DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to me…they are all the creation of the wonderful Stephenie Meyer.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The guys plan a weekend camping trip with the girls.

Camping 6 (Minor Lemon)

Edward and I made it back to camp with about an hour of daylight left. Our siblings were still in the water when we arrived, and Emmett and Jasper happily volunteered to help me get over my fear. I asked Jasper not to influence me so that I would know I was really over my fear. Edward stood on Emmett's shoulders and I stood on Jasper's. Edward held my hand as he counted to three and then we dove into the water together.

We came up to the surface and I clung to his neck, taking in a few shaky breaths.

"Are you okay?" he asked, smoothing my hair away from my face.

"Yeah. It's not too bad if you keep your mouth closed," I chuckled, nervously.

Our siblings snickered behind me and a low growl came from Edward. I rested my forehead against his.

"I made the joke, not them," I whispered to him.

He gave me a peck on the lips. "As long as you're okay with it…"

"I am. Can we do it again?"

He kissed my forehead and swam us over to our brothers. We dove together a few more times before I asked to try it on my own. Edward insisted I jump from his own shoulders. It was hard to swallow back my fear without holding on to him, but I did it. They all seemed really proud of me, and I had to admit I was a little proud myself.

As the sun started to set, we all went back to our tents to change before lighting the fire for the night. My wind wandered over this wonderful trip Edward and my brothers had given our sisters and me. I was lost in my thoughts and not paying attention to what I was doing. I pulled off my bikini top and tossed it toward the tent door since I was going to take it outside and hang it up. A wet smacking sound broke me out of my reverie.

I turned around and immediately started laughing at what I had done. I hadn't realized Edward was walking toward me and my top had hit him in his face. He smiled wickedly as he took the damp material off of him.

"Oops!" I giggled.

He growled playfully and pounced on me. I laughed as we fell together onto the sleeping bag.

"Oops? You hit me with your top and all you can say is 'oops'?" he chuckled, as he kissed my neck.

"I wasn't expecting you to be standing there." I wrapped my arms around his back and pulled him on top of me. I always loved the feel of his weight against my body. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he whispered, as he leaned his head down.

His lips touched mine and I sighed happily. I parted my lips slightly and he responded, slipping his tongue into my mouth and wrapping it around mine. I tried to control myself, but my moan got away from me. It only turned Edward on more, making him kiss me more aggressively as his hands started roaming all over my body.

I pushed him away – just enough to be able to speak. "Wait! We can't."

"Why not?" he asked, his voice husky and seductive.

"They're all right outside."

"They're also all occupied."

He didn't allow me to say anything in response. He just started kissing me with the same fiery passion as before. I won't pretend…I melted. I forgot everyone and everything as his lips devoured mine and his hands explored my every curve.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, as he moved his lips to my jaw-line and neck. "I love you so much, Bella."

I was already past the point where I could form a reply, much less speak it. He knew how I felt, though. I was sure he could see it in my eyes as he gazed at me, running the back of his hand along my cheek. But just in case, I lifted my head and kissed him, proving to him how much I loved him and needed him.

His fingertips grazed over my skin as he slowly moved his hand down toward my hips. I shivered from the contact. I closed my eyes and bit my lip to keep from making noise. I felt a tug and knew he was untying the rest of my bikini. He lifted himself off of me and the sounds I heard, let me know we were no longer clothed. His weight returned and I felt him pressed against my leg. I smirked a little, always amazed that I caused him to react in that way.

I opened my eyes and we smiled at each other before beginning our fervid kissing again. My arms wound around his back, pulling him even tighter against me. He moaned as our hips ground together. His hands tangled in my hair, his kisses growing more aggressive, once again. He was losing control quickly, not that I minded. Edward was always irresistible, but without his careful control, he was absolutely mouth-watering! The way he kissed and touched, rough and tender at the same time, lit every nerve-ending in my body on fire.

I bucked my hips upward, grinding against him. He growled low in his chest and grabbed my hips, pulling me to him as he pushed himself inside of me. We both moaned loudly from the sheer pleasure. I tried to catch my breath, but it was a useless attempt.

He moved at a frantic pace, thrusting harder and deeper with every stroke. I loved it! I wrapped my legs around him, trying to pull him in, even further. His moans were muffled as he sucked and nipped at the skin along my shoulders and neck. I grabbed his face and pulled his lips to mine, needing someway to cover up my own sounds.

I felt my toes starting to curl as he brought me closer and closer to the edge. And then we were flying together, calling out for each other. Edward rested on top of me, his head next to mine and his lips at my ear.

"I love you, Bella Cullen. Forever."

"Forever, Edward Cullen! Every single day of it," I whispered. I closed my eyes against the wave of emotions hitting me: happiness, love, desire, guilt, hope, and sadness.

I was happy to be with him and to know our life would never end. I loved him so deeply that the mere thought of being away from him caused me pain. I desired him in every possible way, just as much as I had always desired this life with him. I was guilty for all the people I'd hurt and left behind just to be able to experience this life. I was hopeful that I wouldn't carry that guilt with me forever. And I was sad that he knew of my emotional turmoil. I knew how much it pained him to ever think I was hurting, and how helpless he felt for not being able to make everything perfect for me.

I took his hand in mine, twining our fingers together. I kissed his wedding band and opened my mind to him, letting him see everything that was flowing through my heart and my soul at that moment. He sighed and kissed my cheek.

"We'll get through this together, love. You will be happy without the guilt and sadness. I swear to you I will make it happen."

"Fire time!" Emmett announced from somewhere outside of our tent.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the enthusiasm radiating from our brother's voice. "Guess we should get dressed and join them."

"Only if you want to, Bella. If you prefer to stay here and talk, they'll understand."

"No, Edward. I've done enough thinking and talking for awhile. I'd like to just hang out with our siblings."

"As you wish, my love," he replied, kissing my forehead.

We pulled away from each other and went to find some clean clothes to wear. The best thing about Edward packing my bags was that I could always count on finding comfortable clothing. As much as he enjoyed some of the skimpier outfits Alice put me in, he understood my love of baggy, comfy clothes.

And there they were, at the bottom of my bag…my pale blue sweats. They were lightweight and very comfy. Edward had bought them for me months ago. He even kept them hidden for me at home so Alice couldn't find them and throw them out. I put on my socks and shoes, then took my hair down, and brushed it out.

When I turned around, Edward was dressed and ready. He'd stolen back his black sweatshirt and was wearing matching black sweatpants. The contrast between his clothes and his pale skin, brought out the red tints in his bronze hair. His topaz eyes were soft and loving as he held out his hand, waiting for me to accept it. I smiled and put my hand in his.

He pulled me up and held me close, kissing my temple. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

We walked out of the tent and headed over to the fire where Emmett was feeding it a few sticks. Rose was stretched out on the ground, sitting up on her elbows. Her head was leaned back and she was staring up at the sky. I followed her gaze, noticing how clear the night was. There was no moon tonight, only the twinkling stars to light the way for night-time travelers.

Edward sat on one of the logs and pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist. I sighed happily and rested my head on his shoulder.

Alice and Jasper soon joined us, both of them looking content as they stared at each other. I was still amazed by the grace of my family. My sister and brother never broke eye contact, but they reached their log without a single problem. I wasn't anything close to being as clumsy as I was when I was human, but I still couldn't have walked that way without tripping.

"What's on the agenda tonight?" I asked.

"We thought a little dancing under the stars would be romantic," Jasper replied.

"We each picked a song that we felt held a special meaning," Edward explained.

"You guys really put a lot of thought into this," Rose said. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you," Alice seconded.

"Thanks, guys. It's so sweet of you to have planned this for us," I said softly, fighting back another wave of conflicting emotions. I suddenly felt calmer and I looked at our brother. He smiled and I nodded.

"So!" Alice sang, bouncing in place next to Jasper. "Where's the music?"

"Oh, yeah!" Emmett said, smacking his forehead. "I'll be right back!" He took off at vampire speed and returned seconds later with a small CD player.

"The first song is my pick for you, Alice. I chose it because you are unique and I love everything about you. You have an indomitable spirit, a beguiling laugh, and a heart of pure gold," Jasper said, pulling her to her feet. "I love you, Alice, and I'll never be able to repay you for all you've given me over the years."

Our sister would have been crying if she were able to shed tears. Instead she just sniffled and hugged her husband tightly. Emmett hit the play button and the music seemed to float across our little clearing and out over the water. Jasper and Alice began to slowly sway to the music.

I whispered to Edward. "Do you know this song?"

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got.)

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got.)

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got.)

"Yes," he whispered back. "It's by a group called The Four Tops and the song is 'Ain't No Woman'." He rested his head against mine and we watched our siblings dance to the music.

Every day the sun comes up around her.
She can make the birds sing harmony.
Every drop of rain is glad it found her.
Heaven must have made her just for me.
When she smiles so warm and tender,
A sight for sore eyes to see.

Oooh, (ain't no woman like the one I've got.)
Oh, no, they don't come better.
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot.)
She don't ask for things, no diamond rings.
(So together, like a hand in glove.)
Like pages in a letter.
(Ain't no woman like the one I love.)

She can fill me up when it's down I'm goin' (I'm goin').
Put a little music in my day.
Wouldn't be surprised if my love keeps growin' (it keeps growin').
Bigger every minute that she stays away.
I would kiss the ground she walks on,
'Cause it's my word, my word she'll obey, now.
Woo-ooh. (Ain't no woman like the one I've got.)
Well, I kiss the ground she walks on.
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot.)
She's a real good friend right to the end.
(So together like a hand in glove.)
A lonely man when she's gone.
(People, ain't no woman like the one I love.)

Oooh. What a good, good thing I've got.
She means to me a lot.

(Ain't no woman like the I've got.)
No, no, they don't come better.
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot.)
She don't ask for things, no diamond rings.
(So together, like a hand in glove.)
Like pages in a letter.
(Ain't no woman like the one I love, people.)

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got.)
Well, I kiss the ground she walks on.
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot.)
I'm a lonely man when my baby's gone.

The song ended, but Jasper and Alice kept dancing for another minute, completely lost in each other and the love they were feeling.

Emmett cleared his throat loudly, breaking up the bubble Alice and Jasper seemed to be in.

"Thank you, Jasper," Alice told him as they sat down. "That was a perfect song."

"You're welcome, Alice. There truly is no other like you."

Emmett messed with the CD player a little, then turned to Rose. He held out his hand. "Rosalie, may I have this dance?"

Rose put her hand in his, smiling wider than I'd seen in awhile. Emmett pulled her to her feet and held her close to him. I knew the song they were dancing to. I'd heard it on one of Edward's CDs and I had to agree with Emmett's choice. The song was "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. It suited our sister perfectly since it talked about a striking blonde that everyone stopped to look at.

It's late in the evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long, blonde hair
And then she asks me
Do I look alright
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight

"Rose, I know the song says 'tonight', but you are wonderful every night," Emmett said, resting his head on hers. "I love you, Rose. I may not always say it or show it in the right way, but I do love you."

We go a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me
Do you feel alright
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight

"And I would say that even if you didn't have a smokin' hot body, but lucky for us both, you do!" Emmett chuckled.

"You almost got through that without cracking a joke," Rose said with a grin.

I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you

"Just so long as you tell me you know my love for you is no joke," Emmett said.

"I know, Emmie. And I love you, too."

It's time to go home now
And I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She helps me to bed
And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

The song ended and Emmett gave Rose a tender kiss, something rarely ever seen. Their kisses were usually pretty graphic and heavy. But this one was soft and loving.

Alice and I both said a soft 'aw' as we watched them.

Rose turned her face into Emmett's chest and I would've bet anything that she'd be blushing if she were human.

"Guess that means it's our turn," I said to Edward, as I watched Rose and Emmett sit down.

"Yes," Edward whispered into my ear. "I thought it wise to save the best for last, for you, my beautiful Bella."

I buried my head in his chest, feeling a little self-conscious for no particular reason. A new song started, one that I didn't recognize. Edward stood, pulling me up with him and turned me around so I was facing him. His arms wrapped around my waist with his hands resting on my lower back, while I put my own arms around his neck.

Girl you are to me, all that a woman should be and I dedicate my life to you always.
A love like yours is rare, it must have been sent from up above.
And I know you'll stay this way, for always.

"I know that I haven't been the easiest person to love or to live with. I can be overbearing and impatient. And I can be very stupid and reckless when I'm intent on protecting you from anything that might hurt you. But I love you more than I can ever say, and somehow, that love grows and deepens every day that we're together."

And we both know, that our love will grow and forever it will be, you and me. (yeah)
Ooh you're like the sun, chasing all of the rain away.
When you come around you bring brighter days.
You're the perfect one, for me and you forever will be.
And I will love you so, for always.

"You are still the meteor in my sky, setting everything on fire, and making this life beautiful and worthwhile," he whispered.

Come with me my sweet, let's go make a family.
They will bring us joy, for always.
Ooh boy I love you so, I can't find enough ways
To let you know, but you can be sure I'm yours for always.

I quietly sobbed against his shoulder, remembering the night he'd first compared me to a meteor. It was right after we'd come back from Volterra. I had still believed he didn't love me and I was trying to memorize everything about him for when he left me again.

And we both know, that our love will grow and forever it will be you and me. (yeah)
Ooh you're like the sun, chasing all of the rain away.
When you come around you bring brighter days.

He seemed to know just what I was thinking about. "I am so sorry for causing that dark time in your life, my sweet Bella. But I will continue, as I have been for the last few years, to make it up to you." Edward sang the last two lines to me in his smooth, velvet voice. "You're the perfect one for me and you forever will be. And I will love you so, for always."

Always…Forever…Such small words with so many meanings, connotations, and far-reaching aspects. This forever, my forever, was a wonderful life that I cherished with everything in me. And it was only mine because Edward loved me enough to keep me. We would never truly be equal because I could never repay all that he had given me. But that was okay because I knew he saw things the exact same way, only he believed himself to be the lesser part of our equation. But as long as we continued to love each other, we would always equal out in the end...No matter what trials and tribulations came our way.