Carlisle-Esme, after Alice-Carlisle.

[ofthefamily]

About half an hour after Alice and Jasper had left for the weekend, Rosalie and Emmett suggested they take their own little weekend away before Carlisle had even suggested it. With Edward out of the house with Isabella, Esme and Carlisle are the only two in the house.

"Esme?"

" -- Hmm?" Esme is bent over her laptop.

"Do you have plans tonight?"

"No. Should I?"

"Perhaps we should."








Esme walks down the staircase in a blue cocktail dress, still confused as to what Carlisle's plans might be. After everything that has happened of late, the last time that Esme and Carlisle were just Esme and Carlisle was quite some time ago.

Carlisle for his part is waiting at the bottom of the steps in a grey waistcoat and black trousers, sleeves rolled up to elbows and he wastes no time in reaching for Esme's hand to lead her down the last few feet.

"I do love you. And this dress. But mostly you." It makes Esme laugh.

"Are you trying to be charming?"

"It's an effort, certainly," Carlisle admits. "Will you let me know if it works?"

"You're smart enough to work that out yourself, Doctor Cullen."