TEAM FOREVER

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.

My stories are being beta'd by dowlingnana and she is doing an awesome job. Thanks so much.

He leaned down to softly kiss her forehead before settling down beside her and whispered just before dozing off himself, "A lot of things are now clearer to me and I will find a way to help you feel more comfortable and accepting of your feelings towards me."

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Emails were being sent out from the studio office reminding all of the contestants to be ready to start the next challenge first thing Monday and be prepared to continue straight on to the conclusion without any further breaks being planned.

CHAPTER 21: THINKING BRINGS WISDOM

But, Edward didn't get to sleep for long as nature has a way of reminding you about certain business that can't be ignored for too damn long, so, Edward got up to take care of said business before he found himself in a very embarrassing situation. While up he went ahead to take a quick shower and change clothes after first checking on Bella to make sure she was still asleep and doing okay.

Taking his time to enjoy the spray covering his body from all angles as the shower jets that had been installed to cover every part of the body, helped to relax him and wash all the tension that had settled into tight knots as he had held his Bella earlier during her breakdown.

It hadn't been his intention to upset her, but, that is what did happen. He can't say that it was totally a bad thing; it was bad that his question had started the storm of emotions in Bella and her reactions, but, good at the same time as he was able to learn things from her past that she kept bottled up and hidden away from the light of day. It had given him insight into how her mind worked and gave food for thought on how to plan to help her and make her his forever.

Edward felt more himself after having a relaxing shower, shaving, changing clothes and taking care of other business as well. Upon exiting the bathroom, he glanced over to see Bella beginning to show signs of awaking in a still anxious state of mind. He needed to help her relax and awake in a more peaceful frame of mind. So, going over to the bed he lay down once more beside her and gathered her close into his arms once more. And as she instinctively feels his closeness to her body she settles down once more, take a deep breath and drifts off for a little while longer.

Finally, stretching her tightened muscles Bella opens her eyes to meet the forest green eyes of the man lying next to her, holding her close. She smiles slightly before raising her hesitant hand towards the man's face. Slowly running her fingertips from his forehead down the side of his face to his lips and then she traces his lips with her fingers, but, after a moment she slowly leans towards him as her eyes begin to close and touches her lips to his.

Edward held his breath; not daring to believe what Bella is doing and praying that he wasn't dreaming it. It proved to be fact as he felt the slow, steady pressure of her lips pressing against his and it didn't take him long before believing his luck and to react by giving as good as he was getting. As the kiss deepened, so did their bodies, which reacted to the chemistry that was building to burning heights of their emotions. Wasn't long before Edward took complete charge of the situation and moved to cover his love with his body hovering just inches above her.

Finally breaking the connection between the two of them Edward gazes into Bella's eyes, trying to gauge if he dared to go further; his hesitation is due to the earlier emotional storm that she had passed through, even, into her sleep. He didn't want to push her away by acting too fast, but, he did want her to realize that he wanted to have a loving relationship with her. This particular happening wasn't something he had planned, but, he still wasn't sure if he should take full advantage of it. It could turn into a two edge sword and cut him deeply either way. He could take the lead of where she appeared to be heading and end up moving faster than she was truly ready, or, back away which could cause her to feel rejection as if he didn't want her. Either way was a calculated risk.

But, while Edward was quickly turning this entire situation over in his mind while he was watching Bella, she was thinking and watching his reactions as well. However, both seemed to have made the same decision at the same time and moved towards one another to start where they had left off. Inching slowly towards each other while eyes are slowly closing, not wanting to miss anything being given from the other and contact is made when…..

"Damn, what the hell can that female want at this time?"

"Edward! Edward? Edward Anthony, where the hell are you?" Alice was yelling as she roamed throughout the house looking for her brother.

"Damn annoying brat." He was spitting like an angry cat because of Alice's unscheduled interruption of a special moment. Turning to Bella, he gave her a quick peck and said, "We will take up this matter where we left off!" He told her with a smile and a wink.

"Alice, stop yelling, we're upstairs getting dressed and will be down shortly. Find some place and plant until we can get down to you." Edward shouted down to her since he had risen from the bed to cross over and open the bedroom door.

Closing the door once again he turned to see that Bella had gotten up to collect her clothing and was heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower and get changed into fresh clothing. Deciding then to go on down to see what the hell Alice was wanting since he and Bella weren't going to get back to the interrupted activity they had been enjoying, Edward exited the room and slowly walked down the staircase to find his sister.

After entering the shower Bella took her time to enjoy the spray hitting her body and helping to relax the tightness in her muscles. She also took the time to consider all that had taken place that morning as she and Edward were in the kitchen and eating breakfast. His questions had been innocent enough, so, she wasn't able to understand what had truly caused her emotional storm and she had been totally surprised as to the extent and depth of it hitting her and her system.

During this time in reflection Bella remembered how loving and tender Edward had been. She realized that he had held on to her in a caring and loving manner, giving comfort and support. Not remembering how she ended up in the bedroom or on the bed, Bella could only assume that Edward had carried her upstairs to the master bedroom and laid her on to the bed. Then the memories of what they had shared last night and then just moments ago before Alice's arrival, she blushed and felt the emotional excitement that she had felt before. Edward had a definite way of making a woman feel eager excitement to have him cover every inch of her body with his hands, lips, and body. That was when Bella came to the conclusion that she had made the right decision to explore continuing the marriage and accepting all that came with that position. So far, her experience with Edward had been all pleasure.

The questions of how they would make the two careers work and still maintain a marriage, which Bella knew would require work the same as what their careers did, was something she hadn't stopped to consider as yet. She did have an idea that Edward wanted to continue the marriage, but, she had no idea as to what his reasoning might be and that did trouble her a bit, but, not enough to change her mind. Bella knew that if she wanted this marriage to have a chance to work then she and Edward needed to talk without her freaking the hell out like she did earlier because of a simple question from him about her past.

As the water was beginning to get cold Bella decided that it was time to go downstairs and see what was happening between Edward and Alice. What had brought her over today? So, quickly dressing she was descending the stairs as she heard laughter coming from the kitchen. Turning in that direction she halted in the doorway to observe brother and sister interact with each other. It was a pleasure to see them both so comfortable with each other, but, still have their own opinions of things.

It was either a slight movement or a little sound that Bella was unaware of doing that caught Edward's attention and brought his focus directly towards her appearance in the doorway. Smiling he walked over to her reaching out at the same time to loop his arm around her waist and draw her further into the room. And at the same time Alice greeted her as well and inquired as to how well the trip to Paris was.

"Hey, Alice, what brings you here?" Bella quietly questions.

"Nothing much, but, was wondering if anyone had an idea of what the next challenge might be. We all got the email from the studio reminding us to be there on Monday, and, to expect no more breaks from that point onwards until shooting is completed.

"Sounds like they are in a hurry to get through with this for some reason," Alice commented, without realizing just how right she was.

Neither Edward, nor, Bella made any comment about Alice's observations as they were remembering the conversation they had had with the young assistant at the studio the last time everyone had dispersed for the current break in filming. She had cautioned them not to say anything as the studio was trying to keep everything on the quiet side. It wasn't surprising that the powers that be wanted to get things wrapped up as quickly, but, safely as possible, before anything else happened.

The discussion turned away from the filming to other areas and before she knew it they were telling Alice about their trip to Paris and then to London. The couple was wearing matching smiles and had a definite twinkle lighting their eyes, but, seemed to be unaware of it, but, Alice didn't miss it. She was busy squealing inside just as if she was the one that had gotten them together.

And, as Alice rose to gather her things together in preparation to leave Bella asked without thought, "Would you and your mother mind helping to get the new gallery I've purchased here in L. A. decorated?"

The request stopped Alice in mid-movement. She looked at Bella and then over at Edward to see if this request might be a joke, but, saw no evidence of it on either face. Then quietly responded, "Bella, Mom and I would be honored to help with the interior decorating; we all need to sit down and get an idea of what you have in mind and then we can get started."

"The only problem we are likely to have, Alice, is that I won't always be able to be available for all of the decisions. I have other places I have to be and other galleries to check on as well."

"That's not going to be a problem since we'll have the internet to deal with things." Bella told Alice in answer to her comment.

From there Alice sat back down and asked several questions as to what Bella had in mind and made notes as the ideas were revealed. After about another hour Edward took charge and told his sister to leave as both he and Bella still had to have time to get over their jetlag.

Laughingly she replied, "Yeah, okay, I can take a hint, brother dearest."

XXXXXXX

"You got the email about the shooting schedule?" Irina asked Jacob.

"Got it and trying to make plans for interfering with the schedule a bit more: Any suggestions?"

"Oh, I do have a few."

A/N: Alice has poor timing, but, maybe, it was a good thing. What do you think? It gave both Edward and Bella time to make a few decisions. Do you think they made the right choices?

Your reviews are always welcomed and I will be updating this story every two to three weeks due to the number of open stories I have going at the present time.