AN: Thanks for the sweet messages everyone concerning my dog.

We've come to the end of this story though... This will be the final chapter with only an epilogue following soon.

Thanks to everyone who has kept reading since I began this story and put up with my crazy updating schedule.

Enjoy!

Chapter 54

EPOV

I fiddled nervously with my tie, until Bella came over and swatted my hands away from it.

'It's fine, Edward. Stop fussing.'

I nodded.

'Do you both have your cards?' Leah asked as she came over as well.

I nodded again, Bella did too as well, holding up the cards with a few talking points and also a few point on what to avoid saying at all costs. such as I hate the bastard and want him to rot in jail for the rest of his life. Apparently expressing that opinion would be frowned upon acoording to Leah.

'Good.' She looked at us both and then nodded to herself. 'Now, remember you don't have to respond to questions you don't want to. Just signal to me and I'll let them know that question is off limits. Alright?'

I nodded and took a deep steadying breath. 'Okay.'

'Are you sure you're up for this?' Bella asked me. It had to be the hundredth time in these past week that she'd asked me.

When she'd told me Leah had suggested a press conference to put everything behind us once and for all, I'd been all for it. We'd set up the conference as soon as we'd settled into my appartment again after being released from hospital. It was four days later now I was still sure this was a good idea. Though I had to admit I was getting nervous now. I'd done press conferences before of course, as one of the players after a game.

But this was personal. We were going to tell everyone about our relationship and about what had happened with James and Laurent. And that was nerve wrecking.

'I'm sure.' I told her Bella, grabbing her hands in mine and pulling her against me into a hug. 'We both need this.' I whispered.

My voice was still a bit raspy, but it was getting better every day. There was no swelling any more, just a bit a of strain on my vocal cords that needed to heal on its own.

'Alright. As long as you're sure.' Bella muttered, burying her face against my chest and clinging to me tightly for a moment. 'I love you.'

'I love you more.' I told her.

She pulled back and smiled up at me. Then she took a deep breath and stepped away from me. 'let's do this.'

I nodded and reached out to take her hand in mine. I squeezed it for a moment before we stepped through the doors separating us from the hounds of the press we'd worked so hard to avoid these past few months.

The moment we stepped into view the camera's started clicking like cazy, almost blinding us with their flashes. The press started yelling our names and yelling out questions. We ignored it as best we could and made out way to the little podium that had been set up with a microphone stand.

Leah told everyone to settle down and announced we would first make a statement and then give them the oppertunity to ask questions.

The room queited down, apart from the ooccasional click of a camera. Bella and I looked at each other for a moment then she took a deep breath and turned to face the press. The switch in her was amazing to see. She went from being my scared girlfriend, who was still slightly scared to open up to others and show her vulnerable side, to cool businesswoman who was a professional through and through and didn't let anything or anyone stand in her way.

She delivered her part of the statement, detailing how we met and that we became friends before finally taking the step to dating after we won the first game and that we've been committed since then and see this relationship going long term.

After she was done I cleared my throat.

'Four nights ago Mr Hunter and Mr Dupont broke into the club and held Ms Swan against her will in her office, threatening to blackmail her with photos of our relationship that were taken without our knowledge. When Ms Swan refused to entertain him, Mr Hunter became even more threatening. Ms Swan and I had made plans that evening and when she didn't answer my call after being late, I was worried and headed to the club. I walked into her office when Mr Hunter was threatening her safety and intervened. The altercation that took place ended with the police being involved and a trip to the hospital for both me and Mr Hunter. Mr Hunter attempted to strangle me, my vocal cords were damaged and I had dangerous swelling in my throat. I spent two days in the hospital and have spent the my time since recuperating at home. I have pressed charges gainst Mr hunter for attempted murder and Bella has filed a restraining order against him for blackmail, extortion and threats against her.'

'We ask that you respect our privacy and grant us the peace and quiet to deal with this incident as it was traumatizing for us both. Thank you.' Bella concluded our statements.

'Mr Cullen and Ms Swan will now take questions.' Leah announced.

Nearly all the hands went into the air.

Leah walked over to the first person, holding a microphone out to her.

'Ms Swan, will Mr Cullen remain a player for the Cubs now that you're romantically involved?'

'Yes. Mr Cullen was traded by my father for being one of the best baseball players of his generation. I see no reason to lose a man of his talents to another team when we're trying to win the world series.'

'And his involvement with you will not make other players jealous?'

'There will be no preferential treatment.' I cut in. 'My contract is a five year contract so the terms can't be changed for another three years. I train directly under Mr McCarthy and the other coaches, Ms Swan decides on the running of the club with their input, not mine, and she takes their direction on who to put in the line up for the games.'

'when your contract is up, will you then move on?' someone else asked, earning them a glare from Leah because they had not been chosen to ask a question yet.

Still, I answered anyway. 'I don't know yet. We'll see what happens then.'

'Ms Swan, do you feel Mr Cullen took advantage of your vulnerability to create an advantageous relationship with you?' the next person Leah stopped at asked.

I clenched my jaw but made sure to stay silent. Leah had warned us they would ask a few of these types of questions and that we needed to let them and answer them truthfully, that was the only way to stop the rumours once and for all.

'No. I was hesitant when I met him at first. Over the course of my life many people have tried to curry favour with me because of who I was and who my father was. I learned to weed those people out early. Mr Cullen and his family were genuinely concerned about me and offered me their support free of any strings sttached when I needed them most. Mr Cullen never pushed the boundaries I set in our developing friendship until I was ready to cross them.'

'Mr Cullen why did you persue Ms Swan?'

'I met her at a dog park when I didn't know who she was. She looked distraught and I wanted to help her. Our dogs became buddies and we ran into each other a few more times, and each time she left me wondering about her, and wanting to see her again. When I met her officially as my boss for the first time, I realized that a relationship would not be possible so I stopped pursuing her. My friend though realized she needed support and he invited her to dinner one evening, there we became friends and I promised to be there for her in any way she needed me. Until a few weeks ago that was strictly as a friend. But when she indicated she was ready for something more, I was thrilled and I couldn't be more proud to call Ms Swan my girlfriend. Not because she's rich or the owner of the cubs, but because she is an amazing person whose strength and tenacity has blown me away time and time again. She's smart and business savvy and she can hit a baseball better than some of my teammates. She's an amazing person and that's why I was glad to start pursuing her again.'

I turned to look at Bella, and saw her gazing up at me with her big brown eyes filled with love and a little teary eyed. I smiled at her gently and she smiled back.

'I love you' I whispered to her.

'I love you too' she whispered back.

'What will happen to Mr Dupont?' The next reporter asked.

'The legal team has filed a breach of contract suit again Mr Dupont. Before this incident he had been suspended without pay for an earlier altercation. This suspension will continue until Mr Duponts contract can be dismissed. He will not be welcome at any future cubs games, or in Wringley Field from here on out.'

'Are either of you testifying in the upcoming trial of Mr Hunter?'

Bella looked over at me, gesturing for me to answer. 'I have decided to testify and am currently helping the DA with witness testimony to make the case against him as strong as possible.'

'And the other victims? Will they be testifying? And will they receive fiancial aid from the club since this happened on duty?'

Bella and I were both about to answer when Leah cut in. 'We will not be sharing any details of any other possible victims of Mr Hunter, that is a matter for the police. Next question.'

'Thank you Leah' Bella said. 'But I would like to add one thing. The security guards in question have been provided every support they wish for and the Cubs will continue to stand beside them as they too try to put this ordeal behind them.'

We answered a few more questions before Leah finally announced the end of the press conference and we could finally escape the podium and head back to our own little room where we wouldn't be bothered by press anymore.

Bella surprised me when we closed the door behind us, by throwing me against the door and locking it all in the same breath.

She pressed herself against me, rising up on tiptoes to press her lips firmly to mine. I groaned and wrapped my arms around her immediately. I'd missed this.

Though we'd spent the last four days together in my appartment, she'd refused to touch me for more than a quick peck or a hug, insisting I needed to heal and get better and not push my body too hard right now. I had argued of course, but she wouldn't budge and then she'd involved Carlisle who also insisted it wasn't a good idea to partake in strenuous activity, as he'd put it. Which had been a mortifying conversation to say the least.

But I had reluctantly agreed that it probably wasn't a good idea. Though I had insisted we sleep in the same bed. I didn't want her out of my sight. I was still a bit anxious when it came to letting her go. I kept being worried something would happen to her. I'd only just gootten to her in time… I didn't want to think what would have happened if I'd been just ten minutes later.

She pulled back and grabbed my face between her hands. 'You are the most perfect man I've ever known.'

I smiled crookedly down at her. 'I meant every word I said.'

'I know.' She breathed. 'I love you.'

'I love you too, so much. I don't know what I would have done…'

She placed her fingers over my lips. 'I know. But we're here. We're fine. We've survived it all. There's only good times ahead for us now.'

I nodded and crashed my lips down on hers again, holding her tightly against me. She pulled on my tie and walked us over to the couch, turning around and pushing me down on it.

She followed me down, straddling my thighs and in a quick move undid my tie.

'Bella.' I groaned, as she trailed her hands down my chest and moved her lips to my jaw and started sucking on the sensitive skin there. 'we'd better stop, baby, or I won't be able to.'

She pulled back and with a mischievous glint in her eyes leant down closer. 'I have no intention of stopping.' She whispered.

My eyes widened. Holy shit. She wanted to do this? Here? Now?

'but what if someone comes looking for us?' I asked slightly breathless. Then I cursed myself inwardly, she was offering, why was I trying to stop this?

'the door is locked. Leah knows not to disturb us.'

'Are you sure?' I asked her, as her hands went to the buttons on my shirt and started undoing them rapidly.

She bit her lip and nodded. 'I think we've been waiting long enough.'

I growled and nodded, cradeling the back of her head in my hand and pulling her lips down to mine roughly. I claimed her lips in a searing ksis as her fingers continued to fumble with my shirt. I didn't waste any time but immediately unzipped her dress and pulled it off her. In the same movement I rid myself of my jacket and shirt, Bella's hands were on my belt buckle and I slipped off her shoes, reveling in the sight of her in her bra and panties.

Midgnight blue… my favourite colour on her. I traced my tongue along the swell of her breast, before unhooking her bra and letting it fall away. I nuzzled her breasts and took her nipple into my mouth, sucking hard. She cried out and shoved her hand down my pants, gripping my straining cock tightly in her hands.

I groaned against her skin, nipping at her nipple.

'Fuck, Edward.' She hissed. 'I need you.'

She didn't need to tell me twice, I had us flipped in the next second, and her panties off in the next. I quickly shoved my pants and underwear down and stepped out of my shoes, before crwawling back over her body. I kissed my way up from her thighs to her neck and then kissed her lips, as my hand trailed down tot the apex of her legs, feeling her warm wet heat as my fingers explored her sensitive flesh. She squirmed and mewled underneath me, trying to move my hand faster against me, but I took my time, stroking her folds gently, softly, slowly. Driving her insane with pleasure.

She grabbed hold of my hair and took my mouth harshly, biting my lip roughly. Then her hand closed around me and she started teasing me like I was her. I groaned against her mouth.

'not fair.' I breathed.

'isn't it?' she asked breathlessly. I grinned at her and she smiled back.

I started moving in earnest then. My fingers quickly setting a faster pace and she did the same. Before she could fall off the edge, I pulled back and lined us up.
I waited for her to open her eyes before slowly starting to push inside.

'I love you.' she muttered, as she wrapped her arms around me, bringing us closer to gether as I slowly entered her. I had missed this. I had missed this connection with her. I had missed this feeling of being together as one. I had never felt this with anyone else, just her. And it was amazing, addicting even. She fit me ocmpletly and totally and the fact that I truly loved her made it all the more special. We both sighed when I slid home and for a moment just looked at each other.

It was a special moment, no matter how cliché it might sound. We were connected.

Then Bella moved and I couldn't hold back anymore. I raised myself up, sitting back on my heels, and grabbed her hips, pulling her with me, and started slamming into her. She moaned, and her hands grabbed at me trying to pull me closer, as her hips started rising up to meet me thrust for thrust. I brought my hand down to where we were joined and started massaging her at the same time and she moaned louder and louder until she was quivering underneath me, begging me not to stop.

'Don't worry, baby. I'm not stopping.' I assured her, grunting in pleasure as her walls started quivering around me, gripping me tightly. She yelled out my name as she fell over the edge, panting hard as her walls fluttered and contracted. I pressed harder into her, letting the sensations overtake me as I emptied myself into her, grinding against her as she rode out her orgasm.

'Fuck me.' I grunted as I collapsed on top of her, careful not to crush her completely with my weight.

'You just did.' She panted in my ear, laughing a little breathlessly. I joined her and kissed her lazily.

'I love you'

'I love you too.' She whispered.

I brushed some of her hair from her forehead, it was slightly wet with her sweat, and she grinned up at me.

'I'm glad everyone knows now and we can be together out in the open.' I told her.

'Me too.'

'Move in with me.'

Her eyes widened and she stared at me. 'what?'

'Move in with me.' I repeated. I had been thinking about this since we'd come back from hospital. I loved having her with me all the time. I loved her. She was it for me. I was sure of that. And I didn't want her to return to her own place after today. I wanted her to stay with me.

'Edward.' She whined, pressing on my chest to get me to move away from her. 'you can't be serious.'

'why not?'

'because we've only been dating for a week.' she said as she started gathering up her clothes.

'ánd we've been friends for almost a year.' I pointed out.

'that doesn't mean we can just skip all the steps and jump straight into living together.' She snapped.

'Bella, you've been living with me for the past four days.' I pointed out.

'That was different. You were hurt.'

'did you enjoy it?' I questioned instead.

'well yes, but…'

'did we match well?'

'I mean… yeah, but you could have been on your best behaviour.'

'were you?' I shot back.

'yes.'

'so you're telling me, leaving your glasses of water all over the house half empty is you on your best behaviour? Or asking me what I want to eat and then when I tell you saying that you're not in the mood for that and want something else? '

she looked away sheepishly.

'Bella, I know it might sound fast, but baby, we've just been through something traumatizing, we've had to struggle to get here and I know that you're the one for me. I just don't want to waste time going through the motions just because of what others might think.'

'but what if you get sick of me?' she asked in a small voice. And that was the issue. Her fear of letting people close to her was still something she was struggling with. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back on my lap, holding her tightly against me.

'Love, I might get annoyed with you sometime, but that's normal. You'll get annoyed at me too. But we'll annoy each other and then talk about it and get over it. that's how relationships work. I will never get sick of you. I love you.'

'what will everyone say?'

'that we don't want to be apart any longer after what happened. That we are serious about each other. But most of all the people who matter to us, will be glad for us.'

'and the press?'

'we'll make sure they won't find out for a while.' I suggested, hoping that would ease some of her fears. She hadn't said no outright, so I had a feeling she wanted to say yes, she was just struggling against her fears.

'how?'

'let's buy somewhere new together. Somewhere that's away from prying eyes, safe and remote. Where no one can reach us even if they tried.'

'you want to buy something together?' her eyes widening yet again in shock.

I shrugged, silently cursing myself for making her all worked up again when she was just calming down. 'why not?'

'but what if this doesn't work out?'

I smiled softly at her and held her face between my hands. 'But what if it does?'

she bit her lip. 'are we insane for doing this?' she whispered.

I shook my head. 'no. I just can't phantom letting you leave my side after I finally have you all to myself.'

We gazed at each other for a moment in silence. then finally: 'okay.'

'okay?' I echoed, hope soaring in my chest.

she nodded. 'let's buy a house where we can be safe and together.'

I grinned and kissed her soundly before pulling back. 'thank you.'

'but you better not expect me to become a housewife.' She warned, poking her finger into my chest.

I laughed and shook my head. 'Never. baby, I know your business empire means more to you than I can even begin to understand. I would never ask you to give up anything.'

'not even when you want children?'

I shook my head. 'By that time, I might be retiring from baseball and have so much time on my hands I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Being a stay at home dad would be an option.'

'what if I don't want children?' she asked in a small voice.

'don't you?' I asked softly.

she shrugged. 'I never thought about it.'

'honestly, I don't really feel strongly about it. I can take it or leave it. How about we just stay open with each other and when we feel ready we can decide if and how we want children.'

she nodded with a smile. 'and marriage?'

'I do want to get married.' I said with a slight hesitatation.

she smiled. 'good. Me too. But not yet. Moving in is one thing, but it's too soon to get engaged or married.'

I nodded. 'I agree. Let's first see how we do at living together.'

she laughed and nodded. 'let's get dressed. We don't want to keep everyone waiting.'

I shrugged. We were meeting my family and Rose and Emmett and Jasper for dinner tonight. 'five minutes more won't bother them.'

I pulled her tightly against me and captured her lips in a searing kiss.

If this was the first day or our forever, It was looking good.