#Trinity Bradshaw

[stephthestallion]

“Luke and Brad. You’re gonna be a hell of a lot of trouble when you boys get bigger. We just had your dad and he ate us out of our house. Now your dad will get the ultimate payback. Double trouble.” Nick laughed as he looked at the boys.”

“Welcome to the family, boys. We love you so much already.”

Goose and Carole: The Alternate Universe Pt. 2

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Hi, besties! So here is the BIG WARNING. IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS FOR 'HLG' PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS CHAPTER. THE BOYS NAMES WILL BE REVEALED. However, if that doesn't phase you... 😉 I hope you enjoy Grampa Goose and Gramma Carole meeting the Bradshaw boys! I love you all so much! ❤️ Happy reading and enjoy! 💕

A/n: Yours and Bradley's sons are finally born! Grampa Goose and Gramma Carole are dying to meet them. How will they react to the boys when they finally come over to see them?

Word Count: 4.5k

Warnings: IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS FOR 'HLG' PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS CHAPTER. THE BOYS NAMES WILL BE REVEALED. cursing, failed pregnancies, feeling of giving up, hopeless, crying, teasing, but so much love 🥰

Please don't take my work, I will find you. 

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-flashback-

You and Bradley had been trying to have more kids. You knew after how perfect and serene the 1st year with Leia were that you and him undeniably wanted to have more kids. Although, lately every time you and him had tried, it failed. Another year of trying and nothing. You wanted your kids to be close in age. 2 years… well now it was looking like even 3 years… that wouldn’t be too far apart… right? You were feeling defeated, you felt like you were doing something wrong. Maybe you weren’t tracking your ovulation right? You didn’t know. But with each month that passed, you were becoming more and more discouraged. 

Bradley sat with you on the bath tub as you patiently waited for the test window to pop up negative again. You sat there with a blank stare waiting for that tiny window to shatter your dreams again. Bradley started to rub your leg. 

“It’ll be okay, sweetheart.” He placed a kiss on your temple. “We have plenty of time to keep trying. It’ll happen.” He lifted your chin and smiled at you. “I love you, baby.”

You laid onto his shoulder and have it a kiss. “Is it me?”

Bradley sighed and held onto your shoulders. He knelt in front of you and looked up at you with sincere eyes. “Sweetheart, don’t blame yourself. It’s just a little hard sometimes, but I have faith we will have more kids.” He gave you a warm smile and tucked your hair behind your ear. “You’re such a perfect mommy. It would be a shame if I couldn’t get you pregnant again.” 

You started to giggle. “Stop, Bradley.” You placed your hands on his cheeks, “I love you.”

He kissed your palms and smiled. “I love you, sweetheart.” He kissed the backs of your hands. “I’m going to get our girl. She should be standing up in her crib by now waiting for one of us.” He started to laugh as he stood up. He kissed your forehead and left the room to retrieve Leia. 

You sat there staring at the faced down stick. “God, please be positive…” Then you heard Bradley coming back into the room with your little girl. 

“Say good morning, mommy!” Bradley grabbed Leia’s little hand and waved it to you. 

You smiled and stuck your arms out to your toddler. “Good morning, my baby.” You squealed as Bradley danced over to you with her in his arms and handed her to you. 

You covered her little cheeks in kisses. Her cheeks were super rosy and her curls all wild. She was blinking slowly as her eyes adjusted on you. Leia grabbed your cheeks and smiled big. 

“Mornin, mommy. Love you!”

Bradley chuckled and sat next to you and Leia. “She’s talking more and more everyday.” He scratched the back of Leia’s head and kissed it. “Daddy’s smart girl!”

You kissed Leia over and over again. “Are you excited to see you gramma, grampa, and papa today, Leia?” You smiled at your daughter as you cradled her in your arms. 

She nodded excitedly and started to clap, “Goosey!”

Bradley clapped with Leia. “That’s right, little babe! Grampa Goosey!” He gave her a high five. “You are so smart, honey.” He kissed Leia’s cheek and gave it a little nibble. “You most definitely get that from me.” He started to laugh and wink at you. 

You shook your head and held Leia to your chest as you rocked her back and forth. Bradley stood up and grabbed the test. “Have you check it yet, sweetheart?” He raised his brows at you. 

You shook your head. “No way. I already know what it’s going to say. We have tried for nearly a year, Bradley. What makes this last time so special?”

Bradley knelt down on front of you grasping the test. He used his free hand to rub your thigh, “Well what ever this tests says today, we will be okay. We’ll keep trying, babe.” He smiled at you.

You nodded. “What’s she say, Bradshaw.” You giggled and kissed Leia’s head. 

Bradley took a deep breath and flipped the test. He closed his eyes and peeked out a little bit as he held the test in front of him. His expression dropped. You read him like a book. The same face he’s had for the last year every time you tried. 

You shook your head and your heart fell heavier. “Like you said, we can try again, Brad.” 

He looked up at you through his lashes and pushed his lips together as he nodded his head. You stood up and brought Leia over to the sink to start cleaning her up for the day. Bradley walked up behind you and wrapped his arms around you and kissed the side of your head. 

“We can try again, sweetheart.” He leaned his cheek into the side of your head and smiled at you in the mirror. “But we’ll have to wait at least another 9 months to try again.” He smiled big and bit into his bottom lip.

Your eyes darted up to Bradley’s. You were staring at him through the mirror. “Shut the hell up…” You placed your hand over your mouth. “Bradley…” You spun around to look at him. “Tell me you're joking now! This isn’t funny!” Your eyes went wide.

He held the test up to you and there were two harsh pink lines in the window. You snatched the test from his hand and stared at it. Was this real? “Oh my god!” You held it to your chest and closed your eyes. You played your eyes as you started to cry. Bradley hugged you tight and kissed your forehead. You looked up at Bradley with tears flowing from your eyes. “We are having another baby?” 

He nodded and kissed your lips softly. “We are, sweetheart. We are gonna have another baby.” He started to cry with you. “I love you so much, sweetheart!” He kissed you over and over again. He went to pick up Leia and he started to throw her up in the air. “You’re gone be a big sister, Leia Rey!” He celebrated with his daughter, by laughing, tickling, kissing, and dancing with her. “You’re gonna be a big sister! You’re gonna be a big sister!”

~~~~~

You and Bradley waited a couple of months to tell everyone you were pregnant again. You and him wanted to make sure everything was fine with the baby. You went in for your 3rd ultrasound since finding out you were pregnant. The doctor started the routine check when they paused and looked at the monitor a few minutes too long in silence. 

“Is everything okay?” Bradley asked the doctor as they were staring at the monitor.

The doctor started to laugh, “It seems we have an expert in hide and seek.” They turned the monitor and showed you and Bradley what they were seeing. “If you look here.” They pointed to the little baby on the screen. “but now if I move this way. Here we have another little babe!”

Bradley stood up straight quickly. “Holy Shit!” he put his hands over his mouth, “I am so sorry for my language.”

The doctor started to laugh. “Don’t be!”

Bradley looked at you. You were stunned. Your eyes were wide and your mouth wide open. “HOLY SHIT. TWINS?” 

Bradley started to laugh and he came down and kissed your head. “I said the same thing, sweetheart.” He started to laugh as he placed his forehead against yours. 

“Oh my gosh, Bradley… twins!” You cupped his cheeks and kissed his lips over and over again. “Oh my gosh is this real?” You started to giggle as you cried. “Bradley I love you so much!”

Bradley squished your cheeks and kissed you back. “I bet you $50 they’re gonna be girls. I want to be a girl dad.” He gave you a tearful smile.

You laughed and shook your head. “i bet they’re going to be boys!”

The doctor interjected. “You are having baby boys!” 

Bradley looked up quickly and his eyes went wide. “Boys!?” He looked at you shocked. “We are having boys!” He kissed you hard and cried with you.

~~~~~~

You and Bradley were ready to share the news with the family. The doctor printed out some pictures for you and him to take home. You and Bradley went to pick up Leia from Mav’s. After you picked her up, you went straight to the store. Bradley picked out a shirt for her that said “Big sister” to wear to dinner tonight at his mom and dad’s house. 

Bradley put the shirt on Leia before you all went to the house. “I bet they’re going to go all night without knowing or reading the shirt, babe.” He started to laugh as he tickled Leia’s belly. 

You shook your head. “I bet your mom will know I’m pregnant when I walk through the door again.” You looked over at Bradley and smiled.

he raised his brows and picked up Leia. “You might be right, sweetheart. I already owe you $50 so I’m not making any more bets.” He came over and kissed your head. “Gonna load the car. Meet us out there in 10, babe.” 

You finished cleaning up and went down stairs to the car. You got into the car and Bradley rubbed your belly. “Get ready boys, your gramma, grampa, and papa are gonna FREAK.”

Bradley finally pulled into his mom and dad’s driveway. Mav’s motorcycle was already parked on the side of the house. Bradley leaned into you and kissed your cheek. “Ready babe?” 

You nodded. “Ready.”

Bradley got Leia out of the car and carried her to the door. The door was already open and Bradley went in. “The Bradshaws are here!” Bradley closed the front door after you entered. 

Nick came running over and snatched Leia from Bradley. “My favorite girl is here!” 

Bradley furrowed his brows. “Dad, how many times do I have to tell you to stop saying that to me? I am a boy.” 

Nick rolled his eyes and kissed Bradley’s cheek. “Shut up, squared.”

He came over and kissed your cheek, “Honey. Looking beautiful as always.”

He wrapped his arm over your shoulders and walked with you into the kitchen area. Bradley went and greeted his mom and Mav. You were next. You hugged and gave a kiss to Carole and Mav. Nick danced over to Carole with Leia in his arms. 

She cooed over Leia and poked her belly. “Hi pretty girl! Gramma missed you!” Carole covered her in kisses. Mav came over and snatched Leia from Carole. 

“It’s Papa Mav time.” He held Leia up in the air and brought her down and kissed her cheek. “Hi my girl. This is a pretty outfit you have on today.” He smiled at Leia as she giggled. “What’s your shirt say, sweetheart?” Mav looked at it and his jaw dropped. He turned Leia around and held her out to Nick and Carole. “Guys. Am I reading this right?”

You and Bradley looked at each other smiling. Carole and Nick took a minute to read the shirt. It took another minute for it to register. 

“HOLY SHIT! SQUARED!” Nick turned around and held his arms out to Bradley. “ARE YOU SERIOUS!?”

Then Carole started to jump up and down. “OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH!”

She jumped over to you and Bradley and squeezed you both. “I’m gonna be a gramma again!” She covered you both in kisses. “YESS!”

Mav threw Leia into the air, “You’re gonna be a big sister, Leia babe!”

Bradley pulled out the pictures from the ultra sound and handed it to Nick. Carole and Mav stood behind him as they all looked at the pictures. 

“TWINS!?” Nick’s eyes were wide. 

Carole started to jump around and was screaming. Mav held Leia up in the air. “TWINS, LEIA!!!!”

“Boys.” Bradley snuck it into the conversation. All three of them turned slowly. 

“SOMEONE GET Y/N AN EXTRA LOADED PLATE! SHE’S EATING FOR THREE! AND BRADSHAW THREE MEANS THE APPETITE OF 6!” Nick came over and hugged you tight and danced around with you. 

-flashback over-

————-

Bradley and the squad were up flying routes for the day. Bradley was flying with Phoenix and Bob. Hangman and Coyote with Fanboy and Payback. 

“Rooster, you are being ordered to come down.” Comms called over the radio. 

Bradley looked over to his right at Phoenix and Bob. He shrugged his shoulders and broke off left with them trailing behind. “10-4, Bradshaw coming back for landing. ETA 10 minutes. Foxtrot team following behind.”

Bradley landed his jet and parked it back into its respectful spot. He popped the canopy and the grounds crew deployed and lowered his ladder. Bradley climbed down and was met with Maverick. 

Bradley removed his helmet and looked at Maverick with furrowed brows. “What’s up, Mav? Is everything okay?” 

Mav bit his lip and smiled. He placed his hand on Bradley’s shoulder. “Admiral wants to see you in his office straight away.” 

Bradley jerked his head back and placed his helmet between his hip and arm. “Right now?” 

Mav laughed and slapped his back. “Yea, right now, Rooster. Don’t keep him waiting.” He nodded his head over to the offices. 

Bradley made his way over to the Admiral’s office. He stood at the door and took a deep breath. He was staring at the door knob. He fixed his mustache, pushed his hair back from his face, and straightened himself out before entering the room. 

He opened the door and entered the room, quietly. “Admiral, you wanted to see me?” He stood at attention biting his lip waiting for the chair to turn around. 

The chair spun around, “Squared, when are your mother and I going to finally meet the boys? It’s been a week since their birth. Your mother is dying to know when she will see them and Leia Rey again.” Nick furrowed his brows at Bradley and folded his fingers together while placing his elbows on his desk.

Bradley dropped his chin to his chest and laughed, “Dad.”

Nick placed his finger out to his son. “Admiral dad to you.” He sat back in his seat and chuckled. He started to bounce back against the back rest of his seat. “Sit down, squared.” He pointed to the seat in front of the desk. 

Bradley placed his helmet on his dad’s desk and took a seat. “Y/n and I were actually going to give you and mom a call to come and see the boys this weekend. They’ll finally be home from the hospital.” He smiled at Nick.

Nick started to brush his fingers through his mustache. “I think it’s stupid that we weren’t allowed in the hospital to see them.”

Bradley started to laugh, “Their own big sister wasn’t even allowed in to see them, dad.” 

Nick smiled at Bradley and stood up from his chair. He came over to Bradley and sat next to him. “Well what should your mom and I bring for you and y/n?”

Bradley shook his head, “Nothing. You and mom just come over we don’t need anything.” Bradley started to laugh.

Nick started to laugh, “Not a chance. You already know your mom. She already has a suitcase prepared for her stay with you.” He slapped Bradley’s back and went back to his desk.

Bradley furrowed his brows. “You’re not serious…”

Nick whipped around holding a model F-14 in his hands. “If you’re anything like me, you’re gonna need her, Brad.” He threw the plane at Bradley.

Bradley caught the plane against his chest and laughed. “Shit.”

————

The weekend arrived you and Bradley just got home from picking up the boys from the hospital. Leia was with Nick and Carole for the time being while you and Bradley were getting situated.

Bradley brought both carseats in and placed them on the dinning room table. He pushed back both of the sunshades to reveal both of your sleeping boys. You leaned against Bradley’s arm and held his hand. “Gosh, sweetheart they're perfect.” Each of them in little green onesies that read had their initials on them. “I can’t wait for mom, dad, and Leia to meet them.” Bradley placed a kiss on the top of your head. 

Bradley started to unbuckle their harness straps one by one. You went over to the couch and set up blankets for them to lay on. Bradley picked up one of your sons and brought him over to the couch. “Here we are little man. Welcome home.” He laid him down gently on the blanket and kissed his cheek. 

You gently ran your thumb over his nose and cooed at him. “You are so handsome baby boy. Welcome home, I love you so much.” You rubbed the tip of your nose with the tip of his, causing a little grin to come across his face. 

Bradley brought over your second son and laid him down next to his brother. “And Mr. Copy and Paste.” He chuckled and placed him down gently. He placed kissed on both of their lips and smiled. “Welcome home, boys. Daddy loves you so much.” 

You leaned down to your second son and placed gentle kissed on his cheek. “Welcome home, handsome.”

You and Bradley sat on wither side of the boys watching them sleep. Bradley looked up at you and reached his hand over to place on your cheek. “Thank you for blessing me with more kids, sweetheart. I’m living my wildest dreams with the love of my life. Nothing gets better than this.” 

You kissed Bradley’s palm. “I love you, Bradley Bradshaw.”

—————

There was a knock at the door. You were taking a little nap next to the boys. Bradley rose from the couch and placed a kiss on all three of you. He made his way over to the door and opened it. 

“YEE-HAW! THE BRADSHAWS ARE HERE!” Nick yelled as Bradley opened the door. He was holding Leia against his hip as he pumped his other fist into the air. 

Bradley laughed and put his finger to his lips. He gestured for them all to come in. Nick made a sour guilty face and tip toed in. He kissed Bradley’s cheek hard and slapped his chest. “We brought the Jedi back in one piece.” He exaggeratedly winked at Bradley as he continued to tip toe in. He handed Leia to Bradley. 

Bradley gave her a kiss. “Hey my girl, How was Gramma and Grampa’s house?” 

“Daddy! Grampa Goose and Papa Mav bought me my own flight suit!” She was bouncing in Bradley’s arms. 

“Oh my gosh, you can match with your brothers, sweetheart!” Bradley kissed her cheek again. 

Carole came in and closed the door behind her. She was baring a suitcase. Bradley looked at her with wide eyes and turned to Nick. “Holy shit, dad. You weren’t kidding.”

Nick widened his eyes and blew out a sigh, “Good luck, squared.”

“Oh my baby!” Carole reached her arm up and wrapped it around Bradley’s neck bringing him down to her level. 

Bradley chuckled and kissed her cheek, “Hey mom. You’re looking so beautiful today. Thank you for coming.” He smiled into his mom’s shoulder.

She pinched Bradley’s cheek. “I’ve waited a week to see my grandsons, why the heck would I not come.” She shook her head at Bradley. Nick threw his arm around Carole’s shoulders as they made their way over to the living area where you and the boys were. 

“Hey mom, that’s a pretty big suitcase for hanging out today.” Bradley called over laughing. 

Carole waved him off and shook her head. Leia leaned into Bradley. “Daddy, I think Gramma is staying.” She raised her brows at her dad.

Bradley sighed, “Holy shit.”

————

You woke up and looked back to see Nick, Carole, Leia, and Bradley entering the room. You smiled and sat up. 

Nick ran over to the back of the couch to hug you. He laid his head to yours and wrapped his arm over and around the front of your shoulders. “Hey, honey. I hope we didn’t wake ya.” He pushed a kiss into your hair. 

You shrugged your shoulders and placed your hand on his arm and leaned into his kiss. “No, you didn’t. It’s so good to finally see you, Goose!” You rubbed his arm and then sat up.

Carole came over from behind you and placed a kiss on your head, “How are you sexy mama? Feeling okay?” She placed a gentle kiss on your temple and she ran her fingers through your hair. 

“Hey, Carole I’m doing great!” Carole held your head and placed another kiss on the side of it. 

Bradley let Leia down and she came running over to you. “Momma! I missed you!” She fell into your embrace as you covered her in kisses. Her eyes went wide when she saw the boys laying next to you and her. “Oh my gosh…” She put her hand over her mouth and pulled away from you. She looked at her brothers and you pushed her hair from her face.

“Say hi to your brothers, Leia.” You leaned forward and kissed her head.

She was lost for words as she looked at them. She kelt down and got a closer look at them. You, Bradley, Nick, and Carole watched on.

“Hi babies…” Leia said softly as she placed her hands over her mouth. She leaned forward and kissed each of them on their heads. She pulled back quickly. “Momma, I’m scared. What if I hurt them.” Her eyes went wide and she went to hide behind you. 

You giggled and laid back into Leia. “You just have to be gentle, baby. They’ll be okay.” 

Nick rubbed his hands together and smiled big. “Alright! I wanna meet my grandsons!” He started to prance over to the other side of the couch when Carole grabbed him by his Hawaiian shirt. He pulled back, off balance. “What the heck, honey?” He looked at her with furrowed brows. 

“You need to wash your hands first, Goose.” 

Nick slouched his shoulders and had his mouth agape. He whined like a child. “Wash my hands?” He slapped his hands to this sides. “I don’t have cooties.”

Carole shook her head and laughed as she pulled him over to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. “Let’s go ya big stud.” She pulled him by his hand as Goose trailed behind like a child being forced. He had his head thrown back and his body was slouched and dragging behind Carole’s pull. 

“Awwwwhhhhhh!” He wined the whole way to the sink.

Bradley looked over at his parents and smirked. He shook his head and started to chuckle. He went over to your boys and rubbed their bellies as he waited patiently for his parents to come back. 

Nick came back rolling his eyes. “Okay now that she…” Carole looked at him shocked. Nick put his head down. “I mean WE are cootie free, can we see our grandkids now?” He looked back up at you and Bradley and smiled. 

Nick placed his arm back around Carole’s shoulders and Bradley picked up your first son. “Come here, baby boy. Your gramma and grampa want to meet you.” Bradley cradled the baby against his chest and gave him a kiss. 

Carole gasped and nuzzled into Nick’s side. Bradley walked slowly around to his parents. “Mom and dad, meet little Luke.” Bradley leaned forward and let Luke gently fall into his hands. He presented his first son to his parents. Carole placed her hand over her mouth and began to cry. "Luke Nicolas Bradshaw."

“Oh, Bradley…” 

Nick chuckled through his tears, “Look at this big boy. That is definitely the Bradshaw in him.” Bradley handed Luke to his dad. Nick held Luke in his hands and started to bounce him. Carole placed her finger into his little grasp. They gasped together. “Luke, I am not your father. But I am your grandfather.” Nick laughed as he sniffled. "My name is Nicolas too, little man." Nick started to cry more as he held Luke. He looked up at Bradley. "I love you, Squared. Thank you."

Bradley smirked and rubbed his dad's back.

“He is so beautiful, y/n. He has to get that from you.” Carole wiped her tears and winked at you. “Hi, Lukey bear, it’s gramma.” She scratched at his little belly. Carole got on her tip  toes and brought Luke’s little hand to her lips. She placed a kiss to his little knuckles. “You are so precious.” 

As his parents cooed over your first son. Bradley came back around the couch to grab your second son. “Alright right Mr. Carbon-Copy, let’s go.” Bradley chuckled as he cradled your second son to his chest. You giggled and rubbed your son’s back as Bradley picked him up.

Bradley walked over slowly to his parents again. Nick was still bouncing Luke in his hands while him and Carole watched Bradley bring over your second son. Nick furrowed his brows, agape smile, and more tears running down his face as he watched his son bring over Luke’s brother. Carole cried and had her hand over her mouth as she watched her little boy with one of his little boys. 

Bradley leaned forward and let your son fall gently into the palms of his hands. “Mom and dad, I present to you, our little duplicate…” He held him next to Luke. “Bradley.”

Nick stopped bouncing Luke and looked slowly at his son, his jaw hanging open. “Oh no, squared… you didn’t…” 

Bradley chuckled and looked at Nick. Carole’s eyes went wide. “Bradley Bradshaw…” She palmed her face.

You and Bradley started to laugh. You covered your mouth and buried your face into the couch cushion. 

“Momma, what’s so funny?” Leia poked at your back. 

Bradley looked at his parents with tears forming because he was laughing so hard. He placed Little Bradley into one of his hands. He pointed to himself. “Squared.” He pointed to little Bradley, “and the holy trinity.”

Nick hung his head, “Oh god.” 

Carole let out a scoff, “Bradley!”

Nick’s shoulders started to bounce as he was laughing silently. He handed Luke over to Carole. She took Luke from Nick. Nick bursted into his famous hysterical laugh as he slapped his hand onto his son’s shoulder. “YOU’RE KILLIN ME.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “WAIT YOU SAID THE HOLY TRINITY.”

Bradley smiled big at Nick. “Bradley Bradford Bradshaw."

Bradley and Nick started to laugh hysterically together. Nick leaned against his son and got a good look at his other grandson. He poked little Bradley’s belly. “Your dad and I have the best sense of humor. I expect for you to produce the quad, young man.”

Nick took little Brad from Bradley. Nick placed a kiss to his forehead. “You’re carrying the family’s golden jewels, kid.” He chuckled as he brought little Brad by his brother Luke. 

“They’re beautiful, you guys. Perfect. They look just like Leia Rey when she was a baby.” Carole smiled at both of the boys. 

“Luke and Brad. You’re gonna be a hell of a lot of trouble when you boys get bigger. We just had your dad and he ate us out of our house. Now your dad will get the ultimate payback. Double trouble.” Nick laughed as he looked at the boys.

“Welcome to the family, boys. We love you so much already.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BESTIES! WE HAVE OUR TRIPLE BRAD! 😂 I can't wait for you all to read 'HLG' now 😂 Now you all know the boys names! I hope you all are enjoying this mini series so far! I'll see you in the next part for Grampa Goose and Gramma Carole duty! 😘

My babies are in the comments 🥰

[compacflt]

Okay maybe I totally missed it in the story, but I’ve gotta ask: how did Jake find out about Ice and Mav?? I know there was a line about “figuring out who Bradley’s dads were” in Debriefing, and it seems like Jake definitely knows by the carrier for the mission, given how he reacts when Bradley says he’s gay and that they “hate him for not being able to hide it like them”, but when was the discussion about exactly what Ice and Mav are to each other? At what point did Bradley tell him, and how long did Jake spend staring at a wall and saying “huh” in a dazed sort of way???

i admit i made it confusing on purpose and i admit there isn’t much of jakes reaction but yes

it’s the third “he was my dad.” specifically about ice. whereas the other two are about goose & mav. because, you know, there are three of them. dads, that is. ice just happens to be the third

Jake canonically doesn’t know what’s up with the holy dad trinity because he doesn’t even react to seeing goose btwn ice (fucking cdr of the pacflt) and mav (his fucking CO) in that old top gun photo —only cares about goose. clueless-ass mf. and the homosexual little “what is with these two!” during the first practice dogfight.

but i bet there were clues. a lot of little things that eventually came together.

a.) scrolling through the navy times on his laptop in bed cause he’s bored one night, tilting it over so bradley can see the screen and read the headline, ‘RADM tom Kazansky named pacific fleet commander,’ just randomly asking “whaddaya make of this guy?” and next to him bradley freezes and almost refuses to speak and then snipishly says, “he’s gay.” / “what?” what a wild thing to say! / “i just know it. he’s gay. look at him. hiding it like that.” / “what a weird fucking thing to say about a guy you’ve never met, bradshaw!” / and bradley going all silent and sullen the way he does sometimes and saying “well i don’t think anything of him. whatever.” / and then both of them put it from their minds and never talk about it again.

B.) all the quiet little dad-related breakdowns over the years. Father’s Day is never happy when bradley’s around. jake made the mistake of asking him why, once. he said something to the effect of “well with three of them you’d think id be statistically likely to get a dad who wasn’t unbelievably fucked-up or dead but nope! it’s three times as bad as usual!” and refused to elaborate. bradley is often annoying this way.

c.) the fact that capt mitchell, maverick, who looks like a gracefully-aging movie star, is by all accounts nice and charming and mostly-ish respected, and yet apparently chronically single, a confirmed bachelor for as long as most officers can remember. hondo knows something, clearly, but he’s being very cagey about it, apparently out of loyalty to maverick. even on day ONE of the special training detachment at Top Gun, there are rumors. Some more mean-spirited than others (looking at you, harvard) which Jake tries to shut down, because he remembers being on the receiving end of mean-spirited rumors like that, and rumors about a guy like maverick probably aren’t true. ‘I’ve heard about him. Whispers. Watch him the next time we hit the Hard Deck. He’ll flirt with Penny the bartender, and she’ll flirt back, but he sure as hell won’t take her home. You know what I mean.’ Yeah right. dangerous to make comments about a man like maverick. jake keeps his mouth shut.

d.) but then there’s the way bradley acts around him. They’ve met before and they know each other and there is not only bad blood between them, it’s blood that’s been simmering for a while and just now boiling over. Three dads. the maverick-related rumors. hmm…

e.) that picture of goose and mav and ice. OKAY. Now we’re getting somewhere. Bradley’s dad… LTJG nick bradshaw… FLEW with maverick. Looks up the obituary online and reads the news reports he can find in the archives. Maverick was behind the stick when goose ate it. Okay. Two out of three dads found and accounted for. (Because they’re broken up, and because jakes still heartbroken, this fact will be used as ammunition. “Or that maverick was flying when his—“ “YOU SON OF A BITCH!” et cetera et cetera.)

f.) on the flight deck shaking hands with the commanding officer of every commanding officer jake has ever dad—admiral tom kazansky, come to wish the aviators good luck, and to sanction their attack. this is, like, a big deal. like a really big deal. like, makes you wanna stop and ask him for a selfie to post on your LinkedIn to advance your career kind of big deal. but out of the corner of his eye… jake’s noticing Bradley on the verge of a dad-related breakdown. bradley doesn’t seem to care how much of a big deal it is to have the privilege to shake the hand of the commander of the pacific fleet. isn’t even looking. something big and hateful between them. something like bad blood. oh oh oh. wait. It’s coming together.

g.) poking fun at him. psyching him out. what’s a little pre-suicide-mission hazing between exes? what is with you, bradshaw? you’re, like, freaking out over here..! —and Bradley, looking for someone—anyone!—to trust, tugging him into his cabin on the aircraft carrier and bursting into tears and crashing down onto the linoleum into jake’s arms and saying “he was my dad…!”

h.) bingo.

[sorchathered]

Y’all how did Bradshaw get up there???? 👀👀👀

I have achieved Holy Trinity status I will never peak higher than this lmaoo 😂

[aimeedaisies]

Court Circular | 9th April 2024

Buckingham Palace

The Princess Royal, on behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning.

St James's Palace

The Princess Royal, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, this afternoon opened Tideway's Chelsea Quay, Chelsea Embankment, London SW3, and was received by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

Her Royal Highness, Master, the Corporation of Trinity House, accompanied by Admiral Laurence, this evening attended the Seventieth Anniversary of Re-Hallowing Service at St Olave's Church, 8 Hart Street, London EC3, followed by a Reception at Trinity House, Trinity Square, London EC3.

[sebsxphia]

Seb, I need help. I'm attracted to all three bradshaws.

THE HOLY TRINITY OF DILFS, MILFS AND SUBMISSIVE AND BREEDABLE

you can make up your mind who’s who 👀

also, i wish i could help my dear anon, but i too am in the same boat and we’re just gonna have to suffer through this together!! 💌

[edgessunflower]

Masterlist 80

[resmarted]

i will fight every single person that gave a bad rating to guidry's creole seasoning. what is wrong with you people. no respect for the holiest of trinities. that being said i didn't realized mine is expired before ordering groceries and now i need at LEAST an onion to add to the egg salad. my mom and i strongly disagree on onions in egg salad because she is boring and only likes relish in hers. this is of course blasphemy as onions make everything better and denying this is the exact reason she will wind up in guantanamo bay. also weirdly enough the dill in my fridge actually smells like dill a week or so after i bought it? remember when it smelled like sweaty armpit when it was still fresh? now it smells like actual dill. need to know the science on this. does it ripen like fruit? did i hallucinate the smell originally? was it a glitch in the matrix? carrie bradshaw voice i had to wonder. anyway last time i made it too runny please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as i attempt to make a more distinguished texture this time

[denimbex1986]

'Critics have given positive reviews to Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan's sweeping new biographical thriller about the "father of the atomic bomb".

The film features an all-star ensemble cast led by Cillian Murphy as the US physicist, J Robert Oppenheimer.

The Independent called the "clever, imaginative" film Nolan "at his best", while the Telegraph said actor Murphy "dazzles as the destroyer of worlds".

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw deemed the movie "flawed, but extraordinary".

Inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J Robert Oppenheimer, the film tells the story of the enigmatic Manhattan Project scientist, who had a leading role in developing the atomic bomb, changing the course of World War II.

He "gave us the power to destroy ourselves and that had never happened before", director Nolan told BBC Culture editor Katie Razzall.

Commissioned by the US Government, who saw themselves in a nuclear race with the Nazis, in 1945 scientists in New Mexico detonated a test bomb, codenamed Trinity.

Their invention was later used, controversially, to end the war, when an atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to devastating effect.

The Telegraph's Robbie Collin awarded five stars, saying: "Nolan's portrait of the father of the nuclear bomb is a triumph, like witnessing history itself being split open."

"Oppenheimer is a film that works simultaneously on the most intimate and cosmic scales," he wrote.

"It's at once a speeding rollercoaster and a skin-tingling spiritual portrait; an often, classically-minded period piece that only Nolan could have made, and only now, after a quarter-century's run-up."

He added: "Playing Oppenheimer from his early 20s to late 50s, the 47-year-old Murphy gives the performance of his life, imbuing Oppenheimer's body with an enthralling nervous eroticism and his voice with a noirish musicality that reminds you of [Humphrey] Bogart."

In another five-star review, Empire Magazine's Dan Jolin called Murphy "compelling throughout".

"A masterfully constructed character study from a great director operating on a whole new level. A film that you don't merely watch, but must reckon with."

In a four-star review in the Guardian, Bradshaw said the film "captures the most agonising of success stories".

"This is the big bang, and no one could have made it bigger or more overwhelming than Nolan," he wrote.

"He does this without simply turning it into an action stunt - although this movie, for all its audacity and ambition, never quite solves the problem of its own obtuseness: filling the drama at such length with the torment of genius-functionary Oppenheimer at the expense of showing the Japanese experience and the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki."

He described Murphy as "an eerily close lookalike for Oppenheimer… very good at capturing his sense of solitude and emotional imprisonment".

Writing in the Times, critic Ed Potton, who also awarded the film four stars, hailed Murphy's performance as "explosive in a breathtaking movie".

The Evening Standard's Charlotte Sullivan agreed that the "dark, immersive epic gives Cillian Murphy the role of his career".

Speaking ahead of the film's release, the Irish star told journalists the role had taken "a toll" on him "but in a brilliant way".

"It was the biggest, most exhilarating challenge," he said.

Co-star Matt Damon revealed he had told his wife he would take a break from acting, unless "Chris Nolan called".

Nolan is best known for his Dark Knight trilogy, as well as films including Inception, Dunkirk and Tenet. He makes history with Oppenheimer - which also features Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr - as the first film with sequences shot on black and white IMAX film.

The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney called the movie a "scorching depiction of America's ability to create and destroy its heroes."

While the four-act structure "asks a lot of the film's audience", he commented "our patience and concentration are amply rewarded".

Handing the film four stars, the Independent's Clarisse Loughrey called Oppenheimer "Nolan's best and most revealing work".

"It's a profoundly unnerving story told with a traditionalist's eye towards craftsmanship and muscular, cinematic imagination."

She praised its non-linear structure - a common feature of Nolan films - and its "beautifully lensed" cinematography, but added: "It's a little too conscious of itself, and the ways cinema crafts its own reality."

Christopher Nolan's other films include the Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk Rolling Stone reviewer David Fear said the movie is "big, loud, and a must-see", describing it as "thrilling and wonky, brilliant and overstuffed, too much and not enough".

Speaking after this week's New York premiere, Paul Schrader, who wrote the Martin Scorsese-directed Taxi Driver, hailed Oppenheimer as "the best, most important film of this century".

"If you see one film in cinemas this year it should be Oppenheimer", Schrader wrote on Facebook, making his views on the Barbenheimer battle clear.

"I'm not a Nolan groupie but this one blows the door off the hinges."

Oppenheimer is in cinemas from Friday 21 July.'

[overwateredflower]

A Running List Of All Colleges (real and fake) Mentioned In Criminal Minds

s1e2: Bradshaw College

s1e16: Terra Mesa University, Georgetown, NYU

s1e18: Julliard

s1e20: FSU

s1e21: MIT, West Point

s2e3: Jacksonville University

s2e5: Holy Trinity University of Ohio

s2e7: Penn State, Pitt, Notre Dame

s2e8: St. Dennis University 

s2e9: Brown, Yale

s2e11: Georgetown2, GW

s2e12: Northwestern

[rapid-apathy]

Orthodox Theology: An Introduction by Vladimir Lossky The Orthodox Faith Volumes 1-4 by Thomas Hopko St Tikhon of Zadonsk: Inspirer of Dostoevsky by Nadajda Gorodetzsky Theology and the Church by Dumitru Staniloae The Life in Christ by Nicholas Cabasilas The Soul After Death by Fr Seraphim Rose Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future by Fr Seraphim Rose Genesis, Creation, and Early Man by Fr. Seraphim Rose The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Vladimir Lossky The Photian Schism History by Francis Dvornik Aristotle East and West by Dr. David Bradshaw St. Theodore the Studite's Defence of the Icons: Theology and Philosophy in 9th Century Byzantium by TT Tollefsen The Fathers of the Church: St John of Damascus by 1858 Catholic University of America Press translation The Filioque: History of Doctrinal Controversy by Edward Siecienski The Vision of God by Vladimir Lossky

As for the bible, I would start with Matthew and Luke. Wait until you understand a bit more about Christ and the trinity before venturing into the OT.

hey! I was wondering if you had any reading recommendations for someone who’s new to Orthodoxy? thank you 💛

The Bible? I’m joking, kind of; some people have said that reading the Bible is what made them an atheist, weirdly enough I credit an atheist reading the Bible with renewing my faith but I digress. I think it really depends on how new you are to religion, Christianity or Orthodoxy but here are some of my favorites, most if not all exist in physical form but links provided to eBooks/online when I can find them!

A forewarning, my definition of “beginner” might be a bit broad so I’ll BOLD the ones I think are very easy and the rest are...probably not for beginners but I still would recommend to everyone.  

The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware (this one is praised a lot on Orthodox Reddit for bringing beginners into the fold; it’s a great starting point)

Introducing Eastern Orthodox Theology by Andrew Louth

Orthodox Prayer Book (just good to know prayers!)

The Orthodox Study Bible (a book not written fully by Orthodox, more written for people trying to get into Orthodoxy. Not bolded because it IS the Bible; it’s got lots of little notes and essays but it’s only really good for beginners, I grew past it pretty fast, so it has to go here!)

Pearl of Great Price by Sergei Hackel (NOT the book by the LDS church, this is a different one)

The Writings of Mother Maria Skobtsova

Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite Tikhon

On Acquisition of the Holy Spirit by St. Seraphim of Sarov

The Philokalia (very difficult but foundational)

The Longer Catechism of The Orthodox, Catholic, Eastern Church

The Art of Salvation by Elder Ephraim

The Triads by Gregory Palamas (We learned a little about Palamas today in catechism, he’s a very important thinker)

The Spiritual World Of Isaac The Syrian (I very much adore the writings of St. Isaac of Syria so if you can, check him out). 

I wish I had some “modern” books, with theology I tend to look towards the Church Father’s first meaning I end up reading a lot of theology written by monks in the 1300s. 

Honestly if anyone else has some recommendations for anon or me I’d love to hear them!

Also sorry for the late reply. When I started typing this it was asked seven hours ago but then I had to stop to cook dinner, then eat and etc. so it has been a all day thing apparently. I hope that helps!

[ereardon]

Come Back [Chapter 3][Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x OC]

Summary: Eight years ago, Bradley Bradshaw was just a college boyfriend who broke your heart. Now, he’s back in your life after a coincidental reunion, and he’s adamant about starting up a friendship. Will it be possible to be just friends with Bradley, or is he inevitably going to end up ruining everything you’ve spent the better part of a decade rebuilding?

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x OC [Nurse Maggie Brooms]

WC: 4K

Warnings: Cursing, angst, alcohol, mention of vomit, discussion of sexuality, virginity

Series masterlist

The night you met Bradley Bradshaw had been a mess from the very first moment you stepped outside. 

You had seen him around campus before. There were very few Californians at UVA, and Bradley stuck out with his baby blue Bronco, casual wardrobe, laid-back style. He embodied a carefree aura that the rest of the student body was in polar opposition of, yourself included. 

He was charming, to a fault. 

So when you ran into Bradley at Trinity, already three vodka sodas deep on an empty stomach, you didn’t expect him to give you the time of day. Even as a sophomore he was a hot ticket item. 

You had some guy’s tongue jammed down your throat, his skinny hands on your ass, denim-covered bulge pressed into your lower stomach. You couldn’t get away fast enough, pulling back from too-much-tongue guy when you made eye contact with Bradley over his shoulder. 

Maybe it was something about the desperation in your eyes, or maybe he was feeling chivalrous. Either way, Bradley made his way over and accidentally spilled his beer down the back of your dance partner's shirt, causing him to jump and giving you an exit strategy. You grabbed a girlfriend and hightailed it out back to the courtyard, breathing in the fresh October air and laughing about your narrow escape. 

“You OK?” You turned around to see Bradley leaning against the iron railing, a smirk set across his handsome face. Your friend gave you a knowing look and disappeared back into the bar and you took a step closer to Bradley. 

“Much better now,” you said quietly. “Thanks to you.” 

He shrugged. “Just doing my good samaritan duty.” 

You let your fingers graze over his sleeve. “What do I owe you for your act of kindness?” The vodka had made you bold, stupidly so. 

Bradley leaned in closer. “How about a dance?” He was so close that you reached out and pressed your fingers to his chest, working your hands up toward his neck and pulling his face down to yours. 

“How about more than a dance?” you whispered, pressing your lips against his. In the span of five minutes you had gone from the worst makeout session of your life, to kissing Bradley Bradshaw. He tasted like fireball and a bit of regret, but his hands were smooth and warm as he grabbed your sides tightly, dragging you closer. His hips skimmed over yours as he pivoted where you stood, pressing your back against the iron fence, grinding himself over you until you were gasping into his mouth. You were practically letting him dry hump you in public, and you had no shame about it. 

When Bradley pulled away, he had a grin plastered on his face. “Definitely better than a dance,” he said, his hands still tight on your hips. “Do you want to get out of here?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, I just have one more party I have to stop by. I promised a friend. Can I meet you at your place after?”

He held out his hand and you looked at him blankly before he said, “Give me your phone so I can put my number in. I’ll text you my room number.” 

You slipped your phone into his hands, watched as he deftly typed in his contact and felt the ping of a text message with his dorm information. 

“See you later, Maggie,” he said, turning to go. 

“Wait!” you called out and he looked back around. “How do you know my name?” You hadn’t told him. 

“How do you know mine?” he asked, smiling. There was a pause and he laughed. “I’ve had my eye on you, Maggie Brooms. You just never noticed.” 

And then he was gone, through the back door of the bar. You leaned back against the metal railing, touching your puffy lips where he had kissed you. 

The night took a turn after you left Trinity. Another friend was having a party at her apartment, which turned into shots which turned into beer pong and eventually, you on the lap of the friend throwing the party. You were drunk, nearing blackout, so when the flash of someone’s camera phone went off while you had your hands tangled in Susanna’s hair, straddling her lap, her lips on your neck, you didn’t even think twice. 

It wasn’t until you showed up at Bradley’s dorm at three in the morning, pounding on his door, when you realized just how far gone you were. 

“Maggie?” he asked, opening the door and letting the light spill in. “Fuck, it’s late.” 

You hadn’t even checked the time. Simply stumbled across campus using the glow of your phone screen to guide you. When you finally looked up at Bradley you saw he was wearing a pair of pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt. He had a dingle, a double single, and both beds were pushed together to make one massive bed. The sheets on the bed were mussed, all of the lights in the room were turned off except for a lamp near the door. 

“Shit, were you asleep?”  

He laughed and it was a deep, throaty laugh. “I mean, yeah, it’s three in the morning.” 

“God, I’m sorry,” you said, turning to go and stumbling, tossing a hand out against the wall to steady you in your heeled boots. “I’ll go.” 

Suddenly you felt Bradley’s hands grip your waist, steadying you. “You’re way too drunk to walk home,” he said softly and you turned until your back was against the wall and Bradley was hovering a few inches above you. 

“I walked here didn’t I?” 

“Not sure how you made it alive.” 

“So what do you propose?” you whispered back. 

“Stay here,” he said. “We don’t have to do anything. Or I can drive you home, we just have to walk to my car, if you can make it.” 

He dropped his hands from your waist and took a step back, giving you a moment to weigh your options. You leaned down and unzipped your right boot, then the left, kicking them off near the closet door. You turned around, pulling your hair to the side. 

“Can you get my zipper?” 

Bradley stepped forward, reaching out and slowly pulling the zipper of your black dress down until it hit the top of your underwear line. You turned around and shimmied out of the dress, kicking it off to the side until you were standing in just a black bra and panties. 

“Fuck,” Bradley whispered under his breath, fists tightening at his sides. 

You reached up and ran a hand down his chest, felt his warm fingers press into your lower back and waist. “Touch me,” you whispered into his ear, pressing your lips against his neck. Bradley groaned as you sucked just below his ear but he resisted. 

You pulled away, embarrassed. You had obviously read the situation wrong. You wanted to slither to the floor in a pile of goo and slide under the door and down the hall. You had just embarrassed yourself in front of Bradley Bradshaw. The entire campus would know by the next morning what a fucking idiot you were. 

You were on the verge of tears, about to cross the room and reach for your dress to cover up your embarrassment, when Bradley’s hand shot out and grabbed your wrist. 

“Sweetheart,” he murmured. “It’s not that I don’t want to.” He looked you up and down slowly. “I fucking want to, you have no idea. But I want you to remember this.” He tucked a chunk of hair behind your ear. “I want to know you’re choosing me because you want to, not because you’re drunk and horny.” 

You blushed and leaned into his chest, felt Bradley’s arms come out around you, pulling you in closer. When you finally leaned back and looked up, he smiled. 

“Here,” he said, opening a drawer and pulling out a t-shirt. “If you want to change into this.” 

He turned around and you unclipped your bra, pulling the shirt over your head. You crawled up onto the megabed and Bradley shut off the lamp, sliding in on the other side. 

You didn’t have much experience with guys. You hadn’t even lost your virginity until you got to UVA the year before. Dan Mifflin, a guy on your freshman hall. It had been awkward and short and every time you saw him for the rest of the year you avoided his gaze.

So when Bradley reached over and cupped his hand around your neck, pulling you into a kiss, you started to panic a little. But he simply ran his hand from your neck down your back, hitting your low back and pulling you in closer. You moaned against him, and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth. 

His fingers gripped tightly against you, and you tossed one leg over his, surprised to feel how hard he was in his pajama pants, pressed between your legs. Bradley’s hand slid down beneath the hem of the t-shirt, grabbing onto your ass in your barely-there lace thong and he groaned before breaking the kiss off, looking down at you with heavy brown eyes. 

“Fuck, you’re so sexy,” he whispered, hand still glued to your ass. “I don’t know how I’m ever going to get to sleep now.” 

You trailed a finger down his chest, stopping at the top of his pajama bottoms and you could feel him twitch. “Maybe I don’t want to sleep.” 

He laid back flat on his back and groaned. “God, sweetheart, you’re killing me.” 

You laughed and laid back too until you were both staring up at the popcorn ceiling. “Most guys wouldn’t tell me to stop.” 

Bradley rolled onto his side. “You deserve better than that.” 

He said it so matter of factly that it would have knocked you off your feet if you weren’t already lying down. You had heard rumors about Bradley Bradshaw. How he was a fuckboy. An insatiable man whore. So when you had gone to his room that night you thought he would fuck you and make you leave immediately after. 

That’s almost what you had been looking for. Validation. Experience. 

Not this. Not this guy who gave you pajamas to sleep in, and stopped himself from touching you because you were too drunk to truly consent. 

That’s why when you woke up in the morning, Bradley still asleep, one arm tossed above his head, small snores escaping his mouth, you slid out of the megabed as quietly as possible. Got dressed, leaving his t-shirt on the desk chair, and sneaking out the door before he could wake up. 

Even back then, you were scared he would leave first. 

***

The first thing you noticed was how much of a hellscape your room was without the blackout curtains pulled tightly. 

The second was how sick you felt. 

You stumbled out of bed and into the en suite bathroom, dropping to your knees near the toilet, the cold tile against your bare knees actually helping soothe how nauseous you felt in that moment. You waited, but nothing came. Finally you pulled yourself up off the floor and ran a shower, standing under the steaming water for a solid five minutes before you remembered. 

Bradley. 

There was no way he had stayed. Not after what you had said to him. Not after the way he had looked at you. 

And yet, when you tiptoed out into the living room in a robe, wet hair dripping down your back, you were shocked and a little delighted to see Bradley’s feet sticking out from the edge of the couch. 

Rounding the corner, you saw he had his arms crossed over his chest, snoring lightly. He was so tall he didn’t fit on the couch, feet dangling off the end, head pressed tightly up against the arm on one side. 

You sat down on the large ottoman that doubled as a coffee table, scooting the metal tray away, and watching Bradley sleep. 

Finally, you reached out and ran your fingers down his forearm toward where he had his hands clasped on his abdomen. Instinctively in his sleep he grabbed your fingers and gripped them tightly, almost like a newborn. You wiggled away and brushed a few hairs off of his forehead, causing him to rustle and finally open one eye. 

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he said softly, lifting his arms in a stretch over his head before rolling onto one side to face you. You crossed your bare legs under the robe and sat up straighter. 

“Surprised to see you here,” you replied and you watched a flicker of pain skirt across his eyes. 

Bradley sat up, rubbing his hands over his face. His knees were wide and you were positioned perfectly so that your legs were settled between his. He placed a hand on each of your thighs. “You said to prove you wrong,” Bradley said quietly. “I’m trying to show you that I’ve changed.” 

You shook your head. “Not that simple, Bradley. It’s been a long time. And we’re just friends, that’s what we agreed at the diner.” You paused. “That’s all I can give you right now.” 

His hands felt like electrical burners on your legs. You shifted and he dropped his hands, letting them slide to his own lap. “I know, Mags. I just, I want you to know that I’m trying here, OK?”

“OK,” you said, standing and walking toward the kitchen. “Do you want some coffee?”

“Are you saying I can stay?” he asked timidly. 

You sighed. “Looks that way, doesn’t it?” 

In the kitchen, you filled the coffee pot with water and dragged out a mason jar full of grinds. Once you flipped the switch, you saw Bradley hovering in the doorway. 

“What?” you asked him. 

He shook his head, looking you up and down. Your hair was starting to dry. You had no makeup on, a ratty old blue robe and a pair of slippers. But the way he was looking at you felt like you were wearing an evening gown and full glam. It sent a shiver down your spine. 

“Seriously, Bradley, what is it?” you asked, self conscious under his gaze. 

Bradley gave you a small, sad smile. “Just realizing everything I lost, back then.” He paused. “Everything I could have had for the last eight years.” 

***

“I can’t believe you’re going out with Bradley Bradshaw.” Kailey pulled her legs into her chest on your bed and chewed her lip. “He’s a fucking God.” 

You took a sip out of the red solo cup filled with vodka and lemonade before leaning back into the mirror, trying to get your eyeliner straight. “Don’t make me more nervous than I already am.” 

“Why are you nervous?” she asked. “You’ve already fucking slept together. He’s obviously into you. Bradley doesn’t date.”

“We slept in the same bed,” you corrected. “We didn’t sleep together.” 

She rolled her green eyes. “Semantics.” 

“No, it’s a very critical difference,” you said, sliding on pink lipstick. “Alright, how do I look?” You stood up and gave a twirl. You were wearing a tight long-sleeve v-neck dress and wedges. Kailey gave you a once over. 

“Ditch the shoes. Wear your Hunter boots.”

“Rain boots?” you asked. “It’s late October.” 

“Just trust me on this one.”

“Alright.” You slipped the shoes off and slid on a pair of socks and your black boots. “Better?” 

She nodded and you checked your phone. “Has he texted you?”

“Not since he said he’d pick me up at eight.” 

“Be careful, OK?” she said and you looked up. There was a warning in Kailey’s voice that usually wasn’t there. She was a lot more easy going than you were. She was the fun one, always dragging you out to bars and picking the matching Halloween outfits.

“Careful of what?” you asked. “It’s drinks. I’ll probably be back in an hour and a half and we can sit on the couch in our sweats and complain.” 

“He’s different,” she said softly. “You’re different when you talk about him.” 

You shook your head, throwing the lipstick in your purse. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“He’ll break your heart if you let him,” Kailey said, sitting up on the bed. 

Just then, the doorbell rang and you gave her a questioning look. She tilted her head to the side. 

“Go. Have fun.”

When you pulled the door open, Bradley held out a small bouquet of flowers. You blushed and took them, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “These are beautiful,” you said softly. 

He smiled. “Do you want to put them in a vase? I can wait.” 

You turned around and Kailey held out her hands. “I’ll take them,” she said, shooting Bradley a skeptical look. 

“Thanks,” you said. “Keeks, this is Bradley. Bradley, this is my roommate Kailey.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said and she nodded, walking toward the kitchenette with the flowers. 

“We should probably go,” you said, guiding him back out the door. 

Bradley slipped his hand in yours and you looked up in surprise. “How do you feel about going for a drive?” 

“That sounds great.” 

In the Bronco, Bradley turned on the radio. He sang under his breath, always keeping one hand on your leg. You made some small talk, but it was cursory: your major, favorite classes, what you were doing for fall break. 

After thirty or so minutes, Bradley pulled into a small road. You recognized the general area, in the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains. When he cut the engine, you were in a parking lot near a reservoir. 

You turned to him. “This could either turn out really romantic, or really serial killer-esque.” 

He laughed. “Let’s go with the first one.” 

You got out and Bradley pulled the back door of the trunk down, busying himself with pulling some pillows and a blanket from the backseat that you hadn’t noticed before. He made a little bed in the back of the pickup. 

“Hop in,” he said and you silently thanked Kailey for convincing you to lose the heels. Bradley helped you get settled against the mound of pillows before joining you and passing you a beer from a cooler. You took it and looked up at the stars. The sky was so much clearer there than in Charlottesville. No lights polluting the stars. 

You looked over at Bradley, expecting to see him admiring the stars. Instead, you saw him staring at you with a smile on his face. “What?” you asked, embarrassed. “Do I have something on my face?” 

He shook his head. “Can’t a guy just look at a girl and think, God she’s beautiful.” 

You blushed and you were glad for the cloak of darkness. “You’re smooth, I’ll give you that.” 

Bradley chuckled and leaned back, until his shoulder was touching yours. He reached out, interlacing his fingers in yours. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we ran into each other at Trinity last week.” 

You put your beer down in the backseat cooler, and turned to him, still holding hands. “Oh yeah?”

“Mmhm.”

“So I’m your flavor of the month?” 

“Maggie.” His voice came out strangled. Like he genuinely felt pained to hear you say that. “Come on, it’s not like that.” He dropped your hand, running his finger down your cheek. “I like you. Genuinely.” 

You looked at his chocolatey eyes. You wanted to believe him. Of course you did. Who wouldn’t want to believe that the cutest, most sought after guy on campus liked them? But you were naive and inexperienced and you knew it. Kailey knew it, too. That’s why she was building up walls for you. 

Walls that Bradley was dead set on tearing down. 

“I want to get to know you,” he whispered. “If you’ll let me.”

“What do you want to know?” you asked. “And not dumb shit like what’s your major or do I like UVA.”

He smiled. “OK. Are you bi?” 

“What?” you sat up in shock. 

Bradley shook his head. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to offend you. I just, I saw the picture of you and Susanna.” 

You groaned and sunk back down into the nest of pillows. “I’ve never slept with a woman if that’s your question.” 

“It’s not,” he replied. “It’s cool if you are. I’m just curious.” 

You shrugged. “I don’t know, I’ve made out with girls. I think girls can be hot. But I’ve never had a relationship with a girl, if that makes sense.” 

He trailed a finger over your thigh from your knee to where your dress stopped. “That’s cool,” he replied. “Thanks for telling me.” 

You nodded. “OK, my turn to ask you a question.” 

“I’m an open book sweetheart.” 

You rolled your eyes. “How many girls have you slept with at UVA.” 

You had expected him to deflect the question. Or lie. So when he opened his mouth to respond, you were shocked. “Five.” 

“Five?” That was five times your body count, but you were still surprised. It seemed low based on the stories you had heard about Bradley. 

Bradley nodded. “Yeah, five. A couple one night stands. There was a girl I dated for a few months during freshman year. And then someone from UVA I was seeing over the summer for a bit. Nothing really serious, though.” He was pensive for a moment. “I’ve never been in a serious relationship, actually.” 

“Me neither.” 

Bradley slid his full hand up your thigh. “What would make you want to date someone?” 

You let out a small laugh. “If they wanted to date me. That would probably be enough.” 

You expected him to laugh along with you but he didn’t. “You’re fucking beautiful, Maggie Brooms,” he said quietly and you were suddenly acutely aware of how remote your location was. There wasn’t another soul for miles and miles. You felt all of Bradley’s attention on your skin and it made you think you could burst into flames at any moment. “Any guy who dates you will be so lucky.”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Why did you ask me out, Bradley?”

“What do you mean why?” 

“Like why did you ask me out? It doesn’t seem like something you do, according to everything I’ve heard about you. And I embarrassed myself last weekend in front of you, I don’t know why you ever would want to see me again.” 

Bradley leaned over, dragging his hand up your thigh, across the dip near your hips, around to your lower back, pulling you in closer. “Maggie, you’re not listening to me. I want to get to know you. I’ve never felt like this before.” He brushed the hair back from your face. “I want to be the guy who ruins all men for you.” 

You sucked in a breath. “That’s a big statement,” you whispered. 

His thumb brushed over your lower lip carefully. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.” 

“So tomorrow, what are you going to tell your friends?” you asked softly. “Or tonight, when you go back to your room. Someone asks how your date was. What are you going to tell them?”

Bradley smiled and you could feel the heat of his body radiating, warming you. Instinctively you shifted closer until your legs were touching. “I’m going to tell them I went out with the girl of my dreams last night.”

“Oh yeah?” you murmured, inching closer. Bradley wrapped his fingers around the back of your neck, shifting until his lips were hovering just a few inches from yours. 

“I’m going to tell them all to back off. That Maggie Brooms is mine.” 

“Yours, huh? Isn’t that presumptuous.” 

He shook his head. “Not at all. You’re mine, sweetheart, if you didn’t already know.” And then he pulled you in and kissed you, the warmth of his lips spreading across your face, his hand resting tenderly at the nape of your neck. 

He was right, no matter how much you hated to admit it. From that moment on, you belonged to him.

A/N: I want young Bradley to be both suave and a bit of a dick. Also the story of the first night they met is loosely based on my own experience with an ex. College really is the wild, wild west sometimes.

Tag list: @abaker74 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @luckyladycreator2 @marantha @tayrae515 @xoxabs88xox @mak-32 

[ravishingpsychomob]

Fuck you JBL you ruined it for Naomi!!! Why go off script??? You fucktard!!!

[thereviewsarein]

Baby It's Hot Outside, Brad Saunders 5 Quick Questions: Holiday Edition and Newfoundland Snow Balls Recipe

Baby It’s Hot Outside, Brad Saunders 5 Quick Questions: Holiday Edition and Newfoundland Snow Balls Recipe

Brad Saunders has had a good run in 2017, including his $100,953 1st place win in Project WILD this fall. And to finish the year, and celebrate the season, Saunders has recorded and released Baby It’s Hot Outside, as a special direct download for his fans.

To help us get in the Christmas spirit, Brad took the time to play a holiday round of 5 Quick Questions and share his favourite recipe with…

[aimeedaisies]

Court Circular | 21st November 2023

Buckingham Palace

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee today commenced a State Visit to The King and Queen.

The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed The President and Mrs Kim on behalf of The King at the Four Seasons Hotel, 10 Trinity Square, London EC3.

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses, drove to Horse Guards and were met by The King and Queen.

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee, accompanied by The King and Queen, drove in a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.

Gun Salutes were fired in Green Park by The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

Guards of Honour were provided at Horse Guards by F Company Scots Guards and at Buckingham Palace by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard and a Detachment of Household Cavalry were on duty.

The King presented The President of the Republic of Korea with the Insignia of an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee, accompanied by The Duke of Gloucester, this afternoon visited the Korean War Memorial, Victoria Embankment Gardens, London SW1, where The President and Mrs Kim laid a wreath and His Royal Highness, Patron, the British Korean Veterans Association, also laid a wreath.

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee subsequently met United Kingdom Korean War veterans.

The President and Mrs Kim afterwards drove to Westminster Abbey where His Excellency laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee met General Sir Adrian Bradshaw (Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea) and In-Pensioners who fought in the Korean War, before touring the Abbey, escorted by the Dean (the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle).

The President and Mrs Kim afterwards drove to the Palace of Westminster and were received by the Lord Speaker (the Lord McFall of Alcluith) and the Speaker of the House of Commons (the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle).

The Speaker welcomed The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee and His Excellency delivered an Address.

The President and Mrs Kim subsequently attended a Reception with Peers, Members of Parliament and other guests.

The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP (Chancellor of the Exchequer) had an audience of The King this afternoon.

The Lord Hodge (Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland) was received by His Majesty and reported on the recent proceedings of the General Assembly.

The King and Queen gave a State Banquet this evening in honour of The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee at which The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were present.

The following had the honour of being invited:

Suite of The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee:

His Excellency Mr Choo Kyungho (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance), His Excellency Mr Park Jin (Minister of Foreign Affairs), His Excellency Mr Lee Sangmin (Minister of Interior and Safety), His Excellency Mr Bang Moonkyu (Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy), His Excellency Mr Cho Taeyong (Director of National Security), His Excellency Mr Yoon Yeocheol (Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom), Dr Kim Taehyo (Principal Deputy National Security Adviser), the Hon Kim Eunhye (Senior Secretary to The President for Public Relations), Dr Choi Sangmok (Senior Secretary to The President for Economic Affairs) and Ambassador Lee Choongmyon (Secretary to The President for Foreign Affairs).

Specially attached to The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee:

The Viscount Hood (Lord in Waiting) and the Viscountess Hood, Mr Colin Crooks (His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea) and Miss Sheila O’Connor (Head of VIP Visits, Protocol Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

Diplomatic Corps:

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras and Mrs Mirian Nasser de Romero.

The Cabinet and Government:

The Prime Minister and Mrs Murty, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and the Lady Cameron of Chipping Norton, the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP (Deputy Prime Minister), the Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations and the Lady Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP) and Mr T Turner, and the Leader of the House of Lords and the Lady True.

Special Invitations:

Mr Ashley Alder (Chairman, Financial Conduct Authority), Mr Andrew Bailey (Governor of the Bank of England) and Professor Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey, Sir Timothy Barrow (National Security Adviser) and Lady Barrow, Sir Philip Barton (Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) and Lady Barton, Ms Jenny Bates (Director-General, Indo-Pacific, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), Dr Stephen Billingham (Chairman, Urenco) and Mrs Billingham, Mr Jonathan Brearley (Chief Executive Officer, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) and Mrs Brearley, Ms Ruth Cairnie (Chairman, Babcock International Group) and Mr Anthony Heggs, the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Lady Carrington, Mr Joshua Carrott (Co-Founder of YouTube Channel, Korean Englishman) and Ms Gabriela Kook, Sir David Chipperfield (Architect) and Lady Chipperfield, Mr Jonathan Cole (Chief Executive Officer, Corio Generation) and Mrs Cole, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Lady Davey, the Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP (Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party at Westminster), the Leader of the Scottish National Party at Westminster and Mrs Flynn, Dame Anita Frew (Chairman, Rolls-Royce and Croda) and Mr Michael van Hemert, Ms Poppy Gustafsson (Chief Executive Officer, Darktrace Holdings Limited) and Mr Joel Gustafsson, Mr Rene Haas (Chief Executive Officer, Arm Holdings) and Ms Regina Frenkel, Mr Demis Hassabis (Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DeepMind), the Speaker of the House of Commons and Lady Hoyle, General Gwyn Jenkins (Vice Chief of the Defence Staff) and Mrs Jenkins, Mr Oliver Kendal (Co-Founder of YouTube Channel, Korean Englishman) and Mrs Kendal, Dr Rosalie Kim (Lead Curator, Hallyu Exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum), Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser (Chief Executive, UK Research and Innovation) and Professor Philip Bond, the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, the Lord Speaker (the Lord McFall of Alcluith), the Lord Newby (Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords) and the Reverend Canon the Lady Newby, Sir Kenneth Olisa (His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London) and Lady Olisa, Ms Jihyun Park (Human Rights Activist) and Mr Kwanghyun Joo, Miss Sohee Park (Fashion Designer), Mr Woongchul Park (Founder and Chef Patron, Sollip) and Mrs Bomee Ki, the Lord Reed of Allermuir (President of the Supreme Court of the UK) and the Lady Reed of Allermuir, the Dowager Viscountess Rothermere (Patron of the Arts), Sir Mark Rowley (Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis) and Lady Rowley, Mr Wael Sawan (Global Chief Executive Officer, Shell Global) and Mrs Sawan, Professor Hazel Smith (Professor of International Relations, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) and Dr Mihail Petkovski, Ms Cho So-hyun (Footballer, Birmingham City), Dr Sarah Son (Lecturer in Korean Studies, University of Sheffield) and Mr Kyung Moon Son, the Leader of the Opposition and Lady Starmer, Mr Jakob Stausholm (Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto) and Mrs Stausholm, Mr Colin Thackery (Korean War Veteran) and Mrs J Simms, Dr José Vinals (Group Chairman, Standard Chartered) and Mrs Rafaela Camallonga Vilanova, Dame Emma Walmsley (Chief Executive Officer, GlaxoSmithKline) and Mr David Owen, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Welby, Ms Nari Yi (Florist), and Ms Jenni Kim, Ms Jisoo Kim, Ms Lisa Manobal and Ms Rosé Park (Band Members, Blackpink).

Korean Delegation and Guests:

Mr Yonghyun Kim (Chief of Presidential Security Service), Ambassador Taejin Kim (Chief of Protocol), Mr Joo Sung Kim (Chief Physician to The President), Mr Dong Man Park (Physician to The President), Mr Jung Hwan Kim (Assistant Secretary, Office of the Personal Secretary to The President), Ms Younkyung Cho (Personal Attendant, Office of Personal Secretary to The President), Mr Jae-yong Lee (Chairman, Samsung Electronics), Mr Kwang-mo Koo (Chairman, LG Corporation), Mr Dong-bin Shin (Chairman, Lotte Corporation), Mr Dong Kwan Kim (Vice Chairman, Hanwha Corporation), Professor Myungsik Kim (Professor, King’s College London), Professor Do Young Noh (President, Institute of Basic Science), Professor Narry Kim (Professor, Institute of Basic Science), Mr Jin Ryu (Chairman, Federation of Korean Industries), Mr Kimun Kim (Chairman, Korea Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), Mr Cha Yol Koo (Chairman, Korea International Trade Association), Mr Kyung Shik Sohn (Chairman, Korea Enterprises Federation), Mr Hyun Joon Cho (Chairman, Hyosung Corporation), Mr Saehong Hur (President and Chief Executive Officer, GS Caltex Corporation), Mr Sunggeun Song (Chief Executive Officer, IL Science Company Limited), Mr Dabriel Choi (Chief Executive Officer, DC Medical, University College London) and Mr Chang Hun Yoo (Chief Executive Officer, SSenStone Incorporated).

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, Master, the Corporation of Trinity House, this afternoon presented Merchant Navy medals for Meritorious Service at Trinity House, Trinity Square, London EC3.

[soundcheckentertainment]

It was a Monday night in Ottawa and all through the city not a creature was stirring…except for a sold out crowd at the Algonquin Commons Theatre who packed the house for our favourite Canadian Kid, Brett Kissel and his Ice, Snow and 30 Below tour.

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

There’s no question that country music fans in Ottawa love Brett Kissel. I think it’s safe to say that Brett Kissel loves Ottawa too as he’s performed in Ottawa more often than most other Canadian country artists, 3 times in as many months including ringing in the New Year on the steps of Parliament Hill.

I’ve had the pleasure of covering a lot of shows at the beautiful Algonquin Commons Theatre over the last several years but I can’t recall a single show that got as loud as the crowd did last night for Brett. That sold out crowd was hungry for country music and that’s exactly what they got.

Country music tours have been following a bit of a “lather, rinse, repeat” theme over the last several years. Where the same headliners tour with a similar rotation of opening acts, Canadian country music has been no exception to this. When Brett first announced this tour many of us were expecting one of his Invictus Mates or Warner label mates to join him on his tour much like in the past. But Brett had other plans and we, for one, couldn’t be happier. Emerging artists are the lifeblood for any musical genre and for an artist of Brett’s calibre to open up his national tour to some of Ontario’s rising stars was extremely generous.

Abby Stewart

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

The night started out with a performance by a young lady we’ve been talking about for a number of years now, Abby Stewart. Hailing from Kingston, Ontario Abby is loaded with so much talent it’s a treat to watch her hone her skills show after show. Every time I see her perform she moves the bar just a little bit higher.

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Last night Ottawa was in for a special treat as Abby was joined by her good friend, Beamer Wigley, for a few songs. Beamer flew in from Calgary especially for the show after having spent Sunday at the Alberta Country Music Awards, where his single “Meteorite” was nominated for Song of the Year. Beamer treated the crowd to a performance of his latest single “Boombox” before the duo, who has been busy of the last few months writing together in Nashville, performed a few songs together. The closed out their set with a chillingly tight performance of Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay”.  Take my word for it and keep your eye on these two because in the coming years you’ll be hearing their name’s a lot more often…count on it.

Brett Kissel

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel hit the stage next and didn’t miss a beat kicking the show off with the first single off of ‘Pick Me Up’ “Airwaves”. The fuse was lit and the crowd was on fire. Every Brett Kissel show is a special event for the audience, something has to be said about the special bond he has with his fans. It goes without saying that most artists love their fans but Brett shares a deeper connection with his and I believe that’s part of what makes his performances so magical.

Tough People Do and I Didn’t Fall in Love with Your Hair

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Like most country music shows there was also a lot of deep emotion packed into last night’s performance. Brett lost his grandparents in 2011 to a two-vehicle crash in Alberta as they were enroute to watch him perform. Everything about this event speaks to the character of Brett Kissel, who kept a scheduled performance 2 nights after the accident but ended up having to cancel halfway through telling the crowd that his heart was willing, but his body just couldn’t do it. The event led Brett to write and dedicate the song “Tough People Do” for his grandparents.  It was the first of two very emotional moments throughout the night that strengthen the bond between Brett and his fans, no doubt that Brett leans on his fans for strength in tough times and his fans draw strength from Brett to deal with their own tough times.

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

The second of the two emotional moments came with Brett’s performance of his single “I Didn’t Fall in Love with Your Hair”. The song rings true for anyone with a loved one battling cancer and it’s clear that it has become an anthem for the philanthropic side of Brett who spoke highly of his support for the Canadian Cancer Society during our interview earlier in the day. The song is from the perspective of the partner of someone battling this horrible disease which, as Brett says, has touched far too many of us. The eyes welled up with tears and the room lit up with cell phone lights as Ottawa joined in chorus to sing this incredible song.

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett wasn’t going to let the night end on a sombre note as he quickly picked up the pace and brought the party back by paying tribute to some legends. First he started with one of his idols Johnny Cash for which he went into the crowd and stood on a railing and sang “Ring of Fire” before returning to the stage for John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and then capping it off with Garth Brooks’ “Baton Rouge” (“Baton Rouge”, incidentally is one of three songs Brett picked when answering a fan question asking which three songs Brett would chose if he could only sing 3 songs for the rest of his life.)

What would a Brett Kissel show in Ottawa be without a visit from his friend and fellow member of Invictus Entertainment Jordan McIntosh? Jordan was in the building and joined Brett to perform “Raise Your Glass”. As the night wound down Brett ended the show, or did he, the way it all began…with “Started with A Song”.  But the crowd had other plans and they let him know to the extent that, I’m certain, a poor student in a residence nearby was having issues studying because of all the racket coming from the Theatre.

Brett and his band returned to the stage and delivered exactly what the crowd wanted….3, 2, 1! It was the perfect note to end the night on because I can assure you that I, as well as everyone in that sold out theatre, will be counting down the hours until we get to see Brett Kissel again! Something tells me he’ll be back in Ottawa again very soon, would love to see Brett on a stage at RBC Bluesfest this summer which has already seen performances by Tim Hicks and Dallas Smith.

Brett hits Sherbrooke, Quebec tonight for his only stop in La belle province. Local boy,  Jon MacAulay, will be joining Brett tonight. Jon is a guitarist/singer from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada. His repertoire combines elements of folk, blues, and jazz. Visit his website to learn more: www.jonmacaulaymusic.com

Following Quebec Brett jets off to Nova Scotia for 4 nights before heading slightly west for 2 shows in New Brunswick and then back east to wrap up his tour in beautiful Prince Edward Island.

Brett has taken the time to build a roster of emerging artists that he would like to introduce to his fans so we’d like to take a moment and introduce them to you. Rounding out Brett’s east coast dates are:

Chelsea Atkinson January 26, 2017 Astor Theatre Liverpool, NS

Chelsea is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Nova Scotia. Check out her Facebook or Twitter profiles to watch this emerging artist get the opportunity of a lifetime, to open for Brett Kissel

Amanda Riley January 27, 2017 Mermaid Imperial PA Centre Windsor, NS

Riley hails from Chester, Nova Scotia where she is known as “the little girl with the big voice”. She gained nationwide popularity as a finalist on CMT’s “Big In A Small Town”, and has shared the stage with Aaron Pritchett, Charlie Major, Deric Ruttan and Dean Brody. She was recognized as one of Ole’s top 8 singer/songwriters during CCMA week in Halifax in September 2015. She also had the privilege to open the MDM Recordings Showcase during CCMA week and has been a featured artist on George Canyon’s ‘ Down East Country’ radio and television program several times.  www.amandarileymusic.com

Bailey MacKinnon January 28, 2017 Glasgow Square Theatre New Glasgow, NS & January 29, 2017 Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Port Hawkesbury, NS

Follow Bailey and her journey on Twitter

Tyler Deveau February 1, 2017 Capitol Theatre Moncton, NB & February 2, 2017 Fredericton Playhouse Fredericton, NB

By the age of two St. George New Brunswick’s Tyler Deveau was singing along to George Strait on the radio. After winning Country 94’s annual talent search in 2013 in Saint John, he is now laying the groundwork to make his dream of being a professional country music artist come true.

This win gave him the resources and opportunities to pursue his music career further, allowing him to fly to Nashville to meet with a top label A and R manager and well as co-write with top songwriters in the business, which have had songs cut by Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Dustin Lynch, and Cole Swindell. tylerdeveau.com

Trinity Bradshaw February 3, 2017 Harbourfront Theatre Summerside, PE & February 4, 2017 King’s Playhouse Georgetown, PE

Trinity should be no stranger to our readers. Trinity Bradshaw became the youngest winner of the Summerside Festival Talent Search in PEI and performed twice at the East Coast Music Awards before moving to Calgary in 2010 where she soon won SUGAR CRISP ‘s national songwriting contest, and the Amp Radio Rock Star contest. She was Alberta’s 2014 representative in the CCMA Spotlight contest, and Winner of the 2014 Boots & Hearts Canadian Emerging Artist Showcase. www.trinitybradshaw.com

Naturally for more details on Brett Kissel and to follow his own journey and see what he’ll follow up his current tour with visit him at www.brettkissel.com

Special thanks to Warner Music Canada for inviting my boys to join me at the show, without a doubt it’ll be something they won’t forget for a very long time.

All photos by Scott Martin Visuals for Sound Check Entertainment

More photos

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Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Abby Stewart at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Brett Kissel at Algonquin Commons – photo credit to Scott Martin Visuals

Ottawa gets loud as Brett Kissel brings Ice Snow and 30 Below to Algonquin It was a Monday night in Ottawa and all through the city not a creature was stirring...except for a sold out crowd at the Algonquin Commons Theatre who packed the house for our favourite Canadian Kid, Brett Kissel and his Ice, Snow and 30 Below tour.