Beautifully written. I'm enjoying this look into the Cullen's past immensely. Thank you.

What a beautiful to close this storythank you!

Wow. “Slowly, in gentle hugs of breaths and warm slides of lips and fingers, the universe was remade. Wisps of sensation coalesces into threads and wove together...”

Yes, I snorted out my coffee reading this line, “it’s not possible to speak too little about that bath, Carlisle.” LOL!

I haven’t even finished this chapter yet, but wanted to note that you use parentheses brilliantly. I think back to one of your earlier chapters that usedhissin conjunction with descriptive statementsmade the prose walk right off the page, it was so alive.

I’ve been so enthralled with this story, and the beautifully blossoming romance between these two that I haven’t stopped to reviewapologies.

The subtlety of their relationship is exquisite. And the unresolved tension is equally (and enjoyably) maddening.

I blame my lack of sleep on this excellent story

Thank you for a wonderful look at their early years. Grandmother's tea was a nice touch for Esme. Edward and Shoeless Joe. The slow romance between Carlisle and Esme rather than the immediate spark and lust. How hard it must have been for Edward not to nudge them more. The close call with Edward and not fast enough for Esme. The build up of emotions for Edward that pushed him into leaving and then the build up to realize error and go home.

wonderful ring and proposal

come on Esme and Carlisle wake up to the mutual attraction. Good insight from Esme.

I was hoping it was Garrett.

so good to read Esme telling Carlisle her history. Edward did a good job. Nice visit to Rachel and taking a letter back to Esme.

Sooo many things to comment on: the flowers! So true.

Edward is both realistic and hilarious.

Delightful!

Holy molyI never even considered that possibility for Esme’s thinking as she changed. I’m goose fleshed!

Five days away does give him time to change Esme. Nice visit with Eleazar and Carmen, was nice prelude to finding Esme.

Nice to see someone else wonder about that book and the dates in it; Rosalie's change date is not the only thing inconsistent.
I find it interesting to read some really early fan fic stories before all four books were out. One just needs to check the dates and understand the differences.
Edward seems to be typical 17yo that has bunch going on in head and doesn't know how to talk it about it or who to talk with. Something that he never learns to do. Very canon. Poor boy. Understandable that he needs some time away from Carlisle to discern his own thoughts and figure out what he wants to do. Hope he isn't way too long. Need them in Ashland in time for Esme.