Carlisle decided it would be smart to be married prior to getting to Washington - that way people wouldn't ask questions. They could move into a home as a married couple with written proof of it if necessary and then Esme can deliver their child without any explanation necessary.

She still was hardly showing and so Carlisle was sure they could pull off an elopement with hopefully a florist or somebody to serve as a witness to the ceremony. He wished Esme's family could be there for the occasion, but he knew it was impossible and so he decided to put the thought completely out of his mind.

Esme couldn't keep a smile from her face as they checked out of the latest hotel and began on their journey through the state of Minnesota. The goal was to make it to the next state before dark, but neither of them cared how long it took.

"We should get married before we get to Washington," Carlisle suggested, throwing the idea out there for Esme to think about. "We could move in as a married couple." He smiled at her as he drove.

"And no one would have to know anything more," Esme finished his thought.

He nodded and refocused on the road.

Esme couldn't keep her mind on anything but Carlisle. She toyed with the ring on her finger and held her arm outward every so often to look at it again and again.

"I don't deserve to be this happy," she said finally.

"What?" He glanced over at her as if she was crazy.

"I mean... I threw your life in a tailspin... I framed my husband for murder."

"He was abusive and he's not in jail anymore," Carlisle told her, "You're lucky you got out when you did. Who knows what could have happened to you." He shook his head, "Don't say you don't deserve to be happy."

"Well look what I've done to you then."

"Yeah..." He raised his eyebrows. "Can you tell how miserable I am?"

Esme studied his expression and Carlisle cracked a big smile.

"Esme... you can't say things like that to me. I want this just as much as you do. I want you. I love you."

"I'm sorry." She shook her head and leaned an elbow on the car door. "I know. I love you. I just hope you never-"

"Stop." Carlisle slowed the car down to a halt on one of Minnesota's back roads and put his full attention on her. He slid across the way and kissed her before pulling back. "If I have to pull over every five minutes to do that so you'll believe me I will."

Esme stared back at him and felt herself unable to keep a smile from her face.

Carlisle laughed and kissed her once more before sliding back over. "Don't think I won't either."

Esme reached for his hand and Carlisle interlocked his fingers with hers before they continued on their way.

"So..." he said raising his eyebrows again. "What state would you like to get married in?"

"I want to marry you as soon as possible."

"So Minnesota then?"

"Well... hmm... should we go over one more state in case we're still too close to Wisconsin?"

Carlisle nodded, "Good idea."

Esme smiled and let herself enjoy the little things on her drive with Carlisle. "Traveling is amazing."

He squeezed her hand and took in the scenery. Soon Minnesota was behind them and they began the journey through North Dakota. Every so often they pulled over to eat and stretch their legs before quickly getting on their way.

"Far enough yet?" Carlisle asked Esme once they were an hour into the next state.

"To get married?"

He laughed, "Yeah." Carlisle looked around the little shops and the quaint nature of the town they were in. "Why don't we pull over here for the night. You can look around the shops and find a dress for the occasion. We'll find a church and see if we can get in for a day to exchange vows."

"That sounds great." Esme glanced out the window.

"I'm sorry that this seems so rushed," Carlisle said sincerely. "I would want you to have the best wedding in the world with everyone there that you know and love..."

"Carlisle all I want is you," she told him. "I want you, and I want to make sure I'm yours in every way possible. I don't care if we drive up to a priest on the side of the road, say the vows in the car and continue on our way."

He chuckled, "Well... we can see if that's an option."

Esme laughed with him. "I think your plan sounds great."

"If we have to stay a few days we will."

She nodded. "I think I can handle that."

Carlisle drove around some more before finding a place to put their bags. He asked around quickly found a small church in town.

He wasn't sure how to approach the man, or exactly what he would say, but he hoped he wouldn't get lost on his words and somehow screw it up.

The church had beautiful stained glass windows and high ceilings with religious artifacts all around. From a small room off to the side, the priest that occupied the place came out and greeted he and Esme upon hearing the door open and close.

"Hello," the priest greeted, "I'm Father Joseph. I don't believe we've met before."

"Carlisle Cullen," he extended a hand and the man flashed a friendly smile. "This is Esme-"

"Edwards," she finished, not wanting to use Platt just in case.

"What brings you here this evening?"

Carlisle cleared his throat. "We are looking to get married," he admitted right away. "Unfortunately both of my parents have since passed."

"As have mine," Esme said next, looking down as she thought of the two of them.

"I see," Father Joseph stated, "I am sorry for the losses on both sides of your families, however I hope you find peace in knowing that they are in God's loving hands now."

Carlisle nodded and Esme stiffened up a bit.

"Is there somebody that would be able to serve as a witness to your vows?"

The two of them exchanged a glance. "We just traveled here from Minnesota," Carlisle informed him. "We would like to start over in a new town. We really don't know anybody around here. Neither of us have siblings."

"You have each other," he confirmed with a smile.

Esme smiled back at the man and gave a subtle nod.

"I would like to get the chance to get to know both of you a little bit if you wouldn't mind," the man went on. "It won't be long - a few days."

"Okay," Carlisle and Esme said at the same time.

"In the mean time see if you can find a witness, as he will play an essential role in the ceremony."

"I will," Carlisle told him.

"Where are you staying? I assume you don't have homes here."

"We haven't decided yet, but possible a set of rooms in one of the local hotels here."

"I see... I see..." The priest cleared his throat. "Well, if no place else there are several rooms available here, believe it or not; but if you must please accommodate yourself somewhere in town where you would be comfortable."

"Thank you," Carlisle told him with a nod.

After a brief moment of silence he spoke again. "If you wouldn't mind, please come back tomorrow around seven o'clock in the morning. It will give me time before morning mass."

"Of course," Carlisle said, "We'll be here."

"And please stay for the mass to follow. You should see how I conduct myself, as well."

"Thank you very much," Esme said to him. "We really appreciate you meeting with us."

"Of course." He nodded. "I will see you both in the morning."