A/N: So...pass me a kleenex please!!! This is it!!! The Epilogue!!!!

I feel so....so weepy and excited and strange! I have lived with Dukeward and Bella in my head for such a long time! I am still utterly thrilled that this story still has

such momentum!!! Thanks to all my new readers! Sorry to leave you now!!

But...good news!!! Be sure to check out my new story "Freeze Frame"...Geeky Edward...Spunky Bella! You can find the link on my profile!!!

Special love goes out to the two women who helped me with this...Goz (my first beta until ROBsessedBlog became a full time occupation) and BritKat who stepped up

and spent so much personal time helping me, arguing with me, kicking my immature ass, partying at Sam Bradley's concert with me.... I love you Kat!!! Muuuuahhhh!!!!

Robkats... I love you always and Rob Pattinson...How dare I finish this story just as the most incredible f**khawt photos of you surface!!! Love you Rob!! Thanks for Dukeward!!!

To all my incredible readers.... this story.... seriously...it would have been nothing without your neverending support! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

Stephenie Meyer owns all characters Twilight. I just like watching them walk around in tight jeans, take them off, and then.......

Here we go...

Epilogue - The Run for the Roses

Six years later…..

It was one of those lovely mornings when the temperature is just right and you can tell by the color of the sky that it was going to be a glorious day. Excitement and nerves were in abundance in our suite this morning. The same excitement was felt in the Whitlock's suite down the hall. Jasper had an early breakfast and left Alice to sleep in. He was going to be down at the stable all morning making sure his horse was ready to run the Kentucky Derby.

Edward had been pacing back and forth on a conference call with some new buyers and I could tell that he was anxious to end the call and meet Jasper at the track. Georgie had woken us both up earlier in the morning, crawling in between us and snuggling in. Edward raised his thick eyebrows at me in consternation. I knew only too well the naughty thoughts that had been on my husband's mind, but I also knew how much he secretly enjoyed these times with Georgie.

"What's got you up so early buddy?" I ruffled Georgie's bronze hair and pulled him in closer to me.

"I'm too excited to sleep!" Georgie answered. "I can't wait for E.J. to get here!"

Edward sighed loudly rolled over onto his back and pinched the bridge of his very patrician if slightly crooked nose. "You and E.J. better behave yourselves with Gran and Phil today. I think it's very nice of them to take you to the amusement park."

"I know! I didn't want to go to the stinky race track anyway. What's so special about it Daddy? I get to play with horses everyday."

"Some people aren't as lucky as you Georgie. Maybe once you start your dressage lessons and compete for the first time you will understand." Edward explained.

"I don't want to do de-saaage! I want to be a cowboy like Uncle Jasper."

I laughed at the exasperation on Edward's face. "It's your own fault. You shouldn't let him spend so much time with Jasper. Besides, I'm with Georgie on this one. I think the only Cullen who should be doing dressage right now is you, Your Grace." I winked at Edward and he smiled back at me. Edward started to say something but was interrupted when we heard a quiet knock on the bedroom door.

"Bella?" I could hear my mother's voice come from the other side of the door and Georgie let out a loud, exuberant squeal.

"GRAN!" He bounced off the bed and threw open the door and bounced into my mother's open arms.

"Hello Gorgeous boy! Ready to have some fun today?" Renee just beamed at him.

"Is E.J. here yet?" Georgie was hopping around like he was already on a pure sugar high.

"Not yet buddy. But I do know that Emmett, Rose and E.J. have just left the airport and are on their way here. What do you say about getting out of those jammies and getting dressed to have breakfast with me and Phil?"

"Can I have waffles?" Georgie's green eyes sparkled as he smiled the all too familiar crooked grin. My mother was a sucker for it. Hmmm…apple didn't fall far from the tree on that one.

"Yes, of course! Let's let your Mum and Dad get dressed okay? They have a big day ahead of them."

I mouthed thanks to my mother as Georgie ran back for one more hug and a kiss before setting off on his adventure with Emmett's son E.J. Georgie clutched his teddy bear tightly to the front of his pajamas and ran to the bedroom door. Renee closed the door while listening to Georgie rattle off all the rides that he was determined he was going to ride in one day.

The minute the door shut I found myself being stripped of my pajamas. "Edward! Renee is just outside."

"Then you'll just have to try and be quiet Duchess. I'm not letting you get away from me this morning. I already let that crazy sister-in-law of mine drag you off yesterday…" He kissed each one of my nipples and immediately I rewarded him with a quiet moan.

"Well, since you put it that way and….Hello! Someone is definitely happy to see me this morning." I quipped as I felt Edward's erection press up against my stomach. "I think that…"

Edward's kiss effectively cut me off. I melted into the feel of him and welcomed both his body and the day in the best way possible.

"Finally! I never thought I would get Lord Buckley off the phone. I appreciate that the man wishes to purchase a good part of my current stable, but Jesus the man is a loquacious prat." Edward strode into the room searching for his jacket. I watched him in the reflection of the mirror for a couple of seconds.

"It's hanging up in the closet." I said as I pulled the flat iron through my hair.

"Thanks love. What time do you think you and Alice will arrive at the track?"

I watched in fascination as Edward began to button up his shirt. I always loved the way he tilted his head back allowing me to ogle the strong lines of his jaw. He would always purse his lips slightly and I would find myself almost breathless just watching him. I walked over and slid his tie around his collar and began to fashion the perfect Windsor knot. I could smell Edward's inviting masculine smell and had to resist the urge to place my lips right against the gentle pulsing point just under his jaw.

"All done." I sighed as I lay his tie down on his shirt and patted his chest. Edward reached up, grabbed my hand and kissed each one of my fingertips.

"I like your dress. It's very sexy. You know how much I like that color blue on you."

"Wait until you see the hat that goes with it! I have to admit I'm very excited about today."

"I'm not ashamed to admit that I am more curious about what's underneath that dress than what is going to be on top of your head."

"Oh Texas I think some things need to be left as a surprise." I smirked wickedly at him and pulled out of his embrace.

"Another inspired idea for your next novel that needs proper researching perhaps?" He grinned back at me.

"Admit it. You love having a wife who has such a racy imagination." I laughed as I pulled my hat out of the hatbox.

"Nice." Edward nodded his approval at my hat. "I thinkthat perhaps later I would like to make love to you with you wearing nothing but that hat and those high heels."

"Only if you are wearing nothing but dressage pants and boots."

Edward's eyes darkened. "Wanting to play stable boy and Duchess are you?"

"Sounds good to me. And don't forget the riding crop." I blew him a kiss as he shrugged his jacket on. His laughter filled the room.

"You've got a date." Edward crossed over to me, nudged my chin up and kissed me gently. "See you at the track my lovely saucy wife."

Edward swatted me lightly on the behind. When he realized he couldn't feel my customary lacy boy shorts underneath my dress he grinned widely. I laughed as I heard him whistling as he left our hotel suite.

I finished getting ready and promptly headed to Alice and Jasper's suite.

Alice pulled the door open before I could even knock.

"Oh my God that hat is fabulous with the dress!!!" Alice squealed.

"I know! It's perfect isn't it?" I grinned back. The hat was a wide brimmed elegant throw back to 40's old style glamour. My dress was vintage and the platform Christian Laboutin pumps I was wearing finished the outfit perfectly.

"I feel so proud. I feel like a mother hen whose baby chick has learned to fly…" Alice wiped away mock tears and made overdramatic sniffing noises.

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny. I've learned a thing or two, but I still need my tres chic sister-in-law to handle the final touches." I pulled the pins from my hat and took it off. I knew all too well that Alice would want to touch up the final details on my ensemble before we left.

"Mimosa?" Alice poured one for herself from a crystal pitcher. I nodded and she immediately poured one for me too.

"God I'm such a nervous wreck for Jazz today." Alice paced around the suite. She was in nonstop motion and she was almost making me dizzy.

"Alice! Stop pacing! Regardless of what happens let's just enjoy the day. We don't get to spend as much time all together as we used to."

Alice sighed and plopped down on the sofa. "That's true." She said wistfully. "Emmett and Rose are so busy in Washington. You're writing your third book in the "Prince" series and I can't get Jasper off the ranch long enough to take a vacation!"

"Oh Alice! You know that's because we both have so much going on! Georgie has school now and finishing the book is another priority for me."

"We did get lucky didn't we?" Alice smiled somewhat dreamily. We laughed and clinked our glasses together. "Come on Cullen. Let's finish getting ready. We have two very sexy men that need to be decorated with two of the hottest bitches ever."

***

As we pulled up to Churchill Downs, we could see the familiar twin spires of the track pointing upwards towards a brilliant blue sky.

"Bella, do you realize that the trophy they give out is the only solid gold trophy that currently exists in any sporting event?" Alice was beyond excited. I myself was starting to feel the nerves and found myself craving the comforting touch of Edward's hands. This was going to be my first time to witness the "Running of the Roses" in person.

Alice and I both checked our makeup one more time before exiting the limousine. I slipped on a pair of Dior vintage sunglasses as the glare of the sunlight bounced off the perfectly waxed ebony surface of the limo.

"You smell that Bella? That smells like victory." Alice took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"I'd say it smells like horse shit, bourbon and good times! About time you both got your beautiful arses here." Rose remarked as she approached us from behind.

Alice and I both turned and rushed over to envelop Rose into a three way hug. We all laughed as our huge hats were knocked askew. Laughter and easy camaraderie broke out and we all made our way towards the paddocks.

"How's Emmett, Rose?" I asked.

"Oh Bella. He is on the fast track. I had no idea just how driven he was to succeed at politics. His father is thrilled beyond belief. I honestly think he may run for the House next year!"

We spent the few minutes catching up as we made our way to the paddock where "Golden Zipper", Jasper's latest pride and joy was stabled.

Rose started to laugh when she saw the name of our filly. The one female we were all counting on to make Derby history.

"Golden Zipper? I can only imagine…" Rose giggled.

"It's kind of a private joke." I explained as I blushed.

Alice chimed in immediately. "You know those Cullen boys Rose. They just have a certain way of ….um… making certain things stand out."

Rose shuddered in mock horror. "Alice Whitlock if you are suggesting that I used to ogle the private parts of not only your husband but Bella's as well…"

"Okay…EWWW!" I interrupted. "I think I need a drink. A lot more drinks!"

Our men could hear our laughter as we approached the MC Ranch paddock. We rounded the corner and found Jasper, Emmett and Edward already sipping on a customary Mint Julep. Edward's cheeks were a little ruddy from the bourbon and I knew just how lovely it would be to kiss him right now.

"Well Good God almighty. I think the Heaven's may have opened up Gentlemen and graced us today with the presence of three spectacular beauties. I call dibs on the tiny one with dark hair." Jasper drawled.

Emmett moved over towards Rose. "This is my reward for all my hard work this year. Rosie? You are a goddess. Now plant me a kiss right here." Emmett gestured towards his cheek. Rose leaned in to grant his request and was immediately surprised when Emmett suddenly grabbed her and threw her into a backwards dip, kissing her fiercely. We all furtively darted our eyes giving them a moment of privacy.

Edward walked up behind me and I could feel the heat coming off his lean body. His breath was warm and erratic as he gently tugged on my hair exposing my throat. I felt his warm lips trace his way up my collar bone to hollow beneath my ear. One of his hands found their way to cup one of the cheeks of my ass and he gently squeezed.

"You are magnificent." He whispered hotly in my ear.

"Careful Texas. We may not make it until the end of the race." I lightly admonished.

"Who says we have to wait?"

I took a quick look around. "We don't." I whispered.

Edward quickly took me by the hand and led me away from the paddock, dragging me towards the track building. We hurried towards the private box that he had reserved on Millionaire's Row. Millionaire's Row comprised of private boxes that were a special place for all celebrities, royalty, trainers and owners to watch the Derby in resplendent relaxation.

There was no one currently in the box that had been reserved for the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland, Owners of Masen Equine, and part owners of the MC Ranch. It was Jazz and Edward's final collaboration together. "Golden Zipper" was a mare and today we all hoped she would make history.

My heart was pounding in my chest as Edward pulled me towards him. His eyes were dark and glimmering with desire. I felt him slide his fingers up my thigh and he groaned as he pushed aside the tiny delicate string of my panties only to find me wet and waiting for him.

"Jesus Bella! What are you doing to me?" He uttered as he locked the door to the box.

I barked out a laugh. "Me? That's rich. What the hell is this all about?"

"Damn you. Damn you and your nonexistent panties! Did you really think I would be able to function today thinking about this…" I gasped as he slid two of his long fingers inside me.

I leaned my head against his shoulder. He tugged my hat off, the hair pins scattering on the floor with a light pinging noise. I felt him put his hands around my ass and lift me up onto the table that had yet to be decorated with the food that was to be brought in by the caterers.

"Oh shit Edward. That feels so good!" I whimpered as his fingers traced the outline of my hardened nipple through the fabric of my dress. He spread my thighs open and roughly ground his hips and his erection against me.

"No bra?" He croaked. "Fuck."

I could feel him jerk down one side of my dress to expose my goose pebbled flesh to the onslaught of warmth of his deliciously wet tongue.

"Edward" I whispered almost moaning as I tugged at his hair. His tongue laved my nipple and he took his time delicately nipping it in between his teeth as his fingers found my clit and teased it. I could feel the beginning flutters of my orgasm. I sucked in a deep breath and suppressed it. I put my hands on Edward's shoulders and shoved him backward.

"Stop! I need you inside me…" I managed to whimper out. I was sure that I looked like a woman possessed. My heart pounded in my chest, my breathing was erratic and I could feel just how slick I was making the spot where I sat on the table beneath me.

Edward ran his thumb over my bottom lip. "Are you sure?" He panted.

"Fuck yes. Now. Do it now." I begged.

I watched in delirious satisfaction as he pulled open the button on his trousers and reached inside his boxers to pull out his magnificently stiff cock. I groaned at the sight of it. I could see the evidence of his desire starting to leak from the tip. It was a lovely angry shade of purple and I knew I was in for a frantic and incredibly hot fuck.

Edward grasped my knees and pushed them open wider. I balanced myself back on the table, letting him see me spread out, wet and waiting for him.

"Hmmmm." He managed to hum out between his perfectly sensuous red lips. He grasped his cock between his fingers and began to stroke it slowly. I watched, mesmerized by the beauty of his fingers and listening to the guttural sounds issuing forth from his throat. It had only been several hours since he had first shaved his face this morning but already I could see the beginnings of his scruff.

I wanted to feel that scruff chafe my thighs. I needed to feel him…I lost all self control the minute he glided the head of his cock through the slicked lips of my sex.

"Oh fuck!" I threw my head back and hit the wall behind me. Ouch. Edward had become alarmed and I grabbed his hips and tried to thrust myself upwards, hoping to convince him not to stop.

"Are you okay?" He cautiously asked. His breathing was as ragged as mine. God knows how his voice managed to drop several octaves lower during sex but it turned me on beyond belief.

"I'm good….more than good." I tried to reassure him as I panted out between harsh breathes. "Now shut up and fuck me good and proper."

Edward groaned at my blatant suggestion. His fingers were everywhere. His tongue, his kisses, hot words of love washed over me. His thrusting was measured, slow and controlled at first. But then the need for satisfaction took over and we pulled, pushed and rode one another tirelessly. The first wave of my climax was building. I tried to breathe through it. The simple action of trying to breathe during my orgasm only served to intensify it and make it last even longer. I thrashed on the table, my pussy sucking Edward's cock inside me further as the muscular contractions gripped him tightly. He emptied himself into me, riding out our climax together.

"Fuck!" He uttered as he collapsed against me. I could feel the sweaty tendrils of his hair sticking to my neck. My red lipstick was smeared across one of his cheekbones. I started to laugh.

"Shit Texas. I think we just had dessert before the caterers could even set up our lunch. I don't know how I'm gonna keep my shit together during lunch after what we just did."

Edward chuckled as he reached down to fasten his pants back up. My g-string hung around one of my ankles. Edward retrieved it and stashed it in his pocket.

"I'll keep these if you don't mind." He raised one eyebrow at me. I quickly straightened my dress and searched for my handbag and hat pins. I found a Kleenex and was able to wipe the lipstick traces from Edward's face. I fixed my makeup and grabbed my hat.

"I need to find a bathroom or else Alice is going to kill me."

I could feel Edward slide his arms around my waist from behind and place a gentle kiss on the shell of my ear. "I think you look perfect. Perfectly fucked and flushed."

"My goodness Texas. I think you may have just given me some more inspiration for another chapter." I laughed.

Edward sighed and pulled away from me. "You realize I have more notoriety as the basis of your 'Prince' character than I do as a horse breeder now."

"Are you really complaining Edward?" I cocked a half smile at him.

"After what we just did? No. Hell no. It just takes some time getting used to some of the stares I get on the street now. I'm afraid that I will just have to take it out in kind. You owe me for each and every lascivious stare I get from random women these days."

I snorted with laughter. "Jesus Texas! When are you going to understand that women just stare at you in lust….PERIOD?"

Edward shook his head and I began to straighten up the mess we had made.

"You don't think anyone heard us do you?" I finally ventured to ask.

"I don't care if they did." Edward walked over, wrapped me in his strong, capable arms and kissed me on my forehead. "I love my brilliantly gorgeous wife and I don't care who knows it."

"Come on Handsome. Hands off for a while. We have a race to watch!" I grabbed Edward by the hand and pulled him out the door of our private box.

***

Our lunch with the Whitlock's and the McCarty's was a raucous success. Edward and I managed to keep a straight face every time someone stood in front of the spot where we fucked on the table. I was only too happy to know that it was now covered with a pristine white tablecloth. Champagne flowed freely as well as the Mint Juleps. I was secretly thanking my mother for taking Georgie off our hands for the day.

The time was drawing closer for the horses to be brought from the paddocks. Our jockey, Mike Newton had to report to weigh in. It was time for us to make our way down towards the field. Both Edward and Jasper were sure to be interviewed so Emmett promised to take good care of us while we waited out the formalities.

I had never drunk so much bourbon in my life. I was feeling warm and a little dizzy under the warm Kentucky sunshine. We strolled around looking at the competition, looked at our racing forms and debated on the favorites. "Golden Zipper" was nowhere near the top favorites on the form.

"C'mon Bells. You just have to trust me on this. GZ is pure win!" Jasper argued.

"I don't bet Jasper. I have never even played the freaking lottery and you want me to plunk down my hard earned money on a horse?"

"Um…not just any horse. The most freaking supreme female that Edward and I have laid eyes on since meeting both you and Alice. She's a winner Bells. I can feel it!"

I couldn't help but being infected by Jasper's enthusiasm. "If Golden Zipper wins Jazz….you talk Georgie into doing dressage!"

Jasper rolled his eyes at me. "You drive a hard bargain sister. But done. I'm just going to tell you now that that little dude was meant to do something else than follow in my cousin's impossible footsteps"

I smiled warmly at Jasper. "Georgie loves you unconditionally you know? He wants to be a cowboy…just like you."

"Cowboy? Is that how he sees me? I love that kid!" Jasper kicked at the dirt underneath his immaculate boots. I knew it was not going to be too much longer before I heard that the Whitlock's would be expecting their first child.

In some ways I almost envied Alice and Jasper. They spent the first five years of their marriage just exploring the world together. I had received post card after post card of each exotic location that they had visited. But at the same time I could see the familiar longing in Alice's eyes. I chuckled thinking about the two of them becoming parents. Any child that they brought into this world was surely going to be delegated into raising the two of them!

We heard the announcement for all horses to be brought from the paddock to the track. I gave both Edward and Jasper a quick hug. I knew both of them would be back quickly to join us to watch the race. More mint juleps were passed out and suddenly the crowd began to sing "My Old Kentucky Home." I found myself emotionally moved by the crowd.

We watched as the horses pranced onto the track. They were such spectacular animals. I could see the sun glimmering off their well brushed coats. Proud snorts exhaled loudly as they stamped into the dirt underneath. They were beautiful. They were graceful. They were powerful. Jockeys sat astride them, the reflection off their colorful silks almost as beautiful as the crowds that had gathered to see the "Running of The Roses". I was struck by the similarity between the horses and the Cullen family. My family. Strong, proud, beautiful and majestic. Words that practically described the Cullen/Masen family.

We watched as Mike Newton sauntered "Golden Zipper" up towards her starting gate. I could feel the butterflies starting to flutter in my stomach. I was nervous as hell. Edward had finally made his way from the paddock and suddenly swept me into his arms and delivered a forceful kiss.

"For Luck." He uttered. "For Love. For us."

I wavered on the spot for a moment trying to figure out if I was more intoxicated by the bourbon or my husband.

One look into Edward's green flashing eyes and I knew my excitement was caused by him.

We all waited patiently as we each took turns slipping outside our box to place our bets. We all had agreed at lunch that none of us would reveal which horse we had bet on.

I had fully placed my trust in the mare from the MC Ranch. She was sleek, beautiful and everything those boys had worked so hard for. I just knew she had to win….

Ninety of the most exciting seconds later…we had won!

***

I was laying on the sheep skin rug in the living room of our own private getaway. Edward had just moved to the bathroom to turn the water of the shower on.

I needed a moment to catch my breath. I lay there thinking about the last several years. My romance novels had become successful. Edward griped occasionally about nothing being private anymore but I also knew that he secretly loved the notoriety.

"Bella?" I heard Edward call out.

I got up and moved towards the bathroom. Our hideaway was one of my favorite places.

***

It was hard to believe that we were rapidly approaching our seventh anniversary. Never in a million years had I expected my life to take the turns that it did.

I watched as Edward and Georgie played mock rugby in the garden. I sat at my laptop trying desperately to figure out how to tame the 'Prince' once again.

Edward tossed the ball quickly to Georgie and told him to hang on a moment as his phone rang.

Edward answered quickly. Silence followed for what seemed like an eternity. I could see Edward nodding and saying "yeah…yeah….yeah."

Finally he said thank you and the most spectacular grin broke out onto his glorious face.

"What?" I asked as I glanced up from writing my latest chapter.

"The best news ever!" He replied.

I pushed away from the table and ran towards him. "NO!!! Are you serious??" I yelled.

Edward broke out into a wild peal of laughter.

"YES!! They said YES!!!"

I squealed with delight as I jumped up into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. The little girl that we had been wanting to adopt was about to become ours. Her name was Jane and I had met her mother when she had been terminally ill and terrified that her daughter would have no one to take care of her once she was gone. Jane's mother had been the inspiration of my new charity. Edward and I had created a foundation that helped to place orphaned children into loving homes. I was determined to find a home for Jane the moment I met her. Little did I know just how much I had wanted her for my own until Edward had spent time with her and pointed out to me that I was meant to be her mother.

"Oh God! It's been long enough! It's true? REALLY TRUE?" I squealed into his ear.

"Yes, my love. It's true." Edward's eyes were shining brightly at me. Georgie watched us and I knew that he was feeling left out.

"Come here big guy! I've got some wonderful news for you!"

Georgie came over and looked up at me with all earnest. "I'm going away to school aren't I?"

Edward and I both laughed loudly.

"No!" I exclaimed. "No buddy! WE just got word that you are getting a baby sister! Remember Jane? The little girl you got along so well with a couple of months ago? She is going to be your sister!"

Even Georgie started to jump up and down with excitement. Edward and I were thrilled with the prospect of gaining a daughter. Jane was the child of a single mother that I had met through my charity work. Jane's mother had died from horrific circumstances. I had forged a unique bond with the child the first time I had gone to read publicly at the orphanage that she resided in. A child that was now about to become a part of our family.

I looked at my husband. "It doesn't get any better than this Your Grace."

"Sure it does. Just promise me that we shall keep on taking this dance together for the rest of our lives." Edward answered.

He swept me into his arms and together we two stepped across our expansive, green lawn. Georgie soon joined us. We laughed as we enjoyed one of our last times together as a family of three.

Soon we would be four.


Thanks so much!!! Dukeward is going to miss all of you.... leave him a review and he just may make a steamy appearance or two down the line.....

Love to you all! XOXO! JULES!!!