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alj4890 · 1 year ago

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Worth the Wait

(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a what if to A Second Chance AU

@hopelessromantic1352 @trappedinfanfiction @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms @flyawayboo @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @peonierose @krsnlove

Masterlist

Part 1

Thomas took the rest of the week off from work. After Amanda's announcement, it had been impossibe to concentrate. He instead spent time alone contemplating the fact that he would be a father in six months or so.

The very notion was so unbelievable that he could hardly wrap his mind around it. For years, he had never planned on marriage or having a family.

He grimaced as he reminded himself how all that had changed when he first started dating Amanda. He had fallen in love with her not only hard but also, at least in his opinion, fast. He had to force himself to keep his feelings in check until he was certain of her reciprocating them.

Then he went out and purchased an engagement ring.

If she had not broken up with him, he knew they would be in the midst of planning a wedding...instead of a nursery.

Perhaps they would be doing both.

He still had the ring tucked away upstairs in his nightstand. He couldn't seem to drum up the will to get rid of it.

It'd been the first time in his life that he willingly bought something that would permanently change his carefully laid plans of a bachelor.

He dropped his head in his hands. The past few nights he'd either had Amanda join him for dinner at a restaurant, her hotel suite, or here in his home. He knew they needed to work on their relationship before their child came into the world.

Thomas though, wanted more.

Maybe.

He honestly didn't know what to make of the feelings she had stirred up within him once again.

Being around her after all that occurred was both wonderful and yet utterly miserable. His heart ached from not touching her...kissing her...simply holding her within his arms.

It also ached with the fact the relationship they once had was destroyed. There was no way, at least that he could detect, in picking up where they'd left off.

They couldn't possibly...could they?

He jumped when he heard the gate buzzer.

Checking the time, he frowned at it being too early for Amanda's arrival.

The last thing he wanted was Addison and Holly poking around in this delicate matter. He knew they had taken these past few days off and spent them with Amanda. He was surprised they waited this long to talk the situation over with him.

"Yes?" He answered.

"We're here!"

His eyes widened at the sound of his brother-in-law's cheery voice.

"Thomas?" His sister Rachel called out. "Aren't you going to open the gate for us?"

He'd completely forgotten they were coming into town this week.

"Of course." He pushed the button for them.

Reluctantly, he slipped his shoes on and stepped outside to greet them.

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

Addison and Matt's home...

"He's perfect." Amanda cradled the four month old in her arms. "Look at all that hair!"

Addison smiled proudly. "I'm so thankful he took after Matt. I was bald until fifth grade."

"No, you weren't." Matt pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I've seen your baby and childhood photos."

"I might have had hair," she conceded, "but it was such a light blonde that there are pictures where a bright flash was used that make me appear to be bald."

Amanda grinned at the couple before focusing once more on their son. He slept peacefully in her arms as she gently rocked him.

"Feel free to come over everyday to hold Michael." Addison told her. "You'll need the practice and I can always use a nap."

Amanda chuckled softly. "I wish I could, but I'll be leaving at the end of the week."

Addison, Matt, and Holly each exchanged a loaded glance.

"Is Thomas going with you?" Holly asked a little too casually.

"No. He plans on coming in time for my next doctor's appointment."

"Have you two decided how you're going to do this yet?"Addison asked.

"Addi." Matt shook his head at her.

"I just want to see you both happy with each other and your baby." She ignored her husbamd's whispered warnings to not get involved. "You two were so in love that I don't get why you're not already in the magazine's for having eloped in Vegas by now."

Amanda handed the baby over to Holly. "I should probably go. I'm supposed to--"

"No!" Addison reached out to stop her. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being too nosy, but I don't want to see you both miserable."

Amanda gently patted her hand. "I know. But things changed for Thomas when we broke up." She fought back tears. "I don't know if he'll ever want me like he once did." She lifted her chin. "I'm happy he at least is kind to me and wants to know our child."

Holly gave Matt his son when he began to whimper and squirm.

"Yes, but have you felt anything since you've been back?" She prodded.

Amanda gathered her things. "Of course I have." She lowered her eyes. "I never fell out of love with Thomas, and when I found out...I had hoped..." She wiped at the tears beginning to fall. "I'm sorry. I have to go. He's expecting me for dinner tonight."

The trio walked her to the door.

"Don't cry." Addison pleaded, throwing her arms around her. "I shouldn't have asked."

Amanda couldn't stop her tears. "It's okay."

Holly hugged her. "We won't bring it up again."

Amanda could only nod before blubbering a goodbye and slipping into the waiting town car.

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

"Pregnant?!" Rachel breathed.

Stephen slapped Thomas on the back. "Congratualtions!"

"I'm going to be an aunt?" Rachel began to smile before launching herself at her brother.

He oomphed while accepting her hug. "Yes, you will be. You'll either have a niece or nephew by September."

She punched his arm once she stepped back.

"Rachel!" He snapped at her.

"Why didn't you call me when you found out?" She placed her hands on her hips.

The siblings glared silently at each other.

Stephen, the forever peacemaker between the Hunt's, spoke up.

"He's probably still trying to comprehend it, himself, babe."

Thomas nodded. "It's true. Of all the times I imagined Amanda walking back into my life, I never dreamed it would be because she is pregnant."

"Well, now that I'm here we will plan out everything." Rachel left them for a moment and returned with a pad and pen she found on his desk. "Let's see."

She sat down, tapping the pen on the arm of her chair. "I think a small ceremony should do nicely. Perhaps on the beach..."

"Small ceremony for what?" Thomas asked.

"Your wedding." She grinned at him. "How did Amanda react when she saw the ring you had bought? I bet she was shocked you decided to ask her before the break--"

"There isn't going to be a wedding." Thomas informed her.

"Just because she's pregnant, that doesn't mean you have to have a ceremony in a county clerk's office." Rachel grumbled. "I doubt she's showing yet." She began her list again. "If we have it here, then we can--"

"I didn't propose." Thomas explained.

Stephen plopped down in surprise on the arm of Rachel's chair.

"You didn't propose?" She asked in disbelief. "Why not? You're in love with her. She loves you. You're having a baby!"

Thomas began to pace as he tried to explain his hesitation.

The couple watched him struggle with his reasons.

"I see no need to rush into marriage just yet." Thomas added. "Not until we are certain this is the right decision for both of us. It will save us additional heartache and our child won't suffer in the process."

"But--"

Stephen placed his arm around his wife's shoulders, gently squeezing her.

She closed her mouth at that subtle sign that she was being pushy again.

With a deep sigh, she slumped in her chair.

Thomas whirled around when his buzzer sounded again.

"Were you expecting anyone?" Rachel asked.

"Only Amanda." Thomas mumbled.

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

Amanda grimaced once more at her swollen eyes. Thank goodness she had gone with waterproof eye makeup. At least she only looked swollen instead of a puffy eyed racoon.

Her stomach gurgled when Thomas opened the door.

She hid her face in her hands. "I'm sorry. I've not eaten since I threw up a muffin this morning."

He couldn't help but smile at her embarrassment over something he thought was trivial at best. "You don't have to worry about what I think when that happens."

When she lifted her head, his eyes narrowed in concern.

"You've been crying." He gently took her face in his hands.

"Hormones." She wondered how she was able to say such a falsehood so easily.

His hands lingered, thumbs brushing her cheeks, then dropped to his sides. "I should forewarn you. Rachel and Stephen are here."

Amanda stepped back, nearly falling backwards off his front stoop.

Thomas caught her in his arms, turning them both until she was safely between him and the front door.

"Are you all right?" He could feel her heart thumping against his chest.

She nodded. "Just caught off guard." Biting her lip, she lifted her eyes to his. "Did you tell them about," she gestured toward her belly.

"I did." He answered.

"And?" She prodded, worried over his answer.

"And they are thrilled with the knowledge that they will have a niece or nephew before the year is through.” He explained.

Amanda finally asked the question that was really bothering her.

“Do they, of course they must, but do they hate me too much for my,” she took a deep breath, “for ending things between us?”

If Thomas was to go by how his sister had not only readily jumped into planning a wedding for them as well as becoming angry over his not proposing to Amanda, he seriously doubted she held anything against his ex.

“They don’t hate you at all.” He kept an arm around her waist. “Come inside.”

Leaning a bit closer than necessary to him for comfort, she allowed him to lead her to his living room.

Rachel jumped up and hugged her, pushing her brother out of the way. “I’m so excited!”

Amanda laughed when Stephen thanked her for getting pregnant.

“Now Rach will stop pestering me about getting a puppy or kitten. All her time will be spent in preparation on becoming an aunt.”

“We will get one of those if my niece or nephew wants one.” Rachel snapped at him.

She ignored his teasing grin and focused on Amanda. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” She lied.

“She suffers with severe morning sickness.” Thomas corrected.

Rachel’s brow furrowed. “Who is taking care of you?”

“Me.” Amanda said with a laugh that wasn’t quite sincere. “Servants, occasionally my friends, and of course Thomas when we are together.”

Rachel glared at her brother. “She needs help all the time.”

He glared back, knowing she was heavily hinting that they should get married.

“I’ll be fine. Hopefully by my next appointment it will have lessened.” Amanda said, wondering at their sudden irritation.

“And if it doesn’t?” Rachel continued to stare Thomas down.

“Then I’ll do what I have been doing.” Amanda shrugged. “I really don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

She moved away from them to sit down.

“Some people have a choice.” Rachel muttered where only Thomas could hear.

Ignoring her, he asked Amanda what she felt like eating.

“I’m not sure. This baby and I have very different views on what I should eat." She tried to joke.

He had to stop himself from brushing her hair back from her face. That lopsided grin of hers had a way of making him feel the need to comfort her.

"I was thinking of taking you to The Palm for dinner."

Her surprise made him smile. It used to be one of their favorite places to eat. Thomas hadn't been there since they broke up. For some reason, he'd gone ahead and made a reservation for them.

"The Palm?" Rachel leaned forward. "What kind of food do they have."

"Italian." Amanda smiled at him. "I have had a craving for tomatoes recently."

"Then hopefully you'll be able to enjoy a meal for a change." He responded, smiling more easily around her.

"We'll go to the guest house and get cleaned up." Rachel tugged Stephen up out of his chair. "What time should we be ready?"

"You have thirty minutes." Thomas warned.

"Thirty?!" Rachel dashed out.

Stephen chuckled. "How long do we really have?"

"Forty-five minutes." Thomas replied. "But I know my sister and if i say forty-five, she'll take an hour or more."

Stephen snorted in amusement. "Yes, she will."

Once they were alone, Thomas sat down across from Amanda.

"The Palm." Her smile dimmed some over the memories of romantic evenings spent at that particular establishment. "I can't remember the last time we had dinner there."

"November." Thomas fought squirming when she looked up in surprise once more.

"I'm looking forward to it." Amanda said to break the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between him.

"So am I." He got up to get something to drink. He offered to get her something just to have something to do.

He could feel her eyes following him out of his living room. When he was out of eyesight, he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He still didn't know if he could risk his heart again. He knew she was leaving soon and that things between them were up in the air.

The more he was around her, the more he was wanting to settle into how they once were.

But then that would bring up whether or not they should go ahead and marry.

Should we? If it doesn't work out, how much more will it hurt to walk away from her and our child? To break the life I once dreamed of having with her...should I really jump into it without seeing if it's worth the chance?

He didn't know. He knew his fear was keeping him from so much. Yet...hadn't his fear kept him from horrible decisions in the past?

Or had it kept him from something great?

He prepared her a glass of ginger ale and brought it to her.

He grasped on the topic of what she planned to do once back in Cordonia while he debated on what to do with his own future.

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

Dinner turned out better than either thought. It seemed almost natural being on a double date of sorts once again with Rachel and Stephen.

It was certainly romantic out on the terrace of the restaurant with the strings of globe lights softly brightening the darkness.

The four laughed and talked over what they had been doing since they were last together. The teasing that Amanda used to do with Thomas had made his frown all but disappear. He couldn't resist doing the same to her.

The roll of her eyes or a laugh had him placing his arm along the back of her chair and gently rubbing her shoulder.

Just like he used to do.

"Are we getting dessert?" Rachel asked. "Please say yes."

"I don't know if I should push it." Amanda leaned back in her chair. Her hands settled over her stomach. "So far it seems that there is approval of the chicken parmesan."

"No nausea?" Thomas asked.

She shook her head. "That's why I don't want to chance it with dessert." Her nose wrinkled. "Though those cinnamon doughnut holes are calling to me."

"We're getting the chocolate cake for two." Rachel told her husband. "And this time, I will leave you more than two bites."

Thomas waved their waiter over and placed their order. He noticed the curious looks they were getting from various tables. He suspected that he would be in tomorrow's gossip pages.

He had never alerted the press of their break up. He knew Amanda hadn't either. He assumed they thought he was too busy for work to meet up with her these past couple of months.

He didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

"I can't believe you didn't order the cake." Rachel said between bites.

"So far, chocolate and I are on the outs." Amanda explained. "Which has nearly killed me."

Thomas pushed the plate of warm doughnuts towards her after making a dramatic show of removing the chocolate dipping sauce.

She laughed and took one.

His eyes riveted upon her when she took a bite. The cinnamon and sugar coated her lips. He knew if they had never ended things that he would have kissed it off.

She licked her lips and stilled when she noticed where his attention was.

Stephen and Rachel pretended not to notice the obivous tension developing and talked amongst themselves while waiting on the couple across from them to make a move.

Thomas raised his hand to Amanda's cheek and brushed his thumb along her bottom lip to remove what her tongue had missed.

He could feel her quick breath over the sensation of his intimate touch. His eyes lifted to hers. He could see the yearning in the hazel depths combined with her uncertainty.

All it would take would be to lean down a mere tweleve inches and kiss her. There wouldn't have to be any words exchanged just yet. No immediate decisions needed to be made. It could be an experiment to see if that spark between them truly existed.

Her eyes closed when he began to inch forward. Her lips parted in readiness for his kiss. She nuzzled into his palm when he cupped her cheek.

Thomas felt his pulse quicken in anticipation.

"Here's the check." Their waiter dropped it down in between the couples. "Let me know when you're ready or if there is anything else I can get you."

Rachel glared at the man who had caused Thomas and Amanda to jerk apart.

Stephen sadly shook his head while reaching for the small folder.

"I'll get that." Amanda and Thomas said at the same time.

"We'll get this one." Rachel said in a no nonsense tone. She forced a smile. "I'll let you get the next one."

"How much of a tip should I leave?" Stephen asked softly for his wife's ear alone.

"None." Rachel hissed. "He lost it when he interupted my niece or nephew having his parents together."

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

"Where to now?" Stephen asked once they stepped out of the restaurant.

"It is still early." Rachel added, eyeing her brother. "Plenty of time to do something."

Thomas briefly rolled his eyes.

"I think I'll call a car to take me back to my hotel." Amanda replied.

Her smile was a bit strained as she faced the other three.

"I'm sure you all have some catching up to do." She added. "These last couple of weeks, I've been known to nod off during conversations." She laughed with a shrug. "I won't be adding anything stimulating to any, most likely."

Rachel mentally groaned over not finding them another chance to be tempted to be together.

She glared at her brother, hoping he would take the hint.

"I'll take you to the hotel." Thomas ignored his sister's pointed stare.

He could still be a gentleman without any romantic notions.

"That isn't necessary." Amanda countered. "I'm sure Rachel and Stephen would prefer--"

"Actually," Stephen wrapped his arms around his wife, "I was planning on taking Rach dancing." His grin was unrepentant when he heard his wife's surprised gasp. "It's been a long time since we've been to a decent club."

Thomas merely cocked an eyebrow over that announcement.

He didn't believe it for a moment.

He did believe though that Stephen would do anything to help Rachel's plan.

"Enjoy yourselves." He bid his sister and brother-in-law a good night.

"You should go --" Amanda tried to argue.

"You know my feelings about night clubs." Thomas set his hand at the small of her back, gently urging her on toward the parking lot.

She looked up at him. "There were some evenings you didn't mind going."

Thomas met her eyes. He could remember the few times he'd gone to one with Amanda. It wasn't hard to enjoy himself then. He either was able to hold her against his body while they danced or enjoy watching her on the dance floor.

And without him saying a word or even giving a grimace, she'd always known when they should leave before the crowd and noise got to him.

Taking her arm, he cleared his throat. "Those times were different."

When you are with the right person, you can enjoy anything, he thought.

"I do wish you wouldn't trouble yourself." Amanda argued. "I'll be fine getting back to the hotel."

She knew she needed some space from him. Everything about today and this evening made her want to ignore his wishes and try to get back together. He had always been her temptation. She realized she still couldn't resist him.

He was being too kind. Too thoughtful. It hurt worse than if he was cold and cruel. At least then she wouldn't long for him to kiss her. Take her in his arms once more, speak in that deep voice how she made him feel. Seduce her with merely a look.

She loved him so terribly much. She thought she did before coming to tell him about the pregnancy. Spending this time with him only made it worse than before.

Has to be the hormones, she thought. They exacerbate everything as it is. I wish Thomas would simply tell me there is no hope for us. This waiting around on him to decide whether or not to give us a second chance is worse than--

"Amanda?"

She looked up and realized he held the passenger door open for her.

Cheeks coloring over being so lost in thought, she quickly got in while mumbling her thanks.

"Are you tired?" He asked once he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Hmm? Oh. Not really." She replied. "But it strikes at odd times and I didn't want to intrude any longer on Rachel and Stephen's time with you."

Thomas frowned some over that.

"You're not an intrusion."

"I am." Amanda stated, attempting to keep her voice from wobbling. "We aren't together anymore so," she swallowed, turning to look out her window, "so it doesn't make sense for me to be with you so much."

His frown only deepened. He knew they weren't officially back together. Yet, he felt like they were teetering upon the very brink of that decision. They were in some mystical gray area where they were a couple in a way and yet not at the same time.

It's purgatory, he thought with a grimace.

"We're having a baby." He grumbled. "You are an important part of my life so therefore you are not an intrusion."

Amanda's gaze dropped to her stomach.

That's all I am, the mother of his child. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The two fell into an uncomfortable silence.

It wasn't long before Thomas was handing his keys to a valet and following Amanda up to her room.

"Since you aren't tired," he began when they were alone in the elevator, "why don't we watch a movie?" His lips curved somewhat when she finally looked up at him. "I had initially planned on taking you to one after dinner, but Rachel and Stephen's arrival ruined that."

"You did?" Amanda could hardly believed it.

He nodded.

It almost sounded like a date. It would have been a date if they were a couple.

"Since you're worried about falling asleep, at least if you do so now, you'll already be in your suite." He added.

"I'd like that." Amanda replied with a smile.

Thomas felt those unusual flutters her smile still caused. He followed her out of the elevator, his eyes drifting along her figure.

She pulled out her key card, noticed where his attention seemed to linger, and fumbled her key.

The two bent down to retrieve it, bumping heads.

"I forgot how hard headed you are." Amanda teased, rubbing her forehead.

He chuckled. "You don't have the softest one either."

He tilted her chin up to see if she was bruised.

He felt her slight intake of breath at his touch and being so close to her. When he looked at her face he noticed that her attention was upon his lips.

He didn't fight it this time. He leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Her muffled gasp turned into a soft moan as she sank into his embrace. One arm slid around his waist to urge him closer while the other tangled in his hair.

He felt his skin practically sing under her touch. His entire body responded to each brush of her tongue against his. Thomas groaned when she abruptly broke away.

He then heard people getting off the nearby elevator.

With a quick swipe, they hurried into her suite. The moment the door shut, they were back within the other's arms, lips eagerly meeting while hands began to drift over their bodies.

Thomas guided her back to the sofa, gently pulling her down into his lap. He gloried in her smile he could feel against his lips as he refused to pause their kiss to sit down.

He kissed down her neck when she broke away to catch her breath. His name spoken in her breathless, excited voice made him unable to think of anything, save for being with her.

Picking her up, his lips crashed down upon hers again as he carried her into her room.

The lights were off. The only slight illumination came from the city lights driting in through the sheer curtains. They eagerly began to remove the other's clothes. Lips and tongues tasted the other's newly revealed skin as if doing so for the very first time.

They each were refusing to think about what this meant and whether or not they should have sex. As if by mutual accord, they both seemed almost frenzied to be with one another without demanding a declaration or even a discussion of whether or not this was wise.

All the almost kisses, the touches, seeing the one they had loved again made the need so much stronger than ever before. Neither wanted to fight it any longer. Neither really had the strength or desire to ignore what was between them.

What had always been between them.

Thomas carefully covered her body with his. He worried for a moment if this perhaps would hurt her or possibly the baby. Then he felt Amanda's legs wrap around his waist and he couldn't think at all.

Amanda could feel the gentleness and care he was taking with her. It brought tears to her eyes as she encouraged him on and on and on. Her lips met his again in an attempt to convey just how much she loved him. Each kiss made her heart sing anew in being this intimate with him again.

She'd never held anything back from him. She remembered when Thomas told her that being with her was a whole new experience for him. He himself had admitted to being unable to control his responses to her.

It was never sex between them. It never had been.

They had only been able to make love.

"Thomas!" Her breath caught as the sensations flooded through her.

He held her close as he was knocked speechless from the intense emotions combined with the waves of pleasure he felt.

They held onto the other in the aftermath. Both were afraid of saying something that might ruin the moment. So many words and questions revolved around their minds.

When Amanda yawned, Thomas jumped upon that as a reprieve.

He reached down to cover the two of them up, then gently pulled her back within his arms. His lips brushed over hers when she asked if he wanted to stay.

He knew he could use the excuse of having family in town to go ahead and leave. Yet, there was nothing he wanted more than to stay here with her, holding her close as she slept. A part of him argued he should stay to make certain she and the baby wasn't physically hurt from his rash actions.

Another part prodded that since he was so ready to fall into staying with her that he should go ahead and realize that his love for her was undeniable. They should be together.

But could he go through the possibility of losing her again?

"I want to stay." He said softly. "If you want me to."

"I do." She pressed a lingering kiss to his lips.

"Good." He gently caressed her cheek.

Unable to keep her hope from bubbling up, Amanda asked him what this meant.

Thomas didn't pause in his caress. He too wondered the same.

"I think it means we do want to be together." He replied. "But--"

Amanda felt her heart sink. She began to pull away, only to have him draw her back even closer than before.

"But," he repeated, "I think we should start out dating again before we decide on something more permanent."

"You want to date?" Amanda's brow furrowed. "But not be in a serious relationship?"

"I want us to start again as if it was the beginning of a new relationship." He replied.

"Not to be blunt, but not only am I pregnant by you, I'm literally naked in your arms having thoroughly been seduced by you." Amanda told him. "It's a little late for first date etiquette to apply here."

Thomas knew she was right.

"Perhaps then, not at the very beginning." His forehead dropped to rest against hers. "Amanda, I don't think I can go through another breakup with you."

"I don't think I could either." She closed her eyes right when their lips met. "What are we going to do?"

"Would you be willing to try and see how we feel these next few months?"

Amanda opened her eyes to meet his vulnerable gaze. "And what happens then? Other than our child being born?"

"Then we decide if we want to move on to that next step in our relationship."

"What is that next step in your opinion?" She asked, determined to understand just what he wanted from her.

Thomas brushed her hair out of her eyes, his own tracing her profile lit in the soft light.

"That next step is the last one." He kissed her, unable to resist the need to feel her body once again. "We will decide whether or not we should get married."

#choices red carpet diaries #choices thomas hunt #thomas hunt x amanda #thomas hunt x oc #choices rcd #worth the wait #a second chance #choices fic writers creations #choices the stories you play #what if au

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alj4890 · 2 years ago

Text

Sparks of Hope

(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries Drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: a kiss shared underneath fireworks

Rating G for fluff

Masterlist

@hopelessromantic1352 @krsnlove @trappedinfanfiction @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms @flyawayboo @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont

A/N Special thanks to @trappedinfanfiction for requesting this couple with this particular prompt. I guess this is a sequel to this drabble a while back 😂 I loved the subterfuge Thomas and Amanda did in pretending to be in a romantic relationship. His family not only bought it, but it ended up being true in the end. For this drabble, the pair have been together for about five months or so and are going (with his pushy yet well intentioned parents, sister, and brother-in-law) to his cousin's wedding.

Hunt Family Home, Stowe, VT

"You're bringing Amanda with you to the wedding, right?" Susan asked.

Thomas rolled his eyes over his mother's need to remind him to bring Amanda with him wherever he went. It was as if she doubted he knew how to act in a relationship.

"Yes. You know she arrives tomorrow to travel with us to Ben's wedding."

"I know that." Susan rolled her eyes. "I only wanted to make certain that you weren't going to send her back home before the ceremony."

He didn't know why his mother was making such a big deal out of seeing his cousin get married, but here he was back in Vermont, instead of his Los Angeles home, and surrounded by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law .

"It would be a missed opportunity." His sister, Rachel, grumbled.

"A missed opportunity?" Thomas snapped, not particularly liking his sister's tone, "for what exactly?"

"Are you serious right now?!" Rachel snapped back. "Tell me you aren't this clueless."

"Rach." Her husband, Stephen, tried to get her to calm down.

"I can't believe you don't see it!" She ignored her husband pulling on her hand.

"See what?" Thomas raised his voice.

Before things got too out of hand, their father stepped between them.

"The wedding," Richard explained before his daughter had a chance to throttle his son, "is an excellent opportunity to bring up the subject of marriage."

"For what purpose?" Thomas demanded. "Ben must be all for matrimony since he's the one getting married."

"Idiot." Rachel smacked the palm of her hand to her head. "The purpose is for you to bring up matrimony to Amanda!"

She sat down in a huff.

"Honestly Mom, are you sure we're related."

"Trust me. I was awake the whole time. There's no denying the relation." Susan teased.

She leveled a disapproving stare upon her son. "Though I do wonder at times where our DNA failed in making you hurry Amanda to the altar before she has a chance to meet someone else."

Thomas had to bite his tongue. First off, he knew he shouldn't be disrespectful to his parent. Secondly, he couldn't very well admit that he'd only been truly dating Amanda for about five months, unlike the lie he gave last Thanksgiving that they'd been dating for a long while.

By his calculations, that meant that his family was still under the assumption that they were nearing their one year anniversary as a couple.

Though he was in love with the lady from Cordonia and could honestly see himself taking that massive step forward in their relationship, he didn't know what Amanda would think of the notion.

Weddings were highly emotional anyway, he argued with himself. Who could trust any decision made under an event practically dripping with romance and sentimentality?

He prided himself on being one of the few to see past the heartfelt vows and such. He'd attended a number of weddings in the past where he'd seen weaker individuals succumb to the moment and end up either engaged themselves or claiming they were madly in love with their dates. Most did not work out once the ceremony concluded.

He wasn't about to chance what he had with Amanda with a suggestion that they give it a try.

The problem he now faced though was keeping his family from suggesting it to her before he did.

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

Burlington Airport...

"There's that greeting I love." Amanda mumbled against his lips.

Thomas kissed her again before taking her luggage from her. "How was your flight?"

"Good." She looped her arm with his as they made their way out of the airport. "How's your family?"

He rolled his eyes in response.

Amanda began to laugh. "Oh no. What have they done this time?"

"Since they are still in the dark over when our relationship officially began," he grimaced with having to tell her what had been the main topic of conversation ever since he arrived a few days earlier, "they want me to take advantage of the wedding."

"Take advantage to do what exactly?"

He eyed her quietly.

Her eyes widened with realization. "Oh!"

She began to smile at the notion. "That's actually really sweet."

Thomas snorted while opening the passenger door for her. "More like manipulative."

"I think it's sweet. Clearly they see we're happy together." Amanda wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close for another kiss. "And they like me enough to want me as part of the family."

"They adore you." He deepened the kiss. "Almost as much as I do."

"I've missed hearing you say things like that in person." She sank into another kiss of his. "I love what always follows such declarations."

Thomas smiled against her lips.

"So?" She said a touch breathlessly. "Shall we at least pretend to give the notion of marriage a fair try or should we be upfront and say that you aren't quite there yet?"

"I think we should--" his eyes widened. "What do you mean, I'm not quite there yet?!'

"I don't mean anything other than that. Thomas, you've said yourself that you never saw the need to rush into any institution, especially marriage."

Amanda's brow furrowed over the dark expression forming on his face.

"What? Is something else wrong? Is it something I said?"

She didn't know why he would be upset. The entire world knew he preferred the life of a bachelor. He'd certainly said so in more than enough interviews in the oast to prove his point.

"I..." He trailed off as anger choked him.

Thomas refused to let his first moment reunited with the woman he loved be one where they argued.

He gestured silently for her to get into the car.

"Thomas?" She reached for him when he pulled away from her. "I didn't mean--"

"It's fine." He bit out. "Let's be on our way, shall we?"

Amanda reluctantly got into the car. She didn't know what to do or say when he was in this type of mood.

The two spent the next forty-five minutes in tense silence as they made their way back to his parents' home.

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

"Perhaps I should say I have an emergency back at home." She mumbled while helping get her bags out of the car. "Then, you won't have any worries over the wedding."

If her visit here was going to be like this, she didn't want to remain stuck in the same room with him, much less the suite he'd booked for them at the wedding venue. It was already killing her to be at odds with him, especially when she didn't understand what she'd done to make him so angry. She'd expected nothing but romance after nearly a month of their schedules conflicting and keeping them apart. Now that seemed as likely to happen as her sprouting wings.

Thomas jerked around in surprise. "I don't want you to go."

Her eyes narrowed. "You certainly don't act like you want me to stay either."

"Of course I do!" He snapped, slamming the trunk closed. "I've missed you, damnit!'

"I missed you too." Amanda fought back a smile over him cursing about it.

Thomas grimaced once more as he realized she was the last person he should be angry with.

It was himself he was furious at. He'd been the one to live his life in such a way that the moment he believed he'd possibly met the one, he'd given her the illusion that marriage was not for him. He didn't know how to rectify this assumption of hers without it appearing as if he was giving in to familial pressure.

"I apologize for my outburst." He tugged her into his arms. "I'm not angry at you."

"I hope not." She slid her arms around his neck. "Because I couldn't wait on seeing you again."

"Neither could I." He hugged her close.

His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered all he'd missed.

She moved closer within his embrace with each spoken attribute of hers he missed. She stopped his list with a heated kiss.

Stephen clearing his throat had them both turning to him with irritated expressions.

He held his hands up. "Sorry to interrupt, but I was sent out here to see what was taking you two so long and to help with the bags."

He quickly swiped up the luggage and led the way in.

Amanda went through all the warm hugs and questions from the family she'd gotten close to that fateful Thanksgiving. Thomas watched the interaction with a slight smile upon his face. His family truly loved her. He knew that if he were to ever feel the need to propose that they would be beyond overjoyed with his choice of wife.

Perhaps one day, they might all get what they wished for.

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

Lake Placid, New York, three days later...

"How do I look?" Amanda twirled around, checking all sides in the mirror. "Does the dress hang right in the back?"

Thomas stopped her twisting about by placing his hands on her hips. His eyes met hers in the mirror while he took in her figure.

"You look beautiful." He kissed the side of her neck.

"You're just saying that." She sighed as she critically took in her features. "I wanted to look my best tonight since I'm meeting your extended family for the first time."

"You do." He pulled her back within his arms when she huffed in disbelief. "I've always loved you in teal."

"You say that about every color." She teased, slipping her arms around him.

"I happen to love you in every color." Thomas admitted. "But there is something about teal that makes it my favorite on you."

"Really?" She smiled at him. "Then I'll just have to wear it more often."

He kissed her, softly groaning at the knock on their door.

"If that's my sister, she won't survive the rehearsal dinner." He muttered.

Amanda's laughter was smothered by another kiss.

Rachel's voice came loud and clear through the wooden door.

"We're going to be late! Mom and Dad already went downstairs!"

Thomas glared at the door.

His date eased out of his arms and gathered her wrap and clutch. Taking his arm, she tugged him out the door.

Ignoring the smug expression on his sister's face, Thomas followed Amanda towards the elevator.

He began to make plans for how to spend their first night in their suite as they all made their way to the wedding pavilion.

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

The night was filled with speeches, good food, and a great many toasts. Ben and his soon to be bride, Bailey, were everything a picture perfect couple should be. They never stopped smiling and they stole kisses every chance they got.

Guests soon took to the outdoor patio to dance and mingle.

"It's beautiful out here." Amanda leaned back in Thomas's arms to look up at the night sky. Stars twinkled above and shimmered on the lake's surface.

"Yes, it is."

He rested his chin on her shoulder while watching his family members. Everyone was distracted with either discussions or as in his parents' case, slow dancing. Though now was the perfect chance to slip back upstairs, he knew his family would never let him live it down.

"Would you like to dance?" He instead asked.

"I'd love to."

Thomas set his hand low on her back while taking her hand in his. He pressed her close while leading her in a slow box step.

The entire party stilled with the first firework shooting out over the lake.

Oohs and Ahhs followed with every burst of colorful light.

Heart shaped sparklers were passed around in honor of the bride and groom.

"How sweet." Amanda said to Thomas after Ben claimed that Bailey was his spark in life.

Thomas thought it was a corny line, yet kept that opinion to himself. He instead focused on Amanda's face lit up from the lights of the fireworks.

He tipped her chin up and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

"Speaking of sparks," she teased him, kissing him once more, "I'm very happy you invited me to this, Mr. Hunt."

His lips curved. "I'm very happy you accepted, Lady Bridgerton."

She rested her head on his shoulder as the fireworks continued.

Thomas couldn't help but notice how right everything was at this moment. His family was distracted. He'd just shared a kiss with the woman he loved. The setting couldn't be more perfect to at least hint at what he hoped might happen soon.

"Amanda?" He murmured near her ear.

"Yes?" She looked up at him.

"I love you." He tugged her back from the crowd.

"I love you too." She bumped into him when he stopped in the shadows.

He cupped her face to kiss her passionately.

Amanda gripped his dinner jacket to remain upright.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at him.

Thomas swallowed and then spoke from his heart.

"I want this one day."

"Want what?" She asked a touch breathlessly.

"I want our loved ones around us, celebrating the fact that we are about to be married." He admitted.

"Thomas." She couldn't quite believe he said something like that.

Not one family member was near enough to hear what he was saying, so she knew it wasn't an act on his part. The flashes of colored light from the fireworks revealed his somber expression along with the vulnerability reflected in the dark depths of his eyes.

Knowing she wanted nothing more than that with him, Amanda rose up to kiss Thomas once more.

He clutched her to him, wishing she would say something to keep that spark of hope alive.

She smiled against his lips as their kiss came to an end.

"I want all that with you, Thomas." She told him. "And I can't wait until that day comes."

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