A/N: Thanks everyone for R/R. It means a lot to me. This is the last chapter of In Denial. I'm not planning on writing any more Therox fics, but I enjoyed writing the few I had written. Thanks again.

Ch. 18

Taking his hand in hers, she placed it over her heart. "I gave my heart away the day you entered my life. I was blinded by my stubbornness and refusal to admit that we have an undeniable chemistry...that is until now. The light had come on, my eyes have finally opened and all I can see is you." She sighed, "And I thank you."

Touched by her genuine words, he allowed his lips to linger when he kissed her hand. He began trailing kisses up her arm until he reached her neck. Arching her head back to give him better access, she enjoyed the sensation of his touch.

Pausing from the task at hand, his warm breath on Theresa's ears made her body tingle. He spoke to her, his voice husky and sweet, "Theresa Lopez-fitzgerald, would you please accompany me to the awards show I'm attending tonight?"

"I would love to Nicholas Foxworth Crane." Smiling she waited for him to tell her not to call him by that name, but to her surprise he just kissed her passionately on the lips before making love to her a second time.

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Looking around at the crowded arena, Theresa stared at Fox. Fox - the man she denied loving for so long she was surprised she didn't lose him. Rebuking herself for not giving into her feelings sooner, she smiled as he intertwined his fingers with hers. He was the perfect man she always dreamed of, the one who took her heart away from her and returned it with more love than she ever thought was possible. They sat silently, enjoying the glorious feeling of knowing that the other will always be by his or her side.

Listening as they announced Fox's name and the other nominees for best actor in a dramatic film, Theresa gave Fox's hand an encouraging squeeze. Turning towards Theresa, he gave her an appreciative smile. Someone gently shook Fox, letting him know that he won. Theresa snapped out of the same daze Fox was in; rejoicing in his victory. Giving her a kiss before going to accept his award, he confidently walked up the stage. He gave the two announcers a hug and took the trophy in his hands.

Taking a moment to clear the overwhelming emotions he was feeling, he began his acceptance speech. "I've been blessed with the ability to be able to step into other people's shoes, living their lives and understanding how they feel. I guess I always loved doing this because I can leave the life I was or am currently living while I'm in character. It was a healing process – my escape for whatever difficulties or worries that may be in my life at the time. I no longer have to pretend to be content with the life I live and live my happiness through fictional characters thanks to a certain person who showed me what love truly means. Her sweet and endearing personality has changed my outlook on myself, life and the world as a whole. This person who I love more than life itself is none other than Theresa Lopez-fitzgerald."

An explosion of clapping followed suit.

Rendered speechless, Theresa froze in her seat as everyone turned towards her. Suddenly she saw people helping her up, assisting her in treading towards her date. As both Fox and Theresa walked towards one another, Theresa felt as if she was in a dream; a fairytale that she didn't want to wake from. Finally reaching each other in the middle, Fox got down on one knee. Taking her hand in his, he looked deeply into her stunned eyes. "Baby, I know this is sudden and totally unexpected but life is full of surprises. It was fate that I almost ran into you the day of your audition. It was fate that you got the part and it was fate that we found love and compassion in one another that many do not find in their lifetime. Whatever life brings, I want to share it with you. I want us to have a family where our children will know what it means to be loved. I have loved you since the day I laid my eyes on you and will continue to love you throughout eternity. Will you accept my offer of showing you every single day how much I love you? Will you do me the honors of becoming my wife?"

Theresa dropped down to the floor, wrapping her arms around Fox and kissing him on the lips. When they finally broke apart, Fox asked, "Is that a yes?"

"Yes," she answered breathlessly.

Kissing her on her forehead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered into her eyes, "What do you say we go celebrate this happy occasion privately?"