Disclaimer: Definitely owned originally by Stephenie Meyer and currently by the writer, producers and director of Breaking Dawn Part 1.

This is the last one.

He had believed Alice when she told him that all he needed to do on his wedding day was be happy and not take his eyes off of Bella.

As such, Edward was bored with waiting by ten in the morning. The bachelor party the night before had ended early, due to Alice needing Emmett and Jasper back at the house to 'help'.

But Edward wasn't allowed to help. He was allowed to get dressed and then greet the influx of guests. It was entertaining for about the first hour, until the reoccurring thought of 'Bella must be pregnant' from just about everyone in attendance became too much for him. It seemed for certain that the entire town was convinced it was the only plausible reason for the wedding.

The only ones who weren't thinking it were the Danalis. And Edward was trying very hard to avoid Tanya, who seemed to be treating the whole thing like an entertaining joke which was still likely to end in Bella's blood being shed.

With more than an hour left to go until the ceremony was due to start, Edward took advantage of Alice's preoccupation with Bella's makeup to flee. He didn't get very far, but even a mile away felt like a breath of fresh air.

The peace was short lived. He honestly thought they'd send Jasper after him, worried that he needed calming down. It was a bit of a surprise to hear Carlisle's thoughts approaching instead.

His father hadn't stopped smiling for days. Edward thought it was wonderful that he was making Carlisle so happy, but he also knew how dangerous to the female guests that smile could be. Renee had already had a moment of near heart failure when she'd arrived at the house that morning to be greeted by Esme and a grinning blonde doctor.

'Edward?' Carlisle's voice was soft, though he had no need to speak out loud.

'I'm fine. Only...tired of waiting.'

'Oh, Edward,' Carlisle sighed. 'I know how long you've waited for this moment. I am certain Bella is just as impatient as you,' he said, coming to stand at Edward's side on the riverbank.

'I doubt that,' Edward smiled. 'At least, I wouldn't use the word 'impatient'. Bordering on a panic attack might be closer to the truth.' His smile turned sheepish.

'Are you worried that she's suffering from cold feet? Edward,' Carlisle started, and then continued silently. She wants to be with you forever. I'd hardly call those cold feet.

Edward frowned. 'I think she'd rather I called off this whole charade and changed her right now.'

His father seemed to consider that a moment. Perhaps she is as impatient as you, but for a slightly different reason. I realise that she does not hold much stock in marriage.

'Just eternal damnation.' Edward laugh contained not a trace of humour.

Carlisle caught his arm firmly. 'She does not believe that. And either do I. You must trust her Edward; this is what Bella wants.'

'And it's what she'll get. I promised her; I won't back down on it. I only wish that this...today, was important to her.'

'Edward,' Carlisle gave him an indescribable look. 'I think you'll find it is. Whether the big white wedding is Bella's vision or not; tying herself to you, in this way, does matter to her.'

Edward laughed. 'That's exactly what she said.'

'You have a very smart fiancée.'

'Don't I know it. I suppose we should get back,' he said, beginning to head in the direction of the house.

His father smiled even wider. 'Yes; you don't want to keep your bride waiting.'