An: Thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews. Your support and enthusiasm for this story make this journey so much fun.

Huge shout out to my wonderful prereaders and beta. Without them, this would not be possible.

**Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.

Chapter 31

"I been thinkin' about what I want in my life
It begins and ends the same
If I had to choose what I couldn't lose
There'd only be one thing

I don't wanna live without you
I don't wanna even breathe
I don't wanna dream about you
Wanna wake up with you next to me
I don't wanna go down any other road now
I don't wanna love nobody but you
Looking in your eyes now, if I had to die now
I don't wanna love nobody but you (You)
I don't wanna love nobody but you (You)

I wanna say it now, wanna make it clear
For only you and God to hear

I don't wanna live without you (I don't wanna live)
I don't wanna even breathe
I don't wanna dream about you
Wanna wake up with you next to me (Next to me)
I don't wanna go down any other road now
I don't wanna love nobody but you (I don't wanna love nobody)

Lookin' in your eyes now, if I had to die now"
I don't wanna love nobody but you (You)"

"Nobody But You" by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani

~oOo~

"One ball and no strikes. Pitch all the way. There's a shot to Edward. He slides to it. He's got it. Throws over to Whitlock. There's a new champion of the National League and it's the Atlanta Braves! They have won the 2021 National League pennant, and the Atlanta Braves are going to the World Series. They are celebrating on the field. They have dethroned the 106-win Dodgers. The first time since 1999, the Atlanta Braves are going to the Fall Classic. Let's go to Houston, Texas, Joe Simpson. Yes Sir-E-Bob Dixie. Houston, you have a problem. The Braves are coming."

On October 23, 2021, the Braves clinched the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers, four games to two. Not only had they won, but they also won on their turf. Edward had the final out, and what a beautiful sight it was to see him slide into the ball, turn, and throw it to first. The guys and their families celebrated on the field while reporters did their best to grab interviews.

"Hey, Edward! Do you have a second?"

Edward was busy putting his Championship shirt on when a reporter from Fox caught him.

"I'm here with Edward Cullen, the hometown boy and the darling of Atlanta. I mean, ninth inning two outs and a ground ball to you. How did that feel? Was it in slow motion? Did it go fast for the final out to get you guys to the World Series?"

"It's why we come to work every day. Doing the prep to be ready for moments just like this. It's a perfect ending for this series. But we still have a lot of work to do to be ready for Houston on Tuesday."

"You had an amazing game tonight."

"Thank you." Edward couldn't stop smiling as the camera zoomed in for a close-up.

"You had an RBI in the second, a double and a three-run homer. How does it feel being the boy from Kennesaw, Georgia, playing for his home team and winning this championship game here in Atlanta? The same team that your father, Carlisle Cullen, played on and won his own World Series in 1995."

"It's everything. I mean to follow in my dad's footsteps and then bring this pennant home after all these years in front of these amazing fans…it's been a long time coming. Right, Atlanta?" Edward raised his hands above his head, cheering not only his teammates, but for the fans as well. The stadium went crazy.

"Take me through your mindset during that last inning."

"I just wanted the game to be over, man." Edward laughed. "My competitive side was fully engaged. All I could think about was finishing this game—just stay focused and get it done. And when the ball came right to me, I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to make it happen."

Edward's face lit up when he saw Bella running toward him, her hands in the air, screaming with excitement.

The reporter saw the awareness light on Edward's face and ended the interview as quickly as it started. "Thank you, Edward. Good luck in Houston."

"Thanks."

Edward reached out and Bella launched herself into his arms. "Oh my God, darlin'!" Bella wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him soundly on the lips.

"Shug! Holy shit did that just happen?" he asked over the lingering roar of the crowd and fireworks as he squeezed her tighter.

"It did. I'm so proud of you, baby. You were on fire tonight. I knew you could do it." She peppered kisses on his cheek and met his lips once more.

"I think I'm still in shock," he responded. He didn't know where to look as the confetti continued to drop over the stadium.

"You were amazing. Seriously."

"Thank you, baby. I love you," Edward mumbled against her lips.

"I love you more."

"Impossible."

Edward set her down as he saw his parents and Charlie and Renee walking toward him.

"Edward!" Esme squealed as she wrapped her son in a hug. "You did it!"

"Thanks, Momma. I can't believe it really happened."

"Believe it, son. Y'all are National League Champions. And you had an amazing game!" Carlisle hugged his son enthusiastically as they clapped each other hard on the back.

"Congratulations, Edward." Charlie put his hand out to shake Edward's, but Edward got caught up in the moment and went in for a hug.

"Thanks, Charlie. Did they need to resuscitate you?"

"Damn near gave me a heart attack."

Edward tossed back his head and laughed. "You and me both, Charlie. Have you seen Emmett? He's around here somewhere."

"Not yet. We're heading over to him now." Charlie grinned from ear to ear. His daughters were in love with two of the best baseball players in the MLB, and they just happened to play for his favorite team.

"Cullen!" Garrett bellowed as he parted the crowd.

"Gar," Edward yelled above the noise. The guys chest-bumped each other into a hug. "You did it, you motherfucker. One more series to go."

The guys held on to their hug, basking in the glory of the moment. It was what they'd dreamed about since they were six years old, and Edward was going to live out the dream for both of them.

After the ceremony, where Edward was awarded the series' MVP, the guys started to head down to the locker room to celebrate.

"Will you wait for me?" Edward asked. He was excited to celebrate with his teammates, but he also couldn't wait for his own private celebration with Bella.

"Of course I will. Where else would I go?" Bella smiled brightly at him.

Edward pulled her to him for one more kiss before he ran to the dugout and down into the locker room.

After a heartfelt speech from their coach, champagne corks flew, and bottles were shaken and sprayed everywhere the eyes could see. From the floor to the ceiling to all four corners, nothing was spared. The guys wore goggles to protect their eyes, but that was the only thing that was protected. Emmett found Edward in the melee and hugged him hard.

"You're the man," Emmett yelled above the celebratory noise.

Edward, humble as always, yelled back. "No way. We all made this happen. It's our destiny, man. We're going to the motherfucking World Series!"

Emmett pulled Edward into a hug once more before Whitlock joined them and poured two bottles of beer over their heads.

~oOo~

Bella and Edward walked into the house around one a.m. They were exhausted, but the adrenaline of the day had yet to wear off fully. They talked the whole way home, replaying the day's events and the game. Both families got to share in the historic moment, and that had everyone excited for the next series, which started in Houston on Tuesday. The Braves had four days until the first game at Minute Maid Park. There was no rest for the weary, but tonight, they were going to pause and take the time to indulge in each other.

"You coming in?" Edward's voice rang out from the shower.

"Have you washed off all that beer and champagne? You smelled horrible the whole way home."

Edward peered out of the shower and chuckled. "Well, why don't you come in and see for yourself?"

Bella stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower. It was a huge space with double shower heads and a long bench. It had plenty of room for each of them to shower alone, but tonight, they wanted nothing more than to be in each other's space.

Rivulets of water cascaded down Edward's body as Bella stood there in silent appreciation. He was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen, and his heart equally matched his beauty.

"You sharing? Or do I need to go over to the other side?" Bella teased.

"There's always room for two." He pulled her to him and planted a big kiss on her lips. "And I believe I need help with washing my hair." A wide grin broke out across his face.

"You're such a tease. Gimme the shampoo." Bella held out her hand, waiting for the bottle.

"You know you love it."

"As do you."

"You'll get no arguments from me."

Bella poured some shampoo into her hands and massaged it into Edward's head. She curled her fingers into his hair, scratching his scalp and running them through his thick locks.

Edward moaned. "Damn, girl. You always know how to make me feel so good."

She continued his massage then rinsed his hair, waiting until the water ran clear. Her fingers never stopped working. When she finished with Edward, she reached for the shampoo, but he stopped her.

"My turn, shug. You know I love your hair."

Bella leaned into Edward's touch while he paid equal and reverent attention to her. He sank his fingers into her hair and rubbed soothing circles on her head and temples. She groaned softly as his ministrations eased away the tension of the day.

After he rinsed her hair, Edward pulled her back to rest on his chest. He dipped his head down to place a kiss on the column of her throat.

"I love you, baby," he whispered against the shell of her ear. He raised his hands to cup her breasts, running his thumbs over her hard nipples.

Bella arched into his hands as he played her body like a well-tuned instrument. Aching to touch him as well, she slowly turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his wet torso. "I love you too, darlin'."

Like a magnet, Edward's lips were drawn to hers. He slanted his mouth over Bella's, kissing her. He slid his tongue along the bottom of her mouth, asking for permission, but before Bella could acquiesce, his tongue pushed past her lips. Edward could no longer restrain his need for his girl. He kissed, licked, and nipped at her mouth, tasting her sweetness on his tongue.

Bella reached down to the deep facets of his stomach, touching and teasing him with every pass of her hand as she lowered it toward his cock.

Edward sucked in a breath when she made contact, his hips thrusting into her hand as she began to work him.

Bella hummed in appreciation. "Darlin', you're so hard."

"Hard for you, baby. Only for you." Edward halted her movements and brought her hand up with his to cup her face. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Sit. Let me show you just how much," Bella said, guiding him to the bench.

Edward sat, unable to take his eyes off Bella as she kneeled on the tile floor. The warm water sprayed on her back as she gripped his hard cock in her hand.

She lowered her head and took him in her mouth.

"Holy fuck." Edward tipped his head back, hitting the shower wall.

Bella looked up and met his gaze while she licked up his shaft. The heat in her stare drew an intoxicating moan from him as she teased his tip before swallowing him whole. He threaded his hands into her hair, cradling the back of her head and pulling her tighter as his hips thrusted to match her rhythm. Bella wanted nothing more than to take control and make him fall apart, but she ached for him.

Seeing her desire as she stared up at him, Edward slowed his thrusts, and his breathing became labored. He was right on the edge, but he didn't want to come that way. He knew he needed to stop, or their celebration would end way too soon, so he pulled out of her mouth abruptly.

"Fuck, shug." Edward cupped her face and pulled her up to meet his lips. "I need to be inside you, baby."

Bella's pulse throbbed with an uncontrollable need. "I want you so much."

Edward took her hand, pulled her up, and led her out of the shower. "Come on, baby, let's dry off."

Anxious to continue what they started, Edward dried them both off quickly and walked them over to the bed. He pushed Bella against the side of the mattress and pinned her down with his hips. She was trapped between Edward's strong body and the cool sheets, but there was nowhere else in the world she would rather be. Bella basked in his touch as he traced his fingertips across her cheek and under her jaw. He tilted her chin up and met her lips for a deep, penetrating kiss. Bella eagerly allowed him entrance, wanting nothing more than to be consumed by this man.

Bella wrapped Edward up in her arms and clutched him tightly, scratching his back as she attempted to bring him even closer. Edward hissed at the sting of her nails as they found purchase, but it only made him crave her more. Their frantic need to become one exploded and their bodies sang in unison as they rocked their bodies into each other.

No longer able to resist, Edward dragged his fingers through her heated flesh. "You're so fuckin' wet and ready for me," he murmured against her mouth.

Bella cried out, bucking into his hand when two of his fingers slipped inside. The pleasure built as he stroked in and out, his thumb circling her clit.

Unable to handle the teasing anymore, Bella begged, "Edward, please…"

He crushed his mouth against hers once more, silencing her cries, before he lifted Bella onto the side of the bed and laid her down. Her body ached with a need that only he could sate.

He hovered over her, gazing at her beautiful body as he ghosted his hand up and down her side. "Damn, you're so gorgeous. You're mine. You know that, shug?"

Bella sighed at his timbre and the dominance in his voice. "I'm gorgeous because I am yours."

It was true. Bella had never felt more beautiful than she did when she was with him. Edward always made her feel like she was the only woman in the world.

Edward kissed his way down her body, pausing at her breasts. He sucked and laved his tongue over her stiff peaks, eliciting the most delicious noises out of Bella. He continued his path down her body, until he came to his destination. Edward spread her legs apart and leaned in, ready to make his girl scream. He placed a few featherlike kisses around the inside of her knee, eventually making the journey toward the apex of her thighs. He kneeled before her and pulled her to the edge of the bed.

"There's my pretty pussy," he growled as he swiped his tongue through her center.

"Damnit. You and your mouth."

"You love my mouth." Edward took another lick, circling her clit.

"Way, way too much." Bella moaned, her hips coming up off the bed while Edward expertly teased her with his tongue.

"So fucking needy," he mumbled. "I love it."

To tease her further, Edward wrapped his lips around her clit, driving her crazy with the delicious way he sucked.

"Oh my God…" Bella plunged her fingers into his hair. "Edward…I'm gonna…" A throaty groan escaped her lips as she felt the stirrings of her orgasm.

"Yes, baby. Come for me."

With the authority of his words, Bella let the sensations surge through her like a bolt of electricity. Her hips shot off the bed while euphoria and bliss pulsed through her as her orgasm carried her away.

Edward kissed the inside of her thighs while Bella floated back down to earth. The anticipation of being inside her was killing him. He was so hard and ready for her. His breath stuttered and his heart hammered fiercely against his ribcage. The urge to sink into her was overwhelming. The tenuous hold he had on his control was waning and his patience was running out.

Sensing Edward's need, Bella pulled on his hair, urging him to stand. He climbed on top of her and settled between her thighs, his cock nudging at her opening, begging to enter.

"I need to be inside you, baby. I can't wait anymore. I need—"

"I'm yours, darlin'. Take me. I want to feel what I do to you."

Edward groaned. "Oh, you're gonna feel what you do to me." He thrusted upward, hitting her all too sensitive clit.

"I'm feeling you all right." A giggle slipped out of Bella's mouth.

Edward playfully thrusted his hips again. "How do you want it, shug? Hard and fast, or slow and steady?"

Bella panted into his mouth. "Hard and fast, very hard and fast." She clamped her legs around his waist.

"You sure?" A smirk curved that decadent mouth of his.

"Now is not the time to be a gentleman, Edward. Put…it...in." Bella pulled him closer to her entrance and pushed her hips forward, signaling exactly what she wanted.

Edward stared deeply into her eyes as he pulled his hips back and thrusted forward. "Fuck me," he groaned as he stilled inside her, resting his forehead against hers. His eyes were pinched closed as he resisted the urge to come.

"No, darlin'. Fuck me." Bella wiggled beneath him, encouraging him to move.

Edward took a quivering breath. "This is going to be quick. You always feel too damn good."

"I know, baby. I know. I'm not going to last long either. I just need you to move. Please move."

Bella's body arched to meet Edward's next thrust. They pushed and pulled frantically as Edward whispered sexy and naughty things in her ear.

"Does my pussy like that?" Edward swirled his hips in a new direction.

"Oh, God, yes."

"Are you mine, baby? Tell me you're mine."

Bella loved it when Edward asked her that question because she was totally and irrevocably his.

"I'm yours."

Edward pulled her leg over his hip, trying to go deeper. "More?"

"Yes!" Bella hitched her leg higher. "Show me what's it's like to fuck a National League Champion."

"Oh, I'm gonna show you," Edward panted as he redoubled his efforts. "Because I'm the only National League Champion you'll ever fuck."

"Oh, God." A breathy moan escaped her lips as Edward hit just the right spot.

"Right there?" Edward swirled his hips again.

"Yes. Don't stop."

"Fuck, baby. Never," Edward gritted out.

Edward grabbed her wrists with one hand, pinning them over her head, and fucked her wildly, thrusting the air out of her lungs. It was raw and hard, yet sensual and intense.

As Edward continued to glide in and out, Bella's eyes were tightly shut. The rasp of his voice broke her out of the deep concentration she was in. "Look at me, Bella."

Her eyes snapped open, only to be met by Edward's gorgeous face. He held her gaze, never wavering once, as the dance continued.

All too soon, Edward felt his orgasm approaching; the pleasure flared throughout his body.

"Baby, tell me you're close. Please." Edward sounded desperate.

"I'm close," Bella panted. "Oh God. Don't stop."

Edward rolled his hips, his thrusts hitting strong and deep inside Bella as he tried to draw out her orgasm. The moment Bella's coil snapped, Edward cried out her name, finding his own intense release.

Edward collapsed on top of her, completely out of breath. After a few moments, he rolled off Bella and pulled her into her favorite spot. They lay quietly, catching their breath, as the day's events finally caught up with them.

"Good Lord, Edward. That was…"

"Earth-shattering?" Edward asked as he combed his fingers through her tangled hair.

Bella giggled. "I was going to say amazing, but that works as well." Bella slid her arm over his torso and tickled Edward's ribs.

Edward flinched then grabbed Bella's hand when she dug her fingers into his side. "Hey, now. No tickling the MVP."

"Oh really?" Bella turned on her side and propped up her head. "Not even if he's the MVP of my heart?"

Edward gave her a sly grin. "Well, that does change things, doesn't it?"

~oOo~

Bella was curled up in Edward's arms when she woke the next morning. Edward was still sleeping hard. He'd earned a good night's sleep, and after last night's decadence, the lack of an alarm was exactly what he deserved. The multiple times they made love through the night blew her mind. They'd been insatiable. Each time was better than the last. Their connection was solid, electric even.

Propping her body up on one elbow, Bella gazed down at him, tracing her finger over his strong brow. My God she loved this man. He was simply too good to be true. How she got so lucky, she'd never know, but the moment she met Edward Cullen changed her life irrevocably. Bella was not the same person she was the day she met him, and it was all because of him. A single tear ran down her cheek as she relived all the emotions and words spoken last night.

He's so gorgeous, she thought to herself as her fingertips traveled down to his lips, outlining them ever so softly. Edward's mouth twitched at the sensation, but he remained asleep. Bella continued, trailing her fingers through his beard stubble and down his neck. She smoothed her hands over the planes of his chest and made her way down to the light hairs underneath his belly button. As her fingers started to roam farther down, Edward reached out and stopped her.

"Baby, there's nothing more I want than to spend the morning buried inside you," Edward whispered, his morning voice deep and gravelly, "but I have to get up in just a few and start my morning routine."

Bella sighed. "I know, darlin'. I just wanted to make you feel good." Bella slipped her hand underneath the sheet and grabbed his already hard cock. "You know how we both love morning-after sex."

"Shug…" Edward groaned as she moved her hand up and down his shaft, making him ache for her once more. Hell, he always ached for her.

"You don't have to move. Just let me love you and make you feel good." Bella hovered over his face and leaned down to kiss him. "Enjoy."

Edward did just that. Who was he to deny Bella's attention? So, he let her love on him as the new day began.

~oOo~

After a long, hot shower, Edward met Bella in the kitchen where she was already blending his protein shake. She was wearing one of his Braves tees and nothing but a skimpy thong underneath. Edward's cock stirred again at the sight of her ass cheeks peeking out from under his shirt. He sat down at the island, discreetly adjusting his hard-on.

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Bella asked as she handed Edward his shake and sat down beside him.

"Well, after I do my morning thing, I'm heading to get a massage and then I'm going to do some batting practice and run some drills with Wash. Just because we have a few days off before the series starts, doesn't mean we can sit around and be complacent."

"Hell no. I figured you were going in."

"What are your plans with your parents?" Edward took a drink of his shake.

"I'm going in to practice for a while, then go over to the house and hang out. After that, we're going to meet up with you for dinner. You're still good with that, right?"

"Absolutely. Now, don't you overdo it. I know how you get."

"I won't, but tomorrow's game is just too important, so I want to stay limber and just practice kicking some goals and PKs. You're still coming, right?"

"Yes, ma'am." Edward pulled her close to him and nestled into her hair, breathing her in. "Aren't you limber enough after last night?"

"Deliciously so." Bella moaned as she felt Edward slip his hand up the front of her shirt and palm her breast.

"Good. I was starting to worry I'd lost my touch." He pinched her nipple.

Bella gasped. "Never. Last night was…" She buried her head into the crook of his neck, hiding the blush that was creeping up her neck.

"Last night was what?"

Bella snuggled deeper into his neck. "Unhinged. I've never felt that way before. The way you…the way we…well, I've never—"

"Come that many times?" He smirked, but he really wanted to know what she meant.

"Well, yes, there's that." Bella lifted her head and met his heated eyes. "But I've never wanted to be consumed by someone as much as I wanted to be consumed by you."

"Baby." Edward ran a finger over her reddened cheek. "Are you blushing?"

"Maybe," she whispered.

Edward tipped up her chin to meet her lips and kissed her soundly. "You don't ever have to be embarrassed with me. Okay? I can never get enough of you. You've taken up a home in my heart. Damnit, shug." He shook his head. "I've never felt the way I do with you, either. This is end-game for me. Do you understand? I love you that much."

A smile stretched across Bella's face. "I do understand. And I love you, too. But I'm not embarrassed, truly. I just felt so vulnerable and emotional. It…you…overwhelm me with so much love, so much passion, that I don't remember who I was without you."

"And you'll never have to."

Edward put his hands on both sides of her face and brought her lips back to his, kissing her deeply.

Bella whimpered into the kiss, letting Edward take over. He slid his hand in between her thighs, finding the center of her damp thong. He tugged it aside and slid his finger in, making Bella gasp when he found just the right spot inside her.

"Darlin'," Bella rasped. "You have to stop this or our whole day will be shot to hell, and we have things to do. You have to—"

Edward silenced her with a kiss. "I know, shug. I know. But I left you hanging earlier. So, I'd like to make up for that stupid, foolish mistake I made."

"But…" Bella panted against his mouth.

"No buts about it, baby. The only thing I want to do right now is you."

An: Hooray for winning the pennant. This probably hasn't been much of a surprise, as I am using the dates and the blueprint of the Braves winning the World Series in 2021.

Shug and Darling have quite the connection. No one or nothing will break these two up now.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you for always taking the time to let me know what you think.

We are nearing the end, I'm afraid. Just a few more chapters to go. But you will get an epilogue and a Futuretake, because I don't quite know how to let go of these characters. LOL

I have a FB group called DrivingEdward Fanfic. Please join us for all things Darling and Shug, updates, and pic teasers.

See you in two weeks.

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward