#@curlsgetdemgurls

[shyjulesbeachamppatroleagle]

Is Renee-writer the same as Reneeyanceywriter ?I was looking for a fanfic called”I hear you are always drunk in the afternoon. Has it been removed?

[eclecticstarlightconnoisseur]

EDINBURGH TO BOSTON - CHAPTER 14 - THE ARGUMENT: WE SAID MORE THAN WE MEANT

Good evening all, I am excited to have Chapter 14 ready as I promised. This picks up right after Chapter 13. Our lovebirds continue to grapple with the events of the evening. Claire has some fear and anxiety while Jamie is dealing with insecurity and guilt. None of these feelings are a good mix. I do need to thank my betas for their magnificent and tireless help, suggestions, and comments. Thank you @curlsgetdemgurls and @scubalass. You guys keep me on my toes and push me to do my best. I honestly don’t know how I would do this without you. 🧡🧡🧡🧡

As always I welcome any thoughts suggestions, comments you would like to share with me.

I hope you enjoy reading.

Without further ado I give you:  Edinburgh to Boston

Chapter 14

The Argument: We Said More Than We Meant

Hyperawareness. All of her senses became heightened. Sight. Hearing. Smell. Taste. Touch. She craved these sensations wishing to imprint them forever in her heart and mind. Because that would be all that would be left of these last moments with him after she admitted the truth. It would all go to hell after she told him how she traded her honor in order to keep his intact.

Sight.

Looking up she took in Jamie’s vivid blue eyes, the color of a cloudless summer sky. He beheld her in loving adoration. Would he, could he ever look at her this way again? His glorious mane of hair thick, luxurious and curling at the nape. For the first time, she noticed it had a multitude of colors, cinnabar, gold, cinnamon, and the wee odd bit of silver. How she loved to run her fingers through his locks. Those lips, full, soft, and oh so tender. And what they did to her. She would miss these things. She would miss everything about him even looking at his scars. He thought them ugly, disfiguring. The deformity formed a webbing of thickened tissue, wheals, and ridges as if created by a blind and demented spider. She thought them noble. His badge of courage as she came to think of them. They embodied him, his true character, brave, selfless, compassionate, loyal. She shuddered with the thought of her imminent loss.

Hearing.

Placing her ear over the center of his chest, she listened to the steady cadence of his heart.  Even and strong. At that moment she believed with complete surety, it beat only for her. Would it continue to do so, or would it change becoming discordant, erratic, or worse yet, perhaps silent to her?  The sound of his voice, deep, rich, and smokey like a fine aged whisky. When he spoke to soothe the frightened, his tone was soft, dulcet and as smooth as melted honey. And when in the throes of passion, his voice became husky, sensuous, tantalizing.  A voice that could ignite a blazing need in her smoldering in her core sending her to near completion. Fear overcame her that his heart and voice would grow cold to her. 

Smell.

She took a deep breath, breathing him in. He smelled of wine, whisky, and a coppery tang of blood. Not his, but another’s. And there was something else. Something that could only be described as unique, heady, and blatantly male about his scent. A smell that one could only describe as Jamie. Warm, woodsy, with a musky essence. Would she be able to continue to inhale and savor his own personal perfume or would she be condemned to a life void of his fragrance?

Taste.

The sense of taste embodied the essence of Jamie. His mouth, tongue, and breath exuded his own fundamental substance. And what they could do to her! They brought her to heights of pleasure causing her to shiver and her knees buckle.  His kiss! How his kiss intoxicated her! His kiss, rich and full-bodied as a fine red wine, inflamed her making her recklessly wanton. Oh, and the taste of his skin, salty with sweat after their exertions. Ah, to know the flavor of his manhood, tangy, musky. The looming loss of their intimacy made her want to weep.

Touch

She hungered for Jamie’s touch. She needed it like she needed air to breathe. Fingers linked together. Meaningless patterns stroked over her hands and body. Fingertips light, sure, dancing over her skin like the wings of a butterfly. Cupping her cheek in tenderness, melting into the caress. Safe. Always safe as he clasped her tightly to his chest surrounding her with his arms.  When he spoke, she could feel his burr resonate, vibrating in his chest. He virtually purred, she thought, much like a large ginger cat. His intimate touches. Large, strong hands slid over her cataloging every curve and dip. Embracing. The bold caress of mouth and tongue raining a trail fiery kisses down her body. They left her burning white-hot like the tail of a comet leaving the sun’s orbit causing her to quiver and scream. Would she survive without his touch? She doubted it and mourned its loss.

                                                 ********************

“Mo chridhe will ye no’ tell me what ails ye? I could see that ye were fashed about something after ye spoke with Joe,” Jamie implored. They stood near the ED door preparing to exit. Each time the door slid open a gust of cold wind brushed over their skin.

She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.“Actually, I’m not sure how to tell you this. In all honesty, I thought I would wait until we returned to Scotland to tell you.” Jamie began to speak, but Claire raised a hand seeking his silence. “I’m not pressing charges against Frank,” she said bluntly.

Jamie’s jaw dropped open, his eyes widened. “Ye canna be serious. Ye must! I canna believe... He deserves to be punished, Sassenach,” he sputtered.

“No, I gave him my word that I wouldn’t press charges against him if he dropped his threat of having you arrested. I won’t allow it. I will not let you go to jail because of me. It’s simply out of the question.” She struck a defiant pose chin jutting out and tiger eyes gleaming daring him to challenge her,  “I don’t want you to have an arrest record even though you’re innocent because you acted to defend me. Christ, Jamie, think. You will have to report it at home to the licensing board, and the hospital. The documentation. The questions. The innuendos. You may come up for review. It will follow you forever.” She had chosen her path and no one, not even Jamie Fraser, could deter her from it. “I won’t let this happen to you because of me,” she said adamantly. Claire broke out of his arms giving him a piercing look.

“I see. And yer telling me I have no say in this matter then?” He stared at her angrily balling up his fists tightly at his side. His furor near out of control, like a volcano ready to erupt. 

“Frank assaulted me! I think I should choose what I want to do about it,” she retorted.

Jamie made a Scottish noise of disgust in the back of his throat. 

“Claire,”  he said with as much patience as he could muster, “I believed that as a couple, we should talk about things together, ye ken? Especially when it affects both of us. Ye made a decision about my life, my practice, and our relationship without consulting me did ye no’?”

He scrubbed his hand over his face, rucking his hand through his hair making it stand on end.

“Damn it, Sassenach! Ye take it into yer mind to do as ye please. First, ye dinna follow behind me. No! Why should ye? I’m only yer man, why come with me? Then, I hear ye scream and what do I see? Hmm? I see that bastard touching ye in a filthy and disgusting way! In front of the whole restaurant no less! People will think I’m no’ a man and canna protect my woman!” he huffed.

His Scots accent became increasingly broader, a sure sign of his increasing agitation. A burgeoning redness slowly crept up his face. He kept his teeth clenched firmly shut, narrowing his eyes to slits. Jamie looked like a man on the verge of exploding.

“Oh, your woman, your woman! So, you believe this is all about you, hmm? About what you think and how you feel? As you see it, I’m only fit to do as I’m told, huh? I’ll wager you think that this is all my fault, don’t you? Well, your bloody wrong about that James Fraser. Bloody wrong.”

“Wrong, ye think? If ye had followed right behind me, instead of doing god knows what none of this would have happened,” he snarled.

“Do you think I did that on purpose? That I deliberately let him touch me. Do you think I liked what he did to me? Well, you certainly need to reconsider your opinion.” Claire raised her hand to slap Jamie across the face. 

He caught her hand by the wrist before contact. “I would strongly suggest that ye dinna do that, Claire. Ye would regret it,” he growled fiercely. 

“Why? Will you beat me if I do? Like some 18th century man putting his wife in her place?” Tears burned in the back of her eyes. Damn it if she would let him see her cry. No man would ever strike her again.

Jamie’s eyes opened wide, his mouth hung open. Her implication struck him deeply as if someone punched him in the gut. She misinterpreted what he said. He let go of Beauchamp’s wrist. “Claire, no. Never! I couldna… wouldna ever,” he stammered. “Ye need tae believe me, I wouldna. All I meant was that you would feel bad if ye did. It’s not like you to behave like this.  Please believe me, I would never hurt ye,” he implored.

A crowd began to gather listening to them argue.  Someone had reported a disturbance at the exit of the ED to security. Two members of the team approached the scene warily evaluating the altercation.

“Is everything alright here?” queried Sargent O’Brien. Sargent O’Brien stood 6 feet tall just several inches shorter than Jamie. A trim man with dark chocolate eyes and sandy-colored hair he looked every bit the person in charge. His partner Officer Roberts, by contrast, wore his black hair clipped into a short crew cut. His emerald green eyes bore a striking resemblance to a snake. Small, round, beady, with thick lids. Powerfully built, he obviously served as the muscle for the pair. He made an imposing presence. The man unnerved Claire.

“Aye, Sargent O’Brien, Jamie said after reading the man’s name tag.  ‘Tis fine. It has been a long day and a long evening. ‘Tis nothing serious, we both said more than we meant.” Jamie looked to Claire for confirmation that she gave with a nod. 

Joe Abernathy strode purposely toward the fracas, “Officers, is everything alright?” 

“Dr. Abernathy, someone reported a disturbance. We came upon these people having a rather heated discussion.”

“Well, I can vouch for them,” said Joe. “They are close personal friends and had a pretty rough day.  I think they just need to go home and get some sleep.” He looked at both of them with eyebrows raised in suggestion. 

“Aye, yer right. Come, Sassenach, I think we should follow Dr. Abernathy’s advice.”

Claire walked over to Joe, gave him a kiss on the cheek whispering, “Thanks for rescuing me again Joe. You’re the best.” Likewise, Jamie shook his hand thanking him again.

They left quickly to their waiting car. Their behavior toward each other remained cool and detached. Jaime entered the car on the left while Claire got in on the right. Each sat back staring out the window engrossed in their own thoughts. The gulf steadily widening between them. They rode back to the hotel in self-absorbed silence.

                                        ******************************

Jamie opened the hotel door allowing Claire to enter first. Removing her coat and shawl, she let out a deep sigh of relief that the trauma of the night, hopefully, appeared over.  The Scot followed suit removing his overcoat and jacket. Neither of them spoke to the other.

Rummaging through her clothes, Claire found her black yoga pants and her favorite soft tee shirt. Taking both she went to change in the bathroom. Closing the door behind her she let out her breath. Muttering to herself, “Now what the fuck should I do?” She did not expect this type of reaction from him, sullen and uncommunicative. Normally, when things bothered him, he spoke his mind. Now...he spoke to her only if he had to. She washed what makeup that remained on her face off and changed quickly into her clothes. She suddenly did not feel comfortable wearing her nightgown in front of him now.

Jamie took advantage of Claire’s absence to similarly change. He struggled with buttons and zippers because of the splints but managed to accomplish his task. He dressed in his winter running gear. If you asked him why he dressed that way, he couldn’t have told you. He sat there on the edge of the bed, running his hand through his hair and over his face. “Now what?” All through the drive back to the hotel, he asked himself the same question. An answer. That’s what he wanted and needed. She still held something back from him, but what? What could she not tell him, he wondered. What he really wanted to know, did she still love the bastard and want him. He never wanted to push her to tell him more than she seemed comfortable with, but he had to ask.

Claire emerged from the bathroom and cleared her throat to make her presence in the room known.  Looking at her, he thought she felt the awkwardness between them too.

“Fancy a dram, lass?”

“That would be nice.” She made no move to come near him. 

“Nice,” he thought. Could she have given a more bland answer? He poured them each a dram of whisky and gave her one of the glasses.  

“Slàinte,” he said as he tipped the glass back drinking it in one swallow.

She sipped her whisky offering him a weak smile. He stopped calling her all the pet names he had for her. The ones that she couldn’t pronounce or even knew what they meant. She had never bothered to ask.

The Scot refilled his glass with a large measure of the amber spirit observing that it matched the color of her eyes. Jamie sat down heavily on the bed and began to roll the glass between his palms as if to warm the liquid. 

He looked up at her. She looked so small, so lost standing there as if she didn’t know what to do.

“Claire, I dinna mean to push ye to tell me something ye dinna want to, but I need to ken. I need the truth.”  He took a deep breath steeling himself to ask the questions he needed answered. Speaking softly with a slight tremor in his voice, “Do ye love the man? Do ye want him back? I mean after ye saw him, maybe ye had a change of heart. He was yer husband. Is that why ye dinna want him arrested?” He looked at her with the most pained expression on his face. A face in literal torment. 

She watched as the glass fell from her hand. The tawny fluid spilled out as the crystal spiraled downward. Hitting the hardwood floor, it splintered into hundreds of prismatic pieces reflecting the light of the room.

She stood in front of him shaking violently. “You fucking bastard!” she thundered at him. “I told you about him and what he did to me. The ridicule, the humiliation, the embarrassment. For years and years, it went on. Why would you even think...why would you suggest that I would want him back?” 

“You know what I think, Fraser? I think this is about you and your pride. You left me there alone.    He touched something that you believe is yours and you can’t stand it. Can you?” she growled.  Her hands were clenched tightly at her side. “You left me to fight him off on my own, to...to defend myself. You promised to always see me safe. And you didn’t.” She began to breathe rapidly in short rasping gulps trying to fill her lungs with enough air. “Now you have the gall, the unmitigated audacity to ask me if I still want him if I still have feelings for him? Jesus Christ, I can’t believe that you asked me that! Don’t you understand that it’s you that I love and only you?” 

But you didn’t tell him the whole truth now, did you? That’s your dark little secret. He doesn’t know the depth of what happened. How could he understand any of this? You need to tell him and trust him.

There it was.  A flood of feelings rushing over her like a cataract of water making its downward descent. Anger. Helplessness. Terror. The memories of that night long ago. It became all too clear, all too vivid to her. 

 He stood, walking toward her, wanting to take her in his arms to comfort and console her. He wanted to erase what happened and replace it with his love.

“Claire, I…” 

She turned and strode away from him, arms wrapped tightly around her own body giving herself the comfort she believed he could not.

He looked at her wishing he could find something to say, something to do that would ease her pain, her grief. But nothing came to mind. What could he say? She was right. He had failed her in a most abysmal way.

Walking toward the closet, Jamie grabbed his jacket, took the room key, and picked up a bottle of whisky.

Claire watched as the big Scot walked over to the door and left the room. The last thing she heard was the sound of the latch as it clicked shut behind him.

[cajon-desastre]

Yazzzz 🖕🏻

Eff the haters, am I right? @julesbeauchamp 🖕🏼

[thelallybrochlibrary]

Can you tell me where to find the fanfic Mrs Beauchamp?

Hi there Anon,

Mrs. Beauchamp by balfey and curlsgetdemgurls can be found right here on AO3.

Happy Reading!

[greenglasslov3]

Hi! I don’t know much about you, so how long have you been married? And where did you meet your husband? 💕

@curlsgetdemgurls you precious, precious darling! I will gladly talk about the hubs. We’ve been married for 2 years - 3 in October.

As for how we met, I waxed poetically about it on that anniversary - New Years Eve - http://thefraserwitch.tumblr.com/post/169152422467/ecampbellsoup-tagged-me-in-a-post-asking-about-my. Our relationship is the true life How I Met Your Mother saga - except we met on New Years Eve and there were no yellow umbrellas involved.

[sincerelyfraser]

I was tagged by a few to do this so, thank you cuties! ♥

repost this, then list the posts you’re the most proud of – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10

tag ten blogs you think should be proud of what they do, whether it’s art, writing, edits, great choices of what to reblog, brilliant tags, lovely responses to asks…. spread some positivity!

I tag: so basically everyone i’m tagging has probably already been tagged but here we go themusicsweetly, jamieclaire, tolallybroch, caitbalfes,  frasersjamieclaire, henricavyll, jules-fraser, curlsgetdemgurls, balfyoddlyeager, lulu-tan79, thefraserwitch, missclairebelle

[ashmarie1687]

Fic writer shout outs 🎉

I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile and since I might be on the quieter side for the next week with my mom coming to visit (I haven’t seen her since January) I wanted to give a shout out to all the fic writers out there. Mind you I haven’t read everyone but little did I know what kind of Jamie-Claire AU fic world I’d be introduced to. I’ve seriously lost count as to how many I’ve read or are currently reading. I think a banner that says “Fics got me through 2020” should be made.

Not all fic writers are on here, some are on Twitter only, but I wanted to tag some of the writers whose works I have read or are currently reading: @thistlesandherbs, @ladyviolethummingbird, @silfraser, @curlsgetdemgurls, @sassenachthroughtime, @magnoliasinbloom, @prairiefarmgirl, @lallybrochloser, @audramh, @smashing-teacups, @wickedgoodbooks and I HIGHLY recommend stories by JeSuisPrest, balfey, luvofmylonglife, melodyheart and more. I have the same user name on Ao3 as I do here with several subscriptions and books marks,and everyone I tagged above I’ve read most if not some of their fics. I know I’ve missed some, sorry!

Thanks for giving me a fluffy smut-tastic escape. I greatly appreciate your works and maybe one day (not anytime soon) I’ll write a fic because you’ve been inspirations.

[lordjohngreyreadingnook]

And recommendations for J/J/C? The threesome secretly wished for. That's all, thank you. 😊

Hi there @geekinthefuschiahair​, thank you for the request! Luckily, there are many who think this particular love triangle could be wonderfully solved by a threesome ;) We have compiled a list of J/J/C works here for you. There is everything: short, long, angsty, fluffy and sexy, so hopefully, you will find something that suits your mood. Happy reading! Disclaimer: This list doesn't include non-English works or WIPs at this time. We’ll tag this ship Claire/Jamie/John to stick with the alphabetical-by-first-name theme.

Title: Reasons to live Author: Angstosaur Rating: M Word Count: 7020 Summary: Please read all the tags first. Trigger warnings for suicidal thoughts and depression.

This starts as a study into the frame of mind of a man who thinks he has nothing left to live for, that his life is empty and no longer has meaning. He no longer wants to live. The first part is very much in an immersive style of writing and as such could be upsetting - if you think this will affect you negatively, please do NOT read... I'll post something fluffy another day.

As the TV show suggests at the end of Season 5, John returns to England to look after Helwater, which has been inherited by William following the death of Lord Dunsany. However, he finds himself alone - William has not settled for the life of a country gentleman and has gone to visit the Frasers. All alone, a dark mood descends on John, one that he finds himself unable to shake off. What he is unaware of is that the letter he wrote to Jamie would be viewed and acted on as a cry for help. It is then up to Jamie and Claire to reach out to John in return and to reassure him that he has a place with them and that he is far from unloved.

Title: Geography Notwithstanding Author: MistressPandora Rating: T Word Count: 3060 Summary: Lord John Grey and Jamie Fraser are on the run from both the Continentals and the British Army, leading them away their family fleeing to Fraser's Ridge.

Title: The Silver of Moonlight Author: JRC10 Rating: E Word Count: 43050 Summary: Jamie and Claire have settled into a quiet life on Fraser's Ridge. Everything is finally falling into place in their lives...until...

Jamie receives a letter from his erstwhile friend, Lord John Grey, who is planning on accompanying his son to visit the Ridge. Jamie's lingering resentment over John and Claire's carnal knowledge of each other comes to a head when these three are forced into company for the sake of their son. A great confrontation just might lead Claire, Jamie, and John in a direction they never saw coming.

Title: Triquetra Author: FaerieChild Rating: E Word Count: 151925 Summary: A M/M and M/M/F Outlander slash and threesome fanfiction started for NaNoWriMo. A modern AU set in the world of thoroughbred horse racing. After the passing of her husband Frank Randall, newly widowed Claire Beauchamp decides to spend her late husband's money on a thoroughbred racehorse and starts looking for a trainer. Meanwhile thoroughbred horse trainer Jamie Fraser feels increasingly drawn to friend and horse owner John Grey.

Title: Terribly Reckless and Incredibly Stupid Author: MistressPandora Rating: E Word Count: 11420 Summary: When Lord John Grey is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, Jamie and Willie must find a way to rescue him before he's executed.

Title: love is a spell Author: Nara_stories Rating: T Word Count: 2629 Summary: Jamie and John are hunting together when they encounter a witch who curses John to make them both suffer.

Title:  the one thing older than war Author: iihappydaysii Rating: E Word Count: 8021 Summary: While on a bison hunt with Lord John Grey, Jamie Fraser gets bit by a venomous snake. With death just around the corner, Jamie makes a long-held confession. (A rewrite of 5x09.)

Title: Love your enemy Author: Nara_stories Rating: T Word Count: 3546 Summary: If Jamie asked me I could have told him how useless and unnecessary it was to try and break off all connection with John in a letter. [...] But Jamie didn’t ask me, so I doubtfully watched the ceremonial process. He used Brianna’s special paper with tiny rose petals pressed into it, he formed the letters carefully with the stiff fingers of his right hand and I wondered how he could have ever convinced anyone that he did not care for the man.

Title: It Was You All Along Author: curlsgetdemgurls Rating: E Word Count: 2343 Summary: This takes place after events of ‘Echo in the Bone’ and the dialogue in italics is verbatim from ‘Written In My Own Heart’s Blood’ so if you haven’t read it or don’t want to know major plot details then DO NOT READ CAUSE SPOILERS, but if you don’t care about spoilers then enjoy! :)

Imagine if Jamie and John didn’t flee right after Jamie returned to Claire, they stayed at Lord John’s house and had this conversation in Lord John’s bedroom with Claire peeking through the door.

Title: Meanwhile Back at the Ridge Author: AbbyDebeaupre Rating: M Word Count: 4683 Summary: What happens when Jamie and Willie return to the Ridge? Love me some Lord John even if the man is destined to pine away in the forests of North Carolina.

Dear readers and fandom friends, do you have other Claire/Jamie/John works that you like, that we haven’t included in this list? If so, please share your recommendations!

[samheughanswife]

What do you think about that Deb woman and the others putting down that young girl Emma? This fandom has so many who think they’re entitled to a piece of Sam and Cait. No wonder they hide their relationship. These fans don’t realize they aren’t their friends just fans.

This will most likely incense many but I don’t care.

There is a group of women who read the books in the 90’s who are book purists.They think Outlander is exclusively theirs. That’s fine but don’t impose your opinions and demands on others. I have many books I loved and have been very disappointed with the screen adaptation. But that is what happens. The author knows it and the readers/fans should understand adaptation means change. But it seems that some purists are vicious and entitled.

I watched the first two seasons before I bought the books. I only read the first 4. Great literature it is not. But I liked the story. It’s was always going to be difficult to please everyone. Impossible really. So into this devoted fanbase it was a given that there would be gate-keepers. For me many of them are harmless, but there are a vocal minority who feel it’s their god given right to police and control a group of fans whose ages span from the 20’s - 70 plus. Generational differences again a given. Entitlement not so much.

Everything I have seen and read of Deborah Kennedy is entitled and ugly. And she is not alone. There are many like her. As evidenced by the support she relished receiving after going after Emma. And yes Emma should have done things differently, and I’m sure there are some regrets. But this was an experience of unbridled joy for Emma. I’m not sure if it was her first Con but it certainly wasn’t Deborah’s. She follows them everywhere 😳.

Deborah believes it’s her duty to tell people how to fan and support Sam and Caitriona and the show. It’s her way or the highway. And she thinks she is untouchable and had the support of SC, the show and the women who share her views. With age, wisdom is not a given!

These same types of fans want to dictate their beliefs and standards. From schooling and insulting the many brilliant fan fic writers. All the way to most definitely telling Sam who he should love. And that person is not Caitriona.

So the attack on Emma was multi pronged. She writes fan fiction. They hate that. She is a shipper who sees love. They loathe that. And she is younger than them so they think she has no right to any of the above. It was with glee that they flocked to her account and harassed her off Twitter. I hope Emma remembers that she had a fantastic time. She met up with OL friends for the first time. She had her photos taken. It was her joy. Deborah can not take that from you @curlsgetdemgurls.

[three-drink-amy]

TEN SONG CHALLENGE

I was tagged by @captainsantiagos! Thanks, Hannah!

list ten songs you can’t stop listening to and then tag 10 other people.

1. Heartbreak Weather by Niall Horan

2. What a Man Gotta Do by the Jonas Brothers

3. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston

4. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi

5. How Do You Sleep by Sam Smith

6. Dancing on My Own by Robyn

7. I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys

8. HandClap by Fitz and the Tantrums

9. Rewrite the Stars by Zac Efron and Zendaya

10. One Day More by Les Mis cast

Tagging: @marielle-heller @musketrois @startofamoment @elizabeth-beauchamp @smolsamberg @city-bright @balfey @curlsgetdemgurls @danieljradcliffe @tedddylupin

[eclecticstarlightconnoisseur]

Edinburgh To Boston - Chapter 11 - Redux

Good evening all, Here is the next chapter of Edinburgh To Boston. I hope you all enjoy it. We met some old friends and a person oft-spoken of but never seen.

Chapter 12 is nearly done.  It is in the revision stage then off to my lovely beta @curlsgetdemgurls whom without her, this would not exist. Many, many thanks Emma for everything.

As always, I look forward to your thoughts, comments, and respectful criticism.

Without further delay, I give you...

Edinburgh To Boston

Chapter 11

Redux

“Rabbie, ye wee gomeral! Dinna stick yer brother’s head in the snow, aye. He canna breathe in there.” 

Rabbie MacLennan was busy shoving his brother Davey’s head deeper into a snowbank. At his grandmother’s reprimand, he let go and ran off cackling to himself.

There must be something wrong with that boy, she thought. She hoped she wouldn’t see him on one of those Most Wanted Shows when he grew up.

Davey freed himself from his frozen entombment and found himself covered head to toe in snow looking rather like a scrawny snowman. Shaking himself like a dog, he removed much of the fine flakes sticking to his hat, hair, face, and clothes. 

“Wait for me,” the lad called racing after his brother to see what other devilry they could stir up.

Maizie gave a long-suffering look toward her husband that said: Do something.

Harry, in the language of the long-married, returned the look, asking: Like what?

She glared back at him, I dinna ken. They’re your grandsons, do something. 

Jamie and Claire observed the mayhem headed their way. They turned and looked at each other smiling.

“Lass, it’s Harry and Maizie. I dinna think we would ever see them again.”

Jamie raised his arm waving it furiously loudly calling out, “mo charaid.”

“Come along a nighean,” he said laughing and pulled her along. He moved toward the elderly couple with a decided determination.

Harry looked up recognizing their acquaintances from the plane, took off his cap and began waving it in his own brand of frenetic gesticulations calling out, “Hallo.”  

“Ye see who it ‘tis, my love? ‘Tis the lad from the plane with his lass,” he said with a broad smile plastered across his face.

Smiling she began to wave as well. “So ‘tis. They look happy, do they no’?”

“Aye, they do.”

The men reached each other and began the time-honored male ritual greeting composed of handshakes, hugging, and back pounding.

Observing this male disposition, it occurred to Claire that this habit of pummeling each other in a form of welcome might be the reason that men were impervious to superficial pain.

The ladies, however, greeted each other more genteelly, clasping each other’s hands, kissing a cheek, and exchanging pleasantries. 

Of course, it was just like men to wander off in pursuit of their own conversations while leaving the women to mind the store. This entailed clearing the snow off a bench for them to sit and keep a watchful eye on the two rapscallions. Bloody men.

“How goes it, lad? Ye look happy and I might add so does the lass.” Harry cast a glance back toward Claire.

If it were possible, Jamie’s cold-reddened cheeks would have turned scarlet.

“We, ah, talked, and found the truth between us. She, um, weel, she loves me as I do her. So, we are together,” he smiled so brightly it would have rivaled the sun. “I still dinna ken how ye were so certain about such things.”

“Laddie, it is as plain as the nose on yer face.  A blind man could see that ye love each other and belong together. ‘Twas not hard at all.  All ye two needed was a push in the right direction.”

Harry turned his eyes to gaze intently upon Jamie. His expression hardening like a stern schoolmaster about to chastise an errant student.

“Remember lad, she is a braw lassie, strong, capable, independent. Dinna underestimate her. But, she can be very fragile, delicate, and her heart, once given, can be easily broken. Take care of her, love her rightly and if ye do sae she will be yers forever.”

“Aye, sir I will. Ye can trust me.”

A snowball whizzed by Harry’s hat, missing it by a fraction of an inch. He looked up and saw his grandson Rabbie hanging upside down, monkey-like from a tree. His younger brother stood below with a stockpile of frozen missiles.

“Oi, ye wee scoundrels, what are ye about then?”  Harry stormed toward the tree where the lads were. Jamie keeping pace brought up the rear as reinforcement.

Davey hopped up and down trying to get his brother’s attention wanting him to pull him up into the tree and away from his Grandda’s grasp. 

“Jump Davey, jump.” 

Rabbie extended his hand as far as he could and with one final long stretch, he just managed to grasp his brother’s hand. With a mighty pull, he brought Davey up and out of reach of his grandsire.  The lads sat swinging their legs back and forth from their high perch enjoying the view of their frustrated and angry grandfather below.

“Do ye want them down?”

Harry snorted, “I do.”

“Now listen here, lads.  Either ye come down or I come up. And ye willna like it if I do.”

“Yer auld. Ye canna climb up trees,” said Rabbie with a smirk on his face.

“Aye, I can. I climb trees, mountains, and rock walls.”

“Are ye Spideyman then?” asked wee Davey with a hopeful look on his face.

“Nay, but I ken him.”

“Ye do???!!!” The little boy’s eyes widened becoming positively goggle-eyed. 

“Aye, he came to the hospital where I work to visit with the sick bairns. He told me all his secrets for climbing. If ye come down, I’ll tell ye.”

Davey looked awestruck.  Rabbie looked at Jamie with skepticism.

“I dinna believe ye,” he said eyes narrowed to slits and glared.

“I have pictures of Spider-Man and me. He taught me some of his spidey moves.  I have a video too if ye want to see it.”

Davey was beside himself with excitement. Rabbie, however, more of a doubting Thomas required proof. The two laddies were busy trying to scramble down the tree. Rabbie older and bigger pushed his way forward wanting to be first. 

Davey had another idea.  He hung down from the branch by his fingertips, “Catch me, Grandda,” and let go dropping five feet straight down. 

Harry ran forward hoping he would be in time to catch the rascal and not drop him. Jamie got there before Harry, opened his arms and caught the boy in the nick of time, saving him from serious injury. 

“Lad, do ye no’ ken that ye weigh as much as a good draft horse when ye fall from that height? Ye nearly broke my back.”

The wean laughed, “Can I see the pictures now, please?”

He set the child down, pulled out his phone and scrolled through the pictures. The lads were enamored by them and began acting out the poses they saw.

Jamie Fraser had convinced a friend to dress up as Spider-Man and come to entertain the children. He posed, signed autographs, took pictures, and gave out little gifts. At the end of the wee party, a spectacular Spider-Man cake was rolled out and happily and messily consumed by all.

Each year Dr. Fraser planned a different event for the children.  Wherever he worked or trained he would manage to beg or borrow, cajole or arm-twist enough money to plan a wee party for the weans. All done in memory of his brother Willie. The children broke his heart.  For some, the hospital was their home, for others they would never leave it.  Some of the lucky ones would get well enough to live their lives but not without experiencing more than any child should have to.

Claire and Maizie sat on the bench talking of this and that while keeping a watchful eye on their men.

“Are ye happy then, lass?”

Claire looked up first to Jamie then to Maizie. 

“Yes, very happy.  Happier than I have been in a long time. Probably happier than I have ever been in my whole life.”

“Aye, I thought so. I can see it in the way ye look at him. And in the way he looks at ye,” she chuckled softly.

“Yer man, he is a Highlander, is he no’?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Weel, they are proud men, strong of body and spirit, honorable to be sure, disciplined, loyal, courageous, patient and honest. Can ye handle a man like that lass? He can and will be a handful at times.” She looked at Claire searching her face for the truth. “Oh, and did I mention stubborn? Once they have made up their minds, there is no turning them back.”

“How do you know all this?”

“My man is a Highlander too. It has been a bonnie life with him, never dull,” she chuckled. “I wouldna change him or the life I had with him for anything. He has been a challenge at times, but I set him straight,” Maizie said with a wink.

“Oh, and one more thing lass, if ye dinna kent it yet. They have hearty appetites in bed!”

Claire opened her mouth to say something, thought better of it and shut it. She felt the heat of her embarrassment rising up her face.

“I see ye ken what I say is true,” she laughed heartily. 

“Well I...ah, well, mmm, damn.” Claire flushed a lovely shade of pink.

“Enjoy his love for ye lass. ‘Tis a blessing. I still do,” she said with a lascivious smile.

She looked up at the sky, seeing that the sun had begun to lower, checked the time on her watch. 

“‘Tis late. I need to get my lads home, dry and fed.”

“Harry! Harry! Get the lads, ‘tis time we were going home.”

The boys and the men’s heads snapped up at the words going home.  

“A leannan,” he said in his most silky voice, “the lads are having such a good time. Might we be able to stay a little longer?”  All four members of the male contingent shook their heads in unanimous agreement to this request.

“Ye can have ten more minutes, then we must leave. ‘Twill be getting dark soon,” Maizie said with a shiver.

Claire had been watching Jaime play with the boys, roughhousing, laughing, throwing snowballs at each other, helping to build a snowman, and generally acting like one of the boys. Her hands went reflexively to her belly. He was meant to be a father, she thought. She worried if she couldn’t give that gift to him would he hate her? Worse yet, would he leave her?

“Dinna fash, lass. Yer time will come too,” she observed Claire’s hands protectively on her abdomen.

 “I wasn’t able to before with, with my ex-husband.”

“If he’s yer ex, then perhaps it was for the best. Looking at yer lad there, I think things will be different this time.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said with a hopeful look on her face.

Looking toward the men hard at work making the most of the last few minutes of playtime, Maizie called out, “Come along lads, ‘tis time for our suppers.” 

The male heads rose up at the mention of food.

They bid farewell to each other, repeating the ceremonial handshakes, hugs, and backslaps. The boys were counseled to listen to their Mam, Da, Grannie, and Grandda, eat their vegetables as Jamie would be seeing Spider-man again when he got back to Scotland. Rabbie and Davey nodded their heads solemnly and promised to be on their best behavior and (Blah!) to eat their veggies too. 

The women embraced, Claire, thanking Maizie for all her advice. She kissed her cheek softly and bid her goodbye.

“Come along Spider-Man, let’s get you back to the hotel and out of those wet clothes, shall we hmm?”

“Will ye help me out of my wet clothes then, mo ghràdh? I’m so cold and wet that I think my cock will snap off.”

“That my dear would be a catastrophe,” Claire said with a smirk.

Jamie began to speak, instead, he wrinkled his nose, squeezed his eyes together, and let out a volley of sneezes. He began to sniffle. 

“Hmm, things seem more serious than I thought. Let’s get you back to the hotel and warm you up.”

“Aye, sounds like a good idea.  Will ye warm me then, Claire?” There was a twinkle in his eyes as Jamie waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Men!” she snickered.

**********

They lay nestled together in the twilight of sleep, neither fully awake nor fully asleep. Warm. Complete. Filled with love. His arms enclosed her.  One hand cupping her breast while the other drew around her waist bringing her closer. A finger idly traced the slope of her breast coming to rest on a nipple. Stroking it lightly, it came alive under his touch hardening, rounding, wanting. Her arse settled fully in his groin wanting to eliminate any space between them.

“Does it ever stop, the wanting you? Even when I've just left ye. I want you so much my chest feels tight and my fingers ache with wanting to touch ye again.” 

She wiggled closer feeling the effects of her movements against him. 

“I want you too, always,” she mumbled sleepily.

His lips pressed soft tender kisses to her neck and felt her quiver.

He turned her onto her back raining a succession of heated kisses along her chin, chest, down the hollow between her breasts.

“Mo nighean donn, I hunger for ye.”

He blazed passionate kisses down her body paying homage to her.

Reaching her navel, a distant grumbling sounded from within the depths of her abdomen.

Jamie startled, “Sassenach, yer making wee noises, but no’ the ones I was hoping for.”

“Hmmm, seems I’m famished.”

“For food?”

“Mmhm. It’s been a long time since breakfast and we did have a busy afternoon.”

 “Aye, we did.” He rested his head on her belly. “Would ye like me to order room service or would ye like to go to the restaurant?” He hoped she’d pick room service.

“Well, I bought a new dress to wear for the last dinner at the conference. It would be a shame to not get to wear it.”

“Alright then, lass, the restaurant it is, but first I must have my dessert.”

********

Jamie sat on the end of the bed showered, shaved, and dressed in his charcoal grey suit, white shirt, and blue tie.  He hummed a rhythmless tune while his foot tapped in a futile attempt to keep time. Taking out his phone, he idly scrolled through the news, and his social media accounts watching the videos of dogs and cats engaged in ridiculous antics.

His eyes drifted back toward the closed bathroom door wondering what was taking Claire so long. To save time they had showered together. He had soaped her up, sliding his hands over her slippery body becoming captivated with each curve, and rounded area of her body.  Ah Dhia, that sweet fat arse of hers. He would never tire of fondling it. And what she did to him. Lathering him, she stroked him with her soft wee hand turning his legs to jello. Christ, the lass knew just how to… His pants were becoming uncomfortable. He stood up adjusted himself and walked to the bathroom door.

“Claire, are ye alright, lass?”

“I just need another few minutes, Jamie.”

She’s been in there for at least a half-hour. What takes women so long to get dressed?

He walked to the large window and watched the lights of Boston twinkle like fireflies on a warm summer’s night.

He heard the sound of the bathroom door open and Claire stepped out.

She was a vision in red. The dress was floor-length, long-sleeved with a high neckline. It hugged every curve of her body in a sensual way. Her hair was up with tiny tendrils draping around her face and neck. Her makeup lightly done except for the red lipstick accentuating the bow of her lips.

“Do you like it?”

He mouth opened and he gaped at her. His eyes sweeping over the sweet long lines of her body. 

Her walk was sultry. Her hips swayed. She exuded sexuality. Jamie placed his hands on the swell of her hips. He swallowed, “Yer beautiful, mo nighean donn.” She was mesmerizing. He could not wait to have her on his arm walking through the hotel and into the restaurant, the envy of every man there.

 She lightly pressed her mouth on him leaving a trace of her scarlet kiss on his lips. Seductively she traced her thumb across his mouth erasing the crimson mark. 

“Claire, I... ”

She gave him a knowing smile, “Let’s go then.”

She turned to reach for her clutch and then he saw it. The dress was backless. The gown laid her bare from the nape of her neck to just above her gluteal cleft exposing the dimples of Venus on her back. It hugged her buttocks emphasizing the roundness, the fullness of her.

“Sassenach! Yer no’ going downstairs like that are ye? Christ woman, I can see clear down yer arse.”

“No, you can’t. I had the sales girl take a video of me moving in all different directions in it and you can’t see anything. I checked. Want to see?” She said smugly.

He didn’t want to see and he didn’t want any other man to see either. The woman would be the death of him.

Deciding to use another tactic, he inquired, “Won’t ye be cold then?  Would ye want my jacket, lass?”

“Oh, you’re right, I forgot my wrap.” Walking over to the garment bag she took out a matching stole and wrapped it around herself.

“Better?” she asked batting her eyelashes at him.

“No! It only covers half of ye. Claire, ye canna go out like this,” he sputtered.

“Hmm, I see it’s doubled.” She gave it a little shake to open it completely. She swirled the silken fabric around her back like a matador twirling his red cape in front of a snorting raging bull.

“Is it better now?”

The edge grazed the top of her natal cleft.  Any movement she would make exposed her.

“Aye, ‘tis better,” he conceded, “but no’ by much.”  

Seeing that Claire would not give up on going to the restaurant wearing that, that dress Jamie conceded defeat. 

“My Lady, may I have the honor of escorting ye to dinner?” He extended his arm offering it to her to take.

“I would be honored, my Laird.” She reached out placing her dainty hand in the crook of his elbow feeling him draw her close to him.

He hoped they would make it through dinner without incident.

**************

Brian Fraser looked at his youngest son, drooping and moping about over some lass who would not give the lad the time of day. To make matters worse, Jamie had seen the girl kissing another boy in a remote part of the school library. “Laddie, if the lass is no’ interested in ye, then mayhap she is not the one for ye.  Pining away for her will no’ help.  Remember, be careful about what ye wish for, because ye may just get it. When ye find the right woman to love, ye will just ken it.”

Jamie Fraser got just what he had hoped for.  Male heads turned as they walked into the restaurant.  He was the envy of every man there and he didn’t like it. In truth, what he didn’t like was the way men looked at Claire. Some looked at her with a straightforward appreciation of her beauty while others leered at her with outright lust on their faces. It roused his jealousy and need to protect her. His eyes, a search beacon, swept across the sea of men on guard for any potential threat to her or her virtue. Being in love with Claire Beauchamp would not be easy. 

Jamie so deep in his need to be on guard that he missed the way Claire looked at him. She was fully aware of how the women looked at him. He was beautiful. That fiery mane with soft curls at the nape, ocean blue eyes that you could drown in, broad back, lean muscular body, and his hands. Ahh, his hands. Hands that held her and played her body like a fine instrument. Stroking it, coaxing it making it crescendo. He is perfect in every way.  And yet, he doesn’t know it.

The maî·tre d'hô·tel seated them in a secluded area of the restaurant thanks to the generous bribe, er um, tip Jamie gave the man.

Finally, he felt he could relax. They were seated in at a cozy table for two away from the general traffic of the hotel. 

The restaurant L’Orchidée was beautifully appointed. White and violet linens dressed the table while a napkin folded into the shape of a flower sat upon a gold charger awaiting their dinner choice. Candlelight created an intimate mood. Crystal goblets and wine glasses sparkled as they waited to be filled.

The Sommelier appeared suggesting wines to pair with their dinner. Jamie fluently speaking French ordered for them.

“Are ye happy, mo ghràdh? I mean that we are together? Do I make ye happy?” He reached over picked up her hand and began to rub his thumb across her knuckles.

“Happier than I have ever been in my whole life. Do I make you happy?” she asked shyly.

 He interlaced their fingers together, “Sae happy.” He hesitated for the briefest of moments then continued, “My heart has been yours since first we met. In truth, you hold my soul in your hands. I am yours, my Sassenach, body, and soul forever.”

The waiter came to serving their dinner. A lovely glazed salmon with a tomato romesco seasoned with garlic, almonds and spices, heirloom carrots and wild rice for Jamie. Claire chose roast chicken rich with a sauce of garlic, herbs, and butter, potato mille-feuille, summer squash with wild mushrooms.  The Sommelier appeared pouring their wine selections and bid them bon appétit.

They ate and drank, savoring their meal as much as each other’s company. They talked, laughed, touched, cast shy glances at each other, acting like lovers do.

Jamie’s other vice, besides whisky and Claire, was chocolate. A dessert of a triple chocolate mousse cake accompanied by a froth of whipped cream flavored with Frangelico and a scattering of crushed hazelnuts completed their meal. He insisted on feeding her. He cut off a piece of cake swirled it in the flavored cream offering it to her. She opened her mouth accepting the sweet morsel. Her mouth became coated with the intense taste of dark chocolate and fatty hazelnut whipped cream. An unctuous drop lingered on her lips. His finger swept across her mouth removing the offending particle.  Her pink tongue peeked out and licked the tidbit from his finger.

He brought her hand to his mouth pressed a tender kiss to the palm of her hand. His breath warm and moist on her skin making her quiver and her heart flutter. 

“Mo chridhe,” he whispered huskily. “I need ye, Claire. I need ye sae bad.” He licked his lips looking at her with darkened wanting eyes.

Jamie was intent on his love and did not see the man approach.

“Hello, Claire,” said a male voice with a cultured English accent.

Claire felt ice run up and down her spine. She knew that voice all too well.

She set her lips in a taut grim line. “Hello, Frank.”

[bee-kathony]

The Oath | Ch. 19 “Round Two”

a/n: thank you all for reading, liking and commenting! I appreciate it so so much. big thanks to @lcbeauchampoftarth for being my beta on this and making it 1000x better! <3

Arc I | Ch. 16 | Ch. 17 | Ch. 18

December 9th, 2019

Madeline sat comfortably on Geillis’s lap as they sat down to lunch the next day. It was nice to get out of the house and take her mind off of everything that had been going on lately.

“Ye have the chubbiest wee cheeks that I e’er saw.” Geillis lightly pinched Madeline’s cheeks, making her giggle. “Ye might have the cutest baby in the world, Claire.”

“I’ll agree to that,” Claire smiled. “She is rather adorable.”

“With yer genes and that handsome Scot as her father, ye were bound to have an adorable bairn,” Geillis grinned and then bounced Madeline on her knee.

“Do you think—“ Claire started, but shook her head.

“What? Do I think that Jamie isna her father after all?” Geillis could read her so easily — well, anyone could, according to Jamie.

“Yes. I know I said I didn’t want to talk about it, but what do you think? Is it possible?”

“Of course it’s possible, Claire. But when I look at this beautiful wee lass of yers with her auburn hair and fair skin… well, she reminds me of Jamie. And ye of course, but I know this has to be a mistake.”

Just then the waitress brought over their food, setting it down in front of them.

“Thank you,” Claire said and immediately grabbed her fork and twirled a string of pasta around it. “You’re probably right. Always are,” she smirked. “I’m just going crazy waiting! The good thing is that Jamie will take another paternity test today and we should have the results by the end of the week. Then we can figure out what to do next.”

“Ye two have a good plan, and a good lawyer behind ye. Don’t worry, Claire. It’ll all work out, ye’ll see,” Geillis smiled.

They both ate their meals, talking of work and random things other than the biggest issue in Claire’s life. Claire was so grateful that she had Geillis in her life. Without her, she might not have ever met Jamie — if she hadn’t been so persistent in making her come with her to the whisky opening.

“You know…” Claire took a sip of water. “I never really thanked you properly for dragging me out to Lallybroch for the whisky launch.”

“I don’t believe ye did,” Geillis smirked, still holding Madeline in her lap. “But I take yer thanks and say yer welcome, lass!”

Claire laughed, wrapping both her arms around herself. “I just can’t imagine my life without Madeline… without Jamie. You’ve helped me so much, Geillis. You were there for me when I needed somewhere to go and you took me in.”

“That’s what friends do,” Geillis responded with a smile and took her hand over the table, squeezing it lightly. “And now ye owe me a huge favor for basically makin’ yer life amazing…”

“Hmmm? I suppose I do and I know you always cash in on your favors,” Claire laughed.

“Can I break up my huge favor into small ones?”

“I guess,” Claire shrugged. “What did you have in mind?”

Madeline started squirming, reaching for Geillis’ chest, hungry for her own lunch. “Oh, no lass. Nothin’ is comin’ out of these, I’m afraid.”

“Hand the little miss over,” Claire smiled and took Mads from Geillis, then adjusted her on her lap so that she could feed her. Thankfully, she didn’t get any strange looks from anyone in the restaurant… besides, it was just a breast.

“Ye ken that sexy red dress ye have? The one that’s low cut in the front and hugs yer curves in all the right places?”

That exact dress was hanging up in Claire’s closet right now with the price tag still on it. A dress she had purchased on a whim while out shopping with Geillis months ago and hadn’t found a chance to wear.

“Yes, the same dress I haven’t even worn,” she smirked. “What about it?”

“I was just wonderin’ if I could perhaps borrow it… for a date?” Geillis smiled over her glass, her brows raised.

“A date?!” Claire’s mouth dropped. Geillis wasn’t usually the type who went out on dates, she was more the one-night kind of girl. Maybe that’s where Claire got her influence from…

“Yes,” her friend blushed, a deep crimson creeping up her fair cheeks. “And… well, tis with a lass. Her name is Lily and she works in the NICU.”

“Oh, this is different,” Claire nodded. “Is she the one with the short blonde hair? The one that I always see trying to get your attention?”

Her friend blushed more, which was very unlike Geillis. She was usually so confident and carefree, not getting caught up with dating and especially not with a co-worker. “The very one. And caught my attention she did. Ye ken that I lean towards both men and women, but never actually gone on a date with a woman before. I’m really nervous.”

“You? Nervous?” Claire tsked. “She’ll love you, Geillis. You’re an absolute catch and a half. And yes, of course you can borrow my red dress. Just make sure it doesn’t get wrinkled when it ends up on the floor!”

Geillis gasped and lightly hit Claire on the arm. “I told myself I wouldna sleep wi’ her on the first date!”

“That, I will have to see to believe,” Claire laughed. Madeline finished up her lunch and Claire pulled her shirt down and started to burp her over her shoulder. “What time is it?”

Pulling out her phone, the Scot checked the time. “Nearly 1:00. When’s yer appointment?”

“3:15,” Claire replied. “But I should probably head back home now and put her down for a nap. The DNA Centre isn’t far from our house.”

“Aye, do that. I should probably get back to work.” Geillis stood up from the table. “Yer so lucky yer still partially on maternity leave. I suppose I’ll have to get myself a baby!”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Claire laughed and stood from the table, preparing to make the journey home with a sleeping baby.

Geillis hugged her goodbye and they parted ways.

“Do you like your Auntie Geillis?” Claire asked Mads as she buckled the car seat in. “She’s a bit wild, but she loves you.”

++++++

Claire had been so tired yesterday afternoon, that as soon as she came back with Madeline and fed her, she’d fallen asleep. And then she woke to find Jamie and ended the night in bed with him. Therefore, she had completely forgotten about searching the name Mary Hawkins.

She needed to meet Jamie at the DNA Centre with Mads in two hours, which gave her just enough time to search Mary’s name while Madeline took a nap. The name was familiar to her and she was positive she’d first heard it from Frank, but she couldn’t quite remember why.

Sitting down at her desk in their study, Claire typed in the name, but the only results that came up were articles about the opening of Hawkins Laboratory four years ago. Thank God for social media. Frank didn’t have any kind of social media accounts, and he had constantly reminded Claire that too much time on her phone would fry her brain.

In a matter of seconds, Claire found who she was looking for.

Mary.Hawkins: 21 “C’est la vie”

Scrolling past pictures of food and sunsets, Claire sat stunned when she found something that chilled her to the bone. It was a picture from three years ago at Christmas. In the picture, Mary sat beside the tree, and sitting beside her was Frank.

When she clicked on the picture to see who else was tagged, another name popped up. A young man that looked an awful lot like Frank. His username was Randall_Alexander, Frank’s youngest brother.

Three years ago, Claire had been scheduled to work the Christmas shift and couldn’t get out of it. She told Frank to go home to his family and that she would be busy, probably not even realizing it was Christmas.

Claire remembered the name Mary Hawkins. Frank had told her that his brother had started dating a girl named Mary and had brought her to meet everyone. Things got busy for both of them and Claire had actually never met Alex Randall. And therefore, she had never met Alex’s girlfriend, Mary. The same Mary Hawkins that works at Hawkins Laboratory.

“That bastard,” Claire muttered, and took a screenshot of the photo to show Jamie later. She knew something wasn’t right and she would bet her life on the fact that Frank had asked a favor from this Mary Hawkins.

To confirm her suspicions, Claire went back to the Hawkins Laboratory website in search for a photo of Mary. There on the “About” section was a group photo of all the staff. Mary was petite and had a mousy face, but Claire had no doubt that it was the same young girl.

What she wanted to do was contact her, to reach out to her and find out the truth, but Claire knew that Mary wouldn’t tell her anything — especially not if Frank had bribed her to lie. It was frustrating, to know that this was all a lie; but without any hard proof, nothing could be done.

Hard proof they could get, however, would come from the new paternity test Jamie was about to take. When those results came back to them in two days, they would know for certain their next steps. All Claire had to do now was be patient… and patience wasn’t her strongest suit right now.

Walking in to check on Madeline, Claire saw she was still asleep and figured she could manage a quick shower before meeting Jamie at the DNA Centre. As she stepped under the hot water, letting it wash away all her troubles, Claire thanked God once again that she was no longer with Frank, but with an honorable and loving man. Her Jamie.

++++++

He was waiting for them in the lobby of the DNA Centre, his fingers tapping a rhythm against his leg. Jamie met her eye and smiled, the lines of worry on his forehead disappearing.

“Sassenach.” He kissed her hello and then picked up Madeline from her pram. “How’s yer day been?”

“Oh, I have some news for you!” Claire said as she took a seat next to him, waiting for their name to be called. Jamie cradled Madeline in his arms, staring down at her beautiful face. “So remember how I told you I thought the name Hawkins sounded really familiar?”

“Aye, just two days ago…”

“Jesus H., has it just been two days?” Claire took a deep breath, running her hand over her face, feeling like she’d aged tremendously in the last week. “Well, when I called the lab yesterday, the woman I spoke to gave me the name Mary Hawkins — saying she was the one to handle our case.”

“And what did ye find out, a nighean?”

Claire placed her hand on Jamie’s arm, squeezing it a little. “I searched for Mary on Instagram and found a picture of her with Frank’s family from three years ago at Christmas.”

“What?” Jamie looked up at her, his eyes wide. “This Mary kens Frank’s family?”

“She’s dating Alexander Randall, Frank’s youngest brother who I’ve never met. At least I think they’re still dating, that’s what her latest post indicated…” Claire rambled. “So, I would bet my life that Frank used his connections at this lab with Mary to somehow change the results.”

“Taing Dhia!” Jamie smiled and then kissed Claire. “Ye ken that if we get the results back and they say I’m Mad’s father… and now with this connection to Mary, Claire,” he looked at her, determination in his eyes. “We might have enough evidence to file a claim against them. Against the lab for tampering with the results and against Frank for bribing them.”

“As much as I don’t want this to go into a long drawn-out legal battle, I think you’re right. It’s what we need to do to stop all of this. If they tampered with our results, maybe the lab has done this kind of thing before,” Claire questioned. She wanted to say more, but they were called back to a small room for the test.

“The doctor will be wi’ ye in just a minute,” said the nurse and left the three of them alone, waiting.

“They just need a swab, right?” Jamie looked down at her. “Like the last time?”

“Yeah, that’s all they should need, just some spit.” Claire stroked Madeline’s cheek.

The door opened and the doctor walked in, a short frog-faced-looking man that shook both of their hands. “Hello, are you the Frasers?”

“Aye, I’m Jamie Fraser and this is my fiancé, Claire soon to be a Fraser,” Jamie smiled. “And this is Madeline…”

“She is a beautiful child,” said the doctor with a thick French accent. “My name is Doctor Raymond, I’ll be helping you with your paternity test today.”

“Thank you so much, we appreciate you being able to work us into your schedule on such short notice,” Claire smiled. She felt instantly comfortable with Doctor Raymond, as if she’d known him for a long time.

“It is my pleasure, Madonna,” he smiled at her and then put on his latex gloves. “For accurate results we just need a swab from the bébé’s cheek as well as from the father.”

It took all of two minutes for both cheek swabs to be taken, and Claire held Madeline’s hand the whole time. Thankfully, she had also remembered to bring Madeline’s favorite stuffed bunny toy, keeping it close by her daughter the whole time. Madeline didn’t fuss when Doctor Raymond opened her mouth and stuck the swab in, only looked at him curiously.

Claire watched as Doctor Raymond labeled both samples and put them in a larger bag to be sent in for testing. “And we’ll hear back in two days? Also, I’d like to confirm it is the court-approved test that is being done?”

“Oh, yes my dear, you will have everything you need in a matter of days,” the doctor said and then took her hand. “Everything will work out just as you want it to, Madonna.”

“Thank ye, Doctor,” Jamie nodded his head and then bundled the blanket around Madeline. Doctor Raymond said goodbye and led them out of the room and around the corner where they paid for the appointment. It wasn’t cheap, as it was the second time they’d done this, but it was worth every cent.

“That doctor was a bit odd, no?” Jamie said as they walked out to their cars.

“I don’t think so,” Claire smiled. She liked the odd man, he was kind and very compassionate. “I liked him, and I think Madeline did too.”

“Well, he is French so…” Jamie smirked.

“Ha ha,” Claire laughed and then took back Madeline from Jamie. She immediately started to squirm in Claire’s arms. “What? You don’t want Mama anymore?”

“She loves her Da,” Jamie grinned. “I’ll see ye both at home for dinner.” He first kissed Madeline’s head and then Claire’s lips. “It’ll work out, Sassenach. Just as the weird doctor said it would.”

“I think it will, Jamie,” Claire smiled against his lips. “I really think it will.”

At least she hoped it would.

Chapter 20: Sick Day

[thelallybrochlibrary]

Hi! Love the blog. I keep coming back looking for new stories.

I wanted to check if you knew a fic where Claire is married to John, & Jaime is her best friend. She has a miscarriage- I think?- & separates from John after finding out he’s not in love with her. It’s been a while so I can’t remember many details.

Thank you in advance

Hi Anon,

There are two fics that could fit the description you gave. We hope one of them is the one you are looking for!

Oxford Tales by @balfey & @beekathony

Disarm by Mod MBD for @imagineclaireandjamie

Happy Reading!

[gizmomilly]

This is the Jamie of so many fanfics! At least in my head anyway...but with socks... 😉@missclairebelle @notevenjokingfic @desperationandgin @curlsgetdemgurls

[behappyhl]

I was tagged by the lovely @chaoticlarents (ily 🥰)

Rules: list 10 songs you've been listening to the most and tag 10 people.

1. We made it, of course.

2. Light up, obviously.

3. River - Ben Platt (it's a cover from his new show and I'm honestly obsessed).

4. Ivy - Frank Ocean, it's a bit old but a forever favorite of mine.

5. Graveyard - Halsey

6. F**k, I'm lonely - lauv

7. Truth hurts - lizzo (kinda obsessed with all her album tbh)

8. trampoline - SHAED ft ZAYN

9. Shoulda known better - MKTO

10. Cheap queen - King Princess

I'm tagging: @louls, @pipedreamlarry @curlsgetdemgurls, @lightssup, @lookslikefairytale, @itsrainingharry, @starrysun21, @graceling-in-a-suit, @doncasterprince and @miafi ❤️

[ashmarie1687]

⭐️ Merry Christmas Eve!! Sharing one of my favorite smutty Christmas one shots, written last year by curlsgetdemgurls! ⭐️ 

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Outlander (TV), Outlander Series - Diana Gabaldon, Outlander & Related Fandoms Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Claire Beauchamp/Jamie Fraser Characters: Jamie Fraser, Claire Beauchamp, Murtagh Fraser, Geillis Duncan, Adso (Outlander), Jenny Fraser Additional Tags: Christmas!, Lumberjack!Jamie, Cozy, Only One Bed, Frostbite Summary:

Recently divorced, Claire Beauchamp decides not to wallow on Christmas, and with the help of her friend Geillis, she finds a cozy cabin called Fraser's Ridge in the Highlands of Scotland. There she meets the owner, Jamie Fraser and things get rather... blue.