A/N: Broken record time: Thank you so much for all of the reviews! They really are great motivation to write. I would have had this chapter out a little sooner, but my piano started back last night (I'm starting Clair de Lune this fall so I'm really excited!)
I'm really glad I separated this chapter from the last one. It would have been a monster (10,000+ words.) I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
Song for chapter: A Twist in My Story by Secondhand Serenade
And I'm longing, for words to describe how I'm feeling
I'm feeling inspired
My world just flip turned upside down
It turns around, say what's that sound
It's my heart beat, it's getting much louder
My heart beat, is stronger than ever
I'm feeling so alive, I'm feeling so alive
My whispers turn to shouting
The shouting turns to tears
Your tears turn into laughter
And it takes away our fears
So you see, this world doesn't matter to me
I'll give up all I had just to breathe
The same air as you till the day that I die
I can't take my eyes off of you
Carlisle POV
Our meeting with Liam went better than I had expected it to, even with the new shocking information. I knew Charles Evenson was a monster, but I had no idea he would actually want to kill his wife. It was nice to know he would more than likely be going to prison for a long time; someone like him didn't deserve to roam freely.
Esme's panic attack was understandable, and I was proud of her for being able to breathe through the attack without it becoming more serious. My thoughts had been headed toward panic, also. I didn't want to imagine how close I had come to losing the two people who meant everything to me.
After we picked up Emmett, I could tell we both felt better having him back with us. It's one thing to know in your head someone is safe, but until you see it with your own eyes, it's hard to fully believe.
I wanted to think of a good way to spend the afternoon. The morning had been filled with anxiety, so I knew we needed something to relieve the stress. Unlike yesterday, the weather was actually fairly pleasant. The sun wasn't really out, but the rain had stopped and the temperature was back up to a decent one for a spring day. I decided a picnic in the park would be a relaxing way to spend lunch.
When we got back to the apartment, Esme seemed worn down. I hated that we continually had to go through things that left her so emotionally drained. Hopefully, this would be the last time for her to experience such turmoil.
"Why don't you lie down on the couch and rest for a few minutes while I make lunch?" I suggested once we were inside. Esme agreed, so I took Emmett into the kitchen with me while Esme headed for the living room.
I filled a sippy cup with apple juice for Emmett before pouring Esme a glass of water and grabbing a pill bottle. I gave Emmett his cup and he immediately went to play with his toys. Esme gratefully accepted the pain medication which I knew she needed. After her erratic breathing early, her chest was probably very sore.
I went back to the kitchen and started making lunch. The turkey and cheese sandwiches weren't difficult for me to make, and I quickly had a cooler filled with the sandwiches, pretzels, grapes, and bottles of water. I didn't want to make anything too filling since I knew Carmen would probably cook enough food to feed a small army. I grabbed a thick blanket from the closet, and went to the living room to tell Esme I was ready.
"Where are we going?" she asked as I was loading the trunk. "I thought we were eating at home."
"Well, I did make the food at home, but I thought a picnic at the park might be nice."
Esme face lit up upon hearing my plans, and she agreed that it was a good idea. The drive to the park was short, and when we arrived, Esme found a nice spot for us next to a large maple tree. I spread the blanket out, and we sat down to enjoy our lunch.
Emmett loved being outside, trying to chase squirrels, and picking up everything he could get his hands on. Esme finally had to pull him down into her lap to wipe his hands off and get him to eat his lunch. After being still for a few minutes, Emmett's eyes became droopy. Right after he finished his food, he fell asleep on the blanket, stretched out on his stomach. Apparently he had missed his morning nap and was making up for it.
While Emmett was sleeping, Esme and I started playing our new favorite game of feeding each other. We started out gently placing grapes into each other's mouths, but that changed when Esme tried to throw one into my mouth and missed. A war soon began and only ended once all the grapes were either eaten or scattered on the ground around us.
Our laughter left us relaxed. I leaned against the tree and pulled Esme between my legs with her back against my chest. I nuzzled my nose into her hair and began tracing light patterns on her stomach with my fingertips. She stared squirming when my movements started tickling her, so I stopped and just held her tightly.
"Are you satisfied with what Liam is going to offer Charles?" I asked softly after we had been resting in silence for a few minutes.
She intertwined her fingers with mine and squeezed my hand.
"I'm fairly positive I am satisfied," she answered. "As long as Emmett is safe and I am free, I can't imagine anything else I need to happen."
I looked at Emmett's sleeping form and then at the beautiful woman in my arms. They were the most important things to me, so I could understand what she meant.
"I understand," I sighed. "That is also what I want- for the two of you to be safe. But I can't help but feel slightly bitter about Charles not getting the most severe penalty for what he did to you and for what he almost did. I just can't believe how close I came to losing you forever." My voice broke a little at the end and Esme shifted so she was sitting sideways in my lap with her head against my chest.
"Shh, Carlisle. You will never lose me. I'm here with you, completely safe." She placed our intertwined hands over her chest where I could actually feel her heart beating. I smiled a little at the fact that she was using some of the same lines I constantly used to calm her on me. Her heartbeat grounded me, assuring me she was safe, alive. Charles would never hurt her again.
I kissed her temple and left my lips there. "Thank you," I mumbled into her skin before pulling back and smiling down at her.
"You're welcome. And I can see what you mean. It would be fair for Charles to go to prison for the rest of his life for what he did to me, but I think the important thing is that he will go to prison for something. At least this way, he can't hurt anyone else, and I think it will be good having him thousands of miles away from us."
"And you think I always know what to say," I chuckled. "You're pretty good at it, too."
"I learned from the best." She leaned up to kiss me, and I gladly reciprocated. The feel of her lips against mine also helped further ground me to the present.
When we released each other, she cupped my face in her hand and looked up at me.
"I love you," she said, smiling at me with her eyes completely filled with love and devotion.
"I love you, too, sweetheart. I love you so much."
"Now, I think we should move on to lighter topics such as tonight. Have you planed my big 'reveal' yet?"
Esme effectively changed the topic, and we spent the next half hour brainstorming until we came up with an idea we both agreed on. I thought it was a creative, yet sweet idea, and I could only hope it would work.
After enjoying our afternoon in the park, we finally decided to head back. I gathered our picnic supplies and Emmett before loading up the car and driving home.
I had just begun to think of my apartment as "home." Before, it was just a place where I stayed when I wasn't working. With Esme there; however, it felt so different. She provided warmth wherever she was, and I was grateful she was with me. Having Emmett around also provided a sense of "home" I had never experienced before. I actually wanted to be there now, and was slightly dreading going back to work.
When we were back home, I unpacked the cooler while Emmett continued his nap on my bed and Esme took a quick shower. I finished with my task and was about to go check on Emmett when I heard small footsteps behind me. I turned around to see Emmett standing with tears running down his cheeks.
As soon as I turned around, he practically ran to me and held his arms up, wanting me to hold him. I quickly scooped him into my arms and held him tightly against me. I felt him relax, and I hoped I was doing something right.
"What's wrong, buddy?" I asked him as I rubbed his back. "Were you scared?" He nodded against my chest.
"It's okay, baby. You don't have to be scared. I'm right here and Mommy is in the other room." I wasn't sure if he had a nightmare or woke up disoriented. Whatever had happened left him looking for comfort that he found in me.
Emmett offering smiles and kisses was nothing compared to him wanting the comfort I offered. He was showing his complete trust in me, and I couldn't feel more thankful. This was where I had wanted our relationship to go. I was hoping one day Emmett would see me as his "Daddy."
After he calmed down, I wiped his face with a tissue, removing all traces of his crying except his pink nose.
"All better now?" I asked. Emmett gave me one of his should be famous grins, and I stole his pacifier so I could see it better. I kissed the tip of his nose, and he leaned forward to give me a sloppy kiss back.
"Go pay?" he asked me, clearly in a much happier mood.
"Sure thing, little man. You can go play." I carried him into the living room and put him down on the floor. He immediately went to his toys and started playing.
Esme returned from her shower and joined us in the living room, filling the air with the scent of her vanilla shower gel and lotion. She was wearing lounge wear, and she had managed to blow dry her hair. She was clearly proud of her accomplishment as she walked toward me and I embraced her.
I placed my nose against her hair and breathed deeply before placing a gently kiss there and hugging her tightly.
"Did he just wake up?" she asked me, looking over at Emmett playing in the floor.
"He woke up a few minutes ago," I explained. "He found me in the kitchen. Something scared him, but he calmed down quickly."
Esme looked at me, her face beaming with pride. "I'm so happy Em is comfortable around you. At first I was worried about how he would act since he has never been around men very much. The only man I ever interact with is Benjamin, but he works a lot, and Emmett doesn't see him often. But you're perfect with him. He really loves you, and thank you for loving him back."
"I should be thanking you for allowing me to love him, although, I know I wouldn't be able to stop even if you asked me to."
"Don't worry," she said. "I would never ask that of you."
Esme took Emmett to her room so she could watch him while she finished getting ready. I took a quick shower and dressed in a pair of khaki shorts with a light green polo shirt.
After I was ready, I went to find Esme in her room. She was already dressed and looked absolutely beautiful, even though I always thought she did. Her dress had short sleeves and was blue with small black designs. The dress hugged her in all the right places while still remaining modest. Her hair was smooth, with the ends that were past her shoulders showing their slight natural curl. She had also put on a little bit of make-up. Her natural beauty was perfect without the additives, but the thin layer did cover her yellowing bruises nicely.
"Is this okay?" she asked me, spinning in a small circle.
I smiled and nodded before taking her in my arms. "You look beautiful as always," I responded honestly.
"This isn't too much, is it? I wasn't sure what to wear, and I really don't have that much to choose from."
"No," I shook my head, "this is perfect. Although, I think they are going to be too excited to see you to even notice what you are wearing."
I started making plans in my head to take Esme on a shopping trip. She would need more clothes for the summer especially now that she could actually get out and do things again.
Together we dressed Emmett in a pair of blue and white checked shorts and a t-shirt with grasshoppers on it. Esme packed his bag while I put his sandals on him.
Once we were ready, I looked at my watch and saw that we were actually early. I decided we could go ahead and leave anyway. This would give us time to enjoy our ride out to the suburbs.
As I drove, Esme asked me for a short update on Carmen and Eleazar since a lot had changed in eight years. She already knew about Eleazar becoming a pastor while still keeping his position on the board of directors of the hospital. Carmen had recently retired from teaching elementary school, and now filled her days with gardening and church activities. They had recently moved further away from the city into a much larger house. This gave them plenty of room for when their daughter Kate's family came to visit.
Time and distance flew by, and before we knew it, we were pulling into the driveway. I had noticed Esme becoming more nervous as the trip progressed, and now as we sat in the still car, she was practically bouncing in her seat.
"Don't be nervous, sweetheart. It's going to be fine."
She turned to look at me. "I know. I just can't help but be a little bit nervous. It's been eight years. I have no idea what they are going to think of me, but I'm so excited to see them."
"Esme, they never stopped loving you, and they are going to be so excited to see you and to meet Emmett. You just wait. Carmen is not going to put Emmett down the whole evening."
She visibly relaxed a little, so I took that as I sign to get out of the car. She waited patiently for me while I went around to open the door for her. I also got Emmett out of his car seat and grabbed the diaper bag.
"Do you think this will work?" she whispered as we walked hand in hand to the door.
"I think it will. Just go with the plan and if that doesn't work, we'll play it by ear."
When we got to the wrap-around porch, Esme took her position while I walked with Emmett to ring the doorbell. I didn't wait for Carmen to answer the door. Instead, I sat down with Emmett on the swing, effectively completing the first part of the plan.
Emmett looked around while we waited, curiously taking in his new surroundings. He pointed at things he saw and tried to ask what everything was, so I took his pacifier out. This way I could understand him better, and it would make the plan a little easier.
I didn't take too long before I heard the door begin to open and Carmen stepped out. Emmett hid his head on my shoulder when he saw the new person. I chuckled softly and rubbed his back, remembering when his shyness was directed at me.
"Carlisle, you're early," Carmen said while looking at her wrist to check the time. "You know you can just come in. I was still working in the kitchen."
Carmen was also wearing a dress and her thick, black hair was pulled into a knot at the base of her neck. Even with the small lines on her face, she still looked as youthful as ever. Her dark eyes sparkled with her love of life, something I'm sure was amplified by her family.
"I wanted to sit out here for a while. Come join me. There's someone I'd like you to meet." I patted the seat beside me.
Carmen closed the door behind her, and I saw a small smile cross her lips as she noticed the toddler snuggled into my chest.
"And who do we have here?" she asked after she sat down.
"This is Emmett." I offered no further explanation, waiting on Carmen to begin her endless questions.
"Well hello, Emmett. I'm glad you came to eat dinner with us." Emmett turned his head to look at Carmen, while still keeping half his face hidden. He must have smiled at her because Carmen smiled and waved to him. He then hid his whole face again like I expected him to. I laughed and kissed his head while I held him tightly and rocked side to side.
Carmen looked at me with her eyebrow raised. I knew she had questions about this child I was showing such affection for, so I waited patiently for her to ask.
"I thought you said you were bringing two guests to dinner. Where is the other one?" Her question was not the one I expected her to begin with, but it didn't cause me to have to deviate from the plan.
"She will be joining us shortly," I said simply. This caused her to look even more shocked. I purposely did not tell her the gender of the guests I was bringing, and I knew she didn't really think I would bring a woman home.
Emmett was slowly losing his bashfulness at this point and was squirming around on my lap.
"May I?" Carmen asked, with her arms stretched out.
I shifted Emmett to face Carmen. He seemed to recognize that she wanted to hold him, so he went to her without a fuss. I studied Carmen's face as she held Emmett, hoping this next stage of the plan would work.
"Aren't you a sweet boy!" she exclaimed. Emmett basked in her attention and smiled largely for her.
"And you're so happy!" She played and talked to Emmett for a few more minutes before I noticed something change in her face. I smiled knowing she was about to discover a wonderful surprise.
"Carlisle, he's a beautiful baby," she looked over at me before turning back to Emmett.
"Yes you are. You're so handsome," she said in a high pitched voice I often heard her use for her grandchildren. "Look at your smile…and those dimples…and…your…eyes." Her voice slowly became softer, and I knew from her face the moment she figured it out. Her eyes filled with tears and she quickly looked over at me.
"Where is she?" she asked me softly.
"Where is who?" I asked back, playing dumb. I took Emmett back into my arms, knowing it would be safer for him there during what would soon be happening.
"Where is she?" she asked once more, this time a little louder.
"I'm sorry. I'm not sure I know who you are talking about."
She knew I was playing dumb, and it was making her angry.
"Carlisle Edward Cullen! Stop playing this instant! Tell. Me. Where. She. Is." Her requested had started as a growl, but ended softly as she tried not to breakdown. At this point, Carmen had her fist at her mouth, trying to hold back her sobs. Our plan had been successful.
"Okay, sweetheart," I called. "You can come out now. She's figured us out."
Carmen looked at me in disbelief with tears streaming down her face. I nodded my head toward the other end of the porch and she quickly turned to look over there as well.
Esme slowly stepped out from her hiding place, her own tears flowing down her face. Carmen jumped out of the swing as soon as she saw her and ran across the porch. As the two women collided and embraced each other, I wished Esme would have taken some pain medicine before we left even though she probably didn't notice the pain at this point.
I watched as Carmen and Esme held on to each other tightly, sobbing together. Neither one of them could get any words out, but none were needed. Carmen finally pulled back slightly to look at Esme's face.
"You're here?" Carmen questioned through her tears. "You're really here?"
Esme could only smile and nod which made Carmen pull her into her arms again.
"Oh, my darling. I've missed you so much. So much. You're home now. You're back with us. Thank you, Jesus." Carmen continued to mumble as she cried with her daughter who had been missing for so long.
Emmett was not sure what to think of this whole exchange in front of him. He looked to them and back at me several times before focusing on the yard where a few birds were hopping around. He struggled to get down out of my lap, but I kept him firmly placed there, knowing we were about to go inside. He tried to fight his way out of my arms until I finally stood up with him. Carmen and Esme noticed my movement and both looked at me.
"I'm just going to take him inside," I explained. "You take all the time you need."
"Oh! I almost forgot about dinner," Carmen laughed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "We can head inside, if that's alright with you."
Esme nodded and wiped her own eyes. I held my hand out for her, and she walked to me and accepted it. I gently kissed her forehead and she smiled at me.
Emmett was still struggling to get down and becoming fussy. I expected a tantrum to begin, but Carmen came up and held her arms out for him.
"Come to Nana, sweet boy," she said, and Emmett went to her. Esme looked at me and I squeezed her hand as if to say "I told you so." I knew Carmen would have no problems accepting Emmett into the family. She gave him a kiss, and brushed the hair off of his forehead.
"His looks so much like you," Carmen said to Esme in awe. "And I know we have a lot to catch up on, but are you here for good or is just a visit?"
I could tell Carmen was praying Esme was here for good. We had all lost her once, and didn't want it to happen again.
"There is so much to tell, but don't worry. I'm here to stay," Esme answered, speaking the first time since the reunion.
"You bet you're here to stay," I whispered in her ear. "Wild horses could not drag you away from me." She giggled softly before kissing me on the cheek. I wasn't going to settle for that, so I turned my head to kiss her fully on the lips.
Carmen watched our exchange and became teary eyed again. I hated to see her cry almost as much as I hated to see Esme cry, even if it was out of happiness.
"So where is Eleazar?" I asked, hoping to distract her and because I really was curious as to his whereabouts.
"He's out back grilling the chicken. We need to find him. Oh, Esme, he's going to be so excited to see you and this little one as well." She bounced Emmett on her hip which made him laugh.
Carmen opened the door, and we followed her inside. I noticed Esme studying the décor of the house. I was so glad she had been able to get a job doing something she enjoyed so much.
"Eleazar!" Carmen yelled. "Eleazar, we have company!" We both chuckled at her loud, boisterous nature, something that had not changed through the years. Movement was heard in the kitchen, so we followed Carmen in that direction.
"E, she's home and we have a new grandbaby," Carmen said as she entered the kitchen. Eleazar had his bag turned to us. He was cutting up the chicken which had just been on the grill.
"What are you talking about, Menny? Who is home? I thought Katie wasn't coming until next month. And how can we have a new grandbaby already? That Janie is only four months old. I'm pretty sure it can't happen this fast."
I laughed silently at his confusion. Carmen was being cryptic because of her excitement.
"No, Eleazar. Not Katie. Look."
Eleazar finally turned around and gasped as he saw the two of us standing behind Carmen holding Emmett.
Eleazar also hadn't changed much over the years. His dark hair was graying slightly at his temples, and he had a few wrinkles, but other than that, he looked the same as he always had. He might have gained a few pounds in the waist, but it wasn't too noticeable with his tall frame, and no one could blame him for Carmen's delicious cooking. Esme's cooking could compete with my aunt, so I knew it would only be a matter of time before I put on a few extra pounds, and I would never complain.
I had never seen my uncle speechless before, but there was always a first time for everything. He looked to Carmen and she smiled and nodded.
"Ezzie…" His soft whisper of his nickname for her was all it took for tears to form in Esme's eyes again. She slowly released my hand and crossed the room to him. He met her halfway and immediately wrapped his arms around her. She cried against him as he rested his cheek against her hair.
"Oh, honey, we've missed you so much," he said softly, his voice full of emotion. "Are you really back with us?"
"Yes, E," she answered. "I'm finally home."
"That's wonderful. We've prayed for this for so long." They continued to embrace each other, and I even saw a few tears escape Eleazar's eyes.
Emmett was becoming weary of the situation. I knew it must be difficult to understand why everyone seemed to be upset around him. His little lip started trembling, and he started trying to get out of Carmen's arms.
I reached for him and he quickly came to me. He placed his head on my shoulder, and I could hear the beginnings of sobs.
"It's okay, little man," I comforted him. "Everyone's okay."
Esme extracted herself from Eleazar's arms after one last tight hug and a kiss to her head. Carmen offered her a tissue which she used to wipe her eyes before coming over to Emmett and me.
I passed Emmett to her, and she smiled in thanks.
"You're alright, Monkey. Mommy's here," she said softly into his ear. "Nothing's wrong, baby."
I was once again amazed by how quickly Esme's voice could calm her son. Emmett was back to smiling and kissing her in no time.
Carmen suggested that we eat dinner before it was too cold, so we followed her into the dinner room where the table was already set. She removed one of the place settings and brought in the high chair they used for their grandchildren. Emmett was once again comfortable with Carmen, so she placed the high chair next to her.
Our dinner of grilled chicken, baked potatoes, and green beans was delicious, not that I expected anything different. The conversation at the table stayed light and happy, which I was thankful for. I knew Esme would eventually want to share her story with Carmen and Eleazar, but tonight probably wouldn't be the best time. I wanted her to just enjoy being with the family that was so grateful to have her back.
After we were all stuffed to capacity, we went to relax in the den. We were only sitting for a few minutes before Carmen whisked Esme away to show her the rest of the house and fill her in on Kate in her family. Esme didn't know Kate that well since she was three years older than me and was already away at college when Esme and I met. Esme had only seen her a couple of times during holidays, but she listen attentively as Carmen talked about her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids.
Kate had gone to college to be a nurse. She met her now husband, Garrett through mutual friends. He was a general contractor, and they now had three kids. Corin, the oldest was now four. Riley was two and Jane, the baby, was four months. Even though I was technically only their cousin, the kids considered me their uncle, and I considered them my nieces and nephew. Last week if someone would have asked me, I would have said Kate and Garrett were crazy for having three kids in such a short time. Now, however, I understood. I couldn't wait to expand mine and Esme's family together.
My uncle, Emmett, and I were left in the den. Emmett had warmed up to Eleazar as well, and he giggled as Eleazar bounced him on his knees. The room was already baby proofed, so Emmett was allowed to explore to his heart's content.
I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I thought about the happiness now in this home. We had managed to stay upbeat through the years, but something was always off, missing. Now the missing piece was filled in, and the gloomy cloud was permanently lifted.
"You two seem very happy with each other," Eleazar pondered thoughtfully.
"We are," I answered. "I can't remember a time when I was this happy."
Eleazar looked at me with a serious expression. "Carlisle, I'm certainly happy for you. And I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you."
His sentiment caught me off guard, but I continued to listen.
"Everything in the world has tried to discourage you. Get you to give up your belief that Esme is the one for you. But you never gave up. You remained faithful to the idea that she is who God created to be your perfect match. I can honestly say that I believe you, and I admire your unfailing trust. Your parents would be so proud of you."
His words brought tears to my eyes which I quickly blinked away.
"Thank you, E," I said, coughing away the lump in my throat. "That means a lot to me."
"So, where is his father?" he asked, non-judgmentally, as he looked toward Emmett who was beating his hands playfully on the coffee table.
My first reaction to the question was to say that I'm right here, but I knew he meant Emmett's biological father.
"At the moment, he's in jail."
He looked thoughtful for a minute before giving me a sad smile.
"I'm just going to guess that the cast she has and those bruises on her face are no coincidence?" he questioned.
I shook my head sadly. "No they're not. She's been through so much, but that is her story to tell which she will when she is ready."
He nodded. "No worries. We won't pressure her into anything, but we will be here to support her anytime she does want to talk."
"That's what I told her, and she does want to tell you. Tonight is probably not the best time, though. A happy evening together is much preferable."
Esme and Carmen returned shortly, talking animatedly about Esme's job. After thoroughly discussing color schemes and other things I really didn't understand, the conversation turned to me and the hospital. I explained that I had the weekend off, but had to work in the morning. Carmen quickly asked if she could spend the day with Esme while I worked. Esme was delighted with the prospect of spending more time with her, and having someone to help with Emmett.
Time slipped away without us realizing, but when Emmett started falling asleep in Carmen's lap, we knew it was time to leave. After a few lingering hugs, we loaded into the car and drove toward home. The car ride was mostly silent, but no words were needed. We both wore identical smiles that said everything for us.
Once we were home, I carried Emmett inside and we changed him for bed. He didn't stir at all and continued sleeping peacefully once we placed him in his bed. Esme and I quickly changed for bed also and then assumed our usual nighttime position on the couch.
We didn't sit for long because both of us were exhausted from the long day, and I had to work in the morning. We did talk for a while about dinner. Esme was still ecstatic about seeing my aunt and uncle again. I was extremely happy our reveal plan had worked, but it was Esme's idea to use Emmett since he did favor her so much. Esme admitted that she now felt a little silly for worrying about how Carmen and Eleazar would feel about Emmett. To them, he was already a grandchild for them to love on.
We finally decided to head to bed, and Esme groaned as she stood up.
"Too many hugs?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around her.
"Maybe just one too many," she admitted rather reluctantly.
"I'll bring you a pain pill if you want to go get in bed now." She nodded and left the room.
I fixed her a glass of water and retrieved a pill from the bottle to take to her. When I got to her room, she was already under laying down under the covers. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling. I thought she might already be asleep, but she opened her eyes when she heard me enter the room. She took the pill I offered and swallowed it quickly.
"Goodnight," I whispered as I leaned down to kiss her. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," she whispered back. "I love you."
"I love you, too." We kissed once more before I left the room.
I crawled into my own bed which was starting to feel empty, especially knowing Esme was only a few yards away from me. I was hopeful that Liam would be able to help convince Charles to go with the deal being offered. I couldn't wait for the day I could propose to Esme properly and make her my wife. That day would especially make all the lost years worth it.
Sleep quickly claimed me, and my dreams were once again filled with hopes of our future together which was now even closer than before.