#brynn schuyler

[txemrn]

I squealed when I got this notification... Anyone watching You?

Sidenote: I should totally glean some inspiration from Love Quinn for Brynn Schuyler-Dalton... 🔪

[critical-quoter]

July Books

I had a bit of out-of-town traveling and flying. I would like to attribute this to the amount of books finished, but frankly, my reading speed has no true rhyme or reason. **Also, I've far surpassed my reading goal for the year!**

Throne of Power - Rina Kent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Throne of Vengeance - Rina Kent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Come Back for Me - Corinne Michaels ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Black Ties & White Lies - Kat Singleton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bromantic Puckboy - Eden Finley & Saxon James ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Freed - E. L. James ⭐️⭐️ Sing for Me - Brittany Ann ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hollow Heathens - Nicole Fiorina⭐️ Bridesmaid for Hire - Meghan Quinn ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Queen of the Night - A. N. Stauber & Molly Briar ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Little Slice of Hell - Clio Evans ⭐️⭐️ What I Should Have Done - R. L. Atkinson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rivalry - Lisa Suzanne ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Soulmate Equation - Christina Lauren ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Broken Vows - Catharina Maura ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Home Game - Odette Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Come Break My Heart Again - C. W. Farnsworth ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Accidentally Ours - Erin Hawkins ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Key to the Dark - Alexa Michaels ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Her Soul to Take - Harley Laroux ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Sight of You - Ashley Mack ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Things I Should Have Said - Kelsey Humphreys ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Her Soul for Revenge - Harley Laroux ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Faked - Karla Sorensen ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Mindf*ck Series - S. T. Abby (Audiobook) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One Pucking Love - Ellie Wade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Keeping Her - Angela Snyder ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Saving Him - Angela Snyder ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Reason Why - Lacy Channell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not My Coach - Pru Schuyler ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ready for You - Samantha Leigh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Morally Corrupt - Veronica Lancet ⭐️ Forget Me Not - Karissa Kinword ⭐️⭐️ In the Light of Sin - Juniper Nye ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Scoring Chance - Teagan Hunter ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lord of Bones - Aiden Pierce & R. K. Pierce ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Watching Ames - R. Handler ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Scandalous - L. J. Shen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Pucking Wrong Man - C. R. Jane ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Flawless - Elsie Silver (Audiobook) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stolen Heir - Sophie Lark ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Butcher & Blackbird - Brynne Weaver (Audiobook) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chalet Love in Alaska - Ellyne ⭐️⭐️ Skin of a Sinner - Avina St. Graves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heartless - Elsie Silver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tailgates and Twist of Fate - Haley Rhoades ⭐️⭐️ Irresistible - Willow Aster ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dom - S. J. Tilly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shattered Veil - Deborah Garland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ King of Sloth - Ana Huang ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fallen Star - Heather Ashley ⭐️ Mile High - Liz Tomforde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leather & Lark - Brynne Weaver (Audiobook) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Hit - Julie Weaver ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Holdout - Jacqueline Snowe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Comeback Pact - E. M. Moore ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

61 books total books read for July 2024

[moodmusicmonday]

Luck of the Draw 2023 MASTERLIST

It's HERE! It's finally here, and we are THRILLED to share this Masterlist! Our fandom is so creative, and we know, this is just a fraction of the talent we possess. To our creators: Y'ALL ARE AMAZING! These turned out so incredibly good, and we can't thank you enough for participating in this year's event! We love each of you dearly!

Please check out the playlist of submitted songs, and don't forget to check out the submissions below the cut! There is something there for EVERYONE... seriously! And when you check these out, support these creators! Leave them a like or a message of encouragement! It would mean the world to them!

*We are waiting on just a couple of more submissions. We will add you on when we receive your submission.

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📚📖 Fanfics & Poetry 📖📚

Almost submitted by @socalwriterbee

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tessa Martinez)

"Unfinished Business (acoustic)" by Neriah, JC Stewart

Always Lover submitted by @peonyblossom

America's Most Eligible; Carson Stewart x f!MC (Juliet James)

"Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzie

The Commoner's Wife, Chapter 6: Three Blind Mice; submitted by @dcbbw

The Royal Romance/Heir; Liam Rys x f!MC (Riley), Drake Walker x f!MC (Riley)

"Just Say When" by Nothing More

Falling For You submitted by @queenrileyrose

The Royal Romance; MC (Riley) x ??? (former); Liam Rys x MC (Riley)

"Freaking My Out" by Ava Max

If Only I Could submitted by @cariantha

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Sawyer Brooks)

"The Enemy" by Andrew Belle

Right by Your Side submitted by @alj4890

The Royal Romance; Maxwell Beaumont x MC (Riley)

"Runaway" by P!nk

Somewhere Else submitted by @txemrn

The Nanny Affair; m!Sam Dalton x MC (Brynn Schuyler); m!Robin Flores x MC (Brynn Schuyler)

"Paris" by Taylor Swift

WTD Drabble submitted by @lilyoffandoms

Wake the Dead; Troy Hassan x m!MC (Saeed)

"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

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🖌🎨 Moodboards & Edits 🎨🖌

If Only... submitted by @twinkleallnight

The Royal Romance; Liam Rys & Queen Eleanor

"Hollow as a Bone" - Cowboy Junkies

"Moral of the Story" by Ashe submitted by @tessa-liam

Rules of Engagement

Viva Las Vegas submitted by @peonierose

Open Heart; Soraya Auclair (F!OC) x Meilani Leahi (F!OC)

"More Than Words" by Extreme

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[txemrn]

Victoria Pedretti 🥰🥰🥰

aka my precious Brynn Schuyler-Dalton

shamelessly tagging @kat-tia801 and @ao719 because, uh, duh. You.

LOVE QUINN You, Season 3

[weknowthend]

Dreamcast for Six on Broadway

one last one for tonight <3

Bonnie Milligan as Catherine of Aragon

Credits: Head Over Heels (Pamela), Kimberly Akimbo (Debra)

Isabelle (Izzy) McCalla as Anne Boleyn

Credits: The Prom (Alyssa Greene), Aladdin (Jasmine), Hercules (Meg)

Deanna Giulietti as Jane Seymour

Credits: Heathers (Heather Duke), The Bodyguard (Ensemble)

Oyoyo Joi as Anna of Cleves

Credits: Moulin Rouge (Alt. Satine), MJ The Musical (Swing)

Ashley De La Rosa as Katherine Howard

Credits: Mean Girls (Standby for Regina George & Gretchen Wieners), Hamilton (Peggy/Maria), Rent (Swing, U/S Mimi & Joanne)

Taylor Iman Jones as Catherine Parr

Credits: Head Over Heels (Mopsa), Hamilton (Peggy/Maria), The Devil Wears Prada (Andy Sachs)

Brynn Williams as Alt. Aragon/Boleyn/Cleves

Credits: 13 the Musical (Cassie), Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula Merkel), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Violet Beauregarde)

Loren Lott as Alt. Boleyn/Howard/Parr

Credits: Once On This Island (TiMoune), Motown the Musical (Ensemble)

Jisel Soleil Ayon as Alt. Aragon/Seymour/Cleves

Credits: Hamilton (Standby for All 3 Schuyler Sisters), Waitress (Jenna Hunterson)

Renee Rapp as Alt. Seymour/Howard/Parr

Credits: Mean Girls (Regina George), The Sex Lives of College Girls (Leighton Murray)

[purplesurveys]

628

Have a name survey because these are always fun.

Boys

A Andrew vs. Aaron Alan vs. Alexander Aiden vs. Adam B Brennan vs. Brayden: Both of these are awful but I guess I gotta pick. Brandon vs. Braxton Bentley vs. Brimley C Cayden vs. Camden: Again, both equally cringey for me. Cole vs. Cameron Cade vs. Chandler: Chandler is a cute name for a girl, but I have a bias for Chandler Bing too hahaha. D Denver vs. Dallas Deklan vs. Dylan: I prefer the spelling Declan, though. Also, I technically like Dylan just a little bit more and would have picked it, but I like it for a girl. My sister had a classmate named Dylan and it sounded really good on her. David vs. Dennis E Ethan vs. Ezra Eitan vs. Elijah Emmanuel vs. Eden: Again, I prefer the name Eden for girls.

F Fabio vs. Ferdinand: I very hesitatingly picked Fabio hence the italics, but I very much dislike both. This is also what I’ll be doing for the rest of the names on here. Finnegan vs. Finley Fernando vs. Frankie: For the millionth time, Frankie is cute for a girl (this is where y’all really see that I prefer daughters more HAHAHA), and this is also because there’s a local singer named Frankie that I really admire.  G Gavin vs. Gus Gumby vs. Gerrick George vs. Grant H Harper vs. Harley Hayden vs. Henry Harlow vs. Hank I Ian vs. Ivan Indigo vs. Iris: Can I just say these are both better off as girl names? Indiana vs. Iris: And these, too?

J John vs. Jericho Jacob vs. Jameson Jasper vs. Jedidiah K Kayden vs. Koa Kent vs. Kyle Kevin vs. Konner: I prefer the spelling Connor, though. L Lars vs. Liam Levi vs. Lance Lester vs. Lorenzo M Michael vs. Matthew Maverick vs. Mason Madison vs. Micah N Nolan vs. Nathan Niko vs. Nathaniel Nicholas vs. Nate: I honestly like both. I can go with naming a son Nicholas then giving them Nate as a nickname. O Ocean vs. Oscar: I hate nature names and Oscar screams old-guy-name to me. Sorry to all the Oscars :( Orville vs. Otis Otto vs. October P Patrick vs. Percy Preston vs. Paisley Parker vs. Passion Q Quincy vs. Quinn Quada vs. Quinten Quailen vs Quidditch R Raven vs. Riley Rowan vs. Rod Ray vs. Roy: I have a bit of a sentimental attachment to Roy cos it’s an occasional nickname Gab’s dad uses. S Skylar vs. Scott: Only because a high school classmate named her kid Schuyler and that baby is seriously adorable, bubbly, and well-behaved. Storm vs. Steven Sorin vs. Solomon T Trevor vs. Travis Todd vs. Taylor Taytum vs. Tanner U Ulysses vs. Uman Umbo vs. Uno Utah vs. Usher: I dislike most geographic names, but I’d rather I name my baby Utah then have them be sang sex-themed songs by Usher by meaner kids throughout their childhood lmao.   V Vance vs. Vincent Vern vs. Vayde Vernon vs. Vayden W Walter vs. Wyatt Wade vs. Winter Wallace vs. Whisper X Xenon vs. Xayden: I really wanted to pick one name for each question, but being stuck between a chemical element and a name ending in -den is an easy no to both for me. Xayler vs. Xavier Xandon vs. Xennan Y Yvonne vs. Yonder: These names are getting more awful now that we’re ending dude, lmao. Yuletide vs. Yasser Yancy vs. Yancer Z Zeeland vs. Zayden Zion vs. Zenon Zander vs. Zenner

Girls

A Acacia vs. Alexa Aurora vs. Annalise Avonna vs. Alessandra B Brogan vs. Brooklyn Bianca vs. Brigitta Bailey vs. Brynn C Carlotta vs. Christine Cheyenne vs. Cescily Cecilia vs. Cassidy D Diedra (pronounced Dee-ay-druh) vs. Delilah: But I prefer the spelling Deirdre. Devia vs. Daytona Dakota vs. Darcy E Evonna vs. Eliana Emerald vs. Evangeline Eden vs. Eliza F Felicity vs. Fiona Faith vs. Faye: Both have always been on my blacklist for girl’s names, sorry lol. Flavia (pronoucned Flah-wee-uh) vs. Flora G Grace vs. Gretchen Genesis vs. Galaxy: Please don’t make these names happen. Gabriella vs. Greta: I love both names and have always liked the name Greta because of Greta Garbo, but I’m obviously biased towards my girlfriend so Gabriela/Gabriella it is. H Harper vs. Hope Holly vs. Hailee Harmony vs. Harvest: Again, both cringe material but I guess Harmony makes me cringe juuuuuuust a little less. I Imogene vs. Ivy Isabella vs. Iris Irene vs. Ingrid J Jessica vs. Jacinda Jade vs. Juniper: Juniper would be cute if a baby can stay a baby forever lmao, but I’m generally not a fan. Joanna vs. Joy: But I like the spelling Johanna more. K Kaleidoscope (Kallie for short) vs. Kaylee: Can I just pick the nickname? I hate the other two options :(( Kennedy vs. Kendall: I’d pick both, but thinking as a future mom, I wouldn’t want my daughter to be mercilessly teased for being given a name that’s usually understood to be more masculine in nature. I know we’re all about breaking stereotypes and all, but y’all – realistically, kids can be pretty fucking cruel. Katelyn vs. Katrina L Lacey vs. Linsey Lynnea (proncounced Lynn-ay-uh) vs. Liberty Lara vs. Lola M Morgan vs. Madison Mackenzie vs. Miranda Marissa vs. Monica N Nora vs. Natalie Nevaeh (pronounced Nev-ay-uh) vs. Nicole Niki vs. Noelle O Ophelia vs. Ocean: Only picking Ophelia because I’m generally not a fan of nature names, but there are a lot more better options if I wanted to name my kid after Shakespeare plays, like Beatrice or Emilia. Olivia vs. Onna Opal vs. October: Was never a fan of gemstone names, and there are much better month names than October. P Passion vs. Primrose: I feel the same way for Primrose as I do with Juniper. Mostly cute with babies, but is less cuter on grown-up girls. Penelope vs. Pixie Pandora vs. Palace Q Quintessa vs. Quincy Quaila vs. Quilala (Kwi--lah-lah) Queen vs. Quiencia (Kwee-ence-ee-uh) R Reyna vs. Riley Rosanna vs. Rosemary Rhonda vs. Rodica (Roe-dee-kuh) S Skylar vs. Skye Serena vs. Simone Shailey vs. Sienna T Tessa vs. Taylor Tia vs. Tiana Taytum vs. Trixie: Tatum would be a better spelling. U Una vs. Uta Ulyssia (You-liss-ee-uh) vs. Umba Ula vs. Ursula: Only because it can be a Friends reference lol. V Violet vs. Vylette Veronica vs. Victoria Valencia vs. Valerie W Wynona vs. Whitney: Winona > Wynona, but still. Wynter vs. Whisper Willow vs. Wanda X Xaila vs. Xara Xana vs. Xenon Xavier vs. Xena Y Yasmin vs. Yvonne Yvette vs Yolanda Yori vs. Yaya Z Zayara vs. Zion Zayana vs. Zoey Zen vs. Zara

Final questions!

Your name (first and middle): Robyn Isabelle.Do you like it?I hated the name Robyn throughout my childhood because I always got teased about it. When I got to college and everyone just kinda matured and told me they liked the way my name flowed, I ended up warming up to and loving it.What your parents almost named you:I was almost named Ariel after the Disney princess, and I know my parents were also thinking of naming me Katrina/Katherine/Kaitlyn.Your favorite girl's name (first and middle):Olivia. I don’t have a pick for middle name yet.List five unique names of girls you have met:Shauna, Shontrice, Unila, Ciamae, Rheezan.List five girl's names you don't like:I mostly dislike in-your-face weather/nature names like Winter, Snow, Amethyst, Cloud, Gaia, or Daffodill. But some, like Cheyenne, Rose, and Luna are super cute, too.List five girls name you really like:I’ve done this like 10 times on 10 different surveys but I like names such as Olivia, Elizabeth, Mia, Ava, and Isabella.Your first best friend's name:Kaye.Your siblings names:Nope.The name of the first pet that you loved:Tobi, my pet rabbit.What you would be named if you were the opposite gender:I’ve never asked my parents about this, actually. They’d probably go with a Spanish/Hispanic name, seeing as they went with Joaquin for my brother but were also thinking of naming him Diego.

[txemrn]

Winter OTP asks for Sam x Brynn: 2, 7, 16, 19, 21 ⛄

Hey, sweet fraaaaaaaan! Thanks for jumpin' in and asking about my favorite dysfunctional couple! 🤣🖤

2-- Who listens to Christmas music way too early?

Okay, I know this is about the couples... but this needs to be said: Carter would have them all beat. LOL, I see them piling into the car one day, and he has like low-key decorated the interior with wreaths and fairy lights. But between S&B? Brynn, although Sam doesn't protest it (does he ever?).

7-- Who wraps the presents?

Brynn; she enlists the help of the boys when she's wrapping Sam's gifts because of their... *ahem* creativity (and they might throw in a prank or two)

16-- Who picks out matching ugly sweaters?

Sam (you probably thought I was going to say, "Brynn", huh?); this is purely from from canon; not only does Sam rock some ugly sweaters, but he's really good at picking out ugly clothes for Brynn with the boys (and then we pay diamonds for them)

19-- Who wants a kiss under the mistletoe?

Truth be told, if Robin is there, they won't be able to get under the mistletoe because he'll just be waiting there... *ahem* excuse me... +🔥 Desire

21-- Who is bad at ice skating and keeps falling on their butt?

Brynn; if she doesn't have Sam right there to hold onto, she's meeting the ice (per canon, and she never got better lol)

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Thanks again, lovely! 🖤

[txemrn]

Somewhere Else

Book: The Nanny Affair, Book 3

Word Count: ~4730 (I haven't written TNA in a loooong time... I had a lot to say)

Song Inspo: "Paris" by Taylor Swift

Summary: Brynn (MC) reminisces about her whirlwind of a wedding day that was filled with jitters and professions of love.

Warning: a little language; fluff; bits of angst

AN: This is my submission for @moodmusicmonday's the Luck of the Draw! I'm not exactly a Swiftie, but this was so much fun, gleaning inspo from a song I otherwise would never have known! Thank you to whoever sent it, and to my amazing counter-part @sfb123 (who... I don't know if y'all know this, but she has been running MMM for most--if not all--of 2023): thank you for hosting this event, sister! You did a GREAT job!

A/N 2: These characters, some of the plot and even some of the dialogue belong to our friends at Pixelberry! Not truly preread or beta'd, so please excuse my errors!

~🖤~

Present

"... tonight on ET, we have the wedding exclusive of billionaire bachelor Samuel Dalton and his nanny-turned-fiancée Brynn Schuyler–"

The glow of the screen flickers to black before hosting a new picture.

"... I'm here with the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Dalton. Seeing your son at the altar like that, tell us –"

 The soft click of a button changes to another channel.

"...the two are pictured here before they scurried off to an undisclosed location, some believe they are still here in Mexico–"

He turns off the television before tossing the remote onto the coffee table in our suite.  He pulls his phone out of his pocket, running an anxious hand through his thick, chestnut waves. No doubt, he's staring at dozens of missed calls and unanswered texts. 

I don't know if it was the turning of the bathroom doorknob, or if he could hear my nervous, labored breathing, but he abruptly stops, dropping his phone as he fixes his hungry gaze to me. A crooked smile forms as he devours me with his dark eyes, the flecks of copper reflecting in the candlelight.

Butterflies evade my belly as I stand before him, wearing nothing but the white shirt from his tux. I fidget with the cuffs of the long sleeves as they keep falling past my hands. I can feel him watching my body, an innocent awe etching across his face.

"I hope you don't mind me borrowing your shirt." I blush, averting my eyes as the oversized cotton material slouches off of my sunkissed shoulder, exposing my bare skin.  "I don't exactly have anything else–"

"It's perfect," he croons softly. He stalks closer to me, his hands finding mine. "You really think I wanted to see you a moment longer in that dress?" He chuckles, the warmth in his tone exhilarating my senses.

We fall into a comfortable silence, our eyes locked on one another. 

We're finally here.

Him. And me. Forever.

------

Earlier that day

“...So as I look to our… to our–” I pause from my neurotic pacing, glancing down at my notes before quickly darting my eyes away once again.  I wrote my wedding vows weeks ago, and had no problem memorizing them. But something about today… something is freaking me out.

“So as I look to our future, I vow to… I vow to, um… Damnit!”  I hold up my vows again, but with my clumsy, nervous fingers, I accidentally drop the index cards. “Shit! Shit!”  I try to catch them as each one floats into various directions all over the floor, some of them finding their way underneath the furniture of my bridal dressing room suite.  With a heavy sigh, I crawl on my knees, attempting to reach the ones that fell under the coffee table. 

“Happy wedding day–!”

I jump.  The sudden chirp of my best friend's voice causes the back of my skull to meet the glass table with an abrupt thud followed by a tearful groan. "Ow!"  I fall forward, my face finding the ornate rug as my fingers shield my now-aching head.

"Brynn!" Jenny panics, seeing my body now splayed on the floor. Aditya helps me up, assisting me to a nearby chaise lounge.  Marisol fills a tea towel with ice before applying it to the back of my head with care. Jenny plops down next to me, biting her nail in worry. "What were you doing down there?"

I force a cordial smile, holding up a single note card. "Vows," I mutter, the small gesture making me wince from the surge of pain.

"Ahh! Your vows!" Jenny squeals at a higher decibel than normal. "You're finally a blushing bride!  Can you believe it?"

"I… I can't believe it." My eyes widen in shock. I'm trying to match my best friend's enthusiasm, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm missing the bride gene. You know; the one that makes you giggle like a schoolgirl  at even the dumbest jokes and cry happy, pretty tears at everything bridal.

 Me? I think I'm about to hurl.

Jenny grabs my hand, admiring my engagement ring yet again.  I blame her pregnancy hormones, and her desire to be locked down with someone.  No doubt, she'd prefer Aditya, but at this point, I think she'll take anyone.

"Mrs. Samuel J. Dalton," Jenny singsongs, letting go of my fingers. She clasps her hands dreamily with a far-off daze in her bronze eyes.

I stare back down at the heavy rock on my finger, my arm growing fatigue under its weight. The glint from the sun catches the cut diamond just right, casting blinding fractals in my eyes. I hiss from the abrupt intrusion of bright light to my vision.

Mrs. Samuel J. Dalton, I repeat to myself.  "I'm… I'm getting married," I state matter-of-factly as a catch my reflection in the floor-length mirror. "I'm… getting…" my voice becomes softer, more hoarse as I stand to look closer at myself. "I'm marrying Sam Dalton…" I can't seem to catch my breath as I watch my bridal party pop open a bottle of chilled champagne–and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. My voice grows louder, anxious. And terrified. "I'm marrying Sam Dalton… today!"

"Yes!" Jenny celebrates passing me a flute, "isn't this awesome?" She cheers with my glass before I watch the others lift their drinks in my honor. And everyone seems to freeze, staring at me to say something. 

Truth is… I have no words. Oh God, what is happening?

"It's… awesome," I choke out, hoping my bright smile will convince them. And convince me. I quickly down the entire glass.

“I’m so excited for you and Sam," Jenny continues to gloat.

"Me and Sam." I take a deep cleansing breath. Right. Eye on the prize, Brynn. Me and Sam. It's just you and Sam. It's just you… and…

“So how’re you holding up?" Marisol takes a seat on a couch, crossing her legs nonchalantly. "I remember I was an absolute wreck at my wedding. Any pre-wedding jitters?”

Jenny chuckles, waving her hand in the air as if the mention of nerves is preposterous. "Jitters? This gal has been dreaming about this day since she met the hottie."

Aditya snickers. He saunters up close to Jenny, wrapping his arms around her waist before taking a sip of his bubbly drink.

I glance around the room, everyone's attention stuck on me. Damnit, I know I'm the bride and today is about me.  But does everyone have to be staring at me like that, like I've given them a new hope in love, that love does conquer all, that Sam and I are their new favorite fairy tale? 

"Right, Brynn?" Jenny prompts when I stay silent, nodding her head.

“I… feel like I’ve never been more ready for anything." I take a deep cleansing breath before curling my lips into a bright grin.  "No jitters. No doubts.”

Jenny claps her hands, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Then let’s get you to the altar–starting with your dress!”

The dress… my wedding dress… right…

------

Present

My cell phone rings, the chime breaking us both from the haze of the day.  I had put it on Do Not Disturb when we left the ceremony, save for a few numbers. I had a sneaking suspicion of who it was.

And I don't care.

He smirks, nodding over his shoulder. "You gonna get that?"

I step forward, sliding my hands up the firm planes of his chest until I intertwine my fingers behind his neck. I shake my head. "Nothing could be more important than being here with you, being us."

Slipping his arms around my waist, he tenderly presses his forehead to mine. He nuzzles his nose flesh to my skin, eliciting a soft moan from my lips. His mouth is a breath away from discovering my own… when my phone rings again.

He smirks, chuckling at the annoyance and slightly pulling away.

"Damnit," I mutter.

He kisses my temple. "Go ahead," he encourages, "it'll be like ripping off a band-aid." He teasingly spanks my ass.  "And then I'll kiss it and make it better."

“Promise?” I snicker, enjoying his hands on me, but reality quickly sets in. My eyes flutter close as my heart begins to pound like a drum in my chest. Just face the music… 

I walk over to grab my phone, peering at the screen.  I cinch my eyes closed again before swiping to answer the call.

"Hey–"

"Oh, thank God!" Jenny shouts through my speaker. "When you weren't answering, I just assumed the worst–"

"Jenny, I–"

"You guys just left," she nervously titters, "no goodbyes or anything. We went to your room, and–"

"Listen, I can't stay long. But everything is okay. Better, actually. And we're safe. We found another place to stay... You know? Get away from the chaos and the press." I chew on the inside of my mouth. "Can you… tell Moma that?"

"Yeah, of course, but Brynny… are you–"

"Jenny, stop. I promise, I will tell you everything when we get back from our trip. Okay?"  My best friend doesn't respond right away, and I'm not sure if my answers satisfy her genuine curiosity.

"I… I just want to make sure you're happy."

I look at the beautiful man sitting on the edge of the bed, resting his elbows on his knees. And suddenly, I am overwhelmed with feelings of joy as I see our future play out in front of me. With our kids. The business. With each other. And it all finally seems so perfectly clear.

"Jen," my eyes sting with pricks of tears, "I've never been happier."

------

Earlier that day…

"Brynn! Brynn!"

Startled, I spin around to see my favorite boys bounding around the foyer. "Whoa, whoa, you guys–" They crash into my arms as I bend down to catch them. I pepper kisses into their handsome curls, breathing in their scent that always feels like home. Gosh, my boys… 

Mickey stands tall with his arms behind his back. “Miss Naya told us to give you this!” He pulls out my bouquet of fresh roses, a bountiful collection of gorgeous creams and soft pale pinks. "Tada!"

My breath hitches, taken aback by how absolutely dreamy everything has turned out. This wedding… it… it's really happening. I take the bouquet, the sweet floral notes dancing around me before I turn to look at two pairs of glittering eyes. 

"It's almost as pretty as you, Brynn," Mason pushes his glasses up his nose.

"Just like a princess," Mickey chimes in.

“You two look pretty sharp yourselves,” I wink, adjusting Mason’s bowtie before fixing a wayward curl behind Mickey’s ear. "Do you have the rings like we practiced?"

The twins nod their heads in unison, pulling out the velvet boxes. "I promise we won't drop them," Mickey flashes a worried glance.

"Baby," I cup his freckled cheek, "you're going to do just fine." I place my hand on Mason's shoulder. "Both of you."

"Do we have to call you 'Mom' after you marry Dad?" Mason innocently questions.

Mom. The word hits like a brick in the pit of my stomach. I'm going to be someone's mother… not just one person, but I'm going to be a mother of two… 

And this is no surprise to me. Afterall, Mickey and Mason are the entire reason I even met this family. I've only known the Daltons for less than a year, and yet, I have been one of the only mother figures in their young lives. When I agreed to marry Sam, it was a package deal.

God, I love them so much. They have given me so much joy, even on days I didn't think I was going to make it. Between the incessant fights and the scandals, these two precious boys have seen me and loved me for me. They were my family long before… well, long before Sam and me…

I can't imagine living a day without a joke or a prank from those two… but being their actual mother? Making sure these two boys grow into successful men? 

"Well?" Mickey prompts for an answer to his brother's question.

I pull them both into a tight hug. "You two can call me whatever you want. The most important thing you need to know is I will always be here for you two."

"And Dad," Mickey teases, grinning.

"Right, Brynn?" Mason tugs on my elbow.

"Miss Schuyler," a deep, familiar voice resonates through the waiting area, tearing me from my conversation with the boys. "You are absolutely ravishing, my dear."

"Oh, Mr. Carter, you old dog," I blush as the tall, older gentleman dressed in a neatly pressed tux approaches us. I embrace him tightly as he gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek. 

"Well, let me take a look at you," he gleefully laughs, taking me by the hand. He twirls me in a circle, the skirt of my dress flouncing out like a dream.  Carter playfully whistles. "Enchanting," he grins, his gray eyes twinkling as his voice grows softer. "You remind me so much of my Evelyn on our wedding day." 

My eyes glisten at the mention of his wife. Unfortunately, she couldn't be with us today. Carter says that she has her 'good days and bad days,' I sense the latter outweighs the former, but still the way he speaks of his wife of forty years is precious, the envy of my dreams and future. 

I offer him a kind smile, trying to blink back the tears, but I can feel my face begin to flush. 

Suddenly, the gentle crescendo of music coming from the chapel notifies us that it's time for the ceremony to start. Carter and I give the boys one more glance, reminding them to walk slowly and to smile. Mickey and Mason hear their cue, and just like we rehearsed, they begin their trek to the altar.

And now... I'm next.

Carter begins to leave to sneak back into his seat, but I grab him by his arm.  I start to fidget with the boutonnière on his lapels. "Mr. Carter, I… I… did you maybe… I don't know–"

He takes my hands in his, calming my trembling fingers. "Miss Schuyler, take a deep breath."

I follow his directions, taking a deep gulp of air. "Jitters, right?" I exhale, fanning myself with my hand. "Perfectly normal, right?"

Carter kindly nods, guiding me slowly to the entrance. "When you step in there, find Mr. Dalton's eyes, and you stay focused on them. That's what helped on our wedding day."

"So you were nervous, too?" I glance down the aisle, noticing the twins are halfway to their spots. I quickly step back, my eyes fluttering closed. "And that helped you?"

He curls his lips endearingly. "It helped Evelyn."

"Really?" My eyes widen. "How?

He smirks as he recalls the memory. "We came from different families, you know? And because of that, she was terrified on what was supposed to be the best day of our lives. Seeking the approval of her parents, her family, even some of her friends… It was a lot of pressure on her."

"Gosh, that must've been hard."

"It was," he nods, "but, she said that on that day, she found my eyes… and they said everything that she needed to know."

My heart swoons at the thought. "She saw the love in your eyes?"

Carter coyly shakes his head.  He must see my confusion because he gives a deep, hearty laugh. "You are a treasure, Miss Schuyler, just like my Evelyn. A man that loves you will look at you as such, not with greed over what he's getting… but with fear because he sees how much he has to lose; he realizes he would be wrecked, completely devastated without you."

An overwhelming sense of calm washes over me. 

Find his eyes…

You are a treasure…

He sees how much he has to lose…

I squeeze Carter's hands, pulling him into one last embrace. "Thank you so much," my voice hitches. 

He nods affectionately. "You feel ready?" He helps me adjust my veil.

"Almost." I bite my lip, stifling a mischievous grin. "Mr. Carter, do you mind… walking me down the aisle?"

The most handsome smile sweeps across his face as he buttons the jacket of his tux. With his eyes glittering down at me, he offers me his arm. "It would be my honor."

------

Present

"Is everyone freaking out?" He chuckles, extending his arm for me to take his hand. 

I end the call, tossing my phone across the room.  "I… don't care," I snicker. "Probably." Slipping my fingers into his palm, he pulls me to his side, my body crashing into him.  We both tumble back onto the bed, our grunts turning into boisterous laughter, filling our room.

As our bellies begin to ache and we quiet down, I roll off of him, laying down next to him.  We stare at the ceiling, falling into a comfortable silence… that is until I notice him pointing at the textured surface above us.

"What are you doing?"

He chuckles. "When I was little, I used to dream of traveling the world. I tried using my grandpa's old world atlas to map out the perfect trip, and…" He titters, shaking his head with embarrassment, "I can't believe I'm telling you this."

"No," I roll onto my side, resting my hand on his chest. "I love it–I love this." I kiss his shoulder. "Keep going."

He rests his hand on mine, softly drawing circles with his thumb. "We had old popcorn ceilings," he chuckles, "kinda like this textured stuff, and so… I'd imagine it was my own world map. And at night, I would plan my–" he deepens his voice like the narrator of a movie trailer, "--international escape."

"Ooooo, show me, James Bond."

I start to giggle as he takes my hand in the air with his, his fingers curling around mine to extend my pointer finger. "Well, over here is us right now in Puerto Vallarta… and…" he moves our hands together, "up here is New York." He starts to blush, shrugging his shoulders.

"How about–" I guide our fingers to another spot, "--London?"

He chuckles. "I'll pack my knickers," he jokes in a British accent.

"And then Paris," I move our hands again.

"Oui oui, mon chéri," he jokes in his poor attempt to sound French, making me bust out into more titters. He guides us once more. "How about Venice?" He points to another area on the ceiling, his voice growing softer. "Or Athens? Or Bali? Hong Kong?"

I brush my nose against his stubbled cheek, whispering in his ear. "And then where?"

He turns towards me, the warmth of his chocolate gaze fluttering to my hungry lips as he places my hand back on his chest. "To the moon and stars?" The air around us begins to crackle, the electricity igniting our nerves as I feel my heart begin to race. I bite my lip, feeling a rosy swirl dance across my cheeks. "Anywhere. Somewhere else. With you."

I can feel his heartbeat thrum hard against my fingertips, the excitement feeding my desire for him.

I love him.

His large hand intimately caresses mine… but then he stops, looking down at my fingers. Feeling the abrupt disconnect, I follow his gaze and quickly notice he's fidgeting with something. 

My ring.

------

Earlier that day…

I thought I knew what I wanted for my wedding day, but in this very moment as Pachelbel's Canon in D romantically announces my arrival, I am overcome with so much emotion as I look around the room. This is everything I ever wanted: to be surrounded by love. My breath shutters as I try to blink away my tears. This… this is absolutely perfect. 

Carter pats my hand gripping tightly to his arm as he walks me graciously down the aisle.  "There he is," he whispers to me, "look at him."

Sam. He's as handsome as ever in his gray suit and petal pink tie. His eyes twinkle, roaming my body as I draw closer to the altar. He offers me that charming Dalton smile, and everything seems to fade away.

It's just you and me, baby… Finally… after everything you put me through– I mean--that we've gone through…

I can do this... I can do this... I can–

Without warning, Sam gradually turns towards his groomsmen. One of his old fraternity brother's has made some kind of comment, causing some of them to crack up. During my procession.

Sam seems to be responding to the joke or comment. He subtly leans over, but after a few seconds, some of the men snicker, covering their faces and Sam chuckles into his fist, feigning a coughing fit.

It's fine, I tell myself.

Getting himself under control, Sam looks back to me with a mischievous glint in his eye before winking at me.

It was just a joke– an inside joke perhaps. Probably to help with his own nerves. It--it's fine. Everything is fine.

Just… stay with me, Sam. Please stay. I need to see your–

The twins lean up against their dad as he rests his hands on their shoulders. Together, they all watch me with doting glances… that is until one of the velvet boxes accidentally falls out of Mickey’s pocket.  In a panic, he bends over to grab the small package, carelessly backing into his brother Mason, knocking off his glasses.

Giving me a crooked smile and shrugging his shoulders, Sam takes a knee to help the boys out, causing endearing chuckles from the audience.

Those two rascals…

I begin to admire my little mess of a family-to-be… until the small hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My pulse, without explanation, begins to race as a bead of sweat courses down the slope of my back.

Something doesn't feel right.

I can't help, but feel… as crazy as it sounds, like there's another pair of eyes on me. Of course, I realize I have over two-hundred guests watching me as I finish my march down the aisle, but this? This isn't the same. This stare… it's different. It's piercing, and intimate. And I feel… seen. Exposed. Preyed.

Looking behind Sam's crouched physique, a pair of deep, chestnut eyes feast on my every move. But rather than being filled with adoration or even his typical lust, there's a hint of sadness in them, as if they're watching a funeral procession rather than a wedding.

And for the first time today, my heart flutters as a fire kindles in my belly.

I make it to the altar, Carter placing my petite hand in my groom's grasp. I can feel the desire in Sam's eyes wandering across my body.  He gives my fingers a squeeze, giving me another adoring wink… but I can't stop looking at him.

Focus, Brynn. Just focus…

Naya gives us a cordial smile before taking the microphone to begin. "Dearly beloved friends and family, we've gathered here today…"

It's no use. I can feel the bile rise in the back of my throat as the room begins to spin. Is it getting hot in here? Or are there just too many people?

As Naya continues, I look back to those haunting eyes, that look of betrayal, that look of devastation… and Carter's words begin to replay in my mind. 'A man that loves you will look at you… with fear because he sees how much he has to lose; he realizes he would be wrecked… without you."

Oh my God… I never noticed this before but… he loves me.

"... speak now," Naya bellows, "or... forever hold your–"

"Wait!" Fuck! What did I just do? The entire congregation starts to quietly murmur amongst one another. Sam clears his throat, his eyebrows furrowing as he adjusts his collar. "I–I'm sorry to interrupt, but… I just… I have a question, and I…" I sigh. "I can't do this–I can't get married unless… I need the answer."

A hush falls over the room, concerned looks are glued on me.

I should just shut up, and go along with this. Isn't that what I've been doing for the past several months anyway with the promise of a happily ever after? Does fairy tale magically happen after we say, 'I do?'

No. In my heart, I know this is the right thing to do. For me.

"Robin?" More whispers erupt behind me as Sam turns back to look at his best man, a pained confusion etching on his handsome features.  "Several weeks ago, we pretended to be the wait staff in a restaurant… to, uh… witness a date." Sam raises an eyebrow, looking between Robin and me. "I asked you a question at the beginning of the night. Do you… do you remember my question?"  

Robin coyly pushes his fists into his slacks, nodding his head. He exhales heavily, his nose rosy pink with unshed emotion.

My vision blurs as hot streams pour down my cheeks, but my attention doesn't leave Robin. "You… you answered, 'Sure. Sometimes…'"  A lump forms in my throat, my timbre growing hoarse. "Tell me, Robin… if I asked you that same question right now, what–what would your answer be?" I choke out a sob, wiping my face with the back of my hands.

He just stares at me. Lost. Dumbfounded. Embarrassed.

I know this wasn't exactly the most opportune time to talk about this, but I also knew this would be our last time to talk about it. Damnit, maybe I was wrong. Carter was wrong. My jitters and my awful gut feeling… wrong.

I look at Sam, his jaw ticking in anger. And he has every right to be. I've made a fool of him, of us. 

But I could've sworn I saw something…

"Sorry, everyone," Sam kindly addresses the audience, "we have a case of the wedding day jitters." He fakes a bright smile, the crowd tittering and cooing. At me. Like I'm a joke. Again. Sam takes my hand, but he refuses to even look at me now. 

Will he ever take me seriously? I... I don't want to get married like this.

Sam clears his throat, nodding to Naya to continue. "Let's try this again," she chuckles, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of–"

"I lied," Robin blurts out, inviting the chaos to continue amongst the guests.  He steps forward, pushing himself in front of Sam. "Brynn, you asked me if I ever thought about us–" Gasps and whispers crescendo in the room as Robin takes my hands into his. "And I told you… what I thought you wanted to hear. I mean, for Christ's sake, you swore you were in love with..." The corner of his mouth curls, his eyes bearing it all before me. "I knew better," he mumbles, falling into nervous titters, squeezing tightly to my fingers. "The truth is… Brynn Schuyler... Hell, of course, I think about us. All of the time. I dream of you as my bride. As my wife. As the mother to my children… I've never stopped thinking about us since the moment I first met you–" 

Screams erupt as family members and friends jump to their feet. Naya attempts to holler through her microphone to restore order, but it's too late. Our guests that have come to attend a beautiful, romantic wedding have turned into an ugly, angry mob.

I get lost in the shuffle, unable to recognize anyone around me. My name is being screamed in several directions by several different voices, but it's no use. Terrified, I glance around, looking for a way to safety as everything crumbles around me.

Suddenly, a large hand grabs mine, pulling me through the vocal crowd. As we finally make it to the back of the sanctuary, his lips graze my ear. "Do you trust me?"

A rush of exhilaration floods my veins as my natural smile returns. Are you kidding me? With all my heart.

I nod.

"Don't look back, baby," he chuckles, tucking my arm under his. "Run!"

------

Present

"Do you mind, Miss Schuyler?" He smirks, grabbing my engagement ring on my hand.

I roll my lips, trying to hide my smile as I tilt my head side-to-side. "Not at all, Mr. Flores. Please."

Robin slips the jewelry off of my finger before pressing his lips to my now bare knuckle. It was so simple, yet the gesture so intimate; I was finally free. 

This man…

Pulling me into his arms, he tosses the ring over his shoulder, an abrupt clink hitting the wall. With his handsome crooked smile, he leans towards me. "Don't worry," he chuckles, "I made him buy the insurance."

"Robin!" I squeal before our mouths meet in a tender kiss.

"What?" He pulls back, cupping my cheek. "I had a feeling."

"A feeling?" I snicker, raising an eyebrow. "That it wasn't going to work out?"

"Ehh, more .." He brushes his thumb across my lips, a serious expression growing across his face. "That you were the one. For me."

~🖤~

Thank you so much for your support! Every like, comment and reblog means the world to me! 🖤

~🖤~

Tags (please let me know if you wish to be added/removed)

PERMA

@alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL TNA

@annfg8 @bisexualdisasteracd @rookiemartin @sfb123

[txemrn]

So, I love your work. You often make Sam out to be the whore. 🤣 Can you please write a fic where Brynn is lonely and fed up with him working long hours and she is the one who cheats?

Hey, anon! 😉 I'm so glad you are enjoying my stories! Thank you so much for the request! It literally made me squeal, and I knew I had to make this a mini-series. I hope you enjoy this *NEW* TNA adventure, inspired by YOU! Thanks again, love! 😘

----------

"When Was It Over...?"

Prologue

Book: TNA (with a surprise crossover)

Pairing: m!Sam Dalton x MC (Brynn Schuyler-Dalton); MC x (Surprise Guest)

Word Count: 1126 (+/-)

Series Song Inspiration: "When Was It Over?" by Sasha Alex Sloan ft. Sam Hunt

Rating/Warning: angst; language; sexual references; this series will also contain NSFW content, infidelity, and verbal abuse

A/N: This story takes place after the events of TNA; Sam and Brynn have been married for a few years (if you ever want to read their about their demise, click here). Super duper special thanks to the lovely @kat-tia801 for ALL of the help and input! You rock! These characters and some plot belong to Pixelberry!

---------

Pensively staring at her reflection in her vanity mirror, Brynn Schuyler-Dalton carefully paints a matte oxblood red on her plump lips. Allowing the color to dry, she slowly twirls on the balls of her feet, inspecting her new YSL lace-trimmed lingerie, a sheer black bra and panty set that left very little to the imagination, that would capture any man's desire.

If only her husband would look at her.

Brynn tenderly adjusts her full breasts in the quarter-cup bra, ensuring that her cleavage is prominent in the scantily clad garment. Just the way he likes it.

At least he used to.

After slinking on a delicate pair of thigh high hosiery and clasping it in place with a matching garter belt, she unpins the curlers from her silky tresses, allowing her radiant, golden autumn curls to bounce on her sun-kissed shoulders.

She sits on a cream tufted stool, reaching down to slip on her red-bottom stilettos before examining her finished sensual look, a special surprise for her husband.

And if she was honest, it was a special surprise for herself.

Brynn fingers through her jewelry box, holding up pearls and diamonds alike up to her ears. Studs. Chandeliers. Cartier. Tiffany's. She lets out a sigh as she peers into her dreary blue eyes.

Would he even notice this time?

She settles on a pair of vintage gothic-style teardrop diamonds. Fixing them to her ears, a brilliant cascade of rainbow colors flash across her face, making Brynn do a double-take amongst her gems.

Her engagement ring.

A coy grin grows across her face as she slips it on her ring finger. She abruptly gazes at herself in the mirror, her hand dancing in different postures, modeling the emerald-cut diamond as if she were in a magazine. Her grin quickly explodes into a toothy smile as her heart begins to race, remembering the joy, remembering the excitement of that day. What Sam looked like. What he tasted like.

Brynn secures the ring with her white gold wedding band. Standing up from the vanity, she holds out her arm to admire the pair, how they looked perfect, how they looked so well-together.

And that's when she noticed it: her husband's side of the bed, the sheets perfectly made and the down comforter tucked. It's been made up all week. She usually finds him on the chaise lounge in his office or on the sectional in the game room with the shifting shadows of a muted television.

"I didn't want to disturb you," is always his excuse. Brynn knows it's just a line, but there is some hidden truth: he doesn't want to be disturbed.

With the expansion of their start-up technology company two years ago, the young Dalton couple knew there would be sacrifices. It started as working late hours a few times each month; now, working late every night was an expectation.

Brynn drags her hand across his pillow before taking it in her arms. She takes a deep breath, savoring the remnants of citrus and bergamot. Tightly wrapping her arms around his pillow, Brynn gently nuzzles her head into its softness. Her eyes water, threatening another evening of unheard sobs; but, she quickly clears her throat.

Not tonight. Tonight, she's not going to miss him. Tonight, she's not going to miss his touch, or the look in his eyes, or the smile on his face. Tonight belongs to them. Tonight she will rekindle that spark she craves so badly. Tonight, she won't simply fuck him out of obligation, but rather make love with him. Tonight was the start of something new.

Or at least she hopes.

Hoping to start the intimate evening with her husband, Brynn decides to spice things up. Dimming the lights in her room, she carefully positions herself sensually on their opulent bed. She grabs her phone, and photo after photo, she positions her hand in suggestive ways on the exposed skin of her neck, her abdomen, finally laying to rest on her upper thighs.

With a mischievous gleam in her eyes she giggles as she toggles through her pictures, looking for the perfect snapshot to send to her husband. Innocent. Devilish. Sweet. Raunchy. Brynn knows all of them would turn him ravenous.

At least they used to.

She settles on a seductive photo of her hand gracefully wandering up her inner thigh. Opening up her messages, she clicks on his name to start a new note. She selects the media file. Send.

Brynn lays back on her bed, proud of what she has accomplished as she hugs her phone to her chest. She gently bites her thumbnail in anticipation, knowing what the night would bring her. Love. Attention. Her husband. She feels giddy, as if this was her first time.

Lost in her imagination, she's interrupted by a familiar chime from her phone.

A new message. From him.

Brynn's heart begins to gallop as she clicks on the notification of the new text message from her husband. She takes a deep breath, feeling the rush of adrenaline course through her veins. A firing of electricity ignites her nerves.

But, it's short-lived as tears gather in Brynn's eyes. A weight of humiliation lays heavily on her chest as she stares at the response. Her stomach burns, threatening to expel its contents.

Cute. Working late, then dinner with the GE rep. Don't wait up.

Numb. Brynn sits on the side of the bed in silence, her body limp. Her mind races in a dizzying pattern, leaving her unable to discern a single thought. The excitement that was bursting from her heart has been squelched and smothered. And she's never felt so empty, so unnoticed, so unworthy.

Brynn suddenly feels restrained, choked, like she can't breathe. In a panic, she searches for the bra clasps behind her back. Her fingers fumble with the delicate metal hooks, but finally as she begins to whimper in frustration, she feels the release of the straps. She quickly whips the garment off, throwing it against the wall in the corner of the room. She takes a deep breath, savoring the taste of air in her lungs. Freeing.

Brynn closes her eyes as beads of tears roll incessantly down her cheeks. With trembling hands, she takes off the earrings. And the shoes. And the hosiery.

So much for tonight.

She lays down on top of the down comforter, pulling her husband's side of the large blanket over her body. He wouldn't be using it.

She clenches her eyes closed, willing for the rivers from her eyes to stop, willing for her heart to stop aching, willing for the world to stop crashing down around her.

How? How did this happen? How did their marriage get to this point?

When was it over?

----------

TNA Tags (Please tell me if you'd like to be added/removed): @ao719 @charlotteg234 @chemist-ana @forallthatitsworth @issabees @kat-tia801 @khoicesbyk @lovelyladyk88 @neotericthemis @shannonwrote @shanzay44 @shewillreadyou @socalwriterbee @somersetmummy @taniasethi @thefrenchiemama

[txemrn]

Brynn 😍

Awww, my sweet PR! 🥰🥰🥰 My first "Love" lol, my sweet Brynn Schuyler... thank you so much for thinking of me, and for sending me such a gorgeous picture of Victoria Pedretti!

And because ... why not? The Daltons...

[issabees]

GAAAAAAAH I know that I have a lifetime’s worth of fics to catch up on but I just read this and I love it Em!

Lord someone give our girl Addison the weekend off because the stress she constantly has? I feel for her and for her kids! They deserve better 🥺 (also did that paparazzo really touch her? and then talk smack at her? the audacity)

And then Sam. SAM. SIR.

Especially when he meets Brynn! My brother in christ, I will be watching you 🤨

But as always, this is great! I’ve been really drifting away from the series lately, but I really appreciate the fics you and others have put out! I know you said that this is a one-shot, but I’m interested to see how things will turn out if this was the situation! If you decided later on to pick this up and turn it into a series, I will definitely be waiting!

But as it is, this is already amazing! THE FLAVOR OH MY GOD IT’S JUST *chef’s kiss*

Now excuse me, I have to do my homework (i.e. read the rest of your fics because i need them for my daily dose of serotonin)

Detour

Summary: After a nasty run-in with the press, the Daltons spend the day at the twins' soccer tournament; however, fate has a plan of its own.

Word Count: ~1475

Warnings: adult themes; light angst; brief language

A/N: I completely forgot about this fic until we went through our WIPs last week, and I honestly can't remember why I never posted this! I haven't written/released anything TNA in a long time, so this feels good! @sfb123 thank you for helping me with the finishing touches! And @charlotteg234 and @kat-tia801, do y'all even remember this fic? Y'all pre-read it for me last year! lol So ... THANKS! All spelling and grammar mistakes are my own, so please forgive me. All characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry!

~🖤~

Frantically packing the stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with the freshly diced carrot sticks, she quickly taps on her phone for the time--and to see if Sam was leaving the office anytime soon.  “Mickey! Mason!” She calls out through the penthouse. “We’re going to be late for the first heat of your tournament--”

“Mommy?”

Nearly tripping over her youngest son Matthew, the expectant mom stops to admire the three-year-old’s latest playdough creation. “That looks so good, Matty!" She croons, rubbing his back. "Now put that away for Mommy and wash your hands.”

Her phone begins to ring, jolting her with excitement that maybe her husband was finally tearing away from work. Unfortunately, the name on the screen makes her face drop.  “Michael Weston! Mason Warner! Let’s go--” She hits the green button to answer the call with a sardonic, syrupy-sweet voice. “Hi, Vivian, have you left yet?”

“Yes, dear. We should be at the fields--” she begins talking to someone else in the car,“--less than an hour.”

“Sounds perfect--”

“Sam mentioned you may need some help--” the mother-in-law interrupts. “I can have Mason stop by and--”

“No!” She accidentally shouts, but quickly corrects herself. “I mean, no, ma’am. Thank you for the generous offer, but… no.” The mention of her father-in-law makes her stomach uneasy, especially after her husband’s confession that Mason offered Sam the company in exchange for a divorce from her. “We’ll see you two at the soccer fields.”

With a sigh of relief, she hangs up the phone before gathering her picnic basket and beach tote. As she prepares to call for her eight-year-old twins one more time, they suddenly barrel into the kitchen.

“Sorry, Mom,” Mason sweetly apologizes, grabbing a camping chair. “I had a knot in my cleat.”

“But, we got it out,” Mickey proudly chimes in, sliding a Nike knapsack on his back.

“Okay, perfect,” she smiles brightly, guiding all the boys towards the elevator doors. “Mouthguards?”

“Check,” Mickey chuckles.

“Water bottles?”

Mickey takes an obnoxious swig from his chilled water as Mason answers. “Yes, Mom, we’ve got everything.”

She kisses the tops of their heads, ruffling through their soft chestnut waves with her fingers. “You two are growing up too fast. Soon, you won’t even need me--”

“That’s not true,” Mason pipes up.

“Mom, we will always need you,” Mickey wraps an arm around his mom’s shoulder. “Besides,” he lowers his voice, “Dad’s cooking is pretty awful in comparison.” 

As they all share a chuckle, they head down to their private car, escorted by building security and Carter, their personal driver. But, the moment the family exited the building, they are blinded by flashes of light from shutterbugs and reporters with microphones. 

“Mom, I’m scared!” Matthew cries as she hoists him onto her hip, the men taking her bags and folding chairs. She grips tightly to the older boys, shuffling them quickly into the car.

“Mrs. Dalton! Mrs. Dalton! Over here!"

“Damnit,” she scoffs to herself, buckling up the boys. “It’s okay, guys. Don’t look out the window--” she is quickly interrupted by the brush of a hand on her backside.  She abruptly swings around, her open hand colliding with a reporter's cheek.

"Fuck!" He grips his face. "You're gonna be sorry for that, princess--"

"You assaulted me, asshole--" she swivels around, ensuring their belongings are tucked away before she steps into the vehicle.

"Oh! Such a picture of Dalton perfection!" He spits at her. "Such a great example for your kids. Are you sure you can handle one more?"

As she carefully climbs into the sedan, she holds her arm out the window, her middle finger extended as they finally drive off down the street.

"You okay, Mom?" Mason quietly breaks the tension inside the cab.

Offering a cordial smile, she combs a few tresses behind his ear, stroking his cheeks with her thumb. "I should be asking you that," she titters into a sigh. She squeezes Mickey's knee endearingly. "Never, ever forget how much I love you boys--" 

"And baby Maggie!" Matthew shouts proudly, placing his chubby hands on his mother's growing bump. 

She hugs her arm around Matthew before leaning back. "That's right, Bubba," she slowly exhales in relief. "And Maggie, too." She closes her eyes, relishing the innocence of her boys' chatter. As they draw closer to the soccer fields and closer to her in-laws, a pit grows in her stomach, knowing that her short dealings with the paparazzi will cost her.

Once at the soccer fields, the boys are registered with their team for the day-long tournament.  Together, they set up a tent with their fold-out camping chairs and picnic blankets.  Sunscreen and bug repellant are carefully applied to each of the boys. As their mother sends them out into their first game, she lays down Matthew with a juice box, hoping that he will rest in order to survive the day without any meltdowns.  

She picks up her phone, but of course, there are no alerts from her husband. Putting her phone facedown, she readjusts her short bob into a messy bun before reapplying her Chanel sunglasses. As she begins to sip on an apple juice, a shadow is cast over her body.

“You flicked them off?”

She smirks to herself as she continues to watch the game.

“Baby,” Sam steps behind her chair, pressing his lips into her temple, “did you seriously--?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” she grumbles.

“Well, my folks want to talk about it,” he sits down on the blanket next to his resting son, letting out a deep sigh. “Again.”

She pushes her sunglasses onto her head. “What was I supposed to do, baby--?”

“You don’t do anything--you don’t say anything!” He rubs his hands down his face. “Is it that hard for you just to keep your mouth shut?”

“Samuel! He touched me--that’s assault!”

“Are you sure you didn’t--?”

“Of course,” she throws up her hands, interrupting her husband. “It’s my fault.” She stands up, adjusting her sunglasses on her face. “Stop pinning this on me.”

As she begins to take off to get some fresh air, Sam quickly stands up, grabbing her wrist to pull her back to himself. He wraps his strong, comforting arms around her, rocking her back and forth. “Baby, talk to me,” he whispers against her ear.

“I don’t think you know what it’s like to always be under fire with these guys--”

“Um, hello? They are trying to slander my name--”

“--by insulting my character, Sam! By insulting what I’m wearing, what I’m eating, what I feed the boys,” she wipes away a wayward tear. “They took a cheap shot at me today, questioning my capabilities as a mother--”

“Their opinion shouldn’t matter. They don’t even know you.”

“I know, but your parents--”

“Baby,” he silences her, giving her a crooked smile, “they don’t know the real you. The way I know you.” 

“They seem to only care about the press--”

“I know, I know.” He tightens his embrace around his wife, pressing his lips against her forehead. “It’s business. It’s the image of the business. And it’s not fair.” He pulls off her sunglasses, dabbing at her wet eyes. “But I know you are remarkable,” he kisses the tip of her nose, making her wince into a smile. “And you’re the only one who can take my breath away--”

“Heads up!”

Suddenly, a soccer ball flies over the young Daltons’ heads, quickly heading towards a duck pond. Sam takes off, chasing after the ball, hoping to stop it before it hits the water. But, luckily, someone else is there to stop it for him.

“Oh, God, thank you so--” he freezes as a young, petite woman with stormy blue eyes and long almond waves steps forward, offering him the soccer ball.

“Mr. Dalton?”

“Yeah, um,” he clears his throat, shaking the shocked look from his face. “I’m sorry, um,” he titters awkwardly, “do I know you?”

“Oh!” She giggles, offering a bright smile. “I know it must be hard keeping up with all of your employees.  My name is Brynn. Brynn Schuyler. I work in your laboratory department--”

“With Evan, right!” He blushes, running his fingers through his hair. “Well, it’s wonderful meeting another beautiful face– I mean, face… um, I mean, meeting another  employee from Dalton--”

“Sam?” The all-too-familiar voice of his wife startles him from behind as she gently caresses his lower back. Sam quickly pulls her forward, draping his arm around her shoulders. Though she smiles kindly, her chocolate brown eyes narrow in on the young coed.

“Oh, this is Brynn,” he nervously gestures for the women to meet with a chuckle, “Brynn Schuyler from the lab. And this is my... um, this is…”

“Addison.” Mrs. Dalton raises an irritated eyebrow, sticking out her hand for a cordial hand-shake. “His wife.”

~🖤~

A/N 2: If you're new here, hi! Just in case you are wondering what just happened, my MC's name is Brynn Schuyler, and I decided to write this one-shot kinda like a "what if" type situation... what if the subway accident never happened? Were Sam and Brynn still destined to meet? Here's how it might've happened...

~🖤~

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[txemrn]

Hiii 😍

Quick question:

If you could be one of your MC / OC for one day who would it be and why.

Hey, girlie! *hugs* 💛

Thank you so much for including me with your quick question!

For one day? Let's see... I personally would want to be...

TATUM ERIKSON!

Hands down! Are you really shocked? LOL

She's a badass woman! Let me count the ways:

This girl has been through absolute hell, but is still the epitome of strength and compassion

She's a friggin board-certified OBGYN, not to mention an ACOG fellow and the Chief of OB @ Edenbrook

She's also unbelievably gorgeous with a witty sense of humor. She is very much a mama bear with her staff and friends, very empathic, very well-liked, and comes highly recommended by her patients, families and coworkers. She also has a drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend/husband that worships her, challenges her, believes in her and, well, um... they have tons of fun together. 😁

ACOG Contributor, Consult, Research/Developer

She is "The Baby Doc on TikTok"

So, sure! Give me a day where I can bring life into the world, high-five some co-workers, encourage someone to live their best life and then get tangled in Ethan Jonah Ramsey's arms until dawn. I think that would be a FUCKING amazing day! 🤣🥰😍

Plus, do you realize how amazing it is to work in scrubs? Seriously...

Just for the record...

I would NOT want to be Brynn Schuyler-Dalton because *ahem* Dirty Dalton. Although, a solid day of just the dirty thirty? Hrmmm... 😈

And then poor Riley Brooks-Rys... I kill Liam every chance I get, so chances are I'd be grieving him.

Thanks again so much for the Ask! 💜

[txemrn]

I thought about you yesterday. I was in my car, had road trip radio on SiriusXM on, and a recorded call was played: “Hi this is Brynn and Sam and we’re driving from New York to Las Vegas and we want to hear Viva Las Vegas by Elvis.”

OMG! You've gotta be KIDDING me! I am DYING! 🤣🤣🤣

Now you've got me thinking... if it were my Sam and Brynn why are my idiots driving from NYC to Vegas? And what are they doing in Vegas (besides the obvious)? 🤔

I do have a feeling that they may be heading that direction in Book 3! Are you caught up with it? What are some of your thoughts?

You're the best, girlie! Thank you so much for sharing this with me! It really made me smile!

*big hugs*

[txemrn]

Hi Em,

I hope you’re doing okay ☺️

So I was wondering are there any embarrassing stories / moments from Ethan & Tatum and Sam & Brynn?

Thank you 😍 *sending lots of hugs*

@peonierose I hope YOU'RE doing well!

I am sending you the biggest hug ever!! You are always so selfless and thoughtful. Thank you so much for thinking of me and my babies, and for including us! 💜

I think I'll start with Brynn and Sam.

A lot of Brynn's embarrassing moments in the early years of her relationship with Sam stem from the fact that she and Mr. Perfect Size come from two very different social circles. She unfortunately becomes the target of jokes and snide comments from the Daltons (especially Sam's aunts and female cousins) and the parents at the twin's school for simply not knowing things about high society, money, business, and culture.

But resilient as ever, she wins over a lot of people with her kindness and loving nature--not to mention, she catches on quickly on how to fit in.

Between Brynn and Sam, there is an embarrassing moment that we ALL knew would happen: when the boys could hear them. 🤣

Now, Samuel... I have to say my favorite embarrassing moment for him is in my mini series Once... Always... Brynn catches him cheating (again) and gets her ultimate revenge.

---

Now for Ethan and Tatum... they are a different breed in that they illuminate confidence. If and when they are embarrassed, it is not shown easily.

But... there are a few moments that stick out in my head. 😜

For Ethan, the first time he met Trevor, Tatum's overly-protecrive brother, it was quite a disaster. Ethan kept saying and doing the wrong things despite Tatum’s encouraging words.

I also HC Ethan not being the best when he started med school (in canon, he discusses how so many people wanted him to fail... why would anyone want someone to fail from med school UNLESS they don't believe the person is cut out for it?). It was mortifying to Ethan to be the weakest link in group activities (Tobias and some of the other guys gave him a hard time about it)... that is until he met Tatum, the only female in his study group. Having to admit to a girl that he needed help hurt his pride, but he learned quickly her gender had nothing to do with it. She didn't pity him; she didn't bully him. She saw Ethan as an equal that learned differently than her. And suddenly, Mr. Ramsey went from last to the head of the class.

He pretended to be strong for a while, but when Ethan caught Tatum cheating on him, it really hurt him in a different way. He was suddenly the twelve-year-old boy again; he wasn't enough. He was embarrassed that a woman, the woman he loved, would seek out another man for intimacy.

And worse, everyone knew it.

Now my homegirl Tatum... oh, my sweet Tatum, what am I going to do with you? 🤣

She has a ton of things weighing on her heart that she is shameful of-- some of which, I cannot share yet. 🤣 They will be revealed in Ricochet.

We've already touched on the fact she hooked up with Tobias, which was awful. Let's talk about something more lighthearted that is going to happen in the next chapter of Ricochet. Tatum is a musician like Ethan, but she has a very different taste in music. He along with Bryce are about to get her up in front of her new colleagues to show off some of her hidden skills...

I hope this is sufficient enough. 🤣 Their future together will have lots more comical, embarrassing moments. It's coming... 🤣

Thank you again, girlie! This meant a lot! 💜

[txemrn]

HEY, ! Did the Daltons dress up for Halloween? What were the boys? And your little girls! What were they?🎃 happy halloween!

Hey, anon! Thank you so much for the precious ask!

You better believe the Daltons dressed up for Halloween!

My HC (and more than what you asked for lol):

If we're talking the twins in their younger years/early years of marriage for Brynn and Sam: I see the boys totally picking out their own costumes, probably something from Dominion Royale (Mickey the Mighty Minotaur and, even though he loves Rogue, he's going to dress up as the Silver Knight).

Sam is not one to dress up in costumes, but he will do a little something just for Brynn. I see her diving into his closet, and figuring something out. He hates to admit it, but he really enjoyed the year he went as Clark Kent, and she was Lois Lane.

When the boys are older, Sam and Brynn host elaborate Halloween parties for the boys and their friends (a way of keeping them safe, but still letting them cut loose and have fun). Mason is totally into dressing up in punny costumes and pop culture icons ("cereal" killer, Bob Ross, etc). Mickey is like his father, and doesn't see the point in dressing up... that is, until he starts dating Kennedy O'Donnell. Their first year together, they dress up as Mario and Princess Peach.

As far as my girls...

Baby Olivia is all girly-girl. When she came into the world, everything was pink, sparkles and princess-y. So, I picture her dressing up as a Disney princess or mermaids or unicorns.

Baby Charlotte is more of a wild child, bringing up the Dalton caboose. She's going to want to be the scary clown or the transformer or Beetlejuice. Whatever seems to make her boat float that year... Gah, I love my sweet little Charlie...

And then I can't forget: MUCH later...

Brynn and Ian keep the spirit of Halloween alive for her two daughters and his two daughters, always dressing in a couple's costume. They keep the Halloween party a tradition, becoming more family oriented with their dearest friends.

Thanks for asking about my favorite family! I hope you had a wonderful Halloween!

[txemrn]

I love how you write the entire Dalton family dynamic and it's so interesting to see how Brynn gets along with Robin and Sam's parents! Do you think Sam's family has always liked Brynn or did she slowly grow on them?

Hey, anon! *big ol hugs* thank you so much for your ask! I am so glad you enjoy these family dynamics. It's so much fun writing about them and their interactions with one another. 💜

I love this question!

As far as canon, it really seems as though MC has grown on them, right? Mason Sr. seems pretty satisfied in her work-- she isn't even part of the CEO competition, but she's always there when they're talking about those private business matters (🤣). Vivian seems to be on mood elevators and is just happy with everything. But, I don't know... are they really happy with her? *shrugs*

---

In my HC, I believe it took a while for the family (I'm talking everyone! I'm picturing Sam's parents, extended family like cousins, aunts and uncles) to fully accept Brynn.

Sam's parents were never cruel to her. They are kind and inclusive, but at the same time, they were hoping Brynn was just a phase for Sam. They have had numerous heated discussions alone with Sam, questioning his judgment. Afterall, they come from two completely different walks of life.

Now the extended family? I picture Sam and Brynn being the hot goss at family events (ie "Is Samuel bringing his teenager/mistress/charity case?")

Given the chance (and over time), Brynn does grow on everyone for a few reasons:

Her genuine heart; her love language is gift giving, so I picture her hosting holidays, giving thoughtful gifts, baking goodies, sending cards etc; she's giving freely and richly to Sam's family things they could never buy; I also think she teaches a lesson or two on humility

She's a smart cookie. In canon, we know she has an advance degree and she has an incredible work ethic at DaltonRusso. In my HC, she has already done extensive research in Alzheimer's Disease at MIT; she also starts up a company with Sam during their first year of marriage, and it flourishes, surpassing their old stomping grounds in a matter of years (you know that impresses Mason Sr.)

Her love and respect for Sam; he's the "golden boy", right? Everyone's first concern with Brynn is that she's a gold-digger; but she's legit good for him. He's a better man, a better father, a better partner because of her encouragement, her support and her unconditional love for him; she brings out the best of him, and for that, he smiles more, he laughs more, he cuts loose more

Her special relationship with the twins. I still don't think Sam realizes how richly blessed he is to have Brynn as his son's stepmom; because of her, they are growing up in a home filled with love; because of her, they have happy childhood memories that include their father; Brynn and Sam have plenty of moments alone (and she prioritizes accordingly to keep their marriage a priority), but I like to think that she's family oriented; and let's not forget: 2 little Dalton girls are on their way, and what grandparent doesn't want more grandchildren?

Thank you so much for the ask! I appreciate you and your support! 💜