to decorate as you please." I was hoping that throwing in the idea about decorating would help win her over because I would do anything to get her agree to come home with me.

I could almost see the gears turning in her head as Esme thought about my offer. She finally let out a big sigh, and I knew I was close to winning.

"But Carlisle, what will people think of us? Of you? You're a respected doctor. What will happen when people find out you have another man's wife living with you?" Ah…so this is what it comes down to.

"Esme, does it really matter what other people think?" I didn't wait for her to answer. "I think that our relationship is none of their business. It's between you, me, and God. No one else. It's their own fault if they misjudge us. I am doing nothing wrong and you are doing nothing wrong." I was praying my logic would help.

She reached over the console and grasped my hand. "Well," she smiled softly, "I guess it's not like we're strangers or anything." It was true. We had known each other for nearly a decade.

Her smile made me hopeful. "So does that mean you will come home with me? Please?" I stuck my lower lip out and gave her the most pathetic face I could muster.

Esme laughed and reached up to cup my face in her hand. "Yes, silly man," she said as she leaned over to kiss me. "I will stay with you."

My face morphed into a ridiculous grin. I was hopeful that this would turn our day around.

"See, that wasn't so difficult, was it? Our communication is definitely starting to improve." Esme laughed at me again, and I loved every second of her happiness.

Emmett had been relatively patient through our whole conversation. But at this point he was extremely restless.

"No, no, no, no. Out, out, out, out," he chanted. He was trying desperately to find a way out of his car seat, but he was buckled in securely.

"Alright, alright. I'll get you out. Give me a few seconds there, buddy." I got out and walked around to the other side of the car. I opened Esme's door for her and helped her out then opened the other door to unbuckle Emmett.

Once he was free, he flew into my arms and hugged me tightly. We left all the bags in the car and walked to the door to Maggie's apartment.

When Maggie answered the door, she immediately pulled Esme in for a hug. I had quickly figured out that Maggie was a "hugger," and once she was finished with Esme, she attacked me as well. Emmett was happy to see "Aggie," but was quickly distracted by the toys in the living room. Ben was working, so I followed Emmett around as Esme talked with her neighbor.

Maggie didn't press Esme for the story, but Esme did promise to tell her, just not today. I knew Esme wouldn't be able to handle telling her story again while she was drained emotionally. The conversation then turned to the topic of our relationship, so I tried to tune it out. Unfortunately, it was a rather small apartment, and I heard almost everything. While Esme talked about us, she sounded very happy which made me want to listen just to hear the tone of her voice.

I chuckled lightly when Esme scolded Maggie for giving her baby over to a complete stranger. I had wondered to myself why Maggie would be so trusting. Maggie assured Esme that she could read people, and she also knew me from the picture. I was curious to see this famous picture.

Esme told Maggie about moving in with me, and Maggie was overjoyed to say the least. She offered to help Esme pack whenever she was ready. She also agreed to end the lease at anytime. I was incredibly grateful that Esme had found a good friend when she came to Seattle. Maggie had truly looked after Esme, and I knew nothing would ever be enough to repay her.

Maggie gave Esme the spare key to her apartment, and we left Emmett playing with the toys. We walked slowly toward the correct door, and I could sense the anxiety returning. By the time we were in front of her door, Esme was breathing quickly, and almost shaking. I quickly stood in front of her and rubbed the tops of her arms.

"You're alright, sweetheart. It's just you and me," I assured her. "I promise to keep you safe. Nothing here can hurt you. Nothing."

Esme leaned into me and laid her head against my chest. Her breathing slowly went back to normal, and she handed me the key.

"You do it," she mumbled into my chest.

I pulled her with me as I went closer to the door to unlock it. Once it was unlocked, I opened the door a crack, but didn't go in. I held on to Esme until she pulled back from me. The expression on her face showed that she was resolved to doing this.

"You are so strong, Esme. I love you so much," I said as I planted a kiss on her forehead. "I can hold your hand the whole time if you need me to. I won't let go until you say."

Esme nodded and we walked together into the apartment. In my eyes, nothing looked out of place. The kitchen was the only room that looked even slightly disturbed, and it wasn't that bad. Esme relaxed the longer we were inside, and I had a feeling most of her fear came from the unknown. She didn't know what her home was going to look like, and seeing it look normal relieved her.

I found the picture as we were walking around. It was on the wall in the living room, and it thrilled my heart to see it. The picture looked to have been taken my senior year. I was standing behind Esme with my arms wrapped tightly around her, both of us smiling brightly for the camera. We were young and in love, and seeing the picture brought on a wave of nostalgia. But then I realized that we still had that. The thought alone made me smile.

"What's made you so happy?" Esme asked me with a smile of her own.

"The picture," I replied. "I was thinking that we were young and in love. But then I got the verb wrong. We are young and in love."

Esme sighed and leaned against me. "It is a nice feeling," she said.

"Very nice," I agreed.

We worked together to pack enough for Esme and Emmett to last the weekend. I told Esme we would come back during the next week to pack up the rest of their stuff. As much as Esme was originally opposed to the idea of living with me, I could tell that she was now incredibly excited.

I locked the door on our way out, and Esme appeared much calmer than she was when we first came to the door. We went back to Maggie's to get Emmett and the rest of his stuff that was there. Maggie helped me load everything into the trunk. After another round of hugs, we loaded ourselves into the car and pulled out.

"It's lunch time," I commented when I noticed the clock in the car read 12:15 p.m.

"What would you like to eat?" I asked Esme.

"I don't care. It has been so long since I ate out anywhere. You can pick."

It pained me to know how locked away she had been, first because Charles forced her, and then while she was hiding out. I wanted to pick something good, but not too fancy since it was only Saturday lunch. I was planning on taking her out sometimes soon on a real date.

"The Cheesecake Factory?" Esme asked in surprise as I pulled into a parking space.

"Why not?" I shrugged. "You love cheesecake. Do you remember the last time we came here?"

She smiled and nodded. "After prom," she answered softly.

"Yes and I haven't been here since then, so this is a perfect location for our first date."

She laughed at me. "Carlisle, I'm pretty sure we have been on too many dates for this to be considered our first."

I got out of the car and walked around to help Esme out before getting the diaper bag and lifting Emmett out of his seat. I was overjoyed that Emmett was becoming more comfortable around me. He didn't shy away from me anymore and never hid his face.

I held Esme's hand as we walked to the entrance. "Well, we have been on many dates," I said as I motioned between the two of us. "But the three of us have never been on a date before, so this is the first."

Esme laughed, but did not dispute my reasoning.

We had to wait a short time for a table, so Esme and I tried to find ways to occupy Emmett. Thankfully, there was a book in the diaper bag, and Emmett sat still for Esme to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? I was amazed to listen to Emmett correctly identify all the animals and the colors.

Our table was ready soon after the book was finished, and we didn't have to wait long for our food once we ordered. Esme and I both had chicken salad sandwiches, and she ordered Emmett his own plate of pasta with marinara sauce. Lucky for us, there was a clean big in the diaper bag that prevented the unavoidable mess from getting on his clothes. After finishing our meals, I ordered a slice of original cheesecake for us to split. Esme allowed me to feed her small bites of the delicious dessert. The scene was intimate, yet perfectly innocent, and I loved being able to do something for her.

We weren't able to finish our slice, so we requested a box to take it home in. After paying the bill, we loaded back into the car and headed toward my apartment. I was ready to sit and relax with Esme and let Emmett run around to let out some of his energy. The two people who were now the most important in my life were coming home with me, and I couldn't imagine the day getting any better.