Back with the probably final chapter in the Esme/Emmett lovefest :D Unless of course I get more inspiration, which can always happen. Enjoy!

Five years after his change, it's hard to imagine our family without Emmett. Though he's had a few mishaps here and there, his thirst is well-controlled enough to let him loose on his own, and his cheery demeanor brings a light into the house that had been missing. Rosalie comes in, frowning. "Something on your mind?" I ask.

She hesitates. "Esme, do you think Emmett has been acting a little…strange lately?" she asks.

"Strange how?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. It's just…we always hunt together, but lately at night he keeps going for these 'walks', and whenever I offer to go with him he gets upset. I don't know what he's up to, but it seems like something is wrong."

"Have you tried talking to him about it?" I ask her.

She nods. "He just says that he needs to clear his head or something. I just wish I knew what he was up to. He hasn't said anything to you?"

"No," I answer, "He hasn't. But I don't think you have anything to be worried about, Rose. That boy loves you. You know that."

She agrees reluctantly. "I know. I just feel like he's hiding something. He tells me everything."

"Don't worry, honey," I assure her. "I'm sure he just needs a little time. I'll let you know if I hear anything."

She smiles. "Thanks."

Later that night, I hear soft footsteps creeping down the stairs and out the door. I step out onto the porch, recognizing the scent as Emmett's, but he's nowhere to be found. I follow his trail south for a long time before I see him, sitting in the tall grass at the edge of the woods, staring at a house. After a moment I recognize it as his family's house. Slowly, I crouch down beside him. "How's the walk going?"

He jumps at my voice, his eyes wide. "Esme…I…I was just…" he hesitates. "Am…I in trouble?"

"Well I suppose that depends on what you're doing," I answer. "Is this where you've been disappearing to at night?"

He looks away. "I'm only watching…I just like knowing what's going on with them. I didn't let anyone see me."

I smile, taking a seat beside him. "What have you found out so far?" I ask.

"Two of my brothers got married. I have a couple of nephews, and a niece, Annabelle. And my little sister finished school," he says proudly. "She always was the smart one. She's grown up so much. There's a boy in town who's after her." He frowns. "I don't like him."

I chuckle. "I had a feeling you wouldn't."

He grins, staring at the house again. "She talks to me still, sometimes," he says quietly.

"Who?"

"My mother." He looks at me again. "I don't answer, of course," he says quickly. "But still…it's nice to know she hasn't forgotten about me."

"I told you she wouldn't," I remind him.

His attention is pulled back to the house as his mother comes outside, taking a seat on the porch. "Hi Emmy," she murmurs after a minute. "Your father thinks I'm crazy for doing this, after all these years." She smiles. "You'd probably think I was crazy too. But I can't help but think you might be out there somewhere, listening." I look over at Emmett, who's watching her intently. "Oh, there's some big news. Your sister is getting married. I wish you could see, her, Em. She's a beautiful young woman. Her fiancé is a good man." She chuckles. "Though I'm sure you wouldn't think so. She told me the other day that she had a dream about you. She said you told him you'd kill him if he ever hurt her. I told her it sounds like exactly what you would do." Beside me, Emmett grins. "Anna's started to walk around. Pretty soon she'll be running around with her brothers. She's got a smile just like you. Full of trouble, just like her uncle." She sighs, her voice trembling a little. "I still miss you, baby," she continues softly. "We all do. I've been trying to move on, like I know you'd tell me to. You never did like to dwell on the past. But…I just can't, Em." She sniffs, choking back tears.

I glance at Emmett, who's frowning, before slowly standing up. He looks up, surprised. "Where are you going?" he asks.

"Stay here for a minute," I answer.

Slowly, I approach the porch, clearing my throat softly to alert her to my presence. She jumps, surprised. "Who are you?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just head you talking, and…I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know how it feels. I lost a son too, a long time ago."

She sniffs a little. "Do you mind if I ask you a question, then?"

I smile. "Well, I am trespassing, so it's the least I can do."

She laughs, and I see Emmett's grin mirrored in hers. "Does it ever get easier?"

I sigh, sitting down beside her. "I wish I could tell you it does, but…no, I don't think so. It changes a little over the years. But I think it always hurts."

She nods slowly. "I was afraid you'd say that. He's still out there, I know, but…I want him back home. It's been five years. And every morning I wake up and hope he'll come home. I wonder where he is, if he's happy. If he ever thinks about me."

"Of course he does," I answer. "I'm sure he thinks about you every day."

For the first time, she turns and really looks at me. "I know you," she murmurs.

"I don't think you do," I answer.

She shakes her head. "No, I saw you…the night I found the letter. I heard a noise, and when I looked there were these people…I thought I was just going crazy, but…you were there…weren't you?" She looks at me hopefully, and even though I know I shouldn't, I realize what I have to do.

"You're right," I say softly. "I was there. That's how I know that Emmett thinks about you every day."

She gasps softly. "I knew it…so you know my son? Is he alright? What happened?"

I hesitate. "There are a lot of things I can't tell you. I probably shouldn't even be talking to you right now. But…if you promise me you won't tell anyone else…I'll tell you what I can."

"He mentioned something about that in his letter," she says. "But…if it's so dangerous…why would you tell me?"

I smile. "Call it a gift from one brokenhearted mother to another. Can you keep a secret?"

She nods eagerly. "I've never even told the others about the letter. I had a feeling it would be better if they didn't know. Please, tell me what happened to my son."

"He was attacked by a bear," I start. "My daughter found him in the woods and brought him back to my husband. He's a doctor. We were able to help him, but he had to…change in order to get better."

She frowns. "Change how?"

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you that. He's okay, though. My family and I have been taking care of him since the day we found him. We care about him very much."

She smiles a little. "I'm glad to hear that. I'd hoped he wasn't alone out there. It's good that he has people to look out for him." She pauses. "Do you…know where he is?" she asks cautiously. "Can I see him, or…?"

I hesitate, glancing over at the tree line where I know Emmett is waiting. "He's a bit different than you remember him," I caution.

"I don't care," she replies. "He's still my son."

I nod. "Take a walk with me?" I lead her slowly towards the spot where Emmett is crouched. "I really shouldn't be allowing this," I admit. "It seems I'm breaking all the rules tonight."

She looks over, curious. "Why?"

"Because I'd do anything for the chance to see my son again," I answer. "I can't have that chance, but you can. Some things are more important than the rules."

She smiles. "I like you."

I chuckle. "I appreciate that. But I think there's someone who really wants to see you." Hidden in the trees, Emmett hesitates, and I nod reassuringly to him. Slowly, he emerges, watching her anxiously.

His mother gasps when she sees him. "Emmett?"

He stops a few feet away. "It's me, mom."

Slowly, a grin lights up her face. "What are you doing over there, then? Come give your mother a hug." He laughs, grinning back as he hugs her carefully. After a moment, she pulls back to look at him. "I can't believe it's really you…"

"I know I look a bit different than the last time you saw me."

She chuckles. "I don't care. I'm just so glad to see you! I never thought you'd come back to me."

"I can't stay long," he says quickly. "But I really wanted to see you. I wish I could explain better, but…"

She stops him. "Emmett, you don't have to explain. I understand. You did what you had to do for all of our sakes. I'm just happy to see you happy. You are happy, aren't you?"

He smiles. "Yes, I am."

"Good." She looks over at me. "So this is your…"

Emmett chuckles. "This is Esme. She's my…adoptive mother. She's very good at keeping me in line," he grins.

"And who's that?" she asks, nodding over his shoulder.

We both turn to find Rosalie standing a few feet away. She looks at him nervously for a moment, but Emmett reaches out for her hand, and she comes closer. "Mom, this is Rosalie. She's the one who saved me."

"It's lovely to meet you, Rosalie." She watches the two of them for a moment before it dawns on her. "Oh. Oh. In that case, I have something for you." She hesitates for a moment. "Don't…don't leave before I get back. Please."

Emmett nods. "I won't. Promise." He watches her run inside before looking at me. "I don't understand. I thought we weren't allowed to do this."

I sigh. "We're not. But…it needed to be done. She's determined to hold on to you. The least we can do is put her mind at ease." He frowns, looking anxious. "You won't be in trouble, honey," I assure him. "I did this, not you. I just…I know how much she means to you, and it's clear you mean a lot to her too. It can't do too much harm."

Slowly, he grins. "You did this for me?"

I shrug. "And for her."

He starts to reply, but she comes back, holding something in her hand. She looks relieved that we're still here. She reaches out, taking his hand and pressing something into the palm. He looks at her incredulously, staring down at the two rings in his hand. "Mom…"

"Hush. I want you to have them. Please."

"Mom, I can't. They're yours," he insists.

She smiles. "They're yours now. Your grandfather would have wanted you to have this one," she says, picking up the thicker silver band. She looks at Rose, smiling. "And I have a feeling you're going to need the other one someday. Please Emmett, just take them. I…I know I can't be there, but it'll make me feel better, knowing you have them. Please?"

He nods, his hand closing around the rings. "Alright. Thank you, Mom." He leans forward, carefully wrapping his arms around her, careful to mind his strength and his thirst. "I love you. Please, whatever happens, never forget that. I'll always love you."

She sighs softly, resting her head against his chest. "I know, Em. I'll always love you too." Slowly, she pulls back a little. "I'm never going to see you again, am I?" she sighs.

He hesitates. "I…don't know. But I'll always be looking out for you."

She nods slowly, taking both of his hands. "Emmett…Do me one favor, okay?"

"Anything," he replies.

"Let us go, sweetheart," she murmurs softly. "It's okay. You will always be in our hearts, and I know you'll always love us, but it's time. You have a new family now that will take care of you. I may not know all of what's going on, but I…have a feeling that you'll be around a long time after we're gone, and they'll be there for you. You can't keep looking over your shoulder at us, Em. I love you, and I'll be damned if I'm going to hold you back. It's okay. I understand."

Emmett's eyebrows pull together, and he looks like he's going to cry, though I know it's impossible. "I can't," he answers. "I can't forget you. You're my mother."

She smiles softly. "I will always be your mother, Emmett. And I'm not asking you to forget us. Never forget. But we both know that if you keep holding onto us like this, it's only going to hurt worse. I want you to be happy, and I don't think that will happen if you keep opening up those wounds." She reaches up, lightly cupping his cheek. "I would give anything to have things the way they used to be; to have you home. But no matter how much I wish it, it's not going to happen. I know that. And I know that what's best for you is to focus on your future. That doesn't include me, and as hard as that is, I know you'll be happier. It doesn't mean you won't be my son anymore. I will love you until my very last breath. But it's time to start a new chapter. Don't look back and be sad. Just know that we will always love you, and let yourself move on."

"Why?" he whispers.

"Because I need you to do it, for me," she replies. "I need to know that I'm not causing you pain like this, and you can lie to me all you want, but I know you better than that, and I know that it hurts you to do this. I need to know that after we're gone, you'll be at peace. I know you're afraid to let go, so I'm telling you now, it's okay."

He sighs, looking away from her. "Are you saying you'd rather I don't try to see you again?"

"Emmett, there will never be a time when I don't want to see you. We might see each other again, or we might not. I want you to do what's best for you. If I never see you again, I'll still be happy knowing I got to have this moment with you. What I'm saying is that I give you permission to make that choice. But don't make it for my sake. Do what's right for you, and I'll be satisfied."

Emmett swallows, nodding slowly. "Okay." He hugs her tightly, quiet for a minute. "When's the wedding?" he asks finally.

She smiles. "June. June twenty-fifth."

He nods, taking a deep breath. "I love you."

"I love you too," she answers, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I always will." She looks at him for another minute before slowly pulling out of his grasp, turning back toward the house.

Emmett frowns, reaching out for her again. "Mom, I…"

She looks back over her shoulder at him, grinning the same way he does. "Whatever happens Emmett, it's okay. Let's just leave it at 'I love you', okay?"

He smiles back a little, his hand dropping to his side. "Okay. I love you."

She smiles again, nodding before disappearing into the house. Emmett stares longingly after her for a moment. "Em…" Rose murmurs. She reaches out for him, but he turns and bolts back in the direction of the house. She looks at me for help.

"Give him a couple of minutes," I advise gently.

We slowly go back to the house, and Rose hesitates. "Maybe…you should talk to him first. I think you'd understand better."

I nod, slowly heading up to Emmett's room, where I find him curled up on the bed, his large frame wracked with sobs. I carefully settle beside him, lightly placing a hand on his back. "Emmett?" He slowly looks up at me, and though his face is dry, his eyes brim with unshed tears. I gently pull him up, hugging him tightly. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart."

He sniffs. "I'm sorry. I just…I know she's right, but…do you really think it's the right thing to do?"

I sigh. "Em, I can't tell you what the right thing to do is. But I know that your Mom wants you to be happy. Do you think she was right?"

Slowly, he nods. "Yes. It hurts every time I go back. But…I feel bad just putting them behind me, especially when they're still here."

"I know, baby, but I think that was sort of her point. It's never easy to put people behind you, but she knows it's what's best for you, and she doesn't want you to be hurting because of her. She wanted you to know that it's okay to move on; that you have her permission to do that. The choice is yours, honey, but she wanted you to know that she understands, and she won't be upset with you for doing what's best for you."

He considers this for a moment before nodding, hugging me back tightly. "Thank you, Esme. I know it's against the rules, but as much as it hurt, I really needed to hear that. You really are the best."

I chuckle, rubbing his back lightly. "I'm glad it helped. I want you to be happy too."

There's a soft knock on the door before Carlisle enters, looking concerned. "Is everything alright?" he asks. "I thought I heard…"

Before he can finish his sentence, Emmett pulls him into a tight bear hug. "Thank you, Carlisle, for everything!"

Puzzled, Carlisle hugs him back. "Um…of course, Emmett. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I think so," the boy replies. "Just…thanks. I love you."

Carlisle chuckles, still confused, but nods. "I love you too. Are you sure you're okay?"

Emmett grins. "Yeah, sorry. Just…wanted to make sure you knew. I'm gonna go take a walk with Rose. See you later."

Just like that, he's gone, and Carlisle raises an eyebrow at me. "It's a long story," I explain. "He just had a good talk with his mother."

"His human mother?" he asks, shocked. "How did that happen?"

I shrug. "It was kind of my fault, I guess. He's been going and watching them, and his mom came out and started talking to him. She didn't know he was there, of course, but I was listening to her, and…I just had to. She was so heartbroken, and she didn't have to be. So I started talking to her, and she recognized me from the night we left the letter. I couldn't lie to her, Carlisle. She was just a woman missing her son. So I told her we'd been looking after him. She doesn't know anything really, just the basics. And she asked to see him. So…I said yes. I think it helped both of them."

He nods slowly. "Well, he certainly seems happier."

"It's not a problem, is it? That she knows? I was just trying to do the right thing."

He smiles, threading his fingers through mine. "No, I don't think so. She's always known he's still out there. And I trust your judgment. If you say it was the right thing, then I'll stand by that. What made you want to talk to her?"

I smile back, hugging him gently. "When she was talking, telling him all the things he missed…I saw myself. I know how that feels, and I thought maybe she wouldn't have to feel that way anymore if she could see him again, just once. It made him feel better too. She told him that it was okay to let them go. He was reluctant at first, but her permission made him see that he needed to."

"So you don't think he'll try to talk to her again?" he asks.

"I think he's going to try to move on," I answer. "After June twenty-fifth." He frowns, trying to place the date. "It's his sister's wedding," I tell him. "I think he wants to do something for her. But after that, I think he'll try his best, like we all do."

He nods. "Well that's good to hear. I hope he'll take her advice to heart. And now it seems we can get some peace and quiet for a while. Edward's out too."

I chuckle softly. "That sounds lovely."

Aww yay! So yeah, this is probably the last part of this section in the "Mama" series. Who do you think I should do next? I'm open to all suggestions! Please if you liked the story remember to review! It makes me so happy when you guys like what I put out there into the interwebs. Also, you can subscribe to me if you want to be notified when the next part comes out, or you can just check my page obsessively, but that sounds like a lot of work.

Love always,

TheSongSmith