#Carol Roberts

[military-newsboys]

Mav: Were gonna break some laws Goose: Cool! Laws of what? Physics, morality or the United States? Mav: Yes. That's the order we're gonna break them in.

[heckcareoxytwit]

Carol Danvers and the Avengers pay a visit to The Factory in Alaska where they have a friendly sparring match, baseball game and dinner with Cyclops and the X-Men.

Avengers v9 #21, 2024

[carsen-daily]

Letterboxd: Christmas Edition 🎄

The Shop Around the Corner, Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop’s Wife, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, Muppet Christmas Carol, White Christmas, Holiday Affair, The Thin Man, While You Were Sleeping

[peachesandcreames]

Sunday Gun Day 🔥🥵

[sacredwhores]

Carol Reed - The Third Man (1949)

[missmarveledsblog]

it's fate ( Bradley Bradshaw x reader )

Summary : from a young age carole bradshaw always told her son meeting his father was fate , it was like she knew he was the one from her , now older bradley starts to think of fate when he see's a beautiful face everywhere until one night she comes to the hard deck and well fate can be funny .

warnings : none , some fluffy goofy fun with the hawaiian shirt wearing aviator

Since he was a young boy to his earliest memories , his mother told him of soulmates and fate the way she met his father. even after his fathers death when love wouldn't be the first thought , yet Carole bradshaw told her son of true love instilled the idea into the young boys head . back then he told her girls were gross and yucky , then he got older he didn't see the fate or true love so he just put it down to his mothers love stick and broken heart rambles . his whole life he never thought of fate or true love well that was til her. He didn't know her name , nothing and yet when everywhere he went she was there .

At first it wasn't anything yeah he thought she was hot at a glance but never thought he would see the pretty stranger again . how wrong was he everywhere he went she was there . when he was entering the gym she was leaving , when she was entering the cafe he was leaving . Not once did he speak to her nor did she speak to him but this had to be something more ,he saw her more to point he was completely and utterly enamoured. the words his mother spoke finally making sense and for once in his life bradley felt shy almost unsure how to approach a woman like it was something he's never done before .

His friends the fellow members of the dagger squad were honestly over it , they heard of the mystery woman one times too many . How he was sure she was next mrs bradshaw he just needed to find the right way about it .

" what if the last time you seen her was the last time? Or what if she's a stalker " fanboy questioned .

" or if she exists i'm starting to think the g's are getting to you chicken , i doubt she'd be stalking him c" jake snided barely breaking his glance from the game before him to know he was irriatating the hell out of his friend.

"she's real bagman nat's seen her few times" .

" back of her head if that counts but she real" nat mused .

" and you rooster who probably only one of us who slept with the same amount of women as bagman hasn't done a thing about it ?" payback asked .

" next time i see her because well it's ... " he started .

" FATE" They called in unison .

" well i'll make a move " he smirked and sort of new found determined to prove them right.

" yeah or i'll show her a real man" jake snickered ignoring the glares being sent his way .

in all the talk of fate it seemed to be knocking as the bell above of the door rang out and it was like it called to him . when he stared in disbelief as he watched her walking in the doors . he couldn't believe they couldn't deny it now not when it was so obvious.

" there she is the next ..."

" do not finish that sentence chicken " jake stood only to see the woman in question eyes hit his .

" JAKE SERESIN YOU DUMBASS" she yelled the whole bar going quiet as she stormed pass.

"mrs bradshaw? " bradley whisper watching the girl he been pining after heading toward his friend , enemy it was a day to day thing between the two .

" i would ask if you were dropped on your head as child but i'm starting to think momma played basketball with that big ass head of yours " she growled.

" what i do now ?" he asked trying not to glare and feel sort of sick knowing this was the woman bradshaw was moping about .

" well one sleeping with my coworker she won't talk to me now and the fact you keep stealing my keys" she huffed.

" lets talk outside" he groaned watching . " don't need my little sister yelling all over damn bar".

" ohhh .... OHHH" nat eyes widened at sudden realisation of the scene before her.

" hey you look familiar" she stood looking directly at rooster only for jake to push he out to the door before another word could be exchange.

" so hangman's sister is your future wife man this fate stuff is absolutely amazing " nat broke out laughing as the other joined in .

" is really fate if she was there to see hangman like the gym and stuff" javy snorted.

" well fate is funny isn't alway cut clear but that was the future mrs bradshaw i am telling you guys and you all gonna look dumb at our wedding shit" bradley mumbled slightly questioning everything in the moment .

" you ain't marrying my sister chicken , she is off limits ... even to fate " jake huffed sitting back in his spot.

......

he tried to stay away really he did he pretended not to see her going as much to cross to the other side of the road . well it lasted one day but hey he tried or so he could tell himself that. standing in the bakery , his day well wasn't going to plan , the new recruits were dumber than a box of rock . it was one of those morning where if he wanted to go left he'd end up somehow going right so instead of going to the canteen for lunch he decided to enjoy his own company one where he wasn't listening to his fuck ups that were oh so hilarious to his friends . standing in line ready to order his pick me up when he heard that voice. one that had him cursing his mother in a busy cafe queue.

" iced caramel latte and ohh one of those brownies thank you" her voice god dam it was like some milk of magnesia sort of shit so smooth and calming and yet a little husk to it pair with the accent he hated to hear from bagman yet suddenly was loving the way it came out of hers .

" americano shot of espresso and three brownies thanks " he nodded trying to talk lowly.

" hey don't i know you" the voice called. yet all he could think was " wanna know me" but instead he just said:

" i was there when you yelled at bagman" a smile and his eyes soften instantly turning.

" yeah not first or last time .. looks busy in here tables filling fast i'll save you seat.. ?" she smiled brightly waiting for him to tell him his name.

" brooster...wait no it's radley .... am i having a stroke shit my name is bradley bradshaw" he felt his cheek heat up and his brain screaming at him calling him a dumbass.

" well bradley brooster radley .. names y/n seresin i'll see you over there" she laughed god even her laugh made his knee week and she didn't run from his clear frazzled brain moment and secretly thanking his mom in the line of a coffee shop .

he was almost begging his body not to trip or fall and make himself look like more of an idiot then he already did . she wasn't lying when she said it was busy and moment he walked to the table already staring down the man who was going to make his way over.

" well brooster you got enough brownies " she giggle as he place the small tower on the table .

" hey im a growing boy it's needed" he winked .

" do y'all ever grow up?" she teased.

" i'm more grown than your brother i would never steal your keys".

" why would you have them ?" she smirked .

" i was just erm ... god my brain is out for me today" he laughed breathlessly .

" i'm kidding so what brings you here .. other than its best place in this state" she asked softly.

" well it's my favourite spots , the coffee isn't watered down and it got a warm feel to it like cosy god i sound like a hallmark card" he sighed only for her to giggle he was never tired of hearing it , honestly if it got that reaction and sweet sound he was going to make more of an idiot of himself. the two talk away , talking about her work as a kindergarten teacher , he would talk about being in the navy . it was perfect once he got over the weird start . he was having so much fun he barely notice the time slip away til his phone began dinging away .

" shit i better get going but this .. this was cool" he stood .

" yeah it was .. maybe you would like to do it again" she smiled softly holding out her phone instantly he took it putting his number in watching as he called himself the two walked to the door only for her to be heading to same way .

" i swear i'm not following you look see the corvette that's mine" she snorted seeing how it looked .

" you like vintage cars?" he always yelled in disbelief .

" i do jake calls them flintstone mobiles " she rolled her eyes.

" well not to brag or anything the bronco beside it well that's my baby" he smiled proudly.

" well look at that looks like fate i met you today radly brooster bradley" she called out heading to her car . " i'll call you later" .

" well i'd be a sucker to turn down fate" he winked watching as she drove off . " yep that my future wife" he shook his head knowing he was going to have to deal with hangman sooner or later .

part two

A.N:Let me know if you want a part two but this was fun to write .

[chrisbeansprmanager]

cornley drama society & onion headlines

[friend-lover-traitor-narrator]

I re-watched TG86 and TG:M - Pt.1

I re-watched both movies yesterday and made a list of things I don't hear people talking about enough.

TOP GUN

Wolfman during the singing scene - He's so invested in this, too! Makes me think that Mav maybe isn't the loner he's always pictured as

Mav more or less cuddling with Carole while Charlie sits next to them - Speaks volumes about the missing chemistry between Mav and Charlie I think

They say that Ice's jetstream caused the accident so why are there absolutely no consequences for him? Doesn't really make sense to me.

Mav and Ice buzz the tower together! - I can't believe I've never noticed that one before! Which leads me to my next point:

Ice and Mav making each other better and complement each other - Mav becomes more considerate and Ice becomes more fun

Nothing's more romantic than two F-14s flying into sunset together

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

The Darkstar is an absolute beauty

Jake's hand on Mav's back before they carry him outside + the fact that Jake actually carries him outside

Hondo & Mav friendship + how much fun Hondo has watching the daggers do their push ups

Ice and Mav hug twice!!

Phoenix taking Bob under her wings instantly + Bob becoming so sassy just because of her

It's hilarious that Mav doesn't know shit about sailing

Why doesn't Cyclone have a single clue about team building activities?!

Warlock supporting Mav and his choices

Dagger One is hit is such an emotional scene

The Mav & Bradley hug

[thebarroomortheboy]

David, if you want your freedom, I don't want to be the kind of a wife who clings to her husband when she's not wanted. Darling, I do want to be married to you. I love you. I worship you. I am used to you. How do we always get into these things? If my only hold on you is that you're used to me? Oh, darling, you've got the whole thing wrong. I don't know what I'd do without you. You are my little girl.

MR. & MRS. SMITH (1941) | dir. Alfred Hitchcock

[sit-cons]

i love how all the cornley members have all committed at least ONE crime. like yes! put on your silly little plays, i love watching people who have committed crimes on LIVE TV.

[military-newsboys]

Slider, walking into Ice's room: Hey Tom, do you know- Ice, awkwardly lying in bed under the covers, face red and slightly out of breath: Yeah, what's up? Slider: Ice: Slider: Mav under your bed isn't he? Mav, from under the bed: No

[ever-changing-fandom-bomb]

[davidhudson]

Carole Lombard, October 6, 1908 – January 16, 1942.

Photo by Eugene Robert Richee.

[missmarveledsblog]

It's fate ( Bradley bradshaw x reader) part three

summary : The moment that bradley is waiting for as he take the girl he is convinced(knows) is his future wife on that first day and pulling out all the stops so that there will be more

warning : its tooth rooting fluffy fluff stuff

previous part

He was nervous , he was excited and he was totally and utterly completely caught in the spell .  His mom was right all those years he thought the woman lost the plot he wish she could of told her she was right . Maybe he was jumping the gun but then again the woman he was currently going on a first date with could ask him to jump and he would ask how high . 

“ you’ll know , when you meet them you’ll know” those words his mother trying to teach him growing up suddenly crystal clear.  

“ so where ya taking me bradley brooster radley” god even her voice was perfect he could stay mute rest of his life and listen to that voice . 

“Well i  made reservations at  this new fusion fever  place it does a little everything so well i wouldn’t get the food wrong , then i have a little surprise after on the beach”. 

“ you aint planning on killing me right?” she teased . 

“ you never … your brother occasionally have thought about it” he chuckled . 

“ he’s a softy really  he gives you problems just tell him marley and me , that man got in such a fit of despair my mama almost few to san diego til we let him talk to our dog back home “ she giggled . 

“ damn that’s kinda cute and makes him human plus i may of cried with him and went to  dog shelter “ he laughed awkwardly.  

“ did  you get dog … oh can i meet him “ she almost jumped up excited. 

“ i can so get one no i will get one and you can meet it “ he smiled  noting to himself to go back to that shelter  wondering if their was a 24 hour one  that was a thing right ?  .

“ slow your roll brooster lets eat first before your committing here , i could eat like a slob “ she pointed out . 

“ and i’ll eat like a pig “ he shot back . 

“ you are adorable” she giggled that was definitely his favorite sound he was wondering what other sounds he would like from her . 

“ calm down brooster jesus ” he thought scolding himself . 

The moment the pulled up he was on his best game jumping out of the car so fast he stumble , slightly praying it was dark enough she didn’t notice as he went to the other side opening the door  holding his hand out  and escort her like the queen she was to the door .  even pulling her chair out once they were shown to the table he may of nearly pushed the matradee out of the way to do so but he’d tip the man on way out or not  .. maybe .  She had head turning moment she walked in and honestly as much as he hated it he didn’t blame them she was stunningly beautiful from the casual sweaters and jean shorts he’d seen her or the other outfits he’d seen her back when they were strangers  but now the white sundress had every part loving it .  her bright eyes and smile  he could see as his personal beacon calling him home every night ,  or  that voice of hers leading him like a siren  at sea .  he listened intently cementing everything she told him about herself in turn sharing  things about himself  from his favorite color  to his parents which was never something he shared on a first day but yet he told her stories of his mom and ones he could remember of his dad . she told him stories of what it was like having jake as a big brother and  one thing he could never argue with was that hangman did love his family . she was the youngest of the five sisters and well seven kids in total which in turn he joke if her parents needed a tv but honestly if she wanted twenty kids he would give them to her. 

“ hey they kept going til they got perfection” she smirked that sarcastic side he could only imagine how much it irritated jake giving he  was the same. 

 “ i don’t doubt that at all “ he winked . 

“ honestly i’m surprised there isn’t little seresin out there with that hound dog i call a brother” she snorted . “ sure they’re are in texas but none are jakes “ she smiled . 

“ do you miss it , texas “ he asked . 

“ sometimes but i like it here , plus it not too far away i mean a day or less car trip if i’m really feeling homesick  plus jakes here so it  makes it less lonely and makes my mama sleep better and my papa not driving up check on me all time “ . 

“ well you have me here too i mean you know what i mean “ he blushed . 

“ good to know i’ll keep it on mind that bradley brooster radley is there to kept little ole me less lonely” she winked. 

“ what made you become a kindergarten teacher ?” 

“ wow you really do wanna know it all huh? Well i love kids i always did even growing up   i was always the one to well cause the trouble and wild child but even then i wanted to be teacher and well having all those nieces and nephews i was always good with the younger years mama said i had the touch  and my sister emily well she said i’d make a good kindergarten teacher “  . 

“ well from the way you talk about your kids , your class honestly is already telling that your a great teacher definitely one that going to make impact “ he gushed . 

 “ well thank you ,  i hope so” she smiled shyly . “ it’s not as exciting as what you do though hell i’d be scared shitless getting in one of those hornets y’all flyboys got balls ” . 

“  hey don’t knock it til you try it  , maybe you just need the right flyboy sweetheart” he winked. 

“ is that so?”. 

“ oh baby you’ll love it in mine … my jet i mean “ he gulped. 

“ guess we’ll add it to future dates if this one stays as great as it is so far” she patted his cheek as she stood . “ i need to use the little girls room i’ll be back “ and honestly he tried really but he almost fell out of the chair when he look watching how her hips swayed as she walk .  “ shit behave” he scolded himself. 

Once desert was finish and he left a big tip and paying before she could even see the bill hit the table he once again escorted her to the bronco opening the door and even putting the belt on for her jesus even the sent of her perfume had him so intoxicated in her .  with check that the beach plan was a go before he got in the driver side  . what he didn’t expect was the moment he sat down ready to turn was her lips to peck his cheek. One simple action and he was short circuiting  needed a moment before he even started the car. The whole car ride they talked more possibly more than she ever did on a first day . bradley brooster radley had her talking of anything and everything and  he was actually listening . the whole time he was a perfect gentlemen she almost thought she was dreaming . never had she ever been treated in such a way. She had hard time not swooning and keeping her cool most of the  time . he was nothing she ever met before . honestly she noticed him back everytime she would pass him it was likes something out of a movie and many time she was thinking of saying something but he was gone by time she could and honestly night she tired in the hard deck but jake pushed her out the door before she could get more out of her mouth and then her chance she took it that first time in the cafe honestly she was bucket of nerves and then well now here she was having the best date of her life and hope there would be more . 

Pulling to the hard deck her head tilted in confusion she could of sworn he said the beach as he got out opening her door and unbuckling her belt . this time when he took her hand she intertwined their fingers it was cute even in the night she could see the red on his cheeks or how wide his smile was . they walked near the entrance of the hard deck only to turn as then she seen it just at the back and indeed on the beach the  light that led them down to were a blanket sat on the sand  along with a  basket and what looked like a speaker sat waiting and flowers more specifically her favorite . 

“ your brother may have help but didn’t think i’d have a first date and not get the most beautiful girl i’ve ever seen flowers “ he smile picking them up and handing them to her . 

“ shit are you even real “ she gasped still in awe taking it all in .

“Well i remember  you told me your favorite thing was to watch the stars  so what’s better then watching them on a beach with the sounds of the waves  but i was hoping you would dance with me first he tapped his phone as her mouth fell open . “ ok jake might of helped with that too “ he smiled shyly as sound of la vie an rose played .  “ so would you care to dance” he held his hand out . 

“ how could i say no this is wow” she was lost for words in the best way possible as she took his hands putting them on her waste as she wrapped her arm around his neck as the two swayed around eyes locked both slowly closer til there forehead where touching .

“ yup this was definitely fate” he finally said. 

“ bradley radley brooster shut up and kiss me” she smiled.

“ yes  ma’am “ he leaned down his lips touch her and if he wasn’t a goner before (which he was )  , he was definitely  a goner now for the future mrs bradshaw .  

@bets-bookshelf hope you enjoy 💙❤️💙❤️

A/n : if anyone wants more from these two just ask and will deliver oneshots <3

[chrisbeansprmanager]

they should work it out on the remix

[imawkwardlysoc]

"ghost of you"

song- ghost of you by 5sos

pairing- robert 'bob' floyd x reader

warning(s)- death, cursing, slapping, blood, angst

word count- 2,532

summary- bob dies (that's all i'm giving you)

“Pop Pop! No.”

Mom and I chuckled at the sight of my father chasing the toddler around the living room. Looking at each other, we shook our heads and continued preparing the ingredients for dinner. Hearing the doorbell ring, Dad went to get the door while Christian entered the kitchen to see my mom and me.

“Mommy, when’s daddy coming back?” he asked.

“In a few days sweetie,” I answered.

“That’s too far,” he pouted. “I miss him.”

“I miss him too,” I placed a kiss on the top of his head. “But don’t worry, he’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“Y/N!” Dad called for me.

Picking up Christian, I walked to the front door to see Uncle Mav in his formal wear with a look on his face. My heart immediately dropped as I knew the look on his face.

“Which one?” My voice broke.

“Are you Y/N Floyd?” Mav’s voice tried not to break.

“Mav, just tell me who,” I sniffled.

“Are you Y/N Floyd?” He asked again.

“Yes!” I shouted. “God dammit Mav, just tell me!”

“The commandant of the Navy has entrusted me to express his deepest regret that your husband, Robert Floyd died-”

Immediately fell to my knees as a gut-wrenching scream came out of my mouth. Everything else that Mav said was not processed in a muffled noise. Christian was taken out of my arms and I felt Mom wrap her arms around me. Looking up at Mav, I saw the tears falling down his face as he tried not to break down.

“Funeral arrangements,” I let out another sob.

Feeling more arms wrap around me, I continued to sob until I saw darkness.

*The Funeral*

Waking up, I saw the dreaded date on my phone. Looking up at the ceiling, a few tears came out of my eyes as I lay there, numb to any emotion. Hearing a knock on the door, I saw it showing my mom walking in. Feeling her sitting down on my bed, she squeezed my hand and ran her fingers through my hair.

“I don’t want to leave,” I chuckled. “I don’t want to leave because if I do, I know this is goodbye.”

“I know honey,” she continued to run her fingers through my hair. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later.”

Nodding my head in agreement, I got out of bed with her help and got ready with Mom’s help. Putting on my dress and getting my hair done, we walked out of my room to see our son in a suit while Dad and Bradley were in their dress blacks. Getting into the car, all of us headed to the church. 

Do you know what’s funny? This is the exact same church Bob and I got married at with our friends and family witnessing it. Two years later when Christian was only a month and a half we had him christened here. Spent many Sunday mornings here then heading to the park to have a picnic after service. Now I’m here to bury my husband and leave him in the ground to rest while Christian and I continue on with our lives. He only got to see him turn two and won’t be here for many other events. Everything just felt numb and I want it to go away.

I don’t even remember what happened during the service. Everything went by as a blur. I remembered going up to the podium but don’t remember what I said. Everything was silent around me. I saw everyone’s mouths moving as they comforted each other. I didn’t even dare to look at his parents since they blamed me for the death of their son even though I played no part in it. 

I remember going back to the car and following the hearse to the cemetery. Hearing the taps ring my ear swallowed my anger even more. More tears fell as I received the folded-up flag. I looked at Natasha as she stood up and headed to his casket. I saw the expression on her face as she tried not to let it all out as she took off her wings and placed them. The roaring of the jets filled the area as they flew past as Natasha punched them in. Sniffles, cries, and sobs were heard around me.

Me though? I was frozen as the realization set in. We were just starting our own lives as a growing family and now it’s not happening.

As the casket was being lowered, the people that we invited went up to me and offered their condolences before leaving. I stayed there as he was lowered and the dirt was being poured over the wooden box. Getting out of the chair and kneeling down by the headstone, I ran my head through the engraved stone while sobs ripped through me.

“How dare you cry over his death!” I whipped my head to see my mother-in-law charged towards me. “How dare you! It’s your fault!”

“My fault! I just buried him and you want to put all the blame on me!” I got up. “Christian just lost his father! Do you know how hard it is to answer to a two-year-old that his dad won’t be coming back?”

“It’s your fault that you forced him to renew his contract,” she came closer to me.

“I didn’t force him,” I seethe in anger. “All I did was follow his heart. He wasn’t ready to leave the Navy yet. He would be so disappointed in you if he saw the way you two have acted towards me.”

“You bitch!” My face stung as her hand slapped my face.

“That’s enough!” Ice roared as he walked towards us. “Don’t you dare harm my goddaughter!”

“You two,” Slider glared at them. “Out. Now.”

“It’s your fault we never get to see him! You just had to act so slutty to get into his pants and marry him so you could live this lavish Navy life!” She yelled as I saw my father-in-law drag her away from us.

“Don’t you dare call my daughter a slut!” All of us watched Mom slap her in the face. “Now get the hell away from my grandson. You are never welcome back here ever!”

It was a rare thing for Mom to get mad. Doesn’t happen often but you know she means business if she does.

“Hey, hey, I got you,” I heard Mickey say as he held me as my legs went weak. “You’re okay. Just the adrenaline crashing.”

“Are you okay?” Dad asked as he pulled me in a hug.

Not replying, he kissed the top of my head and comforted me.

“Damn Mom, that was one hell of a slap,” Bradley lightly chuckled to lighten the mood.

“Where’s Christian?” I asked.

“He’s with Great-Uncle Maverick on his motorcycle,” Ice replied. “I’m pretty sure he’s buying a mini motorcycle for him.”

“Oh please, he already bought it,” I rebutted. “Just waiting for the perfect time to give it to him and not make me mad.”

“Come on, let’s head home,” Bradley said as I nodded. “We’ll freshen up and head to the Hard Deck and have a bonfire there. What do you say?”

“Sounds good,” I agreed.

Pulling me into a side hug, we headed to the car and headed home.

*Few Weeks Later*

Letting out a groan as I woke up, I got out of bed and stretched before heading out of Bob and I’s room. I paused in my step as I heard music softly playing in the kitchen. Walking to the kitchen, I froze as I saw who was in the kitchen.

“Bob?” I gasped as tears ran down. “Is that you?”

“Yeah, it’s me?” He looked at me confused. “Are you okay? Why are you crying?”

“I-I thought you were dead,” I hyperventilated. “You died when you and Phoenix were deployed in Japan.”

“Hey, I’m here,” he pulled me into a hug. “I’m alive. Also Japan? Haven’t heard anything about that.”

“Yeah, it was just a scary nightmare,” I waved it off.

“I know the thing to cheer you up,” Bob let go of me and went to his phone.

Hearing our first dance play through the speakers, Bob pulled me closer to me and we started to sway. All of my worries went away when I was dancing with him. I soon reflected back at our wedding reception, where we danced in front of our friends and family while they watched. That whole day was amazing but the reception was so much fun. Bob had a couple of drinks to let loose and the squad surprised us with a little dance.

Dipping me, my eyes widened as I saw blood pulling on his chest. Soon I saw blood spewing out of his mouth.

“Bob!” I panicked as I sat him down against the cabinets.

“I’m sorry,” he gently placed his hand on my cheek. “I’m sorry for leaving you and Christian. I’m sorry for leaving again.”

“No, don’t leave,” I sobbed in his chest. “You can’t! Please Bob! Please! I love you. Don’t leave.”

“Take care of Christian for me,” he brought my hand up to his lips. “Move on from me.”

“I can’t,” I sobbed. “I don’t want to.”

“When the time is right, move on,” he stroked my cheek. “Find a better man than me. A better man who will love you and Christian more than I did. I love you.”

“Bob,” my voice cracked as I saw his eyes shut and his body went limp. “Bob! Wake up please!”

“Bob!” I whispered and screamed as my eyes shot open.

I looked around to see I was in our room again and saw that it was five in the morning. Quietly sobbing so I wouldn’t wake Christian up, all I wished was to wake up from this nightmare.

A few hours, I decided to get out of the rut and leave the house with Christian. It was a month since Bob passed and I decided to take Christian with me to the cemetery. I packed some picnic food to bring to have a small picnic on his grave. As we ate, Christian and I talked to the headstone knowing Bob’s presence was nearby. I did tell him the nightmare I had hoping it would bring him back but it didn’t work.

After being at the cemetery for two hours, Christian and I got into the car and drove to the Hard Deck where everyone was celebrating Bob’s life and the memories we had with him.

“Uncle Roo!” Christian ran up to my brother as we walked in.

“There’s my favorite nephew,” Bradley picked him up and tossed him in the air.

“He’s your only nephew,” I chuckled.

“How are you doing?” He asked.

“Getting a little bit better day by day,” I replied.

Pulling me into a hug and placing a kiss on the top of my head, we headed over to where everyone else was. I greeted everyone and made eye contact with Phoenix who soon looked away. 

It’s been a thing for the past few weeks. She hasn’t been over by the house that much and I don’t blame her. Christian is an exact carbon copy of Bob and it pains the both of us looking at him. He wondered where she was but I made up excuses where she was. She was grieving on her own, she’s grieving the loss of her WSO who she grew close with.

Everyone had drinks in their hands while plates of food were spread around. Christian was having the time of his life being passed around by his aunts and uncles along with playing with Theo. We soon got to talk about the memories we had with my husband and I looked to see that Pheonix left. Looking out the window, I saw her sitting on the sand by the waves. Excusing myself, I left the bar and headed down to where she was.

“Room for one more?” I asked as I sat down next to her.

“Why are you here?” She sniffled.

“Because we need to talk,” I explained. “Christian and I barely saw you the past month. Do you know how many times he asks for you?”

“I thought you didn’t want to see me,” she replied. “I couldn’t save him when he got stabbed in that alleyway. It was my decision for us to explore the city we were in. I tried my damn best with my first aid knowledge to keep him alive. To keep him alive so he could come home to see you and Christian but no, I couldn’t. He had to come home in a damn wooden box. How can you even look at me in the eye knowing that I couldn’t keep him alive?”

“Because you did your damn best Phe,” I grabbed her hands and looked her in the eyes. “You were there in his final moments when I couldn’t be there. You were there every step of the way and we are so fucking grateful for that. That is the reason why we made you Christian’s godmother. You are the most selfless person that we know. He’s looking down at us knowing we’re going to be okay and he made the best damn decision continuing to be your WSO.”

Breaking down into a sob, I pulled her closer and we both let out a cry. Rocking her back and forth and placing a kiss on the top of her head, we stayed in the same position for the next fifteen minutes before we let go. We both let out a chuckle knowing how much of a sobbing mess we were. Giving her a bottle of water to rehydrate from the crying, we looked out at the waves as they calmed us.

“I’m sorry for not visiting often,” she apologized.

“It’s fine, we were all grieving,” I squeezed her shoulder.

“Auntie Phe,” we whipped our heads to see Christian running towards us as Omaha tried to catch him.

“Christian!” Phoenix got up and picked him up, tossing him in the air.

Christian let out a laugh as Phoenix attacked him with kisses.

“I miss you,” Christian told her.

“I miss you too,” she fixed his hair. “Now, I heard that we have some cake. Why don’t we get a slice?”

Nodding his head eagerly, Phoenix carried Christian as they and Omaha back to the Hard Deck while I stayed back. Turning on my phone, I looked at the photo of Bob and I having a family photoshoot when Christian was eight months old. Kissing the screen to kiss Bob, a butterfly soon landed near his eye. With my eyes welling with tears, I stood there for a few minutes before it flew off. Watching it fly away, I headed back into the bar and joined everyone.

“Everything okay?” Dad asked as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Yeah,” I nodded my head and leaned against him. “Everything is fine.”

Looking around the room to see all of my friends and family, I knew that everything was going to be okay.