An: So here we are. *sigh*. This is the last regular chapter. I have an epilogue already in progress as well as a futuretake, so this story is not complete as of yet. Thank you for all the lovely reviews on Shug and Darlin'. I'm so happy you love them as much as I do. I'll see you at the bottom.
Huge shoutout to my prereaders and beta. Without them, this would not be possible.
***Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 33
"And I know that I can't ever tell you enough
That all I need in this life is your crazy love
If I never get to see the Northern Lights
Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night
Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand
Baby, I could die a happy man, yeah, yeah, mmm
I don't need no vacation, no fancy destination
Baby, you're my great escape
We could stay at home, listen to the radio
Dance around the fireplace
Oh, if I never get to build my mansion in Georgia
Or drive a sports car up the coast of California
Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand
Baby, I could die a happy man
Baby, I could die a happy man
Oh, I could die a happy man
You know I could, girl
I could die, I could die a happy man
Mmm"
"Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett
~oOo~
November 2, 2021
"Good evening, friends, and welcome to Atlanta Braves baseball. Tonight, from Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. It's game six of the 2021 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros. Atlanta comes into tonight's action with a three games to two lead, sending Tyler Crowley to the mound, and he'll be taking on Luis Garcia.
"Alongside Joe Simpson, Ben Ingram here with you. Joe, the series has shifted back to Houston, Texas. Braves won one when they started the series. They're looking for just one more to take home the trophy. It's going to be a wild night tonight."
"Holy shit. You can cut the tension in here with a knife." Rose looked around the stadium.
"And there's so much orange," Bella lamented as fans twirled their orange Astro cloths high in the air.
"So much," the girls spoke simultaneously.
Bella's eyes scanned the crowd and spied large patches of blue and red among all the orange. "Sure looks like a lot of Braves fans are here tonight. I'm so impressed with how many people traveled."
"We need all the support we can get. This is quite the passionate crowd."
Bella shrugged. "Not any more passionate than we were when they came to Atlanta. It's the nature of the beast."
"It's intense, babe."
"It sure as hell is," Bella agreed. "But we're bringing it home tonight."
"Hell yes, we are!"
The girls sat with their family as well as Edward's and Emmett's. The Saintly Six and their wives sat a few rows back. Garrett was humming with excitement to be there, as well as Kate. Garrett had told Bella earlier he was convinced that tonight was the night, and nothing or no one was going to tell him otherwise. None of the guys had missed a single game, and they were chuffed to be there. Edward always took great care of his friends.
Bella's phone vibrated with a text. She looked at her phone and it was from Jojo. It simply said…
J~ I got a feeling…
Bella giggled as she responded.
B~ That tonight's gonna be a good night.
J~ That tonight's gonna be a good night.
B~ That tonight's gonna be a GOOD, GOOD NIGHT!
J~ YES! Love you! We are watching. Give Edward our love. Go Braves!
God, she loved her some JoJo.
Rose caught Bella smiling at her phone. "Who are you texting with that big ol' smile on your face?"
"Jojo."
"Ahh. Well, she'll bring a smile to anyone's face."
"Right?"
Just then, the beverage guy came by their rows.
"Who wants a beer?" Charlie asked the group.
Everyone but Rose raised their hand. The beverage guy was serving up Charlie's request when Rose spoke up.
"May I please have a bottle of water?"
"Make that two, please. Along with the beer," Bella chimed in.
Renee glanced at Bella and gave a questioning look. Bella looked at her mother and mouthed, "She's fine. Tummy bug," as she gestured to her stomach.
Renee nodded and went back to watching the game. Bella was relieved Renee bought her explanation because she didn't want to draw any attention to Rose.
They all got their beers and settled into their seats as the first inning was about to start.
"Water?" Bella arched an eyebrow at her sister.
"Yes," Rose replied indignantly.
Bella leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Did you take a test?"
"Stop being a pest. I'm fine." Rose shoved Bella's elbow off the armrest playfully.
Bella raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. Just worried about you."
"There's nothing to be worried about. It's just a bug. I'm on the other side of it. I'm just not drinking. I don't think my stomach is ready for that."
"I get it. Trust me." Bella was not so easily convinced. She hoped her intuition was right and her sister was pregnant. And if she were pregnant, Rose would share the news in due time. Disappointments had mounted over the years, so there was nothing wrong with her being cautious.
Alice had been unable to travel to Houston. She was eight months along, and she'd had a hard pregnancy, which had put her on bedrest until the baby came. When the series was in Atlanta, she had been able to attend the first two games by sitting in a suite Jasper had arranged for her and their parents, but the last one she had to watch on TV.
Bella and Rose took a picture of themselves with the field in the background and posted it to Instagram. They tagged Alice in the caption so she would know how much they missed her. They wanted her to feel the love.
Feeling confident that tonight was the night, Bella took one more selfie of herself with the field behind her. She held up her index finger showing exactly who she thought was number one. When she posted her pic, she captioned it: "Braves are going to win it tonight. Let's do this, Braves. Whoo-hoo!" And then she tagged the Braves and Edward. She tagged Edward so it would go on his Instagram. She knew he'd been lax in posting lately, so she figured she would help him out.
The game was tied 0-0 at the top of the third when Liam came over to sit on his Auntie Bella's lap. Bella was happy to give Riley and Maggie a break. Excitement broke out when Newton and Ateara both hit singles to get on first and second base. When the designated hitter, Soler, came to bat, the crowd was loud and disruptive. After two strikes, Soler hit a monster blast out of the stadium and scored a three-run homer to put the Braves up 3-0.
Braves fans were on their feet screaming as they watched that ball sail out of the stadium and over the train tracks. It was an amazing hit and put the momentum in the Braves' court.
Liam sat with Rose and Bella for a while, happily cracking peanuts as the game continued.
"Where's Uncle Edward?" Liam asked.
"He's up to bat in two more people," Bella informed him.
"Auntie Bella. Did you know my daddy used to play ball here?" Liam crammed a few peanuts in his mouth and loudly chewed them up.
"I did." Bella wondered where this conversation was going.
"He was a pitcher."
"He was. He was a great one, just like your papa."
"That's what Honey says."
"Well, I have it on good authority that Honeys never lie." Bella tickled Liam and gave him a raspberry on the side of his neck. Liam giggled and wiggled in Bella's lap.
"Did you ever see him play?" Liam's eyes were wide and curious.
"I have not, unfortunately. But Uncle Edward has shown me some videos of your daddy pitching. Right here, actually."
"I want to be a pitcher someday. Just like my daddy," Liam said with determination. He was staring out at the field, watching Tyler pitch.
"I think you'll be an amazing pitcher, Liam. Baseball's in your family's blood."
Liam's face grew somber as he continued to gaze out at the field. "I'm sad my daddy got hurt and he can't play baseball anymore."
Bella squeezed him as hard as she could. "I know. I'm sad too, Liam," she whispered against his temple. "But your daddy will always be a part of baseball in some way. It's who he is, just like Papa and Uncle Edward. It may not be playing on the field anymore, but he will certainly be a part of the game for a long time."
"Can you keep a secret?" Liam looked around mischievously.
"Of course."
"I heard him crying with my momma in bed the other night. So, I drew him a happy picture of me playing baseball, just like he used to." Liam fidgeted in Bella's lap. "He said it made him happy."
Bella's eyes filled with unshed tears. "I know it made him very happy. You know why?"
Liam looked at her expectantly.
"Because you made it just for him, and he loves you very, very much."
Bella gave Liam another big hug, and he rested quietly against her chest for the next batter. Rose glanced over at Bella with tears glistening in her eyes.
"Bless his heart," Rose mouthed so no one could hear her.
Bella simply nodded as she silently wiped a tear that rolled down her cheek.
Liam got excited when his Uncle Edward finally came up to bat and hit a single, but eventually, he got bored and moved on to sit with his Honey. He was spreading the love all around.
Rose leaned in and whispered, "What was that all about?"
Bella sighed. "Riley used to play for the Astros. So, I'm sure being back here has been hard for him. If he hadn't had his accident, he could have been out on that field as well, playing against his brother."
"Damn. That breaks my heart."
"Mine, too. He's been so supportive of Edward. Gave him the family cross necklace for good luck. It was so sweet. That gift meant the world to Edward. He's wearing it right now." Bella glanced out to the field and admired her man. "I feel horrible that I didn't even think about the fact that this would be a struggle for Riley. And just look at him. He's so happy to be here for his brother. Just smiling away down there. You'd never know."
Bella and Rose leaned forward in their seats and looked down at Riley. He was happy, holding Liam in his lap and cracking more peanuts as they watched the game.
"Nope. You sure wouldn't," Rose agreed.
"I saw him down on the field before the game talking to a few of the Astros players. But he was proudly wearing a Braves shirt. He's such a great brother and person."
"Wow. That must'a been something for him."
"I'm sure it was." Bella's voice cracked. She redirected her stare to the baseball mound. Tyler was coming back out to pitch.
Crowley was zoned in. So far, the Astros remained scoreless through four innings. At the top of the fifth, Newton was on base, and Edward was up at bat again. He'd hit that single earlier in the game, but he had yet to cross home plate. Bella was biting her thumbnail as she watched Javier wind up his first pitch.
Edward was laser focused on the pitcher. He owned him. Javier was known for his fastball, and Edward could hit a fastball well. At their last meeting, Edward popped a home run into the chophouse in Atlanta, so he was not afraid of the guy throwing him his best.
Bring it, motherfucker, Edward thought as he watched Javier decide what pitch he was going to throw. But Edward knew exactly which one it would be, so when the pitcher wound up and threw him his fastball, he swung and made contact.
"Kiss the ball goodbye. Edward Cullen just hit a two-run bomb deep into left field," Joe Simpson announced on the broadcast. "Now it's five nothing Atlanta."
Edward hit his chest two times for Bella and took his turn around the bases with his right hand firmly pointed in the air in victory. The whole family and Edward's friends were on their feet screaming, hugging, and high-fiving. As Edward ran by the dugout on his way to home plate, he glanced to the right to see his people applauding and on their feet. He flashed a smile their way as he finished his victory run.
Tyler Crowley finished pitching after the sixth inning. The Astros had yet to score. Tyler did what he came out to accomplish. He had six strikeouts, zero runs, and only allowed four hits. As he walked off the mound for the final time that night, Edward was standing right at the front of the dugout with wide-open arms.
"You did it!" Edward yelled as he patted him hard on the back. "I fucking told you! You owned that field tonight!"
Tyler just held on tightly to Edward and laughed. Edward could feel the tension leave Tyler's body as he relaxed into the hug. The rest of the team lined up to give out their congratulatory hugs, and celebration ensued. The dugout was completely out of hand as the excitement of what they had accomplished so far hit them. They were three innings away from being World Series Champs. Though anything could happen, the Braves were enjoying the ride and the momentum.
The rest of the innings went fast. Mike hit one deep into the wall, and Soler, who was on second, came digging around third and scored to put the Braves up 6-0. The final run came when Jasper was at bat for the final time. He crushed one above the yellow line and brought home the last run. The Braves bullpen continued to hold off the Astros with zero runs as the last inning began. Just as Will Smith marched to the mound to close the game, Bella's FaceTime went off. It was Alice.
Alice's face appeared on the screen. "Oh my God. I can't believe I'm not there. I hope you don't mind that I FaceTime'd y'all. I wanted to be with my girls for the big moment."
"We're so excited you did. We miss you," the girls said simultaneously.
"I miss y'all too. I'm so sad not to be there for Jasper."
"Oh, babe, you know he understands. You're cooking the next first basemen for the Braves," Rose reassured.
Alice rubbed her stomach and sighed. "If Jasper had his way, he'd play until Brandon could replace him."
The girls laughed.
"Okay, Will's about to pitch." Bella turned the phone to the field so Alice could see from their perspective even though she had her TV on.
The fans were on their feet as they watched Smith stave off two more attempts by the Astros to get on base. As Gurriel stepped up to the plate, Bella glanced at Edward to see how he was holding up. She caught the slight curve of his mouth forming into a grin as he punched the center of his mitt, readying himself for hopefully the last play of the game.
"Oh my God. Is this real?"
Rose grasped Bella's hand and held it tightly. "I can barely breathe."
"I'm not supposed to be, but I'm pacing," Alice said, her voice echoing through the phone.
The sisters bounced on their toes, anxious for the next pitch.
The Braves were one out away from being World Series Champs. Edward gave a tug on his cross, but this time, he didn't do it in anxiousness. In that moment, before the mayhem was about to be unleashed, Edward said a quick prayer of thanks for everyone and everything that had brought him to that moment. And in the next second, Edward heard the crack of the bat. Just like the last out against the Dodgers, the ball came straight to him.
"Gurriel hits a Chopper out to Edward. Edward throws it to first base. Is this happening? It is! The Atlanta Braves are world champions. The Atlanta Braves have won the 2021 World Series in six games over the Houston Astros. You hear euphoria all over the field as they are bouncing all over the infield. And in the booth. Celebration is going on all over the field. Folks, this is what dreams are made of. And for the 2021 Atlanta Braves, the dream has come true. They are world champions in 2021. What an incredible moment in time for all of them."
Edward's family and friends, along with all the Braves fans in the stadium, erupted when Jasper caught the ball and made the last out. Gloves went flying in the air and the guys clamored into a huddle, jumping up and down. The excitement and electricity in the air was contagious as Braves fans everywhere celebrated the momentous victory.
Bella and Rose hugged and jumped up and down as the confetti exploded over the field in blue and red and white.
"Alice, they did it! Oh my God! Our guys did it!" Bella screamed into the phone. The noise was deafening in the arena.
Bella looked at Alice. She had tears streaming down her face as one of her hands was raised above her head in triumph. "Go! Go be with our guys." Alice motioned for them to leave. "Tell Jasper I love him!" And then she hung up.
It was so loud in the stadium that Bella texted her back letting her know that once they got to the field, she would FaceTime her with Jasper.
Charlie grabbed his girls and pulled them into a group hug, joining them in celebration. Their dad had a smile on his face bigger than the state of Texas. His boys had brought home the World Series title—the first since 1995—and he was there to witness it. Bella and Rose couldn't have been happier to share that moment with him.
As Rose celebrated with Emmett's parents, Edward's parents hugged and celebrated their way over to Bella.
"They did it!" Esme cried out as she wrapped Bella in a hug.
"Oh my God! They did!"
"I can't believe that ball went straight to Edward, just like their last big win to get here."
"Karma, Esme. He got a chance to right that error that drove him crazy the other day."
"I think you're right." She squeezed Bella in a hug once more. "Come on. Let's go down on the field. You know he's waiting for us to get down there."
Bella smiled and took Esme's hand. "Let's go."
Charlie and Renee followed suit, as well as Riley, Maggie, and Liam. The place was out of control, but they finally made their way down onto the field. Edward was giving an interview, which was expected, but the team was jubilating all around him. Jasper stood a ways down from Edward, giving a similar interview, his smile stretching from ear to ear. Once Bella congratulated Edward, she would make a beeline for Jasper and let him talk to Alice while the rest of Edward's posse got to speak to him.
Bella stood off to the side, allowing Edward to finish his interview. But once he finished, she broke out into a run.
"Baby, baby, baby!" Bella cried out as she leaped into his arms, wrapping her legs firmly around his waist.
"Shug!" Edward welcomed her into his arms and held her close!"
She pulled back and placed her palms on each side of his face and smashed her lips excitedly to his. "I'm so proud of you! You did it!"
Edward burrowed his head into her shoulder. "Thank you, baby. Thank you for believing in me. I still can't believe it."
"I never stopped believing. Never." Bella cradled his head in her hands and ran her fingers through the wet hair on the nape of his neck.
"I know you didn't. You've had so much faith in me. You're my everything, baby. I couldn't have gotten through this without you."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
He raised his head from her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, giving her a dazzling smile. "Bella, will you—"
"Edward!" Carlisle called out, spoiling the moment.
Edward turned his head to his dad and released Bella, setting her down on the ground while family and friends gathered around him.
Each conversation, hug, and congratulations fueled Edward's excitement even more. He shared a special moment with his family as well as his friends. But it was his moment with Riley that he would never forget.
"I'm so fucking proud of you, man." Riley hugged Edward, leaving one of his arms around his brother, tugging him close to talk.
Edward shook his head. "I'm still just so numb. I can't believe it actually happened. It feels so damn surreal."
"Oh, it happened, Neddy. It fucking happened. And you played a hell of a series."
Edward blew out a breath. "Thanks, Ri. My head's still spinning."
"No, thank you," Riley murmured.
"For what?" Edward looked at him in surprise.
"For winning this series for Atlanta. For bringing me back here. It's a place I never thought I'd see again."
Edward enveloped his brother in a full hug, tugging him close enough so only his brother could hear. "I love you, bro. If there's anyone who deserves praise, it's you. I should be the one thanking you for coming here. I know it wasn't easy, yet here you are, walking and being here for me."
"Nothing could've kept me away," Riley assured him.
Edward blinked back the tears that stung his eyes. "I have things I need to say, but now"—Edward glanced up and saw all his people waiting for a moment with him—"is not the time."
"It'll keep. We have all the time in the world. Now is your moment. Go and enjoy it." Riley slapped him on the back and released him.
"I love you, brother."
"I love you, too."
After the trophy presentation, the team headed back down to the locker room, where the champagne and beer was on ice and ready for the celebration.
Snitker, their coach, walked into the room with the trophy and lifted it high over his head. The team was whooping it up as Snit congratulated them. "You guys are gonna be World Champions for the rest of your lives!"
Once again, the guys donned goggles as chaos ensued. The libations were sprayed, poured, and drank throughout the locker room.
When the celebrations waned, Edward and the team quickly threw on another World Series Tee over their wet shirts and crawled back out onto the field to see their friends and loved ones.
"Don't you smell lovely," Bella teased.
Edward faked taking a whiff of his underarm. "Woof. Sorry about that. No time to take a shower. They're cleaning up the mess we made now. I'll either shower here later or back at the hotel room."
Bella hugged him. "It's all good. You smell like a champion."
Garrett and the guys with their wives milled around and chatted with Edward and Bella. Edward was holding Bella tight against him, her back to his chest, just taking everything in around them. The Saintly Six were already making plans to celebrate when they got back home, and Kate was already buzzing with excitement to plan a party for Edward.
"You know it's going to be a big-ass party," Garrett said with a wide smile stretched across his face.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't go too crazy. I'd be happy with it just being the twelve of us. You know that."
"I do. We'll talk about it after we all get home."
"Bella has her own games to finish up. Hopefully, it'll be the same outcome." Edward kissed the top of Bella's head.
"Then it'll be a double big-ass party." Garrett laughed and looked at Bella. "And don't think we don't know that. We all plan to be at your games as well."
"Thank you, Garrett. It would be amazing for both of us to have a championship season. But tonight is about Edward."
They continued to talk for a few more minutes until a reporter that Edward knew from Atlanta walked up to them for a quick interview.
"I'm here with the hometown hero, Edward Cullen and his girlfriend, Bella Swan. Arm in arm. Just taking it all in. Bella, you called tonight's win." Edward hugged Bella a little tighter.
"I did. I did. I felt it."
"Well, you have your girl in your arms and a World Series Championship. Congratulations, Edward, on bringing the title back to your hometown."
"Thank you. You know, I never understood why I was traded here, but as I was showering this morning, I was thinking, there are three reasons. Be back closer to family, meet Bella, and win a championship World Series for the city of Atlanta. And all three are just unbelievable blessings."
A smile curved Bella's lips as she blinked back the tears forming in her eyes.
"You hit a home run in a clinching game. You get the final out once again in a clinching game. Is this the storybook ending for a childhood dream?"
"I reckon. I mean, there's still more to be written, honestly. This is merely a chapter, but it's not the end of the book. There's so much left to the story. But tonight, we're just going to soak up this whole amazing experience and enjoy it. Because it's truly a blessing."
"Thank you, Edward. And Bella, good luck in the Women's Soccer playoffs. See you both back in Atlanta."
"Thank you," they both responded.
The trophy had been brought back to the field and was being passed around for the guys to have their picture taken with it. When it was Edward's turn, he took some shots with it with his family and friends. The photographer for the Braves asked Edward and Bella to go into the dugout so he could snap some pictures in there for some different scenery. First, he took a few with just Edward holding it. Edward's wide, beaming grin and his undeniable good looks dazzled the photographer.
"Damn, Edward, like I always say, the camera loves you. Ever thought of modeling on the side?" the photographer asked as he continued to snap away.
"Naw. That's not for me. The real beauty isn't even in the picture yet." Edward gazed over at Bella and motioned for her to come over.
"You sure you want me in the pic?"
"Get over here, woman. I wouldn't be here without you." Edward tugged Bella down next to him, with the trophy resting on both their knees. "And this is only the first of many memories we'll be making together for the rest of our lives."
Edward leaned over and gave Bella a quick peck on the lips.
The sound of the camera's shutter went off the moment Edward's lips touched Bella's.
"I didn't realize ya'll were engaged."
"Oh, we're not." Bella giggled. She felt a bit uncomfortable having the attention focused on that topic. It was Edward's night, and she wanted nothing more than to focus on him.
"Yet," Edward emphasized as he smiled into the camera.
Bella looked over at Edward. It was very forward of him to make that comment in front of the photographer.
"So, you're doing that soon?" the photographer asked as he kept taking pictures.
"Well, that depends..." Edward turned his head and gazed into Bella's eyes.
"On?"
A sly smile crept across Edward's face. "If she thinks it's too soon."
"All you can do is ask," the photographer said with a grin.
A blush bloomed on Bella's face as Edward's unrelenting gaze never faltered. She completely forgot the photographer was with them.
"So, what do you say?" Edward arched a brow.
"Say to what?"
"Will you marry me, Bella?"
~oOo~
Edward had been lying in bed at the mountain house for hours, anticipating how the morning would go. He kept replaying the words in his mind and how he wanted to say them. Edward regretted the way he'd proposed that night at the World Series. It wasn't a romantic proposal, and he had been ill equipped. There was no ring, no beautiful words said, and no promises made. He'd been chastising himself for weeks for ruining the moment for her. And yet, somehow, he was a lucky bastard and Bella had said yes. She never complained about the proposal, not once. But Edward knew deep down his girl deserved to be romanced.
So, he hoped this morning he could right that wrong.
Bella stirred beside him as the light grew brighter through the blinds. She pulled her blankets tighter around her, cocooning herself under the covers to stave off the light and the morning chill.
He silently chuckled to himself. Bella was always a hard sleeper, and after the last three weeks, she deserved it, so he was determined to let her sleep in. She'd always slept so well in the mountain house.
The Atlanta Storm had taken home the championship trophy for the first time in its history. Not only was the city of Atlanta proud, but Edward and Bella had also become the sweethearts of the city. There was a lot of attention surrounding them, but they tried their best to keep a low profile so Bella could concentrate on the Storm winning their own title.
After the World Series, Bella had gone right back into practice. There was no time for them to bask in the forever they had promised each other that day in the dugout. The photographer was gracious enough to keep those pictures to himself, giving them to Bella and Edward to enjoy. He'd perfectly captured the moment Edward had asked her, from the surprise on her face, to the moment she said yes, to when their lips met, sealing the deal. Elation and pure love radiated off them as they turned to the camera and took a final picture. With the trophy on their laps and the beaming smiles on their faces, their precious moment was immortalized.
Edward might not have had a ring that day, but he had been looking. Winning the series was the best thing that'd ever happened to him, except for meeting Bella. So, when he laid eyes on her on the field after the game, all he could think about was that his forever was running toward him, and he selfishly wanted that forever to start right then and there.
They'd kept their engagement quiet, not wanting to take the spotlight away from either one of their teams. However, Bella's games afforded Edward a lot of time with Bella's parents and the opportunity to ask Charlie properly for Bella's hand in marriage. Charlie readily agreed and couldn't believe his luck that he had two Braves players as sons-in-law.
Bella stirred again and rolled toward him, her hand lying softly on his chest. Edward decided now was as good a time as any and opened the nightstand drawer to pull out the ring. As Bella slumbered, Edward slid the ring on her finger. It was perfect. He was nervous about what she would think of the ring, but he knew it was the one the moment he saw it. He enlisted Rose's help, and she assured him Bella would love it. The diamond was big, not as big as the love he felt for her, but he had no regrets buying the stunner.
She didn't move when he put the ring on her finger, but her breathing changed, signaling that she was slowly waking up. Edward lightly ran his fingertips up and down her arm, hoping to encourage her to wake up.
"Why are you up so early?" Bella grumbled into Edward's shoulder.
He chuckled, knowing damn well she hated to be woken up. "Well, good morning to you too, sunshine. And it's not early. It's ten."
Edward raised his arm and welcomed her into his embrace. Bella burrowed into her favorite spot and pulled the blanket tightly around her.
"Good Lord. Are you serious? I'm sorry, darlin'. Just gimme me a few. I haven't been able to sleep like this in weeks."
"I know, baby. I just thought we might want something to eat and have some time to shower and get ready before we head out today. We have a reservation at the winery at noon."
"Ugh. Why did we make those reservations again?"
Edward kissed the top of her head. "Because we have dinner reservations later and didn't want to run out of time."
Bella huffed. "We are too efficient for our own good."
"We have some time." Edward laced his fingers with Bella's and kissed the top of her hand and her ring, resting them on top of his chest.
The movement of Edward's kisses drew Bella's eyes to their clasped hands. She gasped as she looked at her finger. How had she been so oblivious this whole time? Bella pulled her hand back as if she'd been burned and sat up, staring at her ring.
"Oh my God. Edward. What did you…when did you—"
Edward sat up and took her hand, his thumb caressing the diamond he'd just put on her finger. "While you were sleeping. Too much?"
Bella was so flabbergasted she didn't even know what to say. "It's…" Her voice quavered as she gazed at the glimmering diamond. "It's absolutely beautiful." Her eyes welled with tears as she admired the ring. "I don't know what to say. It's more beautiful than anything I ever imagined."
Forgetting all the words he'd practiced so diligently that morning, Edward spoke from his heart. "Say yes, shug. I'm sorry I didn't do this properly the first time, with a ring and romantic words, but now, I want to right that mistake. So, here I am, officially asking you."
Edward's green gaze held Bella's brown. There was no doubt in Bella's mind that he was her soulmate. He stole her breath away when he asked her that night in the dugout. She didn't care that he didn't have a ring, that there weren't those romantic words; it was special in its own right. All she knew was that she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life.
Bella could feel his love humming along her skin and throughout her body as he continued to hold her hand. This was different from the night of the World Series; though, they meant every word they'd said to each other that night. This moment was more intimate, with words of love and forever that were meant only for the two of them to share and hear.
"I love you so much, Bella Swan." Edward paused as he swallowed the lump in his throat. "I can't imagine another day without you wearing my ring and knowing that you're mine forever. So, say yes to us. Say yes to a lifetime together with me and to the love that we fought so hard for. Our life will be one adventure after another, and there's no one I'd rather take that journey with than you."
Bella nodded and sniffled throughout Edward's proposal. His words and the glassy gaze he held in his eyes told her exactly how bone-deep his love was for her, and she could feel it in every cell of her body, in every beat of her heart.
"I promise you, there's nothing more important to me than you and your happiness." Edward's voice cracked with emotion. "Just…say yes, shug."
Bella placed her hands on each side of his face and pulled him in, crushing her mouth to his. "Yes, darlin'. Yes. I will marry you."
An: So, how are we feeling? Edward is now a World Series champion and they are engaged. Our sweet boy was on cloud nine, so what better way to put a cherry on top than to propose to the woman of his dreams. Do you think he got it right?
The announcers in this chapter and chapter 31 came from the Atlanta Braves radio network. They are super fun and very enthusiastic.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter. It was definitely a fun one to write.
Next is the epilogue. If there is something you would like to see or know, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm pretty sure y'all will be happy with it, but just in case, do let me know if there is something you would like to see. Everything will be tied up in a pretty little bow :)
I have a FB group called DrivingEdward Fanfic. Please join us for all things Darling and Shug, fic updates, pic teasers, and what is coming next.
The Eras Contest is happening now and we are accepting submissions until September 2, 2024. Please come and join us in our FB group under the name: The Eras Contest. This is NOT a Taylor Swift contest, but a contest based on the theme of her album Reputation. Vengeance, revenge, lust… Reputations are earned and oh the things we have to do to earn them.
FFN: ( because they make it difficult for me to give you a link) Search for the writers name. It is The Eras Contest Reputation 24
*** If you haven't already, And would like to know what is coming next, Please put me on author alert and follow me. I have a few things coming down the line. One is already in the beginning stages.
See you in two weeks
~Be Happy
~Be Kind
~Be Blessed
~DrivingEdward