#MC Tessa

[nobodyisshome]

Corpses don't stare

[gingerlegacy07]

I just HAD to show off this AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL art that my wonderful and lovely friend @lyworth has drawn for me. She made my MC Tessa Emilia Cole look PERFECT <3 Thank you so much Ly! I LOVE YOU

[tessa-liam]

The One Who Got Away 

Thank you @kyra75 for your ask --  Prompt #4, ‘This is all my fault’ for @choicesprompts – Angstgiving Event 

Choices Book: The Royal Romance, Book 2 

Pairing: Liam Rys x Riley Brooks (F!MC) 

Rating: mature 

Category: angst/fluff, one-shot, ask/prompt 

Words 3.5k, with sprinkles of Canon 

A/N1: not Beta’d, please excuse all errors 

Premise: Liam and Riley are in love, but due to circumstances, they are pulled apart. Riley leaves Cordonia to go back home to New York, heartbroken. Liam marries Madeleine, reluctantly, to fulfill his duty as King. A year later, while visiting New York, Liam runs into Riley.... 

ONE YEAR AGO ...

New York. The place where dreams come true. The Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building. Central Park. 

As the limousine pulled up in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a sea of reporters and cameras flooded the sidewalk, all desperate to catch a glimpse of the young King of Cordonia. 

He'd arrived in New York earlier that day to spend the next two weeks on a goodwill tour, courtesy of his PR team. He'd already spent several days in Washington, DC, before stopping by a few other major US cities. New York City was the grand finale. 

King Liam stepped out of the limousine, his personal security flanking him, and walked into the throng of reporters. He was met with a barrage of flashing cameras, blinding him. His bodyguards tried their best to hold the crowd back. 

"Your Majesty! Over here! Look over here, please!" 

Liam put on his most dazzling smile and waved, walking towards the doors, surrounded by the press. 

"What are you hoping to accomplish during your stay in New York?" 

"Who will be accompanying you?" 

"Do you have a message for the people of Cordonia?" 

"King Liam! What is the state of the relationship between your country and the US?" 

"Will you be making any important announcements soon?" 

Liam smiled politely at the reporters, but refused to comment on their questions. He reached the top of the steps leading into the museum, and stopped for a moment, taking in the view. It was a gorgeous, but chilly,  November day in New York. The trees had long since lost their leaves and were now a dark brown, contrasting with the gray skies above. The weather had forced most New Yorkers to stay indoors. 

Liam glanced at his watch. It was 10:45 am. 

"Your Majesty? The exhibit is waiting for you." One of the museum staff motioned him inside. 

Liam walked through the massive, imposing entrance doors and made his way through the crowd of museum visitors, down the marble-floored hallway, towards the room where the exhibit was waiting for him. 

The museum staff, dressed in black-and-white, were all huddled near the door, whispering excitedly amongst themselves. 

"This is going to be a huge draw for our museum." 

"I can't believe they let us borrow these artifacts." 

"We're lucky the King agreed to open the exhibit." 

Liam cleared his throat and the museum staff immediately stood at attention. 

"Welcome, Your Majesty. We're honored you're here," the museum director bowed in respect.

"Thank you, but there's no need for all the formality," Liam smiled warmly. "Please, please call me Liam." 

The museum staff beamed as the director held out his arm to escort Liam into the gallery.

"If you'll please follow me, Your Ma—, uh, Liam. We've prepared the exhibit for your inspection. Please take as much time as you'd like." 

Liam followed into the spacious, exhibition room, his personal security standing outside. The staff were bustling around, checking the artifacts and displays. Liam took a few steps further into the room, and his breath hitched in his throat. 

At the end of the room, on a plinth, was a large display case, with a crown encased inside. It was a golden circlet, embellished with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. 

The Queen's Crown of Cordonia. 

He recognized it immediately. It had belonged to his mother, Queen Eleanor, before she had died. She had never had a chance to wear it. 

Liam's hands were trembling, and his knees were weak. He slowly approached the crown, his eyes fixed on it. The last time he'd seen this crown was at his mother's funeral. After that, it had been kept locked away in the Royal Treasury. He'd thought it would stay there forever. 

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" came a familiar voice. 

Liam's head snapped up and his heart skipped a beat. 

There, standing in front of him, was the love of his life. 

Riley. 

He couldn't believe his eyes. What was she doing here? 

"Riley," Liam gasped, taking a few shaky steps towards her. 

They stood inches from each other, but neither could make a move. There were a million thoughts running through each of their minds, but they couldn't utter a single word. 

"You look stunning," Liam finally said, breaking the silence. 

Riley blushed. "I didn't realize you'd personally be here." 

"My PR team set up this visit."  Liam softly spoke.

"I'm glad they did." Riley nervously responded.

They both stood in silence, staring at each other. 

Liam took a step closer and reached for her hand. 

"I've missed you," he whispered. 

"Me too," Riley replied, squeezing his hand. 

They gazed into each other's eyes, their hearts filled with longing and desire; even after all the time apart.

"Liam, I..." Riley started to say. 

"What is it, Riley?" 

"Nothing. It's just...I'm happy to see you." 

"I'm happy to see you, too," Liam said. "And I'm sorry, about everything." 

"It wasn't your fault." Looking down, Riley shook her head.

"Yes, it was. I should've done more. I should've fought harder. This is all my fault" 

"No. Liam, don't blame yourself." 

"But I do." 

Moving their conversation to a secluded alcove, Riley placed her hands on his cheeks. "None of this was your fault. You did the right thing. And you're an amazing King. You're the best King Cordonia has ever had. You made the right decision." 

"But I lost you." 

"It was my choice, Liam. I chose to walk away. I chose to leave." 

"Why?" Liam searched Riley's eyes for an answer.

"Because I knew you would never choose me over your duty. And I would've never forgiven myself if I forced you to make that choice. That would've been too selfish of me. You were always going to make the right decision for your country. And that's what made me fall in love with you." 

"Riley, I—" 

"Wait, Liam, before you say anything... there's something I need to tell you. It's important." 

Liam frowned. "What is it?" 

Riley hesitated for a moment, then looked up into his eyes. Closing her eyes, her heart was pounding inside her chest. "I was pregnant." 

The color drained from Liam's face. He stared at her in shock. "What did you just say?"  Liam didn't trust his hearing.

"I was pregnant, with our baby. I found out right after the coronation." 

Liam couldn't believe what he was hearing, shaking his head, no. He was completely stunned. He couldn't speak. 

"I didn't know how to tell you," Riley continued. "So I didn't. I was afraid of what you'd say. Of how you'd react. I didn't want to ruin your life. So I kept it a secret." 

"Riley, why didn't you tell me?" Liam asked, his voice hoarse. 

"I don't know. I guess I was scared. Scared of what you'd think. Scared that you'd hate me. I'm sorry, Liam. I should've told you. But I didn't want to put you in a difficult position. I didn't want to force you to make a choice. That's why I left. I knew that if I told you, you'd try to figure something out, and I couldn't let that happen. Not when the future of your kingdom was at stake." 

Liam was speechless. His heart was pounding. 

"I didn't want to ruin your life," Riley said again, her voice breaking. "It was all my fault." 

"How could you say that? Riley?" Liam was heartbroken.

"What do you mean? It was my fault. I was the one who got pregnant. I was the one who kept it a secret. I was the one who left."  Riley covered her face with her shaking hands.

"No. Riley, it's not your fault. It was my mine. I should've protected you. I should've done more. But instead, I failed you. I'm so sorry, Riley." 

Riley shook her head. "No. Liam, don't. Please don't. It's not your fault." 

Liam wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "It's okay, Riley. It's okay. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you. Not ever." 

[present day] 

Liam's eyes slowly opened and he was greeted with the sight of his sleeping wife. He was lying on his side, facing her, his arm draped over her waist. She looked peaceful. Her hair was splayed across the pillow and her lips were slightly parted. 

Liam gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred a little, but didn't wake up. 

He smiled to himself. 

They were together. They had another baby on the way. He'd done the right thing. 

His kingdom would be safe. His people would be safe. His family would be safe.

Everything was going to be all right. 

And yet, he couldn't help but wonder what might have been. If he had known Riley was pregnant; when she had left after the coronation... would things have turned out differently? Would they have chosen a different path? Would he have married Riley instead of Madeleine? Scandal be damned.

Or would the same thing have happened? Would he have still made the same decision, to choose his kingdom over his heart? 

It was too late to find out. 

He couldn't go back. 

He didn't have to.

***

🌹Thank you for reading.

📌 @choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents @choicesprompts @choicesmonthlychallenge

📌 @bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kingliam2019 @ao719 @alj4890 @emkay512 @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @selina012 @kyra75 @imjusthereforliam @703cowbarn @irisk12 @imashybish @walkerdrakewalker @jared2612 @fadingreveries @mockingjay19 @queenwalton @thosehallowedhalls @umccall71 @rafasgirl23415 @mainstreetreader @shanzay44 @custaroonie @guineveresgarden @ownworldresident @amandablink @choicesfrog @mysticalfangirl @iluaaa @belencha77

[wildfairies]

having fun arcane filtering

[lookslikethatsallthetimewehave]

The 4 horsemen (and women) of the Popocalypse

[willowswriting]

for @superscd continued from here

Lucian couldn't help the small chuckle that left his mouth at the women's comment "Everyone else calls us that figured I'd just jump on the ol' band wagon." He shrugged. Everyone in the club knew Tessa's name. The women had been unfortunate enough to treat one of the guys a year or two back and she soon became the go to. Everyone knew that if you needed to see a doctor you made sure to ask for that pretty nurse Tessa. Lucian had never had the pleasure of being treated by her. He preferred the old method of stitching himself up, which was probably why he had scars from wounds that didn't quite heal properly. "Smart girl." Lucian nodded when she informed him that she had seen enough of his kind to stay on high alert. "But you know the guys will kill me if their favorite nurse gets harmed and I was the one who let her walk home." He spoke "So either way Im'a make sure you get home alright." He spoke getting up of the bike "We can walk if you prefer but I figured being in a profession that has you on your feet all day you might appreciate the ride."

[choicesficwriterscreations]

September MC & OCs of the Month - Special Edition: Riley Brooks

Help us in welcoming September's MCs and OCs of the month! That's right, plural! Most months, CFWC highlights one randomly selected MC or OC from our Meet My MC / OC List. (More info here.) But this month, we're doing something different.

In August, @lilyoffandoms hosted a Writers Appreciation Month, and we announced the September Writer of the Month would be selected from its participants. But all participants agreed - Lily deserved the honor! Still, we wanted to do something nice for the eleven writers who elected to participate to help uplift other writers in the fandom. So, this month, each of the eleven participants will have one of their MCs or OCs highlighted.

We will introduce each MC / OC individually, and once all eleven have been highlighted, a masterlist for the month will be created. We hope you enjoy getting to know all about them!

The third MC of the Month is @tessa-liam 's Riley Brooks!

Learn more about Riley below!

In your own words, tell us what you like most about your MC. 

I love her energy, passion for life

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

A part of her is- a positive outlook on life, loyal, honest, loves adventures.

Difference is she is fearless, more assertive

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

Her husband and children. Motivation is family and friends

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes? 

Dishonesty, duplicity

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be? 

To have more privacy of her personal life

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song? 

Dance like no one is watching. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC?

I created my MC for my fic 'All is Fair in Love And War' and her love of dancing.

She inspires me with her passion and confidence.

[banyanas]

the tessa and uzi corner of the combined cyn+tessa+uzi parallels triangle is a bit more heavy handed but hrng conspiracy board visuals Cool

[dustandshadows-if]

who would quinn most dislike mc being with? *cough cough farrah*

quinn actually wouldn't dislike farrah and mc being together. they're heart broken sure and it hurts to see mc be with someone thats not them but know Farrah. they know that they're a trustworthy person, and as long as they're both happy, quinn is okay with suffering in silence

they, however, do not like Juliette and mc being together. I was gonna say it's a tie between Juliette and Ianira, but quinn trusts Ianira just a little bit more than Juliette. They don't know who Juliette is or what her plans are, so they immediately disapprove of any type of relationship mc might have with her

quinn when they found out that mc and farrah are dating:

[wingsofhcpe]

the eternal struggle between "I despise Cassie Clare and the first 6 books she wrote" and "the shadowhunter lore is actually super interesting and almost every character except the protags is a delight to read about".

[socalwriterbee]

Sweatin'

Choices Book: Open Heart

Character Pairing: Tessa Martinez (MC) x Ethan Ramsey

Rating/Warning: SMUT⚠️⚠️ 18 + Content⚠️⚠️

Word Count: 2320

Base in Play: Home Run (HR)

Song Inspiration: The Wolf by The Spencer Lee Band

Summary: After another restless night, Tessa heads down to the gym to work out what ever has her tossing and turning, Ethan's turns up to help her with a different method.

A/N: This story started out as a drabble one night a couple weeks ago, so with a drink (that turned into more than one) in my hand and the 50 shades soundtracks for my song choosing, this story came about.

A/N 2: This is between two consenting adults, who hit it out of the Ballpark and touch all the bases. This is for day 4 of Spring Fever Pitch, domestic!

please excuse any errors, misspellings and such...

Characters Belong to Pixelberry

⚠️⚠️continuing to read past this point you agree that you are 18+⚠️⚠️

****

I could smell the Redwoods, feel the crunch of the dirt road path beneath my feet. A path, I could run with my eyes closed because it was home, having ran it many times before I left for medical school and one I would run when I had the chance of going back home. It brought a sense of calm and that is what I needed at the moment.

Sweat trickles down my back as my feet softly pound the rubber band of the treadmill, the Redwoods running through the screen that sits in front of the machine. The sight of the rainfall hitting the floor to ceiling windows, adrenaline running through my veins, the burning of muscles reminding me of how long I have actually been down here. 

It had been another restless night, tossing and turning, my mind not turning off to let me rest. Since sleep had eluded me for the second straight night, I came down to the gym in our apartment building to work off what had to be some sort of stress and try to clear my mind, hoping sleep would come.  

My workout playlist fading away when I remove my headphones letting them hang around my neck as I turn down the speed to begin my cool down. 

Wiping the sweat off my face with the towel I had hung over the hand rest, I check the time on my watch, a few minutes past two in the morning. Ethan should be arriving soon, giving me plenty of time to shower and greet him, fall into bed together and pray sleep comes. 

“Can’t sleep again?”

The husky voice that sends shivers coursing through my body whenever I hear it calls out from behind me. Hopping up to the sides of the treadmill, to not hurt myself as I wait for it to stop after pressing the off the button. 

Looking over my shoulder, Ethan leans against the frame with the glass door to the gym open, his clear blue eyes no longer hiding behind the dark rimmed glasses he wears, taking what surely is my wild appearance, my brown hair that has fallen loose from the ponytail sticking around my face and neck. 

Ethan’s tie slightly undone as he stalks his way towards me. “Yeah, I thought a run would help clear my mind to whatever is keeping me up, time got away from me.” My words coming out with a heavy breath.

Ethan reaches up to brush back some of the fallen hair, then brushes his knuckles against my flushed cheek, causing goosebumps to prickle along my glistening skin.

“Redwoods?” Ethan asks with arched eyebrow with a glance at the screen. “Maybe you should take a couple days off.” 

“I’m fine. Just thought I might try something different tonight.” I say, tugging at his tie, bringing him closer. 

Standing an inch or so taller than Ethan, leaning down, I press a soft kiss on his lips. Letting out a chuckle when our eyes lock on each other. This feeling of having some sort of dominance at the tiniest height difference felt nice, usually I was the one usually looking up.

“Something funny?”

Biting my bottom lip to hold my tongue, trying to not let it slip that I’m enjoying this looking down at him, even if it would be for this moment. But the corners of my mouth betray me, giving a small smirk.

“Ethan!” Letting out a yelp at the sound of Ethan’s firm hand landing smack on my ass, the thin material of my workout shorts, the thin material making it feel like it was skin to skin and a few inches down it would have been. “What was that for?”

Before the shock of his playful smack, his hand massages the sting away. Ethan takes a step up on to the treadmill causing me to step back, the rail hitting my back. “You’re a liar Tess. And don’t act like you don’t like it when I smack it.” 

Grabbing the soft textured pattern from his tie, pulling him into me, saltiness on this tip of my tongue as I lick my lips. I do like when he does things like that and the teasing is fun. “Hmm.. you sure about that Dr. Ramsey?” 

Ethan’s eyes darken, roaming up and down from the space between us. The swells of my breasts pressing against the top of my black sports bra as I breath in and out. Another kind of heat begins to course through me when Ethan gets that hungry look in his eyes.

“Oh sweetheart, you are a terrible liar.” Ethan runs his finger across my collarbone and traces those mounds that call to him. “I know what you like, you liked looking down at me, thinking I’d fall to my knees for you.” His touch continuing its journey over my body, over the flatness of my stomach and back around to the roundness of my ass.

Taking a handful and giving it a firm squeeze as he pushes me into his solid body. “And I would have, gladly, but when I got home, you weren’t in bed.” Ethan continues. “You were on my mind all evening, ready to come home to you. Wondering if I could wake you up, return the favor. To feed this hunger I found myself in.”

My mouth suddenly running dry as the memories of the wake up calls I’ve given him. My hands pressing firmly against his defined abs while my hips move against him, Ethan’s eyes still closed, letting the feeling of him stretching and filling bring out the moans at his slightly parted lips, my moans joining his as they fill our bedroom.

His name being the only thing that my mind could muster up to say. “Ethan.”

Feeling a chuckle rumble through him, he knows what I am thinking of. “You like it when I take over, right when you’re about to come, rolling you onto your back, you letting me take over as I thrust into you making come all over my co—.”

“Ethan!”

His eyes lock into mine with a curious lift of an eyebrow. “You want me to stop?”

God no! And in the back of my mind this was not the place and I was covered in sweat and pretty sure I wasn’t smelling too good either. But with that look in Ethan’s eye, he was a wolf and I the lamb. 

Ready for his taking.

Had I been in our bed when he got home, I knew I would be teased with until I was begging him to give me anything and everything.

“I just finished a run, I’m covered in sweat and I’m pretty sure I smell.” I tell him what just ran through my mind. 

Ethan wraps his hand around my ponytail, pulling my head back exposing my neck to him. The  faint press of his lips pressing against my skin, my pulse quickens The feeling of Ethan’s tongue licking his lips faint against my heated skin, a moan escaping past my lips.

A long drag of his nose against my hyper aware skin as he inhales. “Jasmine, citrus and —.” Ethan pauses.

“An…and what Ethan?”

“Tessa undress for me and I’ll tell you.”

“Are you crazy? We are in the gym of the building we live in, what if someone walks in?” I make a point with a step back, the spell of arousal breaking as I try moving slightly away from his tight hold on me.

Ethan grunts at the space I’ve created or the thought of waiting to continue this until we were behind the safety of our home. He had to know that was a possibility of someone walking in, yes even at two in the morning, highly unlikely but still a possibility. The look, the hunger I saw in his eyes told me the exact opposite. 

He wanted me here and at the moment damn the person who stopped the wolf from coming out tonight.

“Tessa.” He grits.

“If I don’t?”

Amusement spreads across his face at my defiant question. The both of us knowing what he is capable of, the capability of the man in front of me that makes my knees weaken. The handrail pressing into my back, my stare not backing down from the man who is going to have me howling out his name.

The need settling in between my thighs at having a taste of what he is like when he gets like this gets stronger as Ethan takes his time to answer.

Ethan pulls at the zipper on my the front of sports bra. “Well…”

My hand covers his, stopping him from undressing me. “Take me home and tell me.”

Ethan shakes his head, “I can’t seem to control myself, not when I know you’re like this. Skin glistening, wet for me and don’t try to tell me that you aren’t.” His lips crash onto mine, devouring me until I let him in, groaning when he pulls away. “I am going to lick, kiss and do everything that turns you on and what makes you call my name out.”

Breathlessly I answer his non-question. “Yes.”

“Good.” Ethan says pushing my hand away with his, letting him continue. “So you like your clothes, right Tess?”

I nod.

“So let me take it off properly or I can always rip it off. The choice is yours love.” 

The zipper of my sports bra going down, revealing me before him. Ethan frees me from the bra, letting it fall onto the treadmill. His hand cupping my breast, one then the other giving a pinch between his fingers as if my body wasn’t already at attention to him.

Ethan smiles at the reaction to my body, lifting me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. He walks us over to a bench, laying me down on my back, the material of the bench cooling my hot bare skin.

Unwrapping me from around his waist, he continues to undress me. My shoes come next after my sports bra was left back on the treadmill, then Ethan hooks his fingers on the waistband on my workout shorts, my hips lifting for him to pull them down.

Standing up straight Ethan looks down at me—almost naked for him. What a scene we must have, me bare except for the panties I wear and Ethan fully dressed looking at me with hunger in his eyes. Just the thought of someone walking in on us like this makes me press my legs tighter together, seeking some sort of pressure to give relief to the ache.

Watching as Ethan pulls off his tie and slowly begins to unbutton his shirt. I reach up to help, only for him to shake his head no. I let out another frustrated groan. Once his shirt falls to the floor, Ethan gets on his knees, pushing my legs apart—.

“Ethan, I don’t think that’s…” I whimper.

Ethan’s hand roams over my inner thigh, followed by licks and nips of his mouth until he reaches my most sensitive spot, sliding my panties to the side. “You wanted to know what else you taste like, smelled like to me… didn’t you Tess?” The pressure of his mouth on me, making my back lift from the bench and my hands reach down and grip onto his dark brown hair.

His tongue lapping before giving me a gentle suck, over and over, my legs over his shoulders pressing against into him. Ethan’s hands remove my legs from his shoulder, spreading me wider as he makes his way up. Licking and nibbling again, over my stomach and onto one breast and then the other.

Cupping the sides of his head in my hands and bringing him up to kiss his lips, his hand between us as he begins to undo his pants, lowering them between kisses.

“Ethan.” I whimper, needing more of him.

Lining himself up, ready to stretch me over him. Slowly filling, the wolf still teasing the prey until he still. His blue eyes on me the entire time, filled with much more than lust. The bite of metal from his belt hitting the back of my thigh as he begins to move, thrusting back and forth

His hands holding tight onto my hips, with each thrust getting me closer to coming undone. Letting me go, Ethan presses his body into mine, raising my arms over my head, holding them there as he leans and presses his lips against my ear. Ethan’s hushed words driving me over the edge as I fall, calling out his name. 

My body coming down from its high as Ethan goes still reaching his own release.

Our breathing steading, in and out, slowly letting the sound of rainfall be heard again as it continues to hit the window. My eyes begin to close as everything I had been feeling melts away and sleep that had eluded me begins to settle through me, Ethan’s hunger leaving me completely spent.

My eyes lazily open at the sound of Ethan’s soft laugh and loss of body weight from my body, catching him pull his pants back up before gently pulling me to my feet, I stand in front of him. He cups the side of my face before softly asking. “You ok?”

Words fall me, so I nod. More than ok.

“Come, let’s get you home.”

Ethan reaches down in front of me picking up his white button up, covering me. Leaving me standing there wearing now only his shirt while he picks up my clothes and bundles it up.

Taking my clothes from Ethan before he lifts me into his arms, bridal style, I let my head fall letting it rest against his chest.

“Maybe I should let you pounce on me more often when I can’t sleep.” I say before sleep consumes me.

****

event tag: @springfeverpitch

[gingerlegacy07]

Tessa and Garreth! This lovely commission was made by Stein. An artist that you can find on Instagram: stein_0806 She drew them absolutely beautiful and just the way I pictured them when I wrote the oneshot "Date at the Haunted House" which you can read on Ao3 and Wattpad.

[tessa-liam]

Liam, Riley & William...

Are in Greece 🏖 for Daniel & Matteo's wedding🥂!

Turning the Page Series, Chapter 14 ....coming this week!

Catch up!

Thank you /@Ainna for the beautiful commission 🥰♥️🤗...

I have been sitting on this commission for a while😬! I have a few more coming...😂...soon😁!

📌tagging my lists in the comments✨️

[wildfairies]

this hair is already hall of fame for me

[mxwhore]

Hey king, I hope you get the promised burger irl and in the meantime im sending you this virtual one along with a hug 🍔

-sincerely, a hot fat person who now also wants a burger lol

I did. It was a very spicy and delicious

[tessa-liam]

@liaromancewriter

I had to chuckle when I read this part...

Ethan knew their daughters were too young to understand, but that didn’t stop the blush from spreading across his face. Cassie laughed, enjoying his reaction.

Ethan blushing! 😁😆🥰

The Twins’ First Christmas Tree

Premise: Ethan and Cassie have their hands full getting ready for their first holiday as parents.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 885

A/N: Submission to @choicesdecember2024 prompt 12 "decorations" and to @choicesholidays Winter Holidays 2024 event.

It was a postcard-perfect winter day. Light snow fell outside the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Boston Harbor. Weak rays of sunlight struggled to break through the brooding gray clouds drifting above chopping waters.

Flames from a gas fireplace flickered softly, casting a warm glow across the room, while Christmas music filled the air with joyful melodies. The ordinarily pristine living room was a cheerful chaos of garlands, stray ornaments and empty decoration boxes.

“Eloise, no!”

Ethan Ramsey rushed to grab a forgotten piece of sparkly tinsel from the floor before his daughter could put it in her mouth.

“This is not candy,” he said firmly, crouching before her and easing the string out of her hands.

Hard as it was, he reminded himself not to waver when her lips quivered, and tears pooled in her green eyes at being denied a treat.

Kids, like dogs, could sense weakness.

Not that he’d share such a sentiment out loud. He’d learned his lesson the first time a few months ago upon seeing his wife’s shock and exasperation at his matter-of-fact statement.

Ethan picked Eloise up from the floor, tucked her against his chest and joined the rest of his family at the newly decorated tree in the corner.

“We should’ve trimmed the tree during the twins’ nap time,” he told his wife.

“Maybe,” Cassie smiled softly. “But it’s their first Christmas tree, even if they won’t remember anything.”

She jostled Sophie in her arms, stopping her from pulling a shiny ornament off the tree.

“No,” Cassie said gently, shaking one finger for emphasis.

It had taken them twice as long to decorate the tree because the twins kept getting into the box of decorations and running off with ornaments.

Well, crawling more than running, thought Ethan. Even though the girls had taken their first steps a week ago, they were more likely to crawl than walk just yet.

Cassie had laughed at their antics while he had pinched the bridge of his nose so many times he feared it was permanently indented.

“Switch,” said Cassie when Sophie got restless and reached for her father.

Ethan passed Eloise to Cassie with practiced ease, then scooped Sophie into his arms. In one smooth motion, the four of them came together in a warm embrace, a brief moment of connection before they naturally drifted apart.

Sophie babbled excitedly and patted his cheek, looking over her shoulder at the tree and then back at him.

“I see,” Ethan nodded sagely. “Yes, the tree is very pretty.”

He adjusted her position so she was facing the tree, his arm holding her securely against his front.

“Just two more, and we’re done,” Cassie said, pulling Eloise back when she tried to snatch the garland off the tree.

She reached for the open box on the coffee table and removed two colorful ornaments in the shape of snow globes with ‘Eloise’ and ‘Sophie’ written inside.

It was an early gift from their grandfather, and Ethan knew his father would appreciate seeing it on the tree.

“Here,” Cassie said, handing him Sophie’s ornament.

Ethan took Sophie’s hand in his, gently wrapping her tiny fingers around the ornament.

“Let’s hang this one together, Soph,” he said softly, guiding her toward a low branch on the tree.

Cassie held Eloise steady as the little girl’s chubby hand reached out to grasp her ornament.

“Eloise, this spot looks perfect for yours,” Cassie said, pointing to a sturdy branch beside her sister’s.

The twins cooed and babbled, their laughter spilling into the room as they clumsily helped their parents attach the ornaments to the tree. When both ornaments were finally in place, Cassie leaned back and admired the tree.

“Their first ornaments on the tree,” she said, her voice warm with pride and nostalgia. “Soon, they’ll be old enough to decorate their own Twin Tree.”

Ethan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, still holding Sophie. “Dad’s going to love this.”

“Good job, babe,” Cassie teased, adjusting Eloise in her arms so the twins were side by side. “You’re practically a Christmas tree expert now.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Nice to know I have a marketable skill in case the bottom ever falls out of medicine.”

“You have many skills,” she smirked, her gaze dropping to the front of his pants.

Ethan knew their daughters were too young to understand, but that didn’t stop the blush from spreading across his face. Cassie laughed, enjoying his reaction.

She tilted her head to press a soft kiss to the underside of his jaw, her voice low as she murmured, “To be continued.”

The twins started to get restless again, and Ethan knew it wouldn’t be long before they made a grab for the decorations on the tree. Lately, he and Cassie had their hands full just trying to keep up with their ever-active children.

“Here. You do the honors,” he said, handing her the remote for the lights.

“Let’s light this baby up!” Cassie exclaimed, flicking the switch.

The twins let out a delighted “Oh!” in unison as the lights flickered to life, their wide eyes reflecting the colorful glow.

Ethan didn’t believe in perfection, but in this moment—with the soft glow of the fireplace and twinkling lights reflecting in the twins’ wide, curious eyes—he couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.

-------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @justyourusualash @lady-calypso @kyra75 @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @snoopdogcone @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @thosehallowedhalls

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate