Just a few chapters left in the story, so let me say some thank yous now so I don't forget! I want to thank everyone who marked this as a favorite, with even bigger thank yous to all who left reviews. It means the world to me. As always, a huge thank you to my beta and muse, Mr. Bigg. Thank you for inspiring me and keeping me on track.

All characters are the property of Stephenie Meyer. No disrespect or copyright infringement is intended.

Weekend

"Edward, don't you love me anymore?" Alice chirped like an angry hummingbird. "Don't you think you're being just a bit selfish?"

I hadn't considered Alice's feelings when the plans for the weekend took shape in my head. One would think after all these years, remembering how important celebration was to Alice would not be difficult. "I'm sorry, Alice. I wasn't thinking."

"Hmpf," Alice grunted. "Well, lucky for you, I'm a good person. I know just the place, and I've already made a reservation and taken care of the details. Because I love you." She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. An entire tableau appeared in her mind's eye, sparing no detail. The room was perfect for our weekend. I felt my face smiling before I could take it all in. "Bella will love it," she smirked.

"Alice, it's perfect. Thank you," I beamed. She really had thought of everything. "What about –"

"I've taken care of that, my brother," Jasper said from the doorway. He shoved an envelope towards me. I opened the envelope and saw that everything was completely in order. Consider it an early gift. "Don't ask about the details. I have connections."

"Have I made you suffer so much that you would take care of all of this without asking me?" I was chagrined, imagining all the trouble these two had taken to arrange so many things on my behalf.

"Not suffer so much," another voice chimed in with her thought finishing the sentence, Worry. We all love you and want you to be happy, even if it is with a [disgust] human. "Emmett and I don't want any scenes, so we put new tires on the Volvo. You are taking the Volvo, aren't you?"

"Yes, Rosalie, we'll take the Volvo," I answered. "Thank you." Laughter erupted from the garage as Emmett's little joke floated into my head. I spoke a bit more loudly to ensure my seriousness was not mistaken. "Take out the box of lube, Emmett."

"Ah, jeez, can't take a joke!" Emmett's disappointment bubbled up from the garage, and the rest of us burst into laughter as we shared a few moments of jovial fellowship.

"I can't thank you enough, though, seriously," I said, then turned to Alice. "And I promise not to be selfish for long. As long as it's agreeable to Bella, you can start playing the big wedding you've had your heart set on, Alice."

Alice trilled her excitement and threw her arms around my neck. "It's going to be so beautiful, Edward, I promise! Bring Bella by on the way home, so we can talk dresses and dates!" She grabbed Jasper's hand and danced out of the room.

"Remember, Bella has to agree! It's her wedding!" I called after her.

"I know! I know!" Her elation was uncontrollable, and I was smiling in spite of myself.

I crossed the threshold of my room, walking slowly with Rosalie. "I think she'll be good for you, Edward." And I'll try to love her like a sister.

"Thanks, Rose," I said, feeling closer to her than ever before. "I'd say I'd owe you one, but I know better than that." She immediately checked my expression to ensure I was teasing without anger. I smiled at her and pushed her with my shoulder. She smiled and pushed back, taking off to join her husband.

I was fairly certain that Carlisle and Esme had been informed of the plans just as Rosalie and Emmett had, but I still felt nervous and humble facing them. They were my friends, certainly, but in all the ways that mattered, they were my parents. Their opinions and counsel were most important to me, although if they objected, the objection would lie useless between us. I had already decided to take this step with Bella and I would not change my mind. As I walked to Carlisle's study, I mulled the possibilities of their reactions in my mind. The door seemed larger and heavier than usual, a product of my nervousness, no doubt. I knocked gently.

"Come in, Edward," Carlisle responded, and I opened the door.

Carlisle and Esme sat in the office, holding hands, looking as nervous as I felt inside. I smiled weakly, unsure how to begin the conversation.

"Edward, Alice told us about this weekend," Carlisle began, taking me off the hook. "We're so pleased and proud of you. Do you have any questions for either of us?"

I felt a rush of love for my parents. They would forego their own embarrassment to ensure I was prepared for what was coming. I had heard their thoughts of love and lust for each other many times, but this… This was such a different proposition.

"I haven't any particular questions," I started, hesitantly forming the question I really wanted to ask. "I've seen images in the mind of others, so I'm fairly certain of the mechanics. What I really need to know is… Well… From a woman's point of view, what is most important?"

Esme gazed at me with love. "Edward, I'm so proud to be your mother. This is a really important question, and I'm glad you asked.

"Take your time. Let Bella realize how much you love and cherish her. Watch her breathing and the way she acts, the little things that give you clues, and help her through the moments when she might feel rushed or anxious. Let her see you at your best and your worst, so she knows you won't hide from her. Most importantly, make sure she understands that this is your love, forever, and you'll do fine."

The images in her head were private and detailed, showing me exactly how Carlisle had given her each of these things. I was humbled by her intensity and commitment. "Thank you, mom."

"There's only one thing I can counsel you on, son," Carlisle said, shifting his gaze from Esme to me. "As you come together, be prepared for the onslaught of deep emotion you'll feel. Even as I say this to you, I realize there's no way to be prepared for it, and that's what makes it so important, so special. Just don't fight it. Let her see it in you."

"Thank you," I said quietly to both of them. "It's so good to have your support for something so important. Our lives will be irrevocably changed, and I believe for the better."

"You have our blessings, son," Carlisle said softly as they both rose to hug me. Esme stepped toward me, arms outstretched.

"Don't worry about the wedding, Edward. But promise me we'll have a big one later so Alice will be happy." She pulled back from the hug to look me in the eye.

"I've already directed Alice to Bella after this weekend," I promised, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. Her hug was strong.

Carlisle stepped forward to embrace me. "Son, Edward, I am so happy for you." I felt a lump rise in my throat, hearing his blessing upon us. "Be sure to keep her safe."

"I will."

We all walked together down to the garage, where my siblings were waiting. The sunlight was just chasing away the night, with clouds peppering the sky. It would be a perfect day for a long drive.

I climbed in the Volvo, started the engine and lowered the window for the final goodbyes. Emmett leaned into the window.

"Edward," he whispered, "I took out the box, but dude, there's still a tube in the glove compartment. Just in case, you know." His mind was as unclouded as his thoughts, making his ideas crystal clear. "You can tell Bella it was my idea."

"Thanks, Em," I said, smiling at his excitement for me. "I might keep that detail to myself for now. I think it may be, I don't know, just a bit much for her right now."

"Sure man," he said smiling, standing back from the car. "Get outta here." The family waved as I sped up the dirt road on to Forks.

"I'm so glad to see you," she said with a huff as she threw herself into the seat and tossed her bag into the backseat of the car. "I don't think I could take one more chorus of 'be careful' from Charlie."

I leaned into her, her delicious aroma besieging me as I brushed her cheek with my lips. I pulled back quickly, before my body had time to wage battle with my resolve. "He didn't object to the trip?"

"No. He didn't want me to go, but only because you were going. Renee came through with our alibi." She bit her lip for a moment, her eyes fixed on the road as we sped away from Forks. "She wants all the details without the details, if you know what I mean."

"Yes, I believe I do. I left one of those at home as well."

"Alice? Wait, don't answer. I'm not sure why I asked."

We both chuckled at the blinding flash of the obvious, and sat smirking at each other afterward. The quiet stretch grew, quickly becoming a pregnant pause threatening discomfort.

"I brought some music for the drive," I blurted out, trying desperately to restore the ease between us. "Do you like Mozart?"

"What I know of him. I don't know much about his music."

"Did you know he wrote his first concerto when he was three years old?"

"Really? No way."

"Yes, it's true, and you probably know it."

"Uh, no, I don't," she countered.

"Do you know this? Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder wh-"

"Wait – that's Mozart?"

"Yes."

"Wow."

"I made this CD for us to share," I smiled, happy to impress her with trivial, little known facts. I pressed play, and the notes of Piano Sonata Number 16 filled the car.

"Wait a second," Bella interjected over the music.

I paused the music immediately, my chest seizing in worry. "What's wrong?" The words came out in a pant, my breath stolen by anxiety.

"Nothing," she said, shaking her head in emphasis. "I mean… Do I want to know where we're going?"

I sighed a breath of relief. "We're going to Canada, Bella. It was your idea."

"Okay," she responded, drawing out the second syllable. "But Canada's a pretty big place. Anywhere in particular?"

"Everything is arranged. I'd like to surprise you, if I may," I said, prepared to divulge our destination if she so desired. "Do you trust me?"

"I do, but –" she hedged.

"Love, I will tell you now if you'd like. I thought you might like the surprise, but I want you to be happy."

"No. Don't tell me," she stated firmly. "I do trust you. I want to be surprised."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Positive. Let's listen to Mozart."

I switched the music back on as I smiled. Bella's eyes were brimming with happiness, just as I was sure mine were. I reached for her hand, clasped it in mine and pressed my foot toward the floorboard.