Chapter One: "Weekend" (Bella's POV)

"Alright. All packed and ready to go." I zipped up the duffel bag on my bed and turned to my husband.

Edward widened his eyes and contorted his face into a pout. "I really don't want to go."

"Don't start," I said. "Emmett and Jasper been planning this for weeks, and Carlisle is off work for the weekend."

"They don't really need me."

I put my finger over his lips. "You know they want you to go. You're one of the Cullen men, and you need to have some male bonding." I smiled at him teasingly.

He lightly kissed my finger on his lips. "Come with me."

"I'm sure I'll be welcome on your weekend away from the women."

"We could go find another spot in the woods to pitch a tent." He raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"Or you can leave for the weekend and we can make up for lost time when you get back." His expression remained unchanged, so I added, "As long as you want."

"Really?" he asked excitedly.

I laughed and put my hands on his shoulders, pulling him to me. "You're such a…man."

"You're such a woman," he said, looking me up and down. "Which makes me feel like such a man." His arms wrapped around me, and I felt his hands slide down my back to cup around my bottom.

"You know, one of the things that drew me to you was the fact that you didn't act like a typical guy," I told him.

"Well yeah, but I didn't have you in my bedroom in that skimpy little lingerie set, either."

We had been married nearly eight years, but I was still flooded with pleasure whenever he noticed little things like my outfit or my hair. But I didn't let him see my guard down. "Sunday night," I promised. "I'm all yours."

"Promise?"

"Swear."

"What time is it?"

I glanced out the window. "Still dark."

"They're picking me up at six. I think we have time for a little alone time right now." He gently lifted me up and crushed me to his chest, flashing me my favorite crooked smile.

Teasing him, I said, "Hmm. I don't know." But my legs wrapped around his waist, and my eyes glued themselves to his.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't move that duffel bag and hit the bed now."

"Well you know," I said, touching the tip of his nose with my fingertip, "if I hold out, then maybe you'll come home sooner."

"Not true. I'll come home ASAP no matter what."

"Oh," I shrugged. "You're probably right. Well, there goes my brilliant defense."

"No more reasons?"

"I guess not. Well, unless you want to consider--"

His lips were on mine then.

I didn't think of his weekend away until I heard my front door open. Three pairs of feet entered--Emmett's heavy stomping, Carlisle's gentle, quick pacing, and Jasper's quiet but rapid steps.

Edward pulled his mouth from my skin and cursed. "Six o'clock already?" he hissed.

"Yup, little brother," Emmett laughed from the hall. "Hurry up, or I'm coming in."

Edward and I scrambled off the bed and I searched quickly for my clothes. Realizing I had only been wearing the little nightgown he had complimented me on, I rummaged through the drawers. Edward already had an outfit laid out, and was dressed before I had found anything. Laughing quietly, he pulled a shirt over my head and buttoned it up as I found a pair of jeans.

"Good morning, Emmett," I said a second later, opening the door, fully dressed and appearing ready to send my husband off. Of course, I was never eager for Edward to leave, but I wanted him to have fun with the guys.

"Obviously it is," he chuckled. "Are you even packed yet, Edward?"

"All packed and ready to go," he said, parroting me as he slung the duffel bag over his back. "Well, as ready as I'll ever be." He stared at me longingly.

"Edward needs some good male bonding," I informed Emmett. "Where are Carlisle and Jasper?"

"In the living room," Emmett replied. "They wanted to be more, er, polite." His face crinkled up into a grin.

I heard the rest of the men quickly pad to the hall. "Good morning," Carlisle greeted us, clearing his throat. "I really hope Emmett didn't bother you." Carlisle didn't get embarrassed around us easily--he was a doctor, after all, and had treated me during my tumultuous pregnancy--but he was always very polite.

"It's fine," Edward said to his father. "Ready to go?"

"YES," Emmett boomed. "I thought Rosalie would never let me go--not that I'm complaining or anything, but some grizzlies are just dying to be killed." He chortled loudly.

"Wake your niece up," Edward threatened, "and you'll be dying to be killed."

Jasper laughed quietly. "She's not telling you goodbye?"

Edward sighed. "Well, she is now. Thanks, Emmett."

Our heads turned to Renesmee, who was rubbing her eyes and frowning. "What's going on? Oh, Dad's leaving."

"And your Uncle Emmett," Emmett added. "Come give me a bear hug."

Everyone laughed as Emmett scooped her up into her arms. She was tall--she appeared to be fifteen years old, plus she had inherited her dad's tallness--but she was dwarfed by Emmett's huge muscles.

Jasper hit Emmett and stole Nessie from him, giving her a big hug as well.

Edward sighed and turned to me. "I guess we'll be leaving, love."

I smiled at him encouragingly and stood on my tiptoes to reach his lips. After a quick kiss, I said, "I'll see you Sunday. Have fun. Indulge in a few mountain lions for me."

Edward wrapped one arm around my waist, holding me close. He put his lips to my ear and whispered, "Remember your promise?"

I giggled. "Yes. I love you."

"I love you too," he said, kissing me again.

Emmett booed and shuffled his feet impatiently.

Renesmee hugged her grandfather while I embraced Edward, and then we switched men. Carlisle kissed my cheek. "I'll try to occupy him in your absence," he said, winking at me.

I laughed. "Thank you. Have fun on your mini-vacation." My eyes turned to Edward and Nessie.

She was a teenager now--in most ways--but she still adored her father to pieces. He had lifted her into a hug as he said softly, "Have fun shopping with the girls, love. Don't let Mom put a limit on the credit card. I love you."

She smiled, still sleepy. "Thanks, Daddy. You have fun with the guys. And I love you, too."

Edward kissed her hair and squeezed her tightly before setting her on her feet. Of course, Emmett and Jasper pulled me into a hug, and then the guys said their goodbyes and sped down the hall. Edward hesitated and kissed my lips again before running to catch up with the others out in the woods.

I sighed as I heard the door close. Loneliness immediately kicked in.

"Hey, Mom?" Nessie asked.

I turned to her. "Yes, Ness?"

"Can I go back to bed?"

I grinned. "Yes. Alice isn't coming to get us until eight."

"Cool." She walked a few slow steps before stopping and turning. "Hey, Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Is this like a…girl's only thing?"

I grinned. "It's okay with me if Jacob comes, but you might want to ask your aunts. They're in charge."

"Okay. 'Night."

"Night, honey."

She quickly went to her room, already text messaging Alice.

I sighed again as I stared down the empty hall, and racked my brain for some chore to complete. I remembered the basket of unfolded laundry.

"Laundry it is," I muttered as I walked back into my bedroom.