Her Time

𝒞𝒽. Five

Three Weeks Later:

The air hung thick with anticipation as Annabelle stood before Carlisle's majestic home. Three weeks had passed since their fateful encounter, and now, she was about to meet the family who held his heart. A wave of apprehension washed over her, the fear of getting too close, only to be ripped away, a familiar ache echoing in her chest.

"Carlisle, are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty. Her eyes, reflecting the warm sunlight, were fixated on the sprawling mansion, a testament to a life she could only dream of.

Carlisle, ever the gentle soul, moved to her side, his hand gently brushing against hers. "What do you mean?" he questioned, his voice a soothing balm to her troubled mind.

"Meeting your children... is it a good idea, me being here?" Her voice faltered, the unspoken fear hanging heavy in the air. "I don't want to get attached, only to have them snatched away from me."

Carlisle, sensing her vulnerability, cupped her cheeks in his warm hands, his gaze penetrating the depths of her soul. "Annabelle, that's what you're worried about? You're afraid I'll take them from you?" His voice was a low rumble, laced with a deep concern that resonated within her.

When Annabelle remained silent, Carlisle's grip tightened slightly, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "I will never hurt you like that. No matter what happens between us, your place in their lives is secure." His words were a firm promise, a shield against her anxieties.

A small smile touched Annabelle's lips, hope flickering in her eyes. "Promise?" she whispered, a childlike wonder in her voice.

Carlisle's eyes met hers, mirroring the same hope. He nodded, his voice unwavering. "I promise."

"Good," she said, reaching up to kiss his cheek, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'd hate to have to hurt you, Dr. Cullen." With that, she turned towards the front door, ready to face the unknown.

The door swung open, revealing a whirlwind of energy in the form of a radiant young woman. Alice, with her topaz eyes and spiky hair, was a beacon of joy, pulling Annabelle into a tight embrace.

"Carlisle! You're home! And you brought Annabelle!" Alice squealed, her voice brimming with excitement. "I'm so glad you're here! I can't believe I finally get to meet you!" She pulled away, holding Annabelle at arm's length, her eyes sparkling. "You're far more beautiful than I imagined."

Annabelle blushed, her gaze flitting around the room, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of warmth and affection.

Rosalie, with her ethereal beauty and quiet grace, stepped forward, pulling Annabelle into a comforting embrace. "It's so good to see you again, Annabelle." Her voice, though soft, held a genuine kindness that surprised Annabelle.

"It is, isn't it? I've missed you at the office." Annabelle replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

"I've missed you too," Rosalie said, her voice softening. "But with school and homework, I barely have enough free time."

"Well, if you need any help, I'd love to assist you in any way that I can," Annabelle offered, her heart warmed by the budding friendship.

Rosalie's smile widened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "That would be great!" She pulled Annabelle into another embrace, this time longer and tighter, shocking the Cullen family into silence. Never had they seen Rosalie so openly affectionate with anyone outside their family, especially a human. The memory of Isabella still lingered, a bittersweet reminder of their past.

"Alright, that's enough, you girls have hogged Ms. Annabelle long enough, it's the guys' turn!" Emmett boomed, his deep voice echoing through the house. Before Annabelle could react, she found herself being lifted off the ground, pressed against something solid and cold.

"Emmett!" Carlisle's voice was a mix of amusement and reprimand.

Annabelle chuckled softly, placing her hands on Emmett's broad shoulders. "It's fine, Dr. Cullen. I find Emmett... very fun and happy. It's quite refreshing after a long day at the hospital, surrounded by death and sickness." Her words were light, masking the weariness she carried within.

Carlisle watched her with a fond smile, his heart swelling with pride. One by one, his children and granddaughter greeted Annabelle, each offering their own unique brand of warmth and acceptance.

"So, Annabelle, you must be very smart to be twenty-five and a doctor," Emmett said, a wide, gap-toothed grin on his face.

Annabelle smiled, a touch of shyness in her voice. "Though I appreciate the compliment, Emmett, I don't really consider myself as smart as everyone assumes. I'm just... observant and I have a good memory."

"You have to give yourself more credit, Anni," Carlisle said, his voice laced with admiration. He caught the confused look on Annabelle's face, noticing the slight frown that creased her brow.

"Anni?" She questioned, her voice laced with a hint of surprise.

Carlisle, realizing his slip, cleared his throat, a hint of embarrassment coloring his eyes. "I'm sorry, if that makes you uncomfortable..."

"Carlisle, it's fine, really," Annabelle assured him, a gentle smile softening her features. "It's just a name, actually, I like it better than Anna."

A genuine smile lit up Carlisle's face. "Really?"

She nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Really... Carli."

The words hung in the air, followed by a chorus of laughter, even Carlisle couldn't suppress a chuckle. The sound filled the grand space, a symphony of joy and acceptance.

"Anni and Carli... I like it," Alice chirped, her voice filled with delight.

"Of course YOU do, Alice," Emmett boomed, his grin widening.

The laughter continued, filling the house with a warmth that Annabelle had never known before. It was the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter where she was welcomed, accepted, and loved, not just by Carlisle, but by his entire family.