Carlisle and Esme

11. The Silver Linings of Monsters

Chapter Eleven

It had been two years of courtship. I was completely besotted with Esme, very much in love with her. And as every day passed, I fell more in love with her. I knew I wanted to marry her. One day, after my shift, I walked to the jewellers and chose an elegant engagement ring. A silver band with her favourite gemstone in it, a small collection of little real rubies. I got a silver velvet box to keep it safe in and put it in my pocket. I wasn't sure when I would be able to pop the question but I was determined to do it soon. I walked home, wondering how to do it but the question left my mind when I walked into the house. Edward was sat on the couch, head in his hands. Esme was sat on the arm of the chair, a hand rubbing his back.

"Edward? What's happened?" I stood in front of them both.

"I can't... I can't be a monster anymore..."

"Edward, you're not a monster. You are anything but a monster." Edward shook his head. He had an agonized look on his face.

"I took too much human life... I can't do it anymore... To see them react to me like that... I never want that again." His head dropped again.

"What are you trying to say?" Esme whispered. Edward looked at Esme then to me.

"Will you let me come back?" I felt my heart swell with pride.

"Always." I pulled him into an embrace and he hugged me back.

"Thanks Dad..." He whispered. He then looked at Esme. "I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" She asked.

"Charles is dead..."

"How do you know?" She gasped.

"I... I killed him..." Edward swallowed. "I didn't realise it was him at first but because you thought of him once before, I recognised him and by then it was too late."

"He's DEAD?" Esme looked so relieved that it surprised me and Edward both.

"Yes...?"

"Oh Edward!" Esme hugged him tightly. "Thank you... You have no idea how much all of this has affected my ability to LIVE..." She looked at me and I saw the love in her eyes for ME and for our son. She was free at last. And now I could-

"Oh my God! Dad, I'm so sorry!" Edward groaned as he read my thoughts. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Don't be stupid."

"What did I miss?" Esme asked, looking confused.

"Nothing." I smiled at her, taking her in my arms and gently kissing her lips. Edward smiled, looking down at the floor. Esme caught his embarrassment and her eyes narrowed.

"We have to find you a partner to be with." She told him. I smiled at Esme's maternal instincts. She wanted Edward to be as happy as we were. But our challenge was accepted.