Chapter 29

A/N: Well, they say all good things must come to an end, but it's still sad. We have enjoyed sharing our assward and stripperella with you all and we appreciate the support, reviews, recs, comments, and general love for this story. We are both busy with our own solo stories, so there won't be anything else from us together but check out our solo stories, and you never know what the future holds. Thanks one more time to Maplestyle, SassyNoles, and 2 brown eyes- they were so amazing and helpful. Also, Alice'sWhiteRabbit beta'd this beast-she is super amazing and awesome. Alright, this chapter is split POV so let's hear from Bella first.

Songs- Can't feel my face by The Weeknd, Willow by Taylor Swift

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1 month later

BPOV

I stood in the bathroom, staring at my watch. How can three minutes seem so long? I tilted my head back to look at the ceiling and blew out a breath. My mind flew to a thousand scenarios, but I think I knew the answer before the time was up. I looked at the watch, and then picked up the plastic stick. Yup. Two fucking pink lines, right there in the little window on the test. Fuck! I grabbed a wad of toilet paper, wrapped it up, and then took the test out to the dumpster. Edward wasn't home, so he couldn't ask what was going on, and I was thankful for that.

I knew the minute I was late what it meant, but it could've been stress—that happened. I mean, it never had happened to me, but it happened to other people. I grabbed my cell phone with shaky fingers when I got back inside and called the first person I could think of. Now, one might assume in this situation that I would call Rose or Alice, but there was only one other person who knew Edward almost as well as me. Edward had never once mentioned around me wanting to have kids, so maybe Emmett knew something I didn't.

"Little one! How's it hanging?"

"Are you around Edward?"

"Not currently. He's in his office. Has a mound of paperwork to take care of. You know I don't do that stuff."

"Nope, you're just the muscle behind the brains, aren't you?"

"Damn straight. Do you need to talk to him?"

"No. Is there any way you can come over? I really need to talk to you about something. It's big, Em," I said, my voice turning shaky at the end of my sentence. I hated it, but I was actually really worried about how Edward was going to react.

"Yeah, I'll be there in 10 minutes. Are you okay? Are you safe?"

"Yeah, nothing like that, Em. Plus, I have my gun right next to me."

We ended the call, and I sat down, my hand subconsciously falling to my stomach. I stood up, annoyed. I started pacing, and the sun streaming in through the curtains caught the stone in the Claddagh ring Edward had given me. I never took it off, and I relaxed a little looking at that ring. Edward and I had just gotten started. I had finally officially moved in a couple weeks ago. I mean, really, I had lived here a lot longer than that, and Edward and I had been in love longer than we wanted to admit.

Since that day in the cemetery, right next to Edward's mom's grave, we may as well have been saying I do. Edward took over running the Celtics, and he constantly asked me for advice and my opinion on all matters. I was his partner in everything, and I knew soon he would be making some structural changes, and I knew we would make those decisions together.

I had continued to take self-defense instructions from Dylan. He was part of the family, whether official or not, but I trusted him because Edward trusted him. They had taken care of some people who wanted to cause problems or get retribution for Alec. Dylan, Edward, and Emmett were an unstoppable force, and it was great to see Dylan be an immature teenager when he was joking with Emmett and serious and focused when interacting with Edward. He went shooting with us a few times too, and I knew Edward and Emmett were impressed by his skills with a gun.

I heard a pounding knock on the door, and I looked out the peephole—a habit Edward had drilled into my head—before opening the door. Emmett looked worried and relieved when I was obviously physically okay. I led Emmett into the living room and sat on the couch, and those damn pregnancy hormones reared their ugly head. I started crying, and Emmett was by my side in an instant.

That was another thing that had changed with Edward's and my relationship. His inner circle was my family. Marx, Connell, Boden, Emmett, Dylan, Alice, and Rose were all my people, and even though Rose and Alice weren't part of the mob family, they were still my girls, and I loved them fiercely. Emmett was still brotherly and helped me find my footing in this lifestyle.

"B, you're kinda freaking me out here."

"I'm pregnant."

"What?"

"Don't make me say it again."

"Does Edward know?" he said, pulling away to look at me.

I shook my head. "You're the first person I've told. I don't know what to do, Em. He's gonna freak out. I've never heard him mention wanting kids."

"Well, no, neither have I, but come on. Dude has got some serious self-hate issues sometimes, but that baby is part you, and he could only love something that's part of you."

"I don't know if he'll see that. Regardless, I know Edward, and he's going to be angry, and I don't know if I can handle that. I'm not ready to be a mom, and this wasn't the plan, but like you said, it's part him and part me, and I could never dislike anything that perfect."

"Just tell him, B. If you wait, it'll seem like you're hiding it, and that will make him angrier than anything, and if he's too much of an ass, call me, and I'll thump on him a little bit."

I laughed, flung my arms around his neck, and gave him a side hug. He was such a mammoth guy, my arms never really fit around him. He pulled me close to him, returning the embrace. "Thank you, Emmett. You really are the brother I never had."

"Yeah, and you're like the pain in the ass sister I always asked my mom for and never got."

I pulled away from our embrace. I playfully smacked his chest. "Oh, please, pain in the ass. I'm a fucking delight."

We both started laughing, and Emmett jumped up off the couch. "Well, I better go. Got a club to watch over."

I stood up too. "You mean you've got a leggy blonde you gotta watch over?" I corrected him, talking about Rose.

He got a far-off look on his face. "Mmmm, I do enjoy watching her."

"Oh, my God, go be dirty somewhere else," I said, laughing. Emmett gave me another hug, and then saw himself out. I sat back on the couch and refused to let the panic set in again. Emmett was right; Edward could never dislike anything that was a part of me, and I felt the same way. This child would be loved, and it wasn't like we didn't have the money or a pre-established relationship between us. I kept telling myself everything would be okay.

By the time Edward came home, I was more relaxed and more optimistic about telling him. I wasn't going to tell him I told Emmett because that would probably upset him. I was just finishing dinner when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind. I reveled in his warmth before turning in his arms. "Hey, how was your day?"

Edward kissed me, pressing me into the counter, and I moaned into his mouth. He deepened the kiss and probed my mouth with his tongue. I caught up with his mood quickly, pulled his whole body closer to me, and tangled my tongue with his. Our tongues danced together, but I quickly realized that we would end up having sex right here in this kitchen if neither of us stopped it. I gently pulled away from his lips. Not one to be deterred, he leaned down and kissed along my neck and collarbones. I pulled farther away from him.

"Edward, I need to talk to you," I said with utter sincerity.

He was flustered, but when he saw the look in my eyes, he immediately became concerned. He gently gripped my hips and pulled me closer to me. "Baby, what's wrong?"

I looked into his eyes and sighed. I closed my eyes and just told him. "I'm pregnant."

I felt his body stiffen. "What?"

"You heard me, Edward," I said, opening my eyes but looking down. I didn't want to see the look on his face.

His hands dropped from my hips, and I felt him step away from me. I saw him start to pace, but I still wouldn't look at his face. "How?"

"You know how children are made."

"No, how, Bella. You were supposed to be on birth control. How could you let this happen?"

"Me? Just me. So, I got myself pregnant? Maybe you have some sort of amnesia because I know you're not that stupid. I was kidnapped for four days! They weren't exactly taking care of me and doling out my medication while I was there. Birth control has to be taken daily. When you miss any pills, it is ineffective. God!" I said, walking past him into the living room. He grabbed my arm, and I finally looked at his face. I don't think I'll ever be able to fully describe his expression, but it looked like a mix between terror, cautious hope, and anger.

"When —"

"I don't know. It's not like we go days without sex, but due to the fact that I just got a positive test and my cycle is fairly regular, I think the night at the club is probably when."

"We're not ready for a kid. I can't believe this."

I grabbed his hand and cupped his cheek. "This wasn't planned, I know that. But I also know we can do this … together."

Edward let out a deep breath. He looked at me, and I was looking right back, waiting for him to just say something. He reached out and rested his hand on my flat stomach and smiled. I felt the warmth from his touch, but that simple gesture made my heart sing.

"No more defense training with Dylan. I can't deal with you getting hurt." I nodded and waited because I know his protective instincts would jump into overdrive now. "I've never done this, babe. I was never around kids or had friends with kids. Just tell me what you need, and I'll make it happen. You aren't sick, are you? Maybe you should sit down?"

I cradled his face between both my hands. "Handsome, breathe. I'm okay. It's really early still, so, no, I haven't gotten any morning sickness, and I'm fine to stand."

"I know you still haven't returned to work, and you were planning to go back in a week or two, but I don't want you working there while you're pregnant. Plus, I want Emmett with you whenever you're outside of this house. We still have people sniffing around, trying to find a chink in our armor because I just took over the reins. They'll try and hurt you, especially since you're pregnant."

I really wanted to stake my independence and tell him to shove it, but I knew why he wanted this, and I knew he was already stressed about my safety. So, I wasn't going to fight him on this, no matter how much my stubborn nature wanted to. "Okay, I can accept that, and I'll make sure that he's with me when I'm not home."

"So, we're gonna have a little one running around soon? I hope it looks like you."

"Funny because I was hoping it'd look like you. Maybe we'll get lucky, and it'll be the best of both of us."

Edward chuckled and pulled me to him for a searing kiss. Even though every kiss between us was amazing, this one held a lot more meaning. I had nothing but hope and love in my heart for this man, and I knew we would weather any storm.

EPOV

I could hardly believe I was going to be a father. I kept looking between Bella's angelic face to her belly, and everything inside me seemed on high alert. My brain was screaming at me to put her in a room and keep her from harm's way—my fetus, my baby, rested in her womb. I could scarcely envision holding a baby in my arms. I'd probably freeze the poor thing into a block of ice, yet another part of me—a quieter part—thrived at the notion.

I would love a simpler life for my child than the one I currently represented. Kind of like the life my mother had given me before everything went to shit. I kept having these flashes of something similar happening to my child, of him witnessing Bella's and my execution, much the way I had. A predatory beast awoke within me, and despite my earlier proclamation about her being my partner … Well, I hadn't lied … She would be my partner in all things, yet there was someone new to consider.

"Em, come in here a minute," I stated, giving my longtime friend an intense stare. I gestured for him to come inside my office. Once he crossed the threshold, I closed and locked the door securely, lingering only momentarily to ensure Bella was otherwise occupied. Appeased with my estimation, I turned my attention to Em. "As you are aware, Bella's and my relationship has progressed into a permanent arrangement. I have sworn she is equal to me on all ground, yet …"

"You're already backing out of that shit?" Em swore under his breath and shook his head, glaring back at me. "Dude, don't even tell me something that's about to piss me off."

I scoffed back at him and wandered farther into my office. "Em, just shut the fuck up for two minutes and let me speak, huh?"

Em fell silent and dropped in the chair across from my desk. "Well, that depends on what's about to leave your lips, douchebag."

"Someday, Em," I promised, shaking my head as I fell into the chair behind me. "I swear, you have a way of pissing me off." Slapping the desktop, I shook my head. "As always, a lack of faith in me. I wish I could be disappointed, but it is what it is. My growth isn't why I called you in here however. I have far more pressing issues at hand."

Silence fell between us for a long moment before I started again. "Bella came to me with some rather sensitive information. I adamantly maintain she will share equal footing where the Celtics are concerned … she will be my partner in every sense of the word, however with this new intel—well, things will have to be a little different."

"Come on, boss, the day's wasting. We have to meet the Celtics in half an hour. The sooner you spit out this sensitive intel, the soon we can get this show on the road."

I cleared my throat as I considered how to address the issue. "Well, Bella has confirmed that she's carrying my baby. While at first, the news was hard to take, and admittedly hard to digest, I feel like I need her guarded at all times. Do not leave her side … for anything."

A huge grin broke across Emmett's face, and I glared back at his gloating expression. Running my hand across my jaw, I continued. "Stop looking at me like that."

"Make me." He laughed with a tip of his head. "Never thought I'd see the day when Edward Cullen settled down and became a family man. This is rich …"

I shrugged as if it couldn't be helped, and honestly, it couldn't. When Bella had walked into my club, I'd known then that woman would change my life. As it turned out, all of it had been for the better. In order to keep it that way, I needed to ensure nothing and no one attempted to take her or my baby from me. "Em, you have your orders. Don't leave her side … starting now."

He must've become aware of how serious this was because he promptly climbed to his feet and headed for the door. "I'll be her shadow whether she likes it or not. And, you already know she will not like it. Don't think I didn't notice the way you made sure she wasn't around to tell me this."

"Yeah, she can be quite the handful when she sets her mind to it, but she knows," I mumbled as Emmett slipped from the office. Hard to believe in a few short months, something bigger than the both of us would be living, breathing in this world. After a few minutes of self-reflection, I climbed to my feet and went to collect my better half—quite literally.

Slipping behind the bar, I wrapped my arm around her waist, ever aware of my peanut inside. "We have to run to Seamus's. You riding with? Have to give the Celtics their orders … grant some wishes … you know because I have become Santa and shit."

"Santa?" Bella asked, burying her face in my chest. "The day you come home dressed in red and white, I'm taking pictures of it and plastering them all over Seattle."

"You wouldn't dare, woman." I growled into her ear. Patting her ass, I said, "Let's get this song and dance over with so we can go home."

Twenty minutes later, we pulled into the driveway, and I simply sat there gazing at Seamus's house. A wave of melancholy filled me as I once again contemplated the full magnitude of the situation hitting me like a ton of bricks. I was the new leader of the Celtics, and while I knew this to be the case for some time, the prospect of never seeing Seamus again collided with the stone in my chest.

Bella squeezed my hand as I threw the truck in park. "I'm sorry, babe. I know what Seamus was to you, and nothing will ever replace what you've lost. I wish there was something I could do or say to make this right."

I shook my head as I glanced toward her. Clenching and unclenching my jaw, I said, "You do more than you could know just by being here. Seamus was my best friend—my only friend growing up. I don't think I would've made it through those years without him. Anyway, after speaking to his lawyer, all of his assets were left to me. Wanna see your new house?"

"Are you serious?" Bella sat upright, staring at the spread laid out before her. The mansion alone was big enough to set four of my luxurious condos in, and a full-length pool sat overlooking the city. Her gaze flashed to mine, and there was no way she could conceal her excitement. "Hell, yes, I want to look around. By the way, Edward, if you think I haven't noticed the way Em has been hovering over me, you would be mistaken. Like I actually believed you'd let me or this baby out of your sight."

"See"—I laughed in response to her declaration— "intelligent, sexy, and fearless. And you would be correct. That little bundle you're carrying is my baby … my blood … my family. There was no way I'd jeopardize anything happening to either of you."

She kissed me before her excitement became too much, and she hopped from the vehicle. At a much slower pace, I rounded the truck to find my brothers standing at the ready for my instructions. Nodding toward the mansion, I said, "Meet me inside, gentlemen, and I'll lay out the land."

Without hesitation, I unlocked the door to Bella's and my new home. "Bella, if you will join us for a brief moment. After this meeting, you and I can go exploring together."

She looked reluctant to stave off her enthusiasm, yet abruptly, she shrugged it off and followed us inside to the table shaped like a Celtic cross. Urging Bella to take the seat at my side, I smoothed my jacket over my abdomen before I sat. Quietly, my gaze took in those sitting around me.

Bella sat at my side with Em to her immediate left. Connell, Marx, Boden, and Dylan sat across from us. Licking my dry lips, they fell into a firm line as I studied each and every one of them. "I'd like to start this meeting by saying we laid to rest one of the finest people I have ever known. As you all know, Seamus was like a brother to me, and it was his request for me to take over the Celtics in the event of his death or retirement, for lack of a better word."

As I spoke, all around agreed to my statements. "As much as I hate that Seamus is no longer with us, I'm stepping in to take his place, and it's not a duty I take lightly. With that said, I'd also like to point out that Bella is my acting partner, which means anything and everything she says goes. If she were to ask you to do something, you'll treat her as if you were speaking directly to me—with no questions asked. Emmett is my second in command."

"Here, here," sounded around the table until everyone had spoken their understanding of the situation.

When all fell silent, I resumed my speech. "I'm officially resigning my duties as a hitman. That's a task I'll no longer perform. Considering that fact, I'm here today to pass on my duties to a man who has proven his worth time and again."

Several eyes watched me as my fingers drummed on the smooth cherrywood. Looking toward Dylan, I gave a nod and he rose. "If I ever need your services, will you take on my instructions without question?"

"I will, boss," he agreed, his eyes hard slates as he returned my gaze without flinching. He was certainly a tough little shit, I thought with a light chuckle.

Regaining my composure, I said, "Dylan Brennan, loyal subject of the Celtics, I hereby declare you the recipient of my legacy. And do you, Dylan Brennan, accept these responsibilities as I have declared them to you."

"I do." Dylan sniffed with the same arrogance I'd had at his age.

"Good," I stated, turning my attention to Connell. "Connell will be your right-hand man. Hopefully, he serves you with the same loyalty and devotion Em has served me. Connell, help find our man Dylan here a legitimate business to sink his money into so as not to raise suspicion."

"Will do, boss." Connell's blond head nodded toward me.

"Great." Reaching beneath the table, I retrieved the briefcase I'd put here yesterday. Tossing it on top of the table, I pointed toward Dylan. "I need you to find Marcus Rossi of the Volturi and give him a bullet with my name on it. I haven't forgotten his involvement in all that missing money."

Dylan took the briefcase and popped the top. His steely gaze roamed over stacks of bills. Finally, he glanced in my direction. "I'm on it, boss."

"Discreetly—leave no evidence and get rid of the body." With this last bit of instruction, my attention went to Bella and Emmett. "Everyone is free to go with their orders. Marx and Boden, if they need help. As for me and my partner, we have a new home to explore."

As the gentlemen left the room, I took Bella's hand, and with a nod toward Emmett, I said, "Let's go see what we have."

We spent the next two hours strolling the grounds and wandering through the mansion. We ended our journey on the balcony, overlooking the city down below. I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist and pulled her closer to me. Kissing her temple, I whispered, "A house befitting a queen."

She grinned back at me with flashing green eyes. "And her king."

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A/N: Well, that's that. One last time let us know what you think! Once again thank you all so much for your support and love. Until we meet again, much love to you all!